Infertility

Dr. Deepali Shete – IVF specialist in Kalyani Nagar, Pune

Infertility can arise from a combination of different factors affecting either partner. Lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and underlying physiological causes frequently impact reproductive health and overall fertility outcomes.

Common **general lifestyle and medical factors** that can influence fertility include:

• Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia, as well as weight problems (obesity or underweight).
• Excessive alcohol use, smoking, stress, and substance abuse.
• Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides, along with over exercising.
• Radiation therapy or other cancer treatments, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

For women, clinical conditions affecting the reproductive organs or hormonal regulation are often key indicators:

• Ovulation & Hormonal Disorders: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, primary ovarian insufficiency, and pituitary gland disorders, such as Cushing's syndrome.
• Structural & Systemic Factors: Blocked fallopian tubes, abnormal menstruation, uterine problems, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids and uterine polyps, as well as past ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Other Health Conditions: Celiac disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and sickle cell anemia.

For men, fertility factors are frequently related to specific structural abnormalities, heat exposure, or hormonal imbalances:

• Sperm & Testicular Conditions: Low sperm count or low testosterone (hypogonadism), enlarged veins (varicocele) in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles), undescended testicles, testicular cancer and treatments, or injury to the scrotum or testicles.
• Functional & Genetic Factors: Premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation (semen flows back into the bladder), genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, or the misuse of anabolic steroids.
• Environmental Impacts: High heat exposure to testicles from tight clothing or frequent use of hot tubs and saunas.