Infertility

Infertility is a condition where you can’t get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Causes of
infertility can include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, low sperm count or low testosterone. The risk
of infertility increases as you age. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility.
What is infertility?
Infertility is a condition of your reproductive system that causes women to be unable to get pregnant
(conceive). Infertility can affect anyone and has many causes. Getting pregnant involves several steps:
Your brain must produce reproductive hormones that control ovarian function.
An egg must mature in your ovary.
Your ovary must release an egg (ovulation).
Your fallopian tube must pick up the egg.
Sperm must travel up your vagina and through the uterus to your fallopian tube.
The sperm fertilizes the egg to create an embryo.
The embryo travels through your fallopian tube to the uterus where it implants.
A pregnancy can’t occur if anything in this process doesn’t happen.
If you’re younger than 35, your healthcare provider may diagnose infertility after one year (12 months) of
trying to conceive. Trying to conceive is defined as having regular, unprotected sex. If you’re 35 or older,
your provider may diagnose infertility after six months of regular, unprotected sex.
Infertility is more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available
for women who wish to begin or expand their family.
What are the types of infertility?
Types of infertility include:
Primary infertility: You’ve never been pregnant and can’t conceive after one year (or six months if you’re
35 or older) of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Secondary infertility: You can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy.
Unexplained infertility: Fertility testing hasn’t found a reason that a woman or couple is unable to get
pregnant.
How common is infertility?
Infertility affects both men and and women. Infertility is very common. In the United States, 1 in 5 women
between 15 and 49 years old struggle with primary infertility and about 1 in 20 women struggle with
secondary infertility. Approximately 48 million couples live with infertility around the world.
Symptoms and Causes
What are signs of infertility?
The main sign of infertility is being unable to get pregnant after six months or one year of regular,
unprotected sex. You may not have any other symptoms. But some women or men may show physical
symptoms such as:
Pelvic or abdominal pain.
Irregular vaginal bleeding, irregular periods or no periods.
Penile disorders or issues with ejaculation.
What causes infertility?
There are many causes of infertility, and sometimes, there isn’t a simple answer as to why you’re not
getting pregnant. Only a healthcare provider can determine the cause and find the best treatment for
you.
While causes of infertility vary, studies show that:
33% of infertility involves women.
33% of infertility involves men.
33% of infertility involves both partners or is unexplained.
Twenty-five percent of infertile couples have more than one factor that contributes to their infertility.
Infertility causes
Some causes of infertility affect just one partner, while others affect both partners. Risk factors for
infertility include:
Age, particularly being in your late 30s or 40s. For men, age begins affecting fertility closer to 50.
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as chemicals, lead and pesticides.
Over-exercising.
Radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Smoking and using tobacco products. (This behavior plays a role in about 13% to 15% of infertility cases.)
Substance abuse.
Having obesity or being underweight.
Abnormalities of the hormone-producing centers of your brain (hypothalamus or pituitary).
Chronic conditions and diseases.
Infertility causes for women
Ovulation disorders are the most common cause of infertility in women. Ovulation is the process in which
your ovary releases an egg to meet sperm for fertilization.
These factors can contribute to female infertility:
Endometriosis.
Structural abnormalities of your vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes.
Autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or lupus.
Kidney disease.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Hypothalamic and pituitary gland disorders.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Primary ovarian insufficiency or poor egg quality.
Sickle cell anemia.
Uterine fibroids or uterine polyps.
Thyroid disease.
Prior surgical sterilization (tubal ligation or salpingectomy).
Genetic or chromosomal disorders.
Sexual dysfunction.
Surgical or congenital absence of your ovaries.
Infrequent or absent menstrual periods.
Infertility causes for men
The most common cause of male infertility involves problems with the shape, movement (motility) or
amount (low sperm count) of sperm.
Other causes of male infertility include:
Enlarged veins (varicocele) in your scrotum, the sac that holds your testicles.
Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis.
Chromosomal disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrome.
High heat exposure to your testicles from tight clothing, frequent use of hot tubs and saunas, and holding
laptops or heating pads on or near your testes.
Injury to your scrotum or testicles.
Low testosterone (hypogonadism).
Misuse of anabolic steroids.
Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, premature ejaculation or retrograde
ejaculation.
Undescended testicles.
Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Surgical or congenital absence of testes.
Prior surgical sterilization (vasectomy).
Diagnosis and Tests
How is female infertility diagnosed?
First, your healthcare provider will get your full medical and sexual history.
Fertility for females involves ovulating healthy eggs. This means your brain has to send hormonal signals
to your ovary to release an egg to travel from your ovary, through your fallopian tube and to your uterine
lining. Fertility testing involves detecting an issue with any of these processes.
These tests can also help diagnose or rule out problems:
Pelvic exam: Your provider will perform a pelvic exam to check for structural problems or signs of disease.
Blood test: A blood test can check hormone levels to see if hormonal imbalance is a factor or if you’re
ovulating.
Transvaginal ultrasound: Your provider inserts an ultrasound wand into your vagina to look for issues with
your reproductive system.
Hysteroscopy: Your provider inserts a thin, lighted tube (hysteroscope) into your vagina to examine your
uterus.
Saline sonohysterogram (SIS): Your provider fills your uterus with saline (sterilized salt water) and
conducts a transvaginal ultrasound.
Sono hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Your provider fills your fallopian tubes with saline and air bubbles during
an SIS procedure to check for tubal blockages.
X-ray hysterosalpingogram (HSG): X-rays capture an injectable dye as it travels through your fallopian
tubes. This test looks for blockages.
Laparoscopy: Your provider inserts a laparoscope (thin tube with a camera) into a small abdominal
incision. It helps identify problems like endometriosis, uterine fibroids and scar tissue.
How is male infertility diagnosed?
Diagnosing infertility in men typically involves making sure they ejaculate healthy sperm. Most fertility
tests look for problems with sperm.
These tests can help diagnose or rule out problems:
Semen analysis: This test checks for low sperm count and poor sperm mobility. Some people need a
needle biopsy to remove sperm from their testicles for testing.
Blood test: A blood test can check thyroid and other hormone levels. Genetic blood tests look for
chromosomal abnormalities.
Scrotal ultrasound: An ultrasound of your scrotum identifies varicoceles or other testicular problems.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. Infertility (https://familydoctor.org/condition/infertility/).
Accessed 4/19/2023.
American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Quick Facts About Infertility
(https://www.reproductivefacts.org/faqs/quick-facts-about-infertility/). Accessed 4/19/2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
(https://www.cdc.gov/art/whatis.html) & Reproductive Health: Infertility FAQs
(https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm). Accessed 4/19/2023.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What Infertility
Treatments Are Available?
(https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/treatments)Accessed 4/19/2023.
Hormone Health Network. Reproductive Infertility (https://www.endocrine.org/patient-
engagement/endocrine-library/infertility%C2%A0). Accessed 4/19/2023.
Office on Women’s Health. Infertility (https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/infertility). Accessed
4/19/2023.
Planned Parenthood. Infertility Signs, Symptoms and Causes
(https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/infertility). Accessed 4/19/2023.
The National Infertility Association (Resolve). Insurance Coverage by State
(https://resolve.org/learn/financial-resources-for-family-building/insurance-coverage/insurance-coverage-
by-state/). Accessed 4/19/2023.
Vander Borght M, Wyns C. Fertility and infertility: Definition and epidemiology
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29555319/). Clin Biochem. 2018 Dec;62:2-10. Accessed 4/19/2023.
Walker MH, Tobler KJ. Female Infertility (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310493/). 2022 May 26. In:
StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Accessed 4/19/2023.

Infertility: A Common Problem, but a Burden for Women in Afghanistan

Many women who face infertility or childlessness complain about the reactions of those around
them, especially from their husbands’ families, stating that due to this issue, they encounter
verbal and physical violence.
These women add that the severity of verbal and physical abuse from families and close relatives
has led to mental health issues. Many women who face infertility or childlessness complain
about the reactions of those around them, especially from their husbands’ families, stating that
due to this issue, they encounter verbal and physical violence.
These women add that the severity of verbal and physical abuse from families and close relatives
has led to mental health issues.
Naziah is one of these women. She married 11 years ago but has yet to bear a son or daughter,
and she suffers greatly because of it. Naziah says she has been enduring the sarcastic comments
and cruel behavior of her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law for years.
“I have a brother-in-law who creates problems and interferes a lot. My mother-in-law and the
wife of my brother-in-law used to say that our family does not have a childless woman. They
used to call me barren. At first, I didn’t care, but later it affected me a lot.”
She adds that she has knocked on the doors of many clinics over the years to treat her infertility
problem, and every doctor she met prescribed a different treatment or remedy to her and her
husband. According to her, every medicine and treatment offered sparked a fragile hope in their
hearts, but none have been able to solve their problem.
She says that treatments were like a winding path that only led them closer to despair, and they
are still searching for a true and healing solution.
“We went to many doctors. I was examined six or seven times. I took medicine, but then they
gave up on me. I took medicine for three months, and in the fourth month, my husband said,
‘You won’t bring a child, why do you keep going for treatments?’ Anyway, whatever treatment
was suggested, I tried.”
According to Naziah, alongside infertility, the verbal abuse she endured has been much more
painful than any physical violence. She believes that insulting words penetrated deep into her
soul, leaving her hurt and broken.
She adds that the scornful looks of family members and acquaintances have followed her like a
heavy shadow, pushing her towards depression, and the psychological pressure has drowned her
in complete despair and sorrow.
“I developed depression because of these words. I stopped attending gatherings. When I did go,
they would ask why I hadn’t pursued treatment, why I hadn’t tried to get better. My brother-in-
law kept saying that we had brought misfortune on ourselves and that’s why God hadn’t given us
children.”

Naziah is not the only woman who has suffered verbal abuse and humiliation from family
members due to infertility or childlessness. Nahid has a similar story. Although Nahid refrained
from speaking about it, one of her relatives revealed that she was severely humiliated by her
husband’s family and was repeatedly beaten by her husband because of her inability to have
children, enduring endless suffering.
Ultimately, with the help of her own family, she decided to divorce her husband to escape this
painful situation and endless violence and to find some peace.
This bitter story highlights the heavy price some women pay for not being able to become
mothers.
“My aunt was married for thirteen years. She couldn’t have children and wasn’t able to give
birth, and for this reason, her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, and even her husband, were
violent toward her. The main reason for her divorce was this violence. Her mother-in-law and
sisters-in-law believed that their son’s infertility was the daughter-in-law’s fault. Their cruelty
and violence completely isolated my aunt. She wouldn’t go anywhere and didn’t enjoy
anything.”
Rozma, another woman, says that five years have passed since her marriage, but due to
infertility, she too has faced offensive and hurtful remarks from her relatives.
This is just one form of the various types of domestic violence women face in the country.
Women who are not at fault are constantly burdened with these abuses, forced to endure the pain
and silence. These circumstances, especially within families, inflict the heaviest psychological
blows on them.
Who is Responsible?
According to gynecologists and psychologists, infertile women should be supported by their
families because they have no role in their infertility.
Dr. Najwa Fazel, a gynecologist, says that about 35 percent of couples cannot have children due
to health problems. According to her, infertility is one of the most common issues couples face
worldwide.
“Infertility is one of the major challenges in the world, with about 35 percent of couples
unfortunately facing this problem. In Asian countries, including Afghanistan, all the blame is
placed on women, and inappropriate behavior toward women, which should not happen, is
common. In reality, infertility has five causes related to women, but two causes related to men
are much more important and significant.”
According to Dr. Fazel, couples who cannot have children in the first years of marriage should
be kept away from stress and pressure and must always be supported by their families.
Dr. Zarghuna Mohabbat, another gynaecologist, classifies infertility among couples into two
categories: primary and secondary infertility.
“Medically, infertility among couples is divided into two types: primary infertility, meaning
couples cannot have a child in the early years of marriage, and secondary infertility, meaning
couples who, after having children, can no longer conceive. Infertility is not exclusive to women.
My recommendation to families is to support infertile women emotionally and mentally, because
it plays a very important role.”
Meanwhile, Mursal Mousavi, who has considerable experience in psychology, says that
inappropriate behavior, verbal abuse, humiliation, and taunting newlywed women are themselves
major factors contributing to infertility among women.
“In our society, unfortunately, all the blame for infertility is placed on women, even if the
problem lies with the men. Women face verbal and sometimes physical violence from their
families and acquaintances. This behavior not only fails to solve the problem but worsens it.
Unnecessary interference, inappropriate behavior, and sarcastic remarks cause stress and
depression in women, which themselves contribute to infertility. Families must support couples
during this phase of life and avoid abusive behavior and humiliating language.”
What is the Solution?
At the same time, religious scholars believe that any violent behavior under any pretext is
condemned by religion, and no one has the right to abuse women for infertility. Fazl-ur-Rahman
Faiz, one of the religious scholars, shares this view. According to him, governments must raise
awareness about this issue and legally prosecute family members who repeatedly perpetrate such
violent acts against women.
“In Islamic teachings, all violent acts against any human being (man or woman) are absolutely
condemned. There are numerous verses and hadiths regarding the condemnation of violence,
especially toward women. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 19, Allah says to treat women kindly.”
Women’s rights activists also condemn violence against women, especially infertile women,
considering it against all religious and legal teachings. Fatima Naeemi, a women’s rights activist,
says that with adherence to religious and legal teachings within families and the prosecution of
perpetrators of violence, the level of verbal and physical violence can be minimized.
“Governments must intervene and educate the public. Women have no role or fault in this
matter. Therefore, blaming and humiliating them is a great sin and has no religious, legal,
human, or ethical justification.”
Addressing the Cases
The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and the Department of
Complaints are considered among the agencies whose work priorities include addressing cases of
violence against women. Officials from this ministry state that thousands of cases have been
handled by them.
Saif-ul-Islam Khybar, the spokesperson for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and
Prevention of Vice and the Department of Complaints, says that due to several decades of war
and the lack of family awareness regarding women’s rights, the scope of violence against women
has expanded. However, despite this, the ministry strives to prevent various forms of violence
against women through awareness-raising programs.
“The Ministry’s inspectors, with the aim of implementing good practices, preventing
wrongdoings, and eliminating harmful traditions in society, work alongside enforcing divine
commands. To preserve the religious rights of women, they have saved thousands of women
from domestic violence, home imprisonment, and oppression, and have addressed their cases.”
The spokesperson of the ministry also adds that in the month of Hamal (March-April) of the
current year, the ministry addressed 99 cases related to women.
According to Mr. Khyber’s information, during the month of Hamal this solar year, the Ministry
for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and the Department of Complaints prevented
21 cases of forced marriage, 19 cases related to inheritance rights, 36 cases of domestic violence,
14 cases regarding dowry rights, and 9 cases involving the giving away of girls to settle disputes
(known as “bad” practices).
This is while, according to the officials of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and
Prevention of Vice and the Department of Complaints, over the past three years, approximately
25,000 cases related to women have been resolved by this ministry. These include inheritance
rights, forced marriages, failure to provide maintenance (alimony), and cases of violence, with
hundreds of other cases still under investigation.
It should be mentioned that infertility or childlessness in couples is a common problem. While
gynecology specialists emphasize that this issue should be studied more comprehensively, most
people, especially in our society, unconsciously attribute this problem to women and ignore
men’s issues. Women repeatedly face verbal and even physical violence.
Such inappropriate behavior not only harms their mental and physical health but can also be
considered one of the main causes of infertility in women. In such circumstances, families must
support women, and governments must raise public awareness to prevent such violence and legally
prosecute and punish those who commit these acts. (https://tkg.af/english/2025/04/27/infertility-
a-common-problem-but-a-burden-for-women-in-afghanistan/ )
Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve
a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility may
occur due to male, female or unexplained factors. Some causes of infertility are preventable.
Treatment of infertility often involves in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other types of medically
assisted reproduction.
What causes infertility?
Infertility may be caused by a number of different factors, in either the male or female
reproductive systems. However, it is sometimes not possible to explain the causes of infertility.
In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by:
tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes, which are in turn caused by untreated sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) or complications of unsafe abortion, postpartum sepsis or
abdominal/pelvic surgery;
uterine disorders which could be inflammatory in nature (such as such endometriosis), congenital
in nature (such as septate uterus), or benign in nature (such as fibroids);
disorders of the ovaries, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and other follicular disorders;
disorders of the endocrine system causing imbalances of reproductive hormones. The endocrine
system includes hypothalamus and the pituitary glands. Examples of common disorders affecting
this system include pituitary cancers and hypopituitarism.
The relative importance of these causes of female infertility may differ from country to country,
for example due to differences in the background prevalence of STIs, or differing ages of
populations studied.
In the male reproductive system, infertility may be caused by:
obstruction of the reproductive tract causing dysfunctionalities in the ejection of semen. This
blockage can occur in the tubes that carry semen (such as ejaculatory ducts and seminal
vesicles). Blockages are commonly due to injuries or infections of the genital tract;
hormonal disorders leading to abnormalities in hormones produced by the pituitary gland,
hypothalamus and testicles – hormones such as testosterone regulate sperm production. Example
of disorders that result in hormonal imbalance include pituitary or testicular cancers;
testicular failure to produce sperm, for example due to varicoceles or medical treatments that
impair sperm-producing cells (such as chemotherapy); and
abnormal sperm function and quality. Conditions or situations that cause abnormal shape
(morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm negatively affect fertility. For example, the
use of anabolic steroids can cause abnormal semen parameters such sperm count and shape (1).
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake and obesity can affect fertility. In
addition, exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can be directly toxic to gametes (eggs
and sperm), resulting in their decreased numbers and poor quality (1,2).(
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility )
References
1. Gore AC, Chappell VA, Fenton SE, et al. EDC-2: The Endocrine Society's Second
Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrine Reviews
2015;36(6):E1-E150. doi: 10.1210/er.2015-1010
2. Segal TR, Giudice LC. Before the beginning: environmental exposures and reproductive
and obstetrical outcomes. Fertility and Sterility 2019;112(4):613-21.
3. Zegers‐Hochschild F, Dickens BM, Dughman‐Manzur S. Human rights to in vitro
fertilization. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 2013;123(1):86-89.
Secondary Infertility
Secondary infertility is when you’re unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after having
given birth before. Treatment options can include medications to induce ovulation, in vitro
fertilization (IVF) or surgery.
What is secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is when you’re unable to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after
previously giving birth. To classify as secondary infertility, the previous birth must have
occurred without help from fertility medications or treatments, like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Healthcare providers typically diagnose secondary infertility after a couple tries to conceive for
six months to a year.
How common is secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is just as common as primary infertility. It affects about 11% of couples in
the United States.
Symptoms and Causes
What are signs of secondary infertility?
The main sign of secondary infertility is being unable to get pregnant after having one or more
biological children. If you’re younger than 35, your provider may suspect secondary infertility
after one year (12 months) of trying to conceive. Trying to conceive is defined as having regular,
unprotected sex. If you’re older than 35, your provider may classify it as secondary infertility
after six months of regular, unprotected sex.
What are common causes of secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility can affect one or both partners. Sometimes, there’s no one cause of
secondary infertility; it’s due to multiple factors. In fact, the cause of secondary infertility is
equally split between sexes and unknown causes.
Some of the most common causes are:
Impaired sperm or impaired eggs.
Age.
Complications from a previous pregnancy.
Complications from a previous surgery.
An increase in body weight or BMI (body mass index).
Medications or other medical conditions.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Lifestyle factors like drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
What are the causes of secondary infertility in women?
Causes of secondary infertility in women include egg quality, structural problems with your
uterus, certain health conditions and lifestyle factors.
Problems in the quantity or quality of eggs
Women are born with a limited supply of eggs and can’t create new eggs. As you approach your
40s, the number of eggs left in your ovaries decreases, and the remaining eggs have a higher
chance of having chromosomal problems.
Autoimmune or genetic conditions and prior surgery or radiation are other reasons a person may
have a low number of good-quality eggs.
Structural issues (like scars or blockages)
Infections and surgery can cause damage to parts of your fallopian tubes or uterus. Your
fallopian tube carries an egg to your uterus. Complications from infections like chlamydia,
gonorrhea and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can block your fallopian tubes.
Similarly, certain conditions can affect your uterus and cause secondary infertility. Scarring from
certain procedures can interfere with pregnancy. These procedures include dilation and curettage
(D&C) or C-section delivery. Uterine fibroids or polyps can also block portions of your uterus,
impairing a pregnancy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal condition that causes irregular and infrequent menstrual periods. Most
people with PCOS don’t ovulate regularly, which can affect their ability to conceive.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally grows inside your uterus grows in your
ovaries or other body parts. While endometriosis is common, not all endometriosis causes
infertility.
Weight gain or other lifestyle changes
Weight gain can lead to ovarian dysfunction in some people. Medications or treatments for
certain conditions can also contribute to infertility. Things like smoking cigarettes or drinking
alcohol can also impact ovulation and conception.
What are the causes of secondary infertility in men?
Causes of secondary infertility in men often include issues with hormone levels, certain medical
conditions and lifestyle factors.
Reduced testosterone level
Testosterone plays a key role in sperm production. Testosterone levels can decline due to aging,
injury to your testicles or certain medical conditions. These conditions include:
Genital infections.
Thyroid diseases.
Diabetes.
Tuberculosis.
Mumps.
Smallpox.
Blood diseases.
Benign tumors.
Emotional stress.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Coma.
Stroke.
Respiratory failure.
Congestive heart failure.
Burns.
Sepsis.
The medical term for low testosterone is hypogonadism. Some studies show that about 2% of all
men have low testosterone. Low testosterone is more common once you’re over 40 years old.

Testicular varicocele
Testicular varicocele is an enlargement of veins in your scrotum, or the sack of skin encasing
your testicles. This condition is a common cause of low sperm production and infertility in men
— about 30%.
Poor-quality semen
Semen is the fluid that carries sperm. After age 40, the quality of semen tends to decline.
Low sperm count
Healthcare providers consider less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen to be a low
sperm count. You may hear them call this condition oligospermia.
Prostate enlargement or removal
An enlarged prostate can lower sperm count and cause abnormal ejaculation. If your provider
removes your prostate due to cancer or other conditions, it can cause semen to flow backward.
Certain drugs affect sperm count and quality
These drugs include some antibiotics and medications that treat high blood pressure. Treatments
for the following conditions can affect sperm quality:
Prostate cancer.
Fungal infections.
Urinary tract infections.
Ulcerative colitis.
Arthritis.
Gout.
Pain.
Cancers.
Seizures.
Schizophrenia.
Lifestyle factors or chemicals
Certain lifestyle factors, including exposure to chemicals that damage sperm, can cause
infertility. Some of these include:
Using natural lubricants that are toxic to sperm. This includes certain oils and petroleum jelly.
Being exposed to pesticides, lead, industrial chemicals and excessive heat can all impact fertility.
Gaining a large amount of body weight. This can decrease testosterone levels and increase estrogen
levels.( https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21139-secondary-infertility )
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infertility FAQs
(https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm). Accessed 3/7/2023.
2. Katib AA, Al-Hawsawi K, Motair W, Bawa AM. Secondary infertility and the aging
male, overview (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4132591/). Cent
European J Urol. 2014;67(2):184-8. Accessed 3/7/2023.
3. Resolve, The National Infertility Association. Secondary Infertility
(https://resolve.org/infertility-101/medical-conditions/secondary-infertility/). Accessed
3/7/2023.
4. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Evaluating Infertility
(https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Evaluating-Infertility). Accessed 3/7/2023.
5. Utah Department of Health, Maternal & Infant Health Program. Secondary Infertility
(https://mihp.utah.gov/after-pregnancy/secondary-infertility). Accessed 3/7/2023.
6. Advertisement