Infertility – Woman and Childbirth

Infertility – Woman and Childbirth

About 10% of couples in the United States are affected by infertility. Infertility refers to an inability to conceive after having regular unprotected sex. It can also refer to the biological inability of an individual to contribute to conception, or to a woman who cannot carry a pregnancy to full term. In many countries, infertility is defined as a couple failing to conceive after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without contraception.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one third of infertility cases are due to female factors, one third are due to male factors, and the remaining cases are caused by a combination of both partners. In approximately 20% of couples, the cause cannot be determined.

Women are born with a finite number of eggs. As reproductive years progress, both the number and quality of eggs decline. After age 30, the chances of having a baby decrease by approximately 3% to 5% per year.

Risk Factors for Infertility

Age
A woman’s fertility begins to decline around age 32 and continues to decrease over time. Male fertility also declines, particularly after age 40.

Smoking
Smoking significantly increases infertility risk in both men and women. It may also reduce the effectiveness of fertility treatments and increases miscarriage risk.

Alcohol consumption
Any amount of alcohol can negatively affect pregnancy. Alcohol abuse may lower male fertility. Moderate alcohol intake has not been shown to lower fertility in most men but may affect those with low sperm counts.

Being overweight or obese
Overweight, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors to infertility. Overweight men are more likely to have abnormal sperm.

Dr. Green struggled with infertility. She was 50 pounds overweight and had a body fat percentage of 42%, twice the normal level. Her nutritional program successfully treated her infertility. She can do the same for you.

Eating disorders
Women who become underweight due to eating disorders may experience fertility issues.

Being vegan
Strict vegans must ensure adequate intake of iron, folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B12 to avoid fertility problems.

Over-exercising
Exercising more than seven hours per week may interfere with ovulation.

Not exercising
A sedentary lifestyle is associated with reduced fertility in both men and women.

Sexually transmitted infections
Infections such as chlamydia can damage reproductive organs and impair fertility.

Chemical exposure
Certain pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and metals such as lead are linked to fertility problems.

Mental stress
Stress may interfere with ovulation and sperm production. Stress can also reduce sexual frequency, lowering chances of conception.

Causes of Infertility in Women

Ovulation disorders are the most common cause of female infertility. Causes include:

• Fallopian tube damage

• Hormonal imbalances

• Cervical causes

• Uterine causes

• Premature ovarian failure

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Hyperprolactinemia

• Poor egg quality

• Thyroid disorders

• Previous surgeries

• Fibroids

• Endometriosis

• Certain medications

• Chronic conditions such as cancer or AIDS

How Is Infertility Diagnosed?

If male infertility is suspected, a semen analysis is performed to assess sperm count, movement, and health. Blood tests may evaluate testosterone and hormone levels.

If female infertility is suspected, testing may include hormone blood tests, endometrial biopsy, ultrasound imaging, hysterosalpingography, and laparoscopy.

Hysterosalpingography uses dye and imaging to determine whether fallopian tubes are open or blocked.
Laparoscopy allows direct visualization of reproductive organs to detect conditions such as endometriosis or scarring.

Causes of Infertility in Men

Semen consists of sperm and fluids from reproductive glands. Abnormal semen accounts for approximately 75% of male infertility cases.

Common semen abnormalities include:

• Low sperm count

• No sperm present

• Poor sperm motility

• Abnormal sperm shape

Possible causes include infections, varicocele, testicular disorders, genetic conditions, medications, chemotherapy, radiation, illegal drugs, and hormonal imbalances.

Diagnostic Tests for Men

• Physical examination

• Semen analysis

• Blood tests for hormone levels

• Ultrasound imaging

• Testing for infections such as chlamydia

Diagnostic Tests for Women

• Physical and gynecological examination

• Hormone blood tests

• Imaging studies

• Laparoscopy

• Ovarian reserve testing

• Genetic testing

• Thyroid function testing

Treatment Options for Infertility

Treatment depends on age, duration of infertility, health status, and personal preferences.

Lifestyle changes
Weight loss, improved nutrition, and normalized body fat percentage can restore fertility.

Increasing frequency of intercourse
Having intercourse two to three times per week improves chances of conception.

Fertility Treatments for Men

• Treatment for erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorders

• Surgery for varicocele

• Sperm extraction techniques

• Surgical correction of blockages

Fertility Treatments for Women

• Ovulation-inducing medications

• Hormonal therapies

• Treatment for insulin resistance

• Assisted reproductive technologies

Assisted Conception Options

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

• Donor sperm or eggs

• Assisted hatching

• Surgical sperm retrieval

Complications of Fertility Treatment

One possible complication is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and dark urine.

Dr. Green’s Story

Dr. Allison Haughton-Green is a mother of twins who transformed her health through weight loss and metabolic balance. In 2008, she lost 47 pounds and 18% body fat in 90 days. This life-changing experience led her to create the Orlando Institute of Weight Management and Metabolic Medicine.

Her nutritional approach also transformed her son’s health, reversing metabolic syndrome and normalizing insulin, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body fat levels within 90 days.

At The Orlando Institute of Weight Management, our focus is on identifying root causes, supporting overall health, and helping patients move forward with confidence and clarity.

If you are struggling with infertility or have questions about how weight and metabolic health may be affecting your fertility, we encourage you to seek professional guidance and explore your options