Delhi IVF Fertility Research centre

CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
Infertility has many different causes. Female factors include blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, ovulation failure, fibroids, endometriosis and hostile cervical mucus. Male factors include azoospermia (no sperm production), low motility and damaged misshaped sperm. In 40% cases there are female factors involved. 40% are because of male factor with 20% often being called unexplained or idiopathic. In 25% of cases there are both male and female factors involved.
Female Factors

Ovulation Failure : Failure of ovulation (anovulation) represents 30% of infertility cases. In most cases it is associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This can be diagnosed by ultrasound scanning. In some cases, ovarian failure can be the result of premature menopause and in those cases, egg donation is the only option.
Ageing Ovaries : At Delhi-IVF we recognize that many women delay motherhood while getting an education and pursuing a professional career. As a consequence when these women finally decide on having a child they may have diminished ovarian reserve as a result of age related decline. Not only is egg quantity compromised but also egg quality. With this in mind we will never turn away a woman who wishes to use her own eggs. While her chances of a pregnancy are slim we will inform her of this and work with her to find the best solution.
Hostile Cervical Mucus : Clear and abundant mucus is normally produced during a women’s fertile phase. This mucus is important because it allows the sperm to swim to reach the eggs for fertilization. Sometimes the mucus is thick or sticky and does not allow the sperm to penetrate the womb. This problem can be overcome with Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI).
Endometriosis : This is a medical condition in which endometrial cells cluster outside the womb cavity. As the womb cavity is lined by endometrial cells which are under hormonal influence, these other cells are also influenced by hormonal fluctuations. These cells form adhesions and this can lead to recurring pelvic pain often worse during menstruation. Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years and it has been estimated that it occurs in approximately 5-10% of women. Symptoms may depend on the site of active endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility.
Fibroids : Fibroids are non-cancerous growths which form from cells of the muscle of the uterus. They can be as large as a football or as small as a pea. Having fibroids does not increase the risk of getting cancer. If a fibroid or cluster of fibroids are is particularly large or is growing on the outside of the uterine wall it can push the uterus out of place. About 20% of women of childbearing age have fibroids but they are not usually found in women under 30 years of age. There is evidence that fibroids are associated with reduced fertility. Fibroids are also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in the 1st and 2nd trimester and an increased risk of premature delivery. They may also affect embryo implantation and should be removed before fertility treatment.
Unexplained Infertility Unexplained infertility, also known as idiopathic infertility refers to infertility where no cause has been found. However, the diagnosis is dependent on how extensive an investigation has been carried out: the more limited, the more likely the diagnosis will arise. At Delhi-IVF we carry out exhaustive diagnostic investigations before reaching the diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Often we are able to identify the cause of a couple’s infertility where other clinics have failed. Once we know what we are dealing with we then devise the best protocol to resolve the problem.

Male Factors

About 25% of infertility is caused by a sperm defect . Obstructions of the genital tract can cause infertility by partially or completely blocking the flow of seminal fluid.At Delhi-IVF we have two highly skilled consultant urologists who carry out both TESE (Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction) and PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration). Where there are few normal sperm we can isolate these and use ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) directly in to the egg.