Overall, one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors.
In fact, men and women are equally likely to have fertility problems. According to the Office on Women's Health , about one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to female infertility while men's problems account for another third of infertility cases.
Infertility affects one in every six couples who are trying to conceive. In at least half of all cases of infertility, a male factor is a major or contributing cause. This means that about 10% of all males in the United States who are attempting to conceive suffer from infertility.
Experts say male factor fertility issues are typically easier to treat than female factor issues, and preventive care can improve fertility for some men.
Infertility is defined as trying to get pregnant with frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year with no success. Infertility results from female factors about one-third of the time and both female and male factors about one-third of the time.
Infertility is commonly caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries). Some problems stop an egg being released at all, while others prevent an egg being released during some cycles but not others. Ovulation problems can be a result of: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
It refers to when a couple have been unable to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. About one in 6 Australian couples of reproductive age experiences fertility problems.
Age and Male Fertility
Peak male fertility is around 25-29 years old. Sperm quality begins to decline at 30. At 45, men begin to experience a significant decrease in semen volume. Older men can also take longer to conceive a child.
Another study that evaluated the relationship between age and semen parameters also concluded that male fertility decline begins at 35, and suggested that male fertility peaks between 30 and 35. Bottom line: Men generally see a decrease in fertility beginning at 35, and the decline progresses from there.
Male infertility can be caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors may contribute to male infertility.
Overall, one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors. To conceive a child, a man's sperm must combine with a woman's egg.
This man has fathered 98 children by offering a free "sex service". Yes, you read that right. Ed Houben, who's fathered almost 100 children.
About 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems. In one-third of infertile couples, the problem is with the man.
Men do not have a 'fertile window' because sperm is continually formed and stored in the testicles, ready to be used at any time. Graphic 1 shows when pregnancy is most likely to happen in people having sexual intercourse without contraception.
Men can produce sperm from puberty to a ripe old age and continue to father children as long as they do so. Women, on the other hand, have a limited fertile window. Past 51 – the average age of menopause – they cease to release any eggs and become infertile. Both men and women are delaying having children.
A woman's peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility (the ability to get pregnant) starts to decline. This decline becomes more rapid once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely for most women.
Experts say the best time to get pregnant is between your late 20s and early 30s. This age range is associated with the best outcomes for both you and your baby. One study pinpointed the ideal age to give birth to a first child as 30.5. Your age is just one factor that should go into your decision to get pregnant.
Although most men are able to have children well into their 50s and beyond, it becomes gradually more difficult after the age of 40 . There are many reasons for this, including: Sperm quality tends to decrease with age.
The average age of first-time mothers is 29.6 years, up more than a year from the previous decade. One of the biggest influences on that figure is the decline in teenage pregnancy. In 2010, 3.8 per cent of pregnancies were from teenagers. In 2020, it was less than half that.
Being overweight or underweight. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Health problems that cause hormonal changes, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency.
But male infertility and subfertility is very common. In fact, it affects one in 20 Australian men of reproductive age.
The Odds of Getting Pregnant
For most couples trying to conceive, the odds that a woman will become pregnant are 15% to 25% in any particular month.