Fertility Challenges
Exploring why is the
first step in moving forward
6.7 million women
CDC reports that the inability to have a child affects 6.7 million women in the US—about 11% of the reproductive-age population.
Infertility is rarely simple. Often, it can take
over 6 months to conceive. Consider a fertility
evaluation if:
You are 35 years old or under and did not conceive after 1 year of trying
You are over 35 years old and did not conceive after 6 months of trying
Common causes of fertility challenges for women
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—a condition in which the ovaries produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones
- Uterine fibroids—noncancerous growths that can form in and around the uterine wall
- Endometriosis—occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is found in other places, like the fallopian tubes, and can cause scarring and blockages
The #1 cause of fertility challenges for women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Common causes of fertility challenges for men
- Sperm disorders affecting sperm motility and viability
- Infection, such as gonorrhea or HIV
- Injury, from surgery or trauma, which may cause bodily changes or blockages
- Exposure to toxins, such as benzenes, toluene, xylene, pesticides, herbicides, organic solvents, painting materials, lead, or heavy metals
- Hormone imbalances, such as disorders affecting the testicles themselves, or the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands
The #1 cause of male infertility is a disorder in sperm production
Regardless of gender, infertility can
also be caused by lifestyle factors such as:
Drug use
Alcohol use
Tobacco use
Body weight below or above average
If you are not ready to start a family yet, here are a few things to keep in mind while planning ahead:
- Hormone levels change as people age, and that change may affect fertility.
- Consider the egg count. In general, egg count decreases with age. Each woman is born with about 1 million eggs, and about 25,000 remain by age 37.
- Egg freezing may also be an option. Learn more about egg freezing here.
Data collected between 2000 and 2012 show that more women than ever are having their first child later in life, after age 35.
Download these tips to help you choose a clinic that
meets your fertility needs
