Causes of Infertility - An overview

The causes of infertility are multiple, and some are hotly debated in medical circles. In some cases, the reasons are found in the woman (female-factor infertility); in other cases, the cause lies in the man (male-factor infertility). In still other couples, the infertility may be due to a combination of medical problems in both partners. For some couples with infertility, a cause is never found. This can be very upsetting.

One important cause of infertility in both men and women is sexually transmitted diseases. Even STDs with no symptoms can cause scarring in a man or woman's reproductive system; such scars block passageways for sperm or eggs. Having several sexual partners increases the chance of getting an STD. An STD can lead to a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a severe infection of the uterus and tubes; it can scar and block the tubes, causing infertility later on. To avoid getting STDs, limit sexual partners and use a condom during sex.