If there are other complications like an infection in the area, a strong body odor can quickly become offensive. Women are much more conscious about their physical characteristics and a smelly body odor can be a cause for anxiety, especially if it persists despite treatment and preventative measures.

Hormonal Changes

During the course of a month, the female sex hormones fluctuate to coordinate events like ovulation and menstruation. The changes during the course of the menstrual cycle are not isolated to the female reproductive organs and may have a generalized effect across the body – affecting perspiration, heat tolerance and usual body odor. It also has localized effects – leading to vaginal discharge and triggering menstruation.

All these factors can affect normal body odor. It may cause or exacerbate excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) or offensive smelling perspiration (bromhidrosis), especially if good hygiene is not practiced. It may also affect temperature sensitivity and increase perspiration due to a change in heat tolerance and dilation of the skin blood vessels. While each person has their own specific scent, hormonal changes may also affect the body chemistry and alter this characteristic body odor.

Personal Hygiene

While hyperhidrosis may be linked to individual temperature sensitivity and the nervous system, hormonal changes may also affect the extent of perspiration. By not practicing good hygiene, this increased perspiration can result in an offensive body odor or exacerbate an already foul body odor.

Body hair, particularly the thicker terminal hair which is present in the armpits and pubic region can further contribute to body odor in these areas. Vaginal discharge, sweat, urine and fecal matter tends to adhere to this hair aggravating the odor at these sites. Not bathing frequently or not trimming the pubic or armpit hair if necessary will exacerbate any offensive odor in the region.

Treating and Preventing Offensive Female Body Odor

If you are suffering with an offensive body odor, you should take conservative measures to manage and prevent the problem. Good hygiene by bathing at least twice a day and using a perfumed and an antibacterial soap will assist. If the odor tends to occur more in the areas where terminal hair is present, like the pubic hair or armpit hair, then trimming the hair and washing throughly in these regions are important. Antiperspirants may also help to some extent as they keep the area dry but should be avoided in sensitive areas or if there is any sign of a skin rash.

Medical conditions like infections or hyperhidrosis may require medical treatment. In the event of an infection, the causative organism should be identified – usually bacterial and sometimes fungal. An appropriate antibacterial or antifungal cream or gel may be used and in severe cases, an antibiotic or antifungal pill may be necessary. For hyperhidrosis, the treatment is not always as simple. Hyperhidrosis is usually a persistent condition that does not respond well to drugs and even surgery may offer limited relief. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor in order to manage your condition appropriately.

It is also important to consider the causes of a smelly vaginal odor as this may be contributing to foul odors isolated to the groin region. If there are any signs of vaginal irritation with discharge, your doctor will need to identify the cause and implement the appropriate treatment in order to relieve the condition. Other medical disorders may also contribute to a body odor and this may require proper treatment and management in order to address the problem. If you body odor has reached a point where it is offensive to the extent that it is affecting your daily functioning, social interaction or self esteem, then you should discuss the matter with a doctor.

Here is a great site for Curing Vaginal Odors.

Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is not always serious. Within the first few days after conceiving, you will experience a little spotting or light bleed. This is known as the implantation bleed and is perfectly normal. Apart from the implantation bleed, mild spotting and light bleeding in early pregnancy can occur with no danger to the mother or child. Some women even experience a light bleed at the time of their period although they are pregnant. However caution in early pregnancy is always advisable and if you are experiencing any vaginal bleeding, speak to your gynecologist.

Causes of Bleeding in Early Pregnancy

The most common cause of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy is a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. This may occur for a number of reasons and it is usually associated with abdominal pain. Every pregnant woman is at risk of a miscarriage, especially in the first 12 weeks as this is a very delicate stage in the pregnancy. If you have any of the risk factors associated with a spontaneous abortion, you should be even more weary of any sign of a vaginal bleed. These risk factors include a history of previous miscarriage(s), repeated fertility procedures, cigarette smoking, drug abuse or excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy, adhesions and uterine fibroids.

Other causes of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy include a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is very dangerous for the health of the mother. Bleeding in early pregnancy may also arise as a result of :

• Trauma – injury, fall, assault.
• Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis).
• Inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis).
• Rupture of an ovarian cyst.

Other less common causes of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy will be discussed with you by your gynecologist after he/she has excluded the most serious and common causes.

Warning Signs

Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy is not uncommon. It should be investigated by your gynecologist or the attending doctor and in many cases, it is not serious. However if there are other signs and symptoms present, a case of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy should be taken very seriously. These signs and symptoms include :

• Abdominal or pelvic pain with/without tenderness of the abdomen.
• Vaginal discharge that is yellow, brown or almost black or contains spots of blood, especially if there is a smelly vaginal odor.
• Dizziness, light headed feeling and/or fainting spells.
• Changes in blood pressure and or pulse.
• Fever.

Danger in Early Pregnancy

The main danger in early pregnancy is not taking any action when there are signs and symptoms present that should alert you to a possible problem. If you are feeling unwell in your early pregnancy, even if there is no signs or symptoms of any condition, rather consult with your gynecologist and put you mind at ease. While many of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy make a pregnant woman feel unwell, there are other possibilities that could be an indication of complications that could put both you and your baby at risk.

Acne Before Pregnancy

Acne, if pre-existing prior to pregnancy, may settle or even totally resolve during pregnancy. However many pregnant women with pre-existing acne experience an aggravation. The oil gland (sebaceous gland) increases production of oil (sebum) and when this combines with dead skin cells, dirt or cosmetic applications, it will form a plug that will block the pore from which the oil exits onto the skin surface. This will form a papule (pimple) and if it gets infected by bacteria, it will become a large, cyst like pimple.

Myths relating to acne during pregnancy are usually unfounded. Whether you are pregnant with a male baby or eat unusual foods during pregnancy as a result of cravings has no bearing on developing acne during pregnancy.

Acne and the Oral Contraceptive Pill

One of the treatment options for acne is the oral contraceptive pill, which mimics pregnancy so that the body will not release an egg cell (ovum). One would think that pregnancy would therefore settle every case of acne, however this is not always the case. In fact, the converse is true. The female sex hormones exist at high levels during the course of pregnancy and this can affect the oil production on the skin as well. Women who had acne prior to falling pregnant are more prone to this aggravation.

Acne After Childbirth, Breastfeeding

After childbirth, acne that started up during pregnancy may not resolve. If breastfeeding, the hormonal change may persist for a period of time and this continues to contribute to the acne. However, breastfeeding women should not consider stopping feeding in order to settle their skin condition. This is irresponsible since breastfeeding can have a significant health impact on the baby, whereas acne is a cosmetic skin condition.

Treating Acne in Pregnancy

Any oral medication for the treatment of acne during pregnancy is not recommended, even antibiotics. Acne in pregnancy should be conservatively managed with a combination of good skin care and antibacterial skin applications. Vitamin A cream should be avoided altogether as there is always the risk of high amounts absorbing into the blood stream and affecting the fetus. It is important to not that acne during pregnancy is difficult to treat due to the extensive changes in hormone levels as a result of the physiological state.
Avoid using OTC (over the counter) skin care products until you first consult with your doctor. Not all these products are safe during pregnancy and even some natural or herbal acne products may have the potential to affect your pregnancy. Never continue with your oral contraceptive as a means of controlling the extent of the pimples and acne drugs like isotretinoin should never be considered. Attempting to cover up the pimples and acne scars with cosmetics like foundation or powder will often aggravate your acne further and lead to infections prompting the need for antibiotics. The best approach to acne during pregnancy or when breastfeeding is patience and a “wait and see” approach.

Amount of Alcohol Allowed During Pregnancy

The amount of damage to the developing baby will depend on how much, how frequently and in what stages of pregnancy alcohol is consumed. However this cannot be accurately determined as individual tolerance or sensitivity may be contributing factors.  If a woman decides to have the occasional drink during pregnancy, a limit of one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week may be considered to be relatively safe, although it cannot be over-emphasized that no amount of alcohol can be said to be absolutely safe for the baby. Binge drinking or drinking more than five units of alcohol on any one occasion may prove to be extremely harmful for the baby.

A unit of alcohol may be taken as :

• Quarter of a pint of strong beer or lager
• Half a pint of regular beer, lager or cider
• Half of a small glass of twelve percent strength wine
• A small glass of sherry
• A single measure of spirits

Alcohol Dangers in First, Second and Third Trimester

Alcohol consumption during the first three months of pregnancy increases the chance of miscarriage. In later stages of pregnancy, it can affect physical growth of the baby as well as development of the brain. Drinking, especially often and in excess, in any stage of pregnancy can affect the baby in various ways, such as :

• Low birth weight of the baby
• Premature birth
• By affecting the development of the fetal brain, intellectual capacity of the baby may be hampered.
• Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) – the severity will depend on the amount of alcohol intake by the mother during pregnancy. Both physical and mental features such as a small head, small eyes, facial abnormalities, malformations in the heart and low IQ may be present.
• Learning disabilities and behavioral problems are more likely to occur in these children as they grow up.
• Research shows that children born of mothers who drank even moderately during pregnancy are more likely to indulge in alcohol from a younger age than children of non-drinkers.

Every effort has to be made by the mother to give up alcohol during pregnancy if she would like to deliver a healthy baby without any physical or mental defects. Alcoholism can be treated and if necessary, she should seek advice from her doctor prior to falling pregnant.

Cigarette smoke exposes the mother and child to thousands of toxic chemicals like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. These toxins are not filtered out by the mother’s body and once in the bloodstream, it quickly reaches the unborn baby.

Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy

The consequences of smoking during pregnancy are numerous and can be far reaching, even posing a risk to the baby’s life. These risks may include :

• Increased risk of abortion (miscarriage).
• Higher risk of stillbirth.
• Delivery of low birth weight babies.
• Premature labor and delivery – premature babies may encounter various health hazards.
• Cleft lip and/or cleft palate and other birth defects are more common.
• Learning disorders, behavioral problems and attention deficit disorders (ADHD).
• Cerebral palsy and mental retardation.
• Respiratory problems such as asthma and susceptibility to colds due to a less efficient immune system.
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Children of maternal smokers are more likely become cigarette smokers themselves when they get to their teens.

The dangers of cigarette smoking during pregnancy is not limited to the effects it has on the fetus. Mothers are equally at risk of developing life-threatening conditions as a result of complications in pregnancy arising from cigarette smoking.

Effects of Smoking on the Pregnant Mother

Smoking during pregnancy can cause a number of complications beyond the risks associated with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like emphysema and coronary artery disease. These potential dangers for the mother include :

• Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is attached very low down in the uterus and may even block the os (opening of the cervix). Hemorrhage or excessive bleeding during delivery may prove fatal for the mother as well as the baby.
• Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, leading to hemorrhage. This can put the mother’s and baby’s life at risk as well as necessitate an emergency cesarean section.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) during and after pregnancy.

Secondary (‘Second Hand’) Smoke during Pregnancy

A pregnant woman who does not smoke may still be at risk if her husband or partner is a smoker. Inhaling second hand smoke may be as dangerous for the baby as when the mother is a smoker herself. Care should be taken to avoid second hand smoke at home and also in public places such as restaurants and parties.

Nicotine is a very addictive substance and quitting cigarette smoking is not an easy to do, even though a pregnant woman may be aware of the dangers posed to her baby and herself. It is advisable to discuss the matter with your doctor and consider methods of quitting cigarette smoking.

Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis

Pelvic examination

An enlarged, mobile, and irregular uterus may be felt on pelvic examination. If you feel any such mass yourself, always consult with a medical doctor to confirm a diagnosis, rather than self-diagnosing.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound can usually detect a fibroid and will provide additional information about the shape, size, and position. You gynecologist may consider a hysterosonography, which is a variation of the ultrasound, where sterile saline is used to increase the uterine cavity to give a better image.

Hysteroscopy

The inside of the uterus is viewed by passing a thin, flexible tube through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. This tube contains a small video camera and a light source to enable your gynecologist to see the uterine lining.

CT scn & MRI for Uterine Fibroids

These imaging techniques may be necessary to diagnose fibroids if ultrasonography is inconclusive. These are usually more costly procedures and only considered when and where necessary.

Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

For asymptomatic fibroids, expectant management or a ‘wait-and-watch’ approach is the usual coure of action. Fibroids are non-cancerous and tend to regress after menopause, so no treatment except periodic re-evaluation may be necessary.

For symptomatic fibroids, treatment will depend on factors such as possible cause of the uterine fibroids, severity of symptoms, the patient’s desire to conceive, and her desire to keep the uterus. In post-menopausal women, expectant management may be considered to allow time for the fibroids to shrink naturally without any medical or surgical intervention.

Medication/Drugs for Uterine Fibroids

Medication may help to relieve the symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, reduce growth of the fibroid, or both. The drugs most commonly used are :

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogues help by decreasing estrogen production. They are given pre-operatively when surgery is contemplated because they help to reduce the size of the fibroids and uterus, making surgery easier.
• Progestins such as medroxyprogesterone and oral contraceptives can help to limit heavy menstrual bleeding but they do not limit fibroid size.
• Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) introduced into the uterus can reduce heavy bleeding.
• Danazol (a synthetic drug similar to testosterone) can help to decrease heavy periods and reduce size of the fibroids, but side effects such as weight gain, unwanted hair growth, and deepening of the voice, often limits its use.

Surgery & Other Surgical Procedures

• Hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus offers a permanent solution for uterine fibroids but further pregnancy will not be possible after hysterectomy.
• Myomectomy is a procedure where only the fibroids are removed while the uterus is left intact. Women hoping to conceive may prefer this form of surgery, but chances of fibroid recurrence must also be considered.

Other procedures that may be considered for uterine fibroids.

• Myolysis is a laparoscopic procedure where an electric current or laser is used to destroy the fibroid, while cryomyolysis uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the fibroid.
• Endometrial ablation uses heat, microwave energy, or electric current to destroy the uterine lining and helps to reduce excessive uterine bleeding.
• Uterine artery embolization is a technique where tiny embolic agents are injected into the arteries supplying the uterus, which cause the fibroids to shrink as a result of loss of blood supply.
• Focused ultrasound surgery is a non-invasive procedure in which the patient is put inside a specially designed MRI machine, where the fibroids are destroyed using high energy sound waves.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Depending on their location in the uterus, fibroids may be :

1. Myometrial – located within the muscle of the uterus.
2. Submucosal – just beneath the surface of the uterine lining. Submucosal leiomyomas may cause prolonged, heavy menstrual periods, and may become the one of the possible causes of infertility.
3. Subserosal – just within the outer covering of the uterus. If large, these may press on the bladder or rectum and cause urinary problems or constipation.
4. Pedunculated – connected by a stalk to the outer surface of the uterus or hanging within the uterine cavity.

Causes of Uterine Fibroids

There is no definite known cause of a leiomyoma in the uterus but certain factors may influence their development.

• Uterine fibroids are common pelvic tumors that develop in women of childbearing age, more common in women over the age of 30, usually regressing after menopause.
• It is more common in African-American women than in Caucasians and fibroids also tend to occur at an earlier age and reach larger proportions in the former group.
• Genetic factors seem to play a part in the development of uterine fibroids
• The female hormone, estrogen, seems to enhance growth of fibroids.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

In a large number of cases, uterine fibroids do not produce any symptoms, often being detected only incidentally during a routine pelvic examination or when fertility tests are conducted in cases of infertility. Symptoms, if present, may include :

• Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding, which may lead to anemia.
• Prolonged periods.
• Spotting or bleeding between periods.
• Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation.
• Irregular periods.
• Heaviness or pelvic discomfort, sometimes also described as bearing down ache.
• Recurrent spontaneous abortion.
• Frequency of urination.
• Constipation.
• Back pain.
• Edema or swelling of the leg.
• A degenerating fibroid can cause acute pain.
• Twisting or torsion of a pedunculated fibroid can cause severe lower abdominal pain.
• Abdominal lump – large fibroids may be felt abdominally.

Relationship of Fibroids with Infertility and Pregnancy

Fibroids normally do not interfere with conception or pregnancy, but in rare cases they may block the fallopian tubes or prevent sperm from entering the fallopian tubes. A submucosal fibroid may even prevent implantation of the embryo on the uterus wall.

Large submucosal fibroids or multiple fibroids may sometimes cause problems during pregnancy, such as :

• Abdominal pain
• Risk of miscarriage
• Premature labor and delivery
• Placental separation and bleeding
• Abnormal fetal position in the uterus.
• Increased chances of a cesarean section.

As a rule, however, fibroids do not cause any problem during pregnancy and no treatment is necessary. They may increase in size during pregnancy, but usually return to their original size after delivery. Fibroids are not routinely removed during a cesarean section as there is increased risk of bleeding.

• complete blood count
• grouping and Rhesus factor
• German measles (rubella)
• hepatitis B
• HIV
• syphilis

Based on the results of these tests, further special testing and other investigative procedures may be necessary for each partner. The findings will determine the appropriate infertility treatment that should be considered for the individual or couple.

Infertility Tests for Men

• Semen analysis is when a specimen of semen is collected and analyzed in the laboratory, particularly for sperm count, morphology (shape and structure), and motility (movement) of the sperm.
• Hormone testing is a blood test to evaluate the level of testosterone and other male hormones.

Infertility Tests for Women

Fertility Blood Tests

Blood tests are done to evaluate the levels of various hormones affecting the reproductive process. Interpretation of the results depend on the  day of the menstrual cycle when the blood sample was taken. Some of hormones tested may include :

• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which is secreted by the pituitary gland and its level increases as a woman approaches menopause and the ovaries show signs of aging.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) controls egg development, but consistently high levels of this hormone hinders this process.

The two tests above are done on the third day of the menstrual cycle. A second hormone evaluation may be done one or two days before ovulation, when FSH and LH levels are measured again. High levels of FSH and LH may be a sign of ovarian problems, while low levels may indicate a pituitary or hypothalamic disorders.

Other tests may monitor or test the following :

• Estradiol level in the blood often detects a decrease in egg quantity and quality even though the day 3 FSH level is normal.

• Clomiphene challenge test can detect poor ovarian reserve even when the day 3 FSH level is normal. This test is done by noting the day 3 FSH and estradiol levels, taking 2 tablets of clomiphene (100 mg) on days 5 to 9 of the menstrual cycle, and repeating FSH level on day 10. The result is taken as normal if FSH and estradiol levels are low on day 3 and FSH level is also low on day 10.

• Prolactin levels if high inhibits release of FSH and LH, preventing ovulation.

• Thyroid function tests to exclude thyroid disease as the cause of infertility.

• Progesterone test is done around day 21 of the menstrual cycle and a high level of progesterone confirms ovulation.

Fertility Procedures

Other diagnostic procedures may also be conducted to verify other factors that may contribute to infertility in women.

• Pelvic ultrasound is done to determine size and structure of the uterus and ovaries and detect conditions such as uterine fibroid.

• Hysterosalpingogram is an x-ray test to see the inside of the tubes and uterus to detect tubal blockage or any other abnormality in the tubes or uterus.

• Laparoscopy is when a tiny incision near the umbilicus allows a thin lighted tube to be put inside the abdomen to view the woman’s pelvic organs. Possible causes of infertility such as adhesions, cysts, fibroid, and endometriosis can be diagnosed.

• Endometrial biopsy is when a small sample of uterine tissue is used to check if normal changes are taking place in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

• Karyotype or Genetic tests.  Karyotyping may be necessary to look for problems in the genetic material (chromosomes) of the cells and genetic tests may help to find the cause of infertility or frequent abortions.

Infertility Treatment for Women

Drugs

Fertility drugs help by inducing or regulating ovulation in women who are infertile due to ovarian dysfunction. These drugs include :

1. Clomiphene which is taken orally and helps to stimulate ovulation in women. It is particularly useful in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other ovulation disorders and works by acting on the pituitary gland.
2. Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) is given in as an injection and directly stimulates the ovaries in case of pituitary gland failure.
3. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to mature egg follicles.
4. Human chorionic gonadotropin HCG).
5. Metformin is used when insulin resistance is the cause of infertility.
6. Bromocriptine inhibits prolactin secretion and is helpful in cases of hyperprolactinemia causing infertility.

The main side effect of fertility drugs is the possibility of multiple pregnancies.

Surgery

Surgical intervention may be considered in the following cases :

1. Blockage in the fallopian tube.
2. Genetic defects in the reproductive system.
3. Endometriosis.
4. Uterine fibroid.
5. Ovarian cysts

Assisted reproductive technology (ART)

This form of treatment for infertility allows couples to have their own biological baby, and chances of success are more in a woman with a healthy uterus, with a good response to fertility drugs, who ovulates normally or uses eggs from a donor. Healthy sperm from the male partner or a donor is necessary. The various forms of ART include :

1. Artificial insemination where a concentrated amount of healthy sperm from the partner or a donor is introduced into the uterus by means of a catheter.
2. In vitro fertilization (IVF) where mature eggs are fertilized with sperm  in a laboratory dish, and is then implanted into the uterus three to five days after fertilization.
3. Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) or Tubal Embryo Transfer is similar to IVF but the embryo is transferred to the fallopian tube instead of the uterus.
4. Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) when eggs and sperms are transferred to the fallopian tube so that fertilization occurs inside the woman’s body.
5. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the method where a single sperm is injected into a mature egg to obtain fertilization and is especially helpful in men with low sperm count.
6. Embryo donation is where an embryo or egg from a donor is fertilized with sperm and implanted into the uterus.
7. Surrogacy is when a couple’s embryo or a donor embryo is carried by a surrogate mother.

Infertility Treatment for Men

Difficulty in conceiving may lie with the male partner and may require similar procedures as for women. The main approach to treating infertility in men includes :

• Treating sexual problems such as impotence or premature ejaculation by medicines or counseling.

• Hormone treatment, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology (ART) can help treat infertility in men, depending upon the cause.

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after successfully conceiving one or more children. The causes of secondary infertility tend to be the same as those for primary infertility. Sterility is a term used loosely but indicates the total inability to conceive, in other words, you can never fall pregnant or impregnate a woman. The causes of sterility are the same as infertility.

Overall, women are more proactive about addressing the issue of infertility and will seek treatment when necessary. However, as a woman, the problem may not lie with you and it is also important to understand the causes of male infertility, so as to assist your partner accordingly.

Causes of Female Infertility

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage may prevent eggs from reaching the uterus or sperms from reaching the eggs. This may occur due to salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tube), the most common cause of which is chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgery for sterilization, and earlier ectopic pregnancy.
• Endometriosis is implantation and growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus, such as in the ovary, pelvic peritoneum or any other site, and is a common cause for infertility.
• Ovulation disorders is any condition, usually hormonal, which prevents release of mature eggs from the ovary (anovulation).
• Poor egg quality is usually related to age of the woman. After the age of 35 there are more chances of the ovum developing chromosomal abnormalities which disallows continuation of pregnancy.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome are multiple cysts in the ovary, which  cause a hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation.
• Hyperprolactinemia refers to  high levels of prolactin, often an indication of a pituitary tumor, and this state affects ovulation, which may result in infertility.
• Premature ovarian failure or early menopause may occur before the age of 40, often due to unknown causes, but may also be associated with immune system disease, radiation, chemotherapy, or smoking.
• Hostile cervical mucus.
• Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissues that may form in the pelvis after pelvic infection or surgery, and may be the cause for infertility.
• Uterine fibroids are benign tumors in the uterus which may cause infertility by preventing implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterine wall.
• Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• Cancer, especially of the reproductive system, and its treatment by radiation or chemotherapy.
• Medical conditions such as Cushing’s disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
• Smoking and excessive caffeine consumption.
• Genetic defects.

Causes of Male Infertility

• Low sperm count or complete absence of sperm production by the testes (azoospermia).
• Impaired morphology (shape and structure) or motility of the sperm.
• Undescended testes
• Varicocele
• Testosterone (male hormone) deficiency
• Genetic defects
• Infections like sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia, or childhood diseases, such as mumps before puberty.
• Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or psychological problems.
• Absence of semen
• Blockage of ejaculatory ducts
• Hypospadius is a birth defect where the urinary opening is on the underside of the penis.
• Substance abuse, smoking, alcohol or drug dependency, and exposure to chemicals such as lead.

There are a number of infertility treatment options but the most suitable course of action will depend on the cause of infertility, coupled with the individual’s state of health and cost considerations.