Frequency of infertility problems

About 7.3 million women (or about 12 percent) in the United States aged 15-44 had difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby. This has been established during several studies done by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Causes of male fertility

There are several things that can cause impaired sperm count or mobility, or impaired ability to fertilize the egg.

The most common causes are:

• abnormal sperm production or function
• impaired delivery of sperm
• general health and lifestyle issues
• overexposure to certain environmental elements

Impaired production or function of sperm

Impaired delivery of sperm

·     Impaired shape and movement of sperm

·     Low sperm concentration

·     Varicocele

·     Undescended testicle

·     Testosterone deficiency

·     Genetic defects

·     Infections

·        Sexual issues

·         Retrograde ejaculation

·         Blockage of epididymis or ejaculatory ducts

·         No semen (ejaculate

·         Misplaced urinary opening (hypospadias)

·         Anti-sperm antibodies

·         Cystic fibrosis

Causes of female infertility

There are also several different medical conditions that could be considered a cause of female infertility.

Some of the most common are:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Early menopause (premature ovarian failure)
• Cancer and its treatment
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• Benign uterine fibroids
• Ovulation disorders
• Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia)
• Medications
• Thyroid problems
• Pelvic adhesions
• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• Endometriosis
• Other medical conditions such as Cushing's disease, sickle cell disease, HIV, kidney disease, diabetes