What Causes Reproductive Disorder?

Infertility is a problem that affects about 1 in 6 couples. A diagnosis of infertility is made when a couple have been trying unsuccessfully for more than a year to conceive.

Causes for female infertility:

Problems with ovulation: This could be due to hormone imbalance, tumours, cysts, eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia, alcohol or drug abuse, thyroid gland problems, being overweight, intense exercise, or very short menstrual cycles.

Damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus: This could be due to a previous infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, endometriosis, scar tissue, adhesions, chronic illness, previous ectopic pregnancy, or a birth defect.

Problems with the cervix: Abnormalities in the cervical mucus can also adversely affect fertility and it can make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg or penetrate the egg.

Causes for male infertility:

Medical causes: The medical reasons for male infertility include the development of a varicocele which is the abnormal swelling of veins that drain the testicle, infection, ejaculation issues which may be caused by spinal cord injuries and surgery of the urethra, bladder, or prostate; undescended testes, hormonal imbalances, defects in the tubes that carry the sperm, inherited conditions, certain medications, certain diseases such as diabetes and celiac disease, and problems with sexual intercourse.

Environmental causes: Specific environmental causes include exposure to industrial chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, or frequent saunas and hot baths which can contribute to lower sperm counts.

Lifestyle causes: Some of the other causes of male infertility include illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, stress, and overeating.

Difficulty falling pregnant?

Infertility can affect men and women of all ages. It can be very stressful and frustrating and can place great strain on a couple’s relationship. If you are having difficulty falling pregnant, the following tips may be helpful in boosting your chances of achieving pregnancy:

• Educate yourself about how your reproductive system works. Increasing your knowledge about your body and how babies are formed will help you gain better insight into your fertility issues. There are several good books and websites dedicated to this topic.
• Use an ovulation calculator to determine when you are going to ovulate and try to have sex before you ovulate. The egg has only a 12 to 24-hour time window which is the ideal time for fertilization.
• Eat a well-balanced healthy diet which includes plenty of whole grains, dairy products, lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruits.
• Reduce stress levels. Trying too hard to get pregnant can increase your anxiety levels and affect your fertility. Take the time to relax and unwind every day. A relaxed and calm mind is bound to have positive influence on your body.
• Eliminate risk factors such as smoking, drinking, illicit drug use, and excessive caffeine intake.

When couples are not able to conceive after having unprotected sex over a 6-12 month period, it is important for both partners to be checked by their physician. With the advancements in medical technology, it is now possible to treat the condition of infertility.

A CREI doctor will offer a full range of investigations and treatment protocols, to treat infertility in a safe, supportive and caring environment.

Finding a Suitable Specialist is not Simple

Will be linked to “Find a Specialist”

When Considering Your Choices – What Should You Consider?

Finding a suitable fertility specialist is probably one of the most important decisions you can make. Here are a few points to consider when selecting your doctor:

Qualification: What kind of training and qualification does your doctor have?

Membership in CREI is strictly limited to specialist gynaecologists who have been certified in the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility by the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Experience: How many years of experience does your doctor have?

There is no substitute for experience. CREI members must devote at least 15 years to medical training and patient care before achieving subspecialty certification. Your CREI specialist has the training, experience, and resources to provide you with the highest level of care for your reproductive health.

Patient Reviews: What kind of feedback does your doctor receive?

Go online and check for feedback from patients who have undergone treatment with the clinic or doctor you are considering.

Location: How close to your home is the fertility treatment centre?

Ideally, the treatment centre should be close to your home or workplace, as you may be required the visit the centre quite often for a few weeks depending on the type of treatment you will be undergoing. However, this does not mean you compromise on quality of care.