Causes of Infertility

Anatomical Issues

● While biologists agree that reproduction is one of the primary functions of any living organism, the human body does not always cooperate with that goal. Infertility in both men and women can be caused by a range of anatomical issues, some of which occur naturally and others that arise in response to surgery or environmental stressors. Given the complex mechanisms of the reproductive organs, even simple anatomical abnormalities can cause extreme difficulties in conception, and aspiring parents may be unaware of these problems.

A summary of anatomical problems that cause infertility, including endometriosis, CAVD, and uterine fibroids.

● Anatomical issues that affect the reproductive system are surprisingly common among men, 1 in 10 of whom will suffer from blockages in the vas deferens despite normal sperm production. The duct responsible for bringing sperm to the urethra from the testes, the vas deferens is a common site for injury, with scars, twists, and swelling arising due to trauma or infection. Furthermore, gi men suffer from CAVD, congenital absence of the vas deferens, which causes the duct to be altogether absent. Other men will develop varicocele, which are enlarged varicose veins that occur in the scrotum and cause overheating that affects sperm development. Other reproductive anatomical problems may arise after injury, as in the case of those with spinal cord trauma, or they may occur as a side effect of medication, a common cause of retrograde ejaculation.

● Many of the anatomical problems affecting female fertility involve abnormal growths or blockages within the reproductive system. One common condition is endometriosis, in which the endometrium, a type of tissue that lines the uterus, begins invading other organs, growing on the pelvis, bowels, or ovaries. In addition to causing severe pain, endometriosis creates anatomical obstructions that impact fertility. Likewise, uterine fibroids represent another common abnormal growth; a type of noncancerous tumor, fibroids generally cause limited pain but, when present in the uterus, can change the shape of the uterine cavity and interfere with conception. Women also frequently suffer from polyps, which can grow in the endometrium or cervical tissue and affect the reproductive anatomy. In addition to these growths, fallopian tubes can also become blocked, preventing ovulation.

● Unfortunately, the causes of many of these disorders are poorly understood. Most physicians agree that a combination of environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors cause abnormal growths or blockages. Some issues, like fibroids, are thought to be associated with excess levels of estrogen. Furthermore, these anatomical obstructions can be difficult to diagnose; these issues do not always cause pain, and may go undiagnosed unless couples find themselves having fertility problems.

● Treating reproductive anatomical problems requires a customized approach. Fibroids can be treated with hormone therapy while endometriosis sometimes responds to hormonal contraceptives or specifically targeted drugs. However, surgery is often required to correct anatomical obstructions. Microsurgery can unblock the vas deferens, While female patients can undergo so—called "conservative" surgery wherein physicians attempt to remove excess tissue Without compromising the ovaries and uterus. However, many doctors will recommend fertility preservation procedures if surgery is indicated, in order to preserve sperm or eggs, in case the functioning of the reproductive organs is impaired during the procedure.