CRESCO, Iowa — Infertility affects millions of individuals and couples around the world, yet many people still misunderstand what it truly means. In the first part of this special three-part series, Dr. Randall Bremner, a board-certified gynecologist based in Cresco, Iowa, addresses some of the most common myths and explains the key causes of infertility.
Infertility Isn’t Just a “Women’s Problem”
One of the biggest misconceptions about infertility is that it only affects women. In truth, infertility is evenly split—about 30% of cases are due to female factors, another 30% to male factors, and the remaining 40% are either unexplained or caused by issues in both partners.
“People often think of infertility as a female issue, but men are just as likely to be the cause,” said Dr. Bremner.
Stress Isn’t the Cause—and Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Always Enough
Another widespread belief is that stress causes infertility. While high stress levels can impact a person’s overall health, there is no direct link showing that stress alone causes infertility.
Likewise, lifestyle improvements such as diet changes or exercise can be helpful, but they aren’t a cure-all. Many infertility cases stem from underlying medical conditions that require professional diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after trying regularly for an extended period—usually one year for couples under 35, and six months for those over 35.
Understanding the Causes: Female Factors
For women, hormone imbalances are often at the root of infertility. Disorders that affect ovulation—like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—can disrupt the regular release of eggs. Thyroid problems, whether the gland is overactive or underactive, can also interfere with ovulation.
Structural issues such as blocked fallopian tubes or abnormalities in the uterus may prevent fertilization or implantation. Another common condition, endometriosis, causes uterine tissue to grow outside the uterus, which can lead to scarring and reduce fertility. Infections can also damage reproductive organs and make it harder to conceive.
Male Factors in Infertility
For men, infertility often relates to problems with sperm. Low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or blockages in the reproductive tract can make conception difficult. Environmental exposures—such as contact with toxins, long-term heat exposure (like hot tubs), or radiation—can also lower sperm health.
Other Contributing Factors
Age plays a major role in fertility for both men and women. As people age, the quality and quantity of sperm and eggs decline. Lifestyle choices like smoking, heavy drinking, and being significantly overweight or underweight can also negatively affect reproductive health.
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