Little Known Causes of Infertility

There’s no denying it: Infertility can feel frustrating — especially when the reasons behind it are unclear. While conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or low sperm count are widely recognized as potential sources of infertility, several less common factors can also impact fertility. 

Pinpointing the root cause is your first step toward growing your family, and that’s where we can help. Read on as we share five little-known causes of infertility and how our team of board-certified urologists at Bellingham Urology Group can help you overcome fertility challenges.

How common is infertility?

Infertility is common; up to 15% of couples struggle with infertility after 12 months of trying to conceive. 

About 33% of infertility is due to male infertility, another 33% is due to female infertility, and the final 33% is either unclear or due to male and female infertility. 

5 little-known causes of infertility

Beyond the well-known causes of fertility, it’s a good idea to explore all potential sources of infertility, even the lesser known and less common ones.

You and your partner might struggle to conceive if:

1. You have undiagnosed thyroid issues

Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) affect male and female fertility. For women, it can disrupt the menstrual cycle and make conception more difficult. 

Thyroid issues can also contribute to sperm issues. For example, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can both contribute to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. 

Hypothyroidism can also cause a decrease in testosterone levels, and that alone can impact your reproductive system.

Unfortunately, thyroid issues often go undiagnosed until fertility challenges arise.  

2. The fallopian tubes are blocked from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Because conception takes place in the fallopian tube, any blockages here mean that the egg and sperm can’t meet. 

Endometriosis and fibroids are two common sources of blockages, but they aren’t the only ones. Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a condition that may lead to scarring or blockages in the fallopian tubes. 

3. You have an immune system disorder

Sometimes, the immune system can mistakenly attack sperm. Conditions like immune infertility or the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in either men or women can contribute to unexplained infertility.  

4. Environmental toxins cause egg or sperm issues

Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or endocrine disruptors in plastics, can affect egg and sperm quality. These toxins can damage DNA or alter hormone levels and contribute to fertility challenges.  

5. You cycle vigorously 

Biking can potentially reduce sperm count. Prolonged cycling, particularly on hard or narrow seats, may compress your perineum, the area between the genitals and anus. 

This compression can reduce blood flow to the testes, increase scrotal temperature, and potentially harm sperm production.

The good news here, though, is that there’s gear to help with this potential problem. Men concerned about their fertility can minimize risks by using padded bike seats, wearing padded shorts, adjusting their riding position, and taking breaks during long rides. 

What to do if you’re struggling with infertility

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it’s important to seek help from a fertility specialist here at Bellingham Urology Group. They can assess both common and uncommon causes of infertility and tailor a treatment plan for you. 

With the right approach, many of these issues can be managed once you’ve pinned down the root cause.

For couples under the age of 35, consider this step once you’ve tried to conceive without success for 12 consecutive months. For couples over 35, consider scheduling a fertility consultation if you’ve been trying to conceive without success for six months.

How Bellingham Urology Group can help

Our team offers several options to help couples struggling with infertility. Depending on the source of your infertility, we may recommend: 

• Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation or swapping out tight pants for looser ones
• Hormone medications to boost sperm production and fertility
• Sex therapy to help with premature ejaculation 
• Assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection 
• Surgery 

When possible, our team prioritizes minimally invasive surgical techniques. 

Don’t let infertility define your future! Whether you’re interested in assisted reproductive technology or addressing anatomical issues that contribute to male infertility, we’ve got your back.

Call 360-714-3402 to speak with our friendly team and schedule your appointment at our Bellingham or Mount Vernon, Washington, location. You can also use our online form to book an appointment easily.