Infertility

Common causes of female infertility

Increased female age
The chances of achieving a pregnancy fall sharply after the age of 35. By 40, even though a woman may still be menstruating normally, the quality of her remaining eggs is reduced and the chances of conception are low. This is a limiting factor not only for normal conception but also in IVF. A variety of tests may be employed to give a better prediction of ovarian reserve than age alone.
Ovulatory dysfunction (or anovulation)
Where an egg is not released from the ovary every month, is the single most common cause of female infertility. Predominantly anovulation is caused by hormonal imbalances such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) but ovarian scarring and premature menopause can also result in failure to ovulate.
Tubal disease

Comprising anything from mild adhesions to complete blockage of the fallopian tubes, prevents fertilised eggs from travelling from the site of fertilisation to the uterus. It may also prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Normal uterine implantation can therefore not occur. The main causes of tubal infertility are pelvic infections caused by bacteria such as chlamydia, previous abdominal disease or surgery and ectopic pregnancy.
Endometriosis
Characterised by excessive growth of the lining of the uterus. These endometrial cells can extend as far as the outside of the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and the bladder. As they respond to hormones the same way as they would do in the uterus, that is by growing and shedding cyclically, endometriosis can cause both fallopian tube and ovarian scarring.

Sperm problems will contribute to about 40% of infertility cases. The normal working of the male reproductive system involves first the production of sufficient numbers of functional sperm cells and then the delivery of these sperm to the ejaculate.
Common problems with sperm production
Azoospermia – no sperm produced and/or found in the ejaculate.
Oligoozspermia – low sperm count
Teratospermia, where a high proportion of sperm is abnormally shaped
Malformed sperm – in rare cases, genetic diseases may be at fault.
Immunological infertility – when you develop antibodies against your own sperm.
Blockages in the vas deferens – due to injury or vasectomy
Poor-quality sperm – for a wide range of reasons, such as an unhealthy lifestyle
Diagnosis of male infertility

Key to the diagnosis of male infertility is a semen analysis, which assesses primarily sperm numbers, sperm movement and sperm form.
Treatment for male infertility
Male infertility can often be treated using IVF & ICSI.