Causes of Infertility
What is Infertility?
Approximately 1 in 6 couples in Canada experience infertility
The term ‘Infertility’ typically refers to a lack of conception after a reasonable period of sexual intercourse without contraception. This is typically one year for women who are under 35 year of age and 6 months for women over 35 years of age.
Infertility affects both male and female partners.
- 30% of the time, the cause is due to male factors
- 40% of the time, the cause is due to female factors
- 15% of the time, the cause is a mix of both male and female factors
- 15% of the time, no explanation can be determined for the cause
Source: Government of Canada
healthycanadians.gc.ca
At present patients are accepted for treatment by Canadian physician referral only.
Female Infertility
Causes of infertility in Women Include:
- Age (fertility decreases significantly after age 35)
- Problems producing eggs (which shows up when a woman has irregular or absent period or menstrual cycles)
- Sexually transmitted infection (such as Chlamydia)
- Problems in the uterus (i.e. fibroids or polyps)
- Problems with the fallopian tubes (missing tubes or blockages)
- Endometriosis (excess of tissue that gathers around the reproductive organs)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Early menopause (before age 40)
There are a number of investigations for female factor infertility. During your initial consultation, our team will determine which female investigations are right for you.
Male Infertility
Causes of infertility in Men Include:
- Poor sperm quality – their rate of movement and shape
- Low sperm count, or lack of sperm
- A history of sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Hormonal imbalances
The standard test for evaluation of a man’s fertility is the semen analysis. This test measures the volume of the ejaculate, concentration of the sperm, movement of the sperm, morphology (appearance of the sperm), and for the presence of antisperm antibodies. All male patients are required to have a semen analysis done at the Diagnostic Semen Laboratory (DSL) regardless of any known problems with themselves or their partner.