Causes of Sterility

Sterility, commonly referred to as infertility, is defined as an individual’s inability to conceive a child after actively trying for a period of at least one year. Sterility can affect both men and women, with the underlying cause being present in one or both parties.

Causes of male sterility

• Infection: Some infections inhibit the male's ability to produce healthy sperm and block the passage of the sperm through the penis. These infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, prostatis, mumps orchitis, urinary tract infections and other infections within the reproductive organs.




• Inability to ejaculate: Some men, particularly those with spinal cord injuries, are unable to ejaculate even though they still produce healthy sperm.




• Celiac disease: This is a digestive disorder that effects individuals with gluten sensitivities. After adopting a gluten-free diet, fertility may improve.




• Certain types of medication: Medications including testosterone replacement therapy, cancer medications, long-term anabolic use and some ulcer medications can cause reproductive issues in men.

Causes of female sterility

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally grows inside the uterus implants and grows in other locations.




• Polycystic ovary syndrome: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that results in the overproduction of male hormones due to complex changes that occur in the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary.




• Damage to the fallopian tubes: Damage is caused within the fallopian tubes due to inflammation resulting from chlamydia or gonorrhea, previous abdominal surgery or a previous ectopic pregnancy.




• Premature ovarian failure: This is a disorder that is generally caused by a preexisting autoimmune response where the body mistakenly attacks ovarian tissues.