Causes of infertility include a wide range of physical, as well as emotional factors. Infertility can be due to a "male" factor such as decreased sperm count or no sperm, retrograde ejaculation, impotence, hormone deficiency, environmental pollutants, scarring from sexually-transmitted disease.

A "female" factor such as scarring from sexually-transmitted disease, ovulation dysfunction, poor nutrition, hormone imbalance, cysts or cancer of the ovaries or uterus, pelvic infection or tumor, or transport system abnormality from the cervix through the Fallopian tubes can also lead to infertility.

It is important that pregnancy be attempted after an extended period (at least one year);
Sperm is viable for about 48 hours. It is crucial for sperm to be present during the woman's most fertile time.

Risks for infertility

Mumps orchitis in men

Eating disorders in women

Abnormal menstrual cycles

Chronic disease such as diabetes

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the two most frequent causes of sexually transmitted diseases that lead to infertility.

Multiple sexual partners which increase the risk for STDs

Sexually-transmitted diseases

Past history of pelvic inflammatory disease

These diseases are often initially without symptoms until pelvic inflammatory disease or salpingitis develop. These inflammatory processes cause scarring of the Fallopian tubes and subsequently lead to decreased fertility, absolute infertility or and increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy.