Discover the common causes of infertility and how our clinic helps patients overcome them
When you’re struggling to conceive, it’s important to understand the common causes of infertility. Thankfully, the doctors at our Southern California fertility clinic are here to help. By providing infertility education, our team helps patients figure out what is preventing them from building their family and how to move forward on their path to parenthood.
Common causes of infertility in women
There are a variety of reasons a woman might have trouble conceiving a healthy pregnancy. These common causes of infertility can relate to age, anatomical issues, hormone irregularities and other factors.
Diminished ovarian reserve. Many women over the age of 35 have trouble conceiving because the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decrease over time.
Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. Issues in the fallopian tubes can be a cause of infertility, as they could prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from entering the uterus. Factors like pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection due to sexually transmitted infections or previous surgery in the pelvic area can damage the fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis. When a woman has endometriosis, the tissue that should grow in the uterus implants and grows in other areas. As a result, she might experience fallopian tube challenges or issues with the lining of her uterus.
Ovulation disorders. Ovulation disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome can disrupt reproductive hormone regulation. Such a disorder could prevent a woman from regularly ovulating.
Uterine or cervical abnormalities. Uterine fibroids, a damaged cervix and other conditions related to the uterus or cervix can affect fertility.
Our Southern California fertility clinic provides comprehensive fertility testing that helps women discover how they can move towards motherhood.
Fertility challenges in men
Sperm production difficulties, anatomical issues and certain immune disorders are some of the most common causes of infertility in men. The specialists at our Southern California fertility clinic use fertility testing to help men determine what’s affecting their ability to have children, so they can move past the barriers.
Problems with sperm production. Male infertility can occur when there is a low sperm count or problems with the movement or shape of the sperm.
Abnormalities in the anatomy or structure of the man’s reproductive organs. Structural or anatomical problems, including scar tissue, varicose veins around the testicles, also called a varicocele, or an infection, can block the path sperm must travel to reach the egg for fertilization.
Immune system disorders. An immune system disorder that causes a man’s body to develop antibodies that attack and weaken the sperm could create fertility challenges.
Additional male infertility causes. Genetic defects, testicular trauma, hormonal imbalances, and exposure to radiation and certain medications can also lead to male infertility.
After determining the potential cause of a patient’s fertility challenges, our knowledgeable team works closely with them to develop an effective treatment plan. Contact us to learn more about fertility testing and other services.