Infertility is among the most common health issues today. Stress, the increasing difficulty in accessing natural and healthy foods, waiting for the right conditions to have a child, aging, genetic and physiological problems can lead to infertility. Infertility is the general term for all problems that prevent having children.

Infertility refers to the failure to achieve pregnancy within one year despite regular and unprotected intercourse. For individuals over the age of 35, this period is 6 months.

There are many effective treatment methods for infertility. The most effective among them is, of course, in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

What Are the Causes of Infertility?

Infertility occurs for different reasons in men and women. However, in about 15% of patients, no health condition that may cause infertility can be detected. This is called unexplained infertility.

In general, about 85% of couples who have unprotected intercourse 2 to 3 times a week regularly can conceive within one year. However, for the remaining percentage, pregnancy does not occur, and infertility treatments such as IVF must be applied. Infertility is seen in men and women at similar rates.

Causes of Infertility in Men

There are many different factors that cause infertility in men. The most common include abnormal sperm production, poor sperm function, and morphological disorders. Lifestyle habits can also trigger infertility.

Causes of male infertility include:

• Low sperm count and motility
• Structural problems with sperm
• No sperm cells in the semen (Azoospermia)
• Blockages in the sperm ducts
• Failure of sperm to be ejaculated
• Hormonal imbalances
• Undescended testicles at or after birth
• High-fever illnesses in childhood or mumps during adolescence
• Genetic disorders
• Varicocele (enlargement of veins in the testicle)
• Diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea
• Sexual dysfunctions (such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation)
• Diabetes
• History of cancer treatment
• Infections
• Testosterone deficiency
• Excessive smoking or alcohol use
• Stress
• Infertility

What Are the Causes of Infertility in Women?

There are many different causes of infertility in women. The most important include poor egg quality and quantity, irregular menstruation, hormonal imbalances, excessive alcohol or smoking, blocked fallopian tubes, and past infections.

Endometriosis: A condition in which the endometrial tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside it, negatively affecting the function of the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): In this condition, the body produces excessive androgen hormones, which negatively affect ovulation. PCOS is also related to insulin resistance and obesity.

High Prolactin Levels: This disrupts the ovulation cycle and may delay conception.

Uterine Fibroids: These are benign tumors located in the uterine wall but can negatively affect fertility.

Intra-abdominal Adhesions: These are scar tissues that occur after pelvic infections, appendicitis, or abdominal/pelvic surgeries.

Thyroid Problems: Disorders in the thyroid gland (such as producing too much or too little hormone) can affect menstruation and lead to infertility.

Cancer History and Treatment: Especially cancers involving the female reproductive system can lead to infertility.

Other Medical Conditions: Delayed puberty, absence of menstruation, liver disease, diabetes, and similar problems can cause infertility.

Caffeine Consumption: Excessive caffeine intake can also lead to infertility.