Common Causes of Infertility in Women and Men – Iswarya Fertility Centre
27 Oct 2025
What Are the Common Causes of Infertility for Women and Men?
Infertility affects many couples wishing to start a family, and understanding its causes is the first step toward treatment and hope. Both men and women can have underlying issues that affect fertility, and a thorough evaluation helps determine the right path forward.
Common Causes of Female Infertility
Ovulation Disorders
The most common cause of infertility in women is problems with ovulation, the release of eggs from the ovaries. Conditions like:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which causes hormonal imbalances affecting ovulation.
Thyroid disorders (both overactive and underactive thyroid) disrupting menstrual cycles.
High prolactin levels affect hormone balance.
Premature ovarian insufficiency, where ovaries stop functioning before age 40.
Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. Causes include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (often from untreated infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea).
Past surgeries or ectopic pregnancy.
Endometriosis causing adhesions and scarring.
Uterine or Cervical Problems
Fibroids or polyps inside the uterus affecting implantation.
Structural abnormalities of the uterus.
Cervical mucus problems make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
Age-Related Decline
Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35, due to reduced number and quality of eggs.
Other Factors
Pelvic adhesions (scar tissue from surgery or infections).
Lifestyle factors like excessive weight, stress, smoking, and alcohol use.
Medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality
- Reduced sperm production or abnormalities in sperm shape and movement can hamper fertilization.
Hormonal Imbalances
- Problems with testosterone or other reproductive hormones can reduce sperm production.
Varicocele
- Enlarged veins in the scrotum affecting sperm quality.
Physical Blockages
- Obstructions in sperm transport caused by infections, injury, or surgery.
Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking, drug use, excessive alcohol, poor diet, and exposure to toxins impact sperm health.
Age-Related Decline
- Sperm quantity and quality decline gradually after age 40, affecting fertility and increasing risk of genetic issues.
How Is Infertility Diagnosed?
Women undergo hormone tests, ultrasounds to assess ovulation and reproductive organs, and tubal patency tests.
Men undergo semen analysis, hormonal assessments, and sometimes ultrasound imaging.
Both partners’ medical, lifestyle, and sexual history are reviewed to identify contributing factors.
Treatment at Iswarya Fertility Centre
Depending on the cause, treatments include medication to regulate ovulation or hormone levels, surgery to repair reproductive organs, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI.
Lifestyle modification guidance is part of holistic care.
Our specialists provide personalized evaluation and treatment for both male and female infertility.
Start Your Journey to Parenthood with Iswarya Fertility Centre
Understanding the causes of infertility brings clarity and hope. At Iswarya Fertility Centre, expert care and cutting-edge treatment options are available to help you overcome infertility.
Book your consultation today to take the first step toward fulfilling your dream of parenthood.