CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
Understanding Infertility: Causes, Risk Factors, and Comprehensive Solutions
Infertility can be an emotional and challenging journey for individuals and couples longing to grow their families. At Nicosia Fertility, we understand the complexities involved and are dedicated to providing expert guidance, personalized care, and cutting-edge treatments to overcome fertility challenges.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under the age of 35 or after six months for women aged 35 and older. It is a shared issue, with male factors contributing to approximately 40% of cases and female factors accounting for another 40%. In 20% of cases, infertility is unexplained despite thorough diagnostic evaluations.
While infertility can be a source of emotional stress, hope is not lost. Advances in reproductive medicine have enabled many couples to successfully conceive through specialized treatments tailored to their unique circumstances.
5 Common Causes of Female Infertility
Female infertility often stems from issues that disrupt ovulation or reproductive health. Key causes include:
Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances can interfere with the release of eggs during the menstrual cycle.
Abnormal tissue growth outside the uterus can cause inflammation, scarring, and blockages that impact fertility.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancies, or prior surgeries can damage or block fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
Fertility naturally declines with age due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs.
Fibroids, polyps, or structural anomalies can interfere with embryo implantation.
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The importance of specialized fertility treatment
At Nicosia Fertility, we understand that every patient's journey to parenthood is unique, making personalized medical care essential. Our commitment to specialized fertility treatment ensures that every aspect of care is tailored to your individual needs, from the initial consultation to potential pregnancy.
Nicosia Fertility’s Free Telephone Consultation: We’re Here for You
At Nicosia Fertility, we understand how important it is to get your questions answered—especially when it comes to something as personal as fertility. That’s why we’ve introduced our free telephone consultation service, designed to give you access to our fertility experts whenever you’re ready.
Free Initial Consultation by Zoom at Nicosia Fertility!
If you are facing infertility challenges and live outside of Cyprus, Nicosia Fertility is pleased to offer a free initial consultation via Zoom with one of our expert consultants.
5 Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility primarily involves issues with sperm production, quality, or delivery. Major causes include:
Abnormal sperm shape, reduced motility, or low sperm count can hinder fertilization.
Enlarged veins in the scrotum can elevate testicular temperature, impairing sperm production.
Obstructions in the vas deferens or epididymis can prevent sperm delivery.
Smoking, drug use, obesity, exposure to toxins, and excessive heat can damage sperm health.
Conditions like diabetes or chromosomal abnormalities can impact fertility.
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Unexplained Infertility
In approximately 20% of cases, no clear cause of infertility is identified. While this can be frustrating, many couples with unexplained infertility achieve success through treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).
Recognizing Signs of Infertility
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Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
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Painful periods or pelvic pain.
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Pain during intercourse.
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Hormonal symptoms such as acne, weight fluctuations, or excessive hair growth.
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Recurrent pregnancy loss.
For Women
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Difficulty with erections or ejaculation.
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Pain or swelling in the testicles.
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Reduced sexual desire.
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Changes in body composition or hair growth.
For Men
Comprehensive Diagnostic Tools
At Nicosia Fertility, we offer a wide range of diagnostic evaluations to identify the root causes of infertility, including:
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Medical Histories and Physical Exams
Detailed assessments of both partners’ reproductive health.
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Hormone Testing
Evaluates levels of reproductive hormones for ovulatory function in women and sperm production in men.
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Ultrasound and Imaging
Assesses ovarian reserve, uterine health, and fallopian tube patency.
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Semen Analysis
Measures sperm count, motility, and morphology.
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Advanced Diagnostics
Genetic testing and minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopy, to detect underlying issues.
Treatment Options
Infertility treatments are highly personalized and designed to address specific diagnoses. Options include:
Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting a healthy diet, exercising, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful substances can significantly improve fertility.
Medications
Ovulation-inducing drugs like clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins to stimulate egg production.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body, and resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.
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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is directly placed into the uterus to enhance fertilization chances.
Surgical Interventions
Procedures to correct uterine anomalies, remove fibroids or polyps, and repair blocked tubes.
Third-Party Reproduction
Use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, as well as gestational carriers.
Fertility Preservation
Egg, sperm, or embryo freezing for individuals undergoing medical treatments or planning to delay parenthood.
FAQs About Fertility and Reproductive Health
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Yes, age plays a significant role in fertility treatments. The success rate for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is highest among women under 35, with a success rate of 82.3%, while for women over 42, it drops to below 11%. Male fertility also declines with age due to reduced sperm quality, which can affect the chances of conception and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Age influences a woman’s ability to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. As women age, the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries decrease, making natural conception more challenging. Similarly, in men, aging affects semen quality and overall reproductive health. However, with appropriate medical care and assisted reproductive technologies, healthy pregnancies are possible even after 35.
A woman’s peak reproductive years are in her 20s. Fertility begins to decline gradually after age 30, with a more significant decline after 35.
It’s challenging to determine fertility without testing. However, signs of fertility include regular menstrual cycles, a healthy lifestyle, and no history of reproductive health issues. If you’ve been trying to conceive for 6-12 months without success, it’s advisable to consult a specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.
Yes, there are natural ways to support fertility, such as:
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Maintaining a healthy weight.
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Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
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Exercising moderately.
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Avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
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Reducing stress.
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Getting enough sleep.
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Taking vitamins like folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
While these measures can support fertility, they are not substitutes for medical treatments if needed.
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In a regular menstrual cycle of 26–29 days, the most fertile period is between days 9 and 17. If your cycle is irregular, it’s best to allow a margin of two days before and after this range for accurate timing.
Yes, it is possible to conceive with one fallopian tube. While the chances of natural conception might be slightly reduced (by 15–45% according to studies), many women with one healthy fallopian tube successfully conceive naturally.
No, an inverted or retroverted uterus does not typically impact fertility. This is a normal anatomical variation affecting around 20% of women and does not usually interfere with conception or pregnancy.
Yes, a nutritious diet can support ovulation and overall reproductive health. A balanced diet should be tailored to individual needs and include all essential nutrients. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, as well as lean proteins and whole grains, can promote better ovulation.
Yes, some medications can impact fertility in men and women, such as:
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Hormonal contraceptives, which can temporarily delay ovulation.
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Anabolic steroids, which may reduce sperm production.
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Treatments for autoimmune conditions that may interfere with ovulation or sperm health.
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Cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, which can damage reproductive cells.
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Hormone replacement therapy, which can disrupt ovulation in older women.
It’s essential to consult a specialist to understand how medications might affect your fertility.
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Your Journey to Parenthood Begins Here
At Nicosia Fertility, we are dedicated to turning your dreams of parenthood into reality. Our compassionate team is here to guide you with expertise and care, offering tailored solutions to meet your needs. Contact us today to take the first step toward growing your family.
Fertility Testing FAQs
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Fertility testing uncovers hidden barriers to conception, offering clarity and a roadmap to achieving your dreams of parenthood. It's like solving a puzzle to find the missing piece!
If you've been trying for a baby for 6–12 months without success, it might be time. Women over 35 or those with irregular cycles, PCOS, or other medical concerns should consider testing sooner. Think of it as checking the “engine” before starting the big journey.
For women, fertility testing is a deep dive into reproductive health. From hormone tests and ovarian reserve assessments to ultrasounds and advanced procedures like hysterosalpingography (HSG), each step helps us understand your unique fertility story.
Men undergo semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and quality. Hormone tests and physical exams may also be included. It’s straightforward and vital—half of fertility challenges stem from male factors!
Not at all! Most tests, like blood work and semen analysis, are completely pain-free. Procedures like HSG might cause mild cramping, but our team ensures you’re comfortable every step of the way.
Absolutely! Testing both partners simultaneously helps us paint a complete picture. Fertility is a shared journey, and knowing the full story allows us to guide you more effectively.
For women, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, blocked tubes, or uterine issues are common culprits. For men, it’s often about sperm quality or quantity. The good news? Many of these issues are treatable with the right approach.
You won’t be left waiting long! Many results are ready in just a few days. Once we have a clear picture, we’ll work with you to design a personalized plan to address any obstacles and maximize your chances of success.
The majority of tests, like blood work and semen analysis, carry no risks. Some procedures, such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, are minimally invasive but safe. Your doctor will discuss everything in detail before proceeding.
We combine state-of-the-art technology with personalized care and unwavering compassion. From your first consultation to your last treatment, our team is committed to making your fertility journey as smooth, informative, and hopeful as possible.
