What is Infertility?
Approximately 85% of couples will achieve pregnancy naturally within one year of trying. Only an additional 7% will conceive during their second year. Clinically, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or after 6 months if the female partner is age 35 or older).
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM):
Ovulation, tubal blockages, endometriosis, or uterine abnormalities.
Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, or delivery issues.
Dual contributing factors or unexplained fertility challenges (15%).
Primary Causes of Female Infertility
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Hormonal imbalance causing irregular or absent ovulation, insulin resistance, and elevated male hormones. Managed effectively with The Infertility Diet™ and targeted protocols.
Learn About PCOS CareDiminished Ovarian Reserve
Age-related or premature decline in egg quantity and quality. Evaluated via AMH & Antral Follicle Count (AFC) ultrasound testing.
Explore Ovarian Reserve ScienceBlocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes
Pelvic inflammatory disease, prior surgeries, or tubal damage prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or prevent embryo migration to the uterus.
Endometriosis & Pelvic Adhesions
Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus causes pelvic inflammation, scarring, and anatomical distortions affecting eggs and embryos.
Uterine Submucosal Fibroids & Polyps
While 40% of women have fibroids, submucosal fibroids that distort the uterine cavity significantly reduce embryo implantation rates.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve & Thyroid Disorders
Low AMH levels or hyper/hypothyroidism alter reproductive hormone pathways and egg availability.
Primary Causes of Male Infertility
Male fertility factors are evaluated through a comprehensive semen analysis measuring sperm concentration, motility (movement), morphology (shape), volume, and viscosity:
- Sperm Production & Delivery Problems: Azoospermia (absence of sperm), oligospermia (low sperm count), or retrograde ejaculation.
- Varicocele & Physical Blockages: Swollen veins in the scrotum that heat testicles and impair sperm health.
- Cancer & Radiation Treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation targeting pelvic regions.
- Environmental Toxins & Substances: Overexposure to heavy metals, radiation, pesticides, or excessive use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or anabolic steroids.
Age and Infertility
According to CDC data, first-time births for women ages 35–39 increased by 39%, and births for women ages 40–44 experienced a four-fold increase over recent decades.
A woman is born with her lifetime supply of eggs. Ovarian reserve and egg quality naturally decline over time, with the rate of decline accelerating after age 30, and even more rapidly after age 35.
- Higher incidence of chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome).
- Increased risk of early miscarriage.
- Higher risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
If you are age 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months without success, prompt consultation with Dr. Sharara is strongly advised.
Ready to discover answers about your fertility?
Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Sharara at VCRM in Reston, VA.