Fertivision
Clarity & Confidence on Your Fertility Journey
What Affects Fertility?
When it comes to starting or growing a family, understanding what influences fertility can help you make informed decisions, without fear or confusion.
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Across the world, experts estimate that about 1 in every 6 people of reproductive age can experience difficulty conceiving naturally at some point in their lives. This is a significant number, and it reflects how common fertility challenges actually are.
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In India, studies suggest that around 10–14% of couples face difficulty conceiving, meaning millions of families are navigating this journey every year.
These figures only scratch the surface. Fertility is shaped by many interconnected factors, including medical conditions affecting eggs, sperm, or reproductive organs, hormonal changes, everyday lifestyle habits, and environmental influences.
Understanding Female Fertility Factors
Ovulation Disorders : These are among the most common causes of fertility challenges in women. They include hormonal imbalances, for example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction, that prevent regular egg release.
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Endometriosis : Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which can interfere with ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation.
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Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes : Scar tissue from infections (like untreated STIs), surgeries, or inflammatory disorders can block the path between the ovary and uterus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
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Uterine or Cervical Issues : Structural or anatomical problems, such as uterine fibroids, significant adhesions, or cervical mucus problems, can make it harder for sperm to travel or for an embryo to implant.
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Hormonal Imbalances : Abnormalities in reproductive hormones (not just PCOS), including high prolactin or thyroid problems, can disrupt ovulation and menstrual regularity.
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Premature Ovarian Failure / Diminished Ovarian Reserve : When ovarian function declines earlier than expected, including reduced egg quality or number, it can significantly reduce fertility.
Health Conditions That Impact Men’s Fertility
Low Sperm Count or Poor Sperm Quality : Low sperm numbers, poor movement (motility), or abnormal shape (morphology) make it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise the egg.
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Varicocele : Enlargement of veins in the scrotum can increase testicular temperature and reduce sperm production and quality.
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Blockages or Anatomical Problems : Obstructions in the reproductive tract, such as ejaculatory duct obstruction, can prevent semen from being released normally.
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Hormonal Disorders : Conditions like hypogonadism or other endocrine imbalances can affect testosterone and other hormones essential for sperm production.
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Undescended Testicles & Genetic Conditions : Conditions such as undescended testicles or genetic abnormalities (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, Y‑chromosome microdeletions) can impair sperm formation.
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Infections & Immune Factors : Infections (e.g., mumps after puberty, sexually transmitted infections) and immune responses (e.g., antisperm antibodies) can damage reproductive organs or interfere with sperm function.
​Unexplained Causes
In a significant number of cases (about one‑third), no clear cause is found even after thorough evaluation. These are classified as “unexplained fertility challenges.”
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Important Note : Medical causes of fertility issues vary widely and often overlap. In many cases, couples will have a combination of factors contributing to delayed conception. Evaluations typically include hormone testing, imaging, semen analysis, and other targeted assessments to identify treatable conditions and inform personalised care plans.
Lifestyle and Health Influencers
Modern life affects fertility in subtle ways. Diet, sleep patterns, body weight, stress, and activity levels can all play a role. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders are also increasingly common and can impact ovulation and fertility.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact both egg and sperm quality. In men, smoking and alcohol use are linked to reduced sperm count, motility, and abnormal sperm shape (morphology). In women, these can interfere with ovulation and hormonal balance.
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While lifestyle alone doesn’t determine fertility outcomes, it interacts with biological processes in meaningful ways.
Environmental Elements
Emerging research shows that environmental factors, including air quality and pollution exposure, can influence reproductive health and the success of fertility treatments, though this is still being actively studied. (For example, global studies have linked pollution exposure to reduced rates of live birth in some IVF cases.)
Nutrition and General Well‑Being
Recent health data highlights a broader issue affecting many young Indian women: more than 40% experience a mix of anaemia and nutrient deficiencies, conditions that can affect overall health and reproductive well‑being, often without overt symptoms.
The result of these many factors is a complex fertility picture that varies from person to person. It’s not just one cause or one solution, it’s about understanding your body, your health history, and the way different influences can interact over time.