Fertility is the ability to conceive and have children.
Many people dream of starting a family, but sometimes they face challenges along the way.
Fertility can be affected by a variety of physiological and social factors in both men and women.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the common factors that influence fertility.
Factors affecting women’s fertility
Women are born with a finite number of eggs in their ovaries, which gradually decline in quantity and quality as they age.
Age is therefore the major factor affecting women’s fertility, especially after 35 years old.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the average age of women giving birth in Australia was 30.5 years in 2019 [1].
Other factors that can affect women’s fertility include:
Endometriosis: a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain and scarring.
Endometriosis can affect the function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, making it harder for the egg to be fertilised or implanted [2].
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a hormonal disorder that causes irregular or absent ovulation, which means fewer eggs are released for fertilisation.
PCOS can also cause other symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne and weight gain [3].
Fibroids: benign (non-cancerous) growths in the uterus that can interfere with the implantation of the embryo or cause miscarriage.
Fibroids are more common in older women and women of African descent [4].
Menstrual abnormalities: irregular, heavy or painful periods can indicate problems with ovulation or the uterus.
Some causes of menstrual abnormalities include thyroid disorders, stress, eating disorders, infections and medications [5].
Factors affecting men’s fertility
Men produce sperm continuously throughout their lives, but their sperm quality and quantity can also decline with age.
According to the AIHW, the average age of fathers in Australia was 33.3 years in 2019 [1].
Other factors that can affect men’s fertility include:
Low sperm count or motility: this means that there are not enough sperm or they are not able to swim well enough to reach and fertilise the egg.
Some causes of low sperm count or motility include genetic factors, infections, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), smoking, alcohol, drugs, heat exposure and environmental toxins [6].
Abnormal sperm shape or function: this means that the sperm are not able to penetrate or activate the egg.
Some causes of abnormal sperm shape or function include genetic defects, chromosomal abnormalities, infections, medications and antibodies against sperm [6].
Obstructions or blockages: this means that there is a problem with the delivery of sperm from the testicles to the ejaculatory ducts.
Some causes of obstructions or blockages include vasectomy, injury, infection, congenital defects or cystic fibrosis [6].
Erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems: this means that there is a difficulty with achieving or maintaining an erection or ejaculating semen.
Some causes of erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, psychological issues, medications and prostate surgery [6] .
If you are experiencing fertility problems or planning to start a family, it is important to seek medical advice from your GP or a fertility specialist.
They can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action for you.
References:
1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Australia’s mothers and babies 2019—in brief. Canberra
2 Endometriosis Australia. (n.d.). What is endometriosis?
3 Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. (2020). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
4 Better Health Channel. (2018). Fibroids.
5 Better Health Channel. (2018). Menstruation - abnormal bleeding.
6 Andrology Australia. (2016). Male infertility- a Child of my Own.