Causes of Infertility in Women Over 40

Many articles discusses the causes of infertility in women over 40, and women in general but according to the U.S. Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, about one-third of infertility is caused by something in the woman, one-third is caused by something in the man, and the remaining one-third is caused by a combination of both or unexplained factors.

Much of the focus is placed on the woman's body, whether it is an ovulation issue, blockage in the fallopian tube, or complications with implantation of the fertilized egg, but not much is mentioned on the causes of infertility in men.

Here is a brief overview on what may cause infertility in men:
1. The veins on the man's testicles is too large causing the testicles to have a high temperature. The heat can affect how the sperm is shaped and the quantity of sperm. This condition is called "varicocele." (Office on Women's Health)
2. Small sperm count or no sperm count at all.
3. A lot of attention is given to the sperm count and it is obvious as to why. However, how sperm moves is just as an important factor as well. Shape of sperm can influence the movement and if the man has had an injury to the reproductive system, an undesirable affect can occur on the man's ability to reproduce.
4. If a man is born with a condition that negatively influences sperm count or movement, infertility can result.
5. Infertility may happen as a man grows older due to illness or injury. In fact, it is not uncommon for men afflicted with cystic fibrosis (CF) end up infertile. (Office on Women's Health)

Sperm can be influenced by a man's health and lifestyle as well. There are a number of factors that can affect the health of the sperm and the number. The Office of Women's Health lists heavy alcohol, drugs, smoking cigarettes, age, environmental toxins including pesticides and lead, health problems such as mumps, serious conditions like kidney disease or hormone problems. The Office of Women's Health also include medicines the man may take and radiation treatment and chemotherapy for cancer.

This gives a broad overview of what can happen to a man that may cause his infertility. To be sure, a woman and her partner should seek medical help to determine the best course of treatment if pregnancy is sought and desired.

Getting pregnant is possible and many women have successfully brought a baby into this world. Keep an open mind and keep yourself as healthy as possible. To learn more about curing infertility in women, please take a moment to read this article and please visit pregnancyover40.tumblr.com for more information. Good luck and don't lose hope.