Problems Conceiving Getting pregnant may seem simple, but the act of conceiving a child can often be very difficult. It involves many bodily functions and systems being in good condition in both the male and the female, all of which must happen in the right sequence and at the right time. Consider that the average woman of reproductive age only has a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant in any m ...

Tubal factors Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from getting to your egg and also prevent the fertilized egg from getting to your uterus. Leading causes of tube problems include pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia), and previous sterilization surgery. Possible symptoms: None. Possible solutions: Surgery to open the tubes. If surgery fail ...

Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. It often happens about midway through the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary. In preparation for ovulation, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens. The pituitary gland in the brain stimulates one of the ovaries to release an egg. The wall of the ovarian follicle ruptures at the surface of the ovary. The egg i ...

What are the causes of low sperm count or abnormal sperm function in men? Low sperm count or abnormal sperm function may be caused by different things. These include: Undescended testicles Genetic defects/DNA damage Diabetes Prior bacterial or viral infections such as mumps or adenovirus Trauma or prior surgeries on the testicles or inguinal region Enlarged veins (varicoceles) in the testes that ...

Men Men should plan to see a doctor after one year of trying to conceive or if any of the following apply: erectile dysfunction (ED) problems with ejaculation, such as delayed ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation low sex drive pain or swelling in the genital area having undergone a previous surgery in the genital area Your doctor will first take your medical history. During this time, they’ll as ...

When to see a doctor You probably don't need to see a doctor about infertility unless you have been trying regularly to get pregnant for at least one year. Women should talk with a doctor earlier, however, if they: Are age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer Are over age 40 Have irregular or absent periods Have very painful periods Have known fertility problems H ...

What are risk factors for male infertility? These factors can cause male infertility: Enlarged veins (varicocele) in the scrotum, the sac that holds the testicles. Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis. High heat exposure to testicles from tight clothing or frequent use of hot tubs and saunas. Injury to the scrotum or testicles. Low sperm count or low testosterone (hypogonadism). Misuse of a ...

Endometriosis — This condition affects a woman's pelvic cavity, where tissue fragments from the innermost lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grow and function outside the uterus. They are one of the causes of painful menstruation and infertility. These displaced pieces of tissue are not shed vaginally with normal menstrual blood but instead accumulate inside the pelvis on the surface of pelvic ...