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Infertility may be defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year (six months if the woman’s age is more than 35) of regular sexual intercourse, without the use of contraceptives. While the cause may lie in either partner, in some cases no definite cause for infertility can be identified. This is also known as primary infertility.

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.