What Causes Infertility? Causes in Men & Women (Complete Guide 2026)
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, yet many people are unaware of its actual causes. If you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, understanding What Causes Infertility? Causes in Men & Women is the first step toward finding the right treatment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that affects approximately 1 in 6 people globally . In India, infertility has become increasingly common due to delayed parenthood, lifestyle changes, obesity, stress, hormonal disorders, and environmental factors.
This guide explains the major causes of infertility in both men and women, common symptoms, different types of infertility, available diagnostic tests, and modern treatment options. The information has been reviewed by experienced fertility specialists and is based on evidence-based fertility guidelines and clinical expertise.
Why Does Infertility Happen? Understanding the Root Causes
Infertility is not always caused by one partner. Around one-third of infertility cases involve female factors, one-third involve male factors, and the remaining cases involve both partners or unexplained infertility.
Entities: WHO, IVF, Ovulation, Sperm Health
Infertility occurs when pregnancy does not happen after regular unprotected intercourse. Female infertility often involves ovulation or fallopian tube issues. Male infertility usually involves sperm quality or hormone problems. Early diagnosis improves treatment success.
The World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) estimates that nearly 17.5% of adults worldwide experience infertility during their lifetime.
Female Factors
- Ovulation disorders
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- PCOS
- Age-related decline
Male Factors
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Abnormal sperm shape
- Hormonal imbalance
- Varicocele
What Are the Signs of Infertility in Women?
Many women have no obvious symptoms until they try to become pregnant. However, several reproductive health issues may indicate fertility problems.
Entities: PCOS, Endometriosis, AMH Test
The signs of infertility in women include irregular periods, painful menstruation, pelvic pain, and repeated miscarriages. Fertility testing identifies hormonal or structural issues early for better treatment planning.
Common Signs
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Missed ovulation
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain during intercourse
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Excess facial hair
- Unexplained weight gain
- Hormonal imbalance
Research published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM, 2024) shows ovulation disorders account for approximately 25% of female infertility cases.
What Are Male Infertility Symptoms and When Should You See a Male Infertility Doctor?
Male infertility contributes to nearly half of infertility cases. Unfortunately, many men experience no noticeable symptoms until fertility testing.
Entities : Semen Analysis, Testosterone, Varicocele
Male infertility symptoms include difficulty conceiving, low libido, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain, and hormonal changes. A male infertility doctor evaluates sperm quality, hormones, and reproductive health.
Common Male Infertility Symptoms
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm movement
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sexual desire
- Swollen veins around testes (Varicocele)
- Pain or swelling in testicles
- Hormonal imbalance
When Should You Visit a Male Infertility Doctor?
Visit a fertility specialist if :
- Pregnancy has not occurred after one year.
- You have a history of testicular injury.
- You have undergone cancer treatment.
- Semen analysis shows abnormal results.
The European Association of Urology (EAU Guidelines, 2024) recommends semen analysis as the first investigation for suspected male infertility.
What Are the Different Types of Infertility?
Understanding the types of infertility helps couples choose the most appropriate treatment pathway.
Entities : Primary Infertility, Secondary Infertility
Types of infertility describe whether pregnancy has occurred previously or not. Doctors classify infertility into primary, secondary, unexplained, and subfertility based on medical evaluation.
Types
Primary Infertility
The couple has never achieved pregnancy.
Secondary Infertility
Pregnancy occurred previously but cannot be achieved again.
Unexplained Infertility
All fertility tests appear normal.
Temporary Infertility
Caused by lifestyle or reversible medical conditions.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK, 2023) states unexplained infertility accounts for approximately 10–20% of infertility cases.
What Is the Infertility Rate in India and Why Is It Increasing?
India has witnessed a steady rise in infertility due to changing lifestyles and delayed family planning.
The infertility rate in India has increased because couples marry later, experience higher stress, obesity, diabetes, and environmental pollution. Early fertility evaluation improves outcomes.
Major Reasons
- Delayed Marriage
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Obesity
- PCOS
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Pollution
- Stress
According to the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) , infertility affects an estimated 10–15% of married couples in India.
How Is Infertility Diagnosed and Treated by the Best Infertility Specialist in Mumbai?
A complete fertility evaluation examines both partners before recommending treatment.
A fertility specialist diagnoses infertility using blood tests, ultrasound, semen analysis, and hormone testing. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medication, IUI, IVF, or ICSI.
Diagnostic Tests
Female Tests
- AMH Test
- Hormone profile
- Ultrasound
- HSG
- Ovulation monitoring
Male Tests
- Semen analysis
- Hormone tests
- DNA fragmentation
- Ultrasound
- Physical examination
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle modification
- Ovulation induction
- Fertility medication
- IUI
- IVF
- ICSI
- Donor Program
- Fertility preservation
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine , individualized fertility treatment significantly improves pregnancy outcomes.
Trust & Authority
Infertility is a medical condition, not a personal failure. Early evaluation of both partners leads to faster diagnosis and more effective treatment."
Original Clinical Insight
Many couples delay fertility evaluation because they assume infertility affects only women. In clinical practice, male factors contribute to nearly half of infertility cases. Testing both partners from the beginning often shortens treatment time and improves success rates.
Conclusion
Understanding What Causes Infertility? Causes in Men & Women helps couples take informed steps toward parenthood. Infertility can result from female factors, male factors, lifestyle habits, or unexplained medical conditions. Early diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and expert guidance significantly improve the chances of conception. If you have been trying to conceive without success, seeking professional fertility evaluation is the best next step.
Visit Asian Surrogacy Today
If you are experiencing fertility concerns, consult the experienced fertility team at Asian Surrogacy. Comprehensive fertility evaluation, advanced diagnostics, personalized IVF treatment, and compassionate care can help you move closer to your parenthood journey.
Book your fertility consultation today and visit our clinic to discuss the best treatment options for you.Author Bio
Asian Surrogacy – Fertility & Reproductive Health Experts
Asian Surrogacy is a trusted fertility center dedicated to helping couples achieve parenthood through evidence-based reproductive care. Our experienced fertility specialists have helped thousands of couples with personalized fertility evaluation, advanced IVF treatments, male infertility management, and assisted reproductive technologies using the latest diagnostic techniques and international clinical guidelines.