Infertility is defined by the World Health Organization as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of actively trying to conceive. The National Infertility Association shortens the time period to six months for women over 35 years old.
In the United States, 10–15% of couples experience difficulty becoming pregnant. Infertility can be caused by conditions in either partner's body or a combination of both; in general, the causes are medically linked equally to male and female partners—if it is possible to identify a cause at all. Because a wide variety of contributing factors can lead to infertility, couples may need to consult with a fertility specialist, a reproductive endocrinologist, an OB/GYN, and/or a urologist for tests.
For men, infertility is commonly linked to abnormal sperm production, function, or delivery. Abnormal sperm production or function can be caused by, among other things, undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems such as diabetes, or infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps, or HIV, or enlarged testicular veins. Frequent exposure to heat or physical damage to the groin can also impair production. Delivery problems can encompass premature ejaculation, blockages in the testicles or other anatomical issues, or certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.[1]
For women, fertility problems can be caused by a wide variety of disorders of the reproductive system, including these common problems.[2]
Medical conditions associated with delayed puberty or the absence of menstruation, including celiac disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, can also impact fertility in women.
Environmental factors like pesticides, chemicals, and radiation, cancer treatment (including radiation and chemotherapy), and many drugs including antibiotics, antihypertensives, and anabolic steroids can reduce fertility. Lifestyle factors like cigarette smoking, alcohol, being overweight or obese, eating disorders, and a sedentary lifestyle can also impact fertility. Fertility in both sexes naturally declines with age, especially in women after their mid 30s and men over age 40, and the risk of certain medical conditions in their offspring goes up.[3]
Your physician may recommend diagnostic imaging tests to determine if your infertility may be caused by physical issues in your reproductive system, like polyps or fibroids. A sonohysterogram is a minimally invasive ultrasound imaging procedure that allows a radiologist to examine the interior of your uterus and identify abnormalities. If the results indicate that you may have a blockage in your fallopian tubes, your doctor may recommend a follow-up hysterosalpingogram (HSG). In this test, a contrast material is injected and observed on X-ray as it flows into the fallopian tubes, revealing whether they are clear or have blockages or abnormalities. These tests can help explain or rule out potential causes of your infertility and can help your doctors develop a plan for further treatment.
If you are struggling with infertility, talk to your doctor about what you can do to overcome this common, frustrating issue.
Iowa Radiology provides a wide range of women's imaging services in the Des Moines metro area, including sonohysterography, hysterosalpingography, breast imaging and biopsy, and bone density scanning. We believe in helping you get all the information you need about your health. Our caring team members are available to answer any questions you have about procedures at our clinics. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns.
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Sources
[1] "Infertility: Symptoms and Causes." MayoClinic.org. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2 Aug 2016. Web. 22 March 2017.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.