Causes of female infertility
One frequent cause of hormone-related female infertility is PCO syndrome. This can be diagnosed by means of an ultrasound examination or through hormone testing. Mild hormonal support, fertility treatment or – in rare cases – an operation can usually facilitate a pregnancy.
In this case, the endometrium is growing outside of the uterine cavity. Endometriosis can impair fertility due to adhesions or through functional impairment of the fallopian tubes and/or the ovaries. Even a minor case of endometriosis can complicate the process of egg cell maturation and subsequently the implantation of the embryo in the uterus. After a detailed consultation and a gynecological examination, we will work with you to determine the best way for you to fulfill your wish for a child. An operation is not always required!
If the fallopian tubes are damaged or fully closed off, the sperm cells cannot reach the egg cell or the fertilized egg cell cannot find its way into the uterine cavity. Possible causes could be inflammation, prior tubal pregnancies, operations or endometriosis. In vitro fertilization can still enable you to achieve a pregnancy.
Fibroids (growths of muscle tissue in the uterus), polyps, or congenital malformations of the uterus are far from rare and can be a cause of continuing infertility or recurrent miscarriages. Scarring, occlusions in the cervix, or an improperly formed endometrium can make pregnancy more difficult.
After a careful exploration of the issues, we will discuss your treatment options with you. In this case as well, there is still a good chance you can become pregnant.
A rare malfunction of one’s own immune system can cause the sperm cells or the embryo to be treated as foreign bodies. This can prevent implantation or the development of a pregnancy.
We can counteract this issue with appropriate treatment.
A great many hormones must be in proper balance in order for the embryo to implant in the womb and develop properly. An imbalance in this area can negatively influence the necessary processes. After a detailed diagnosis, we can compensate for this by administering the appropriate hormones.
Examinations for women
Hormones are critical to fertility. For this reason, we analyze a blood sample for all hormones involved in reproduction at the start of the cycle (2nd to 5th day) as the basis for drawing conclusions regarding a possible treatment.
An ultrasound examination supplies important information about the uterus, endometrium, and ovaries. Fibroids, endometrial polyps, or ovarian cysts can be detected in this way. Over the course of the cycle, it is also possible to observe the maturation of the ovarian follicles and the growth of the endometrium.
A special and largely painless diagnostic procedure called hystero-salpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy) makes it possible to examine the fallopian tubes for obstructions via ultrasound.
The examination of the fallopian tubes can also take place within the context of a laparoscopy or by means of a radiological examination (HSG) at an x-ray facility.
A chronic inflammation reaction of the endometrium or an over-reactive immune system (e.g. due to an elevated number of “natural killer cells”) in the uterus can lead to a disruption of implantation or to miscarriages. These issues can be investigated by taking samples of the endometrium. If abnormalities are discovered, options exist for responding with appropriate treatment.
In addition to routine analysis of the hormones, additional blood analysis can be helpful in some cases. This includes, for example, investigation of the coagulation system as well as genetic or immunological analyses.
- Hysteroscopy (imaging of the uterus) enables an examination of all internal structures of the uterus. This permits malformations of the uterus as well as disruptive fibroids or alterations of the endometrium to be identified and removed, if necessary.
- Laparoscopy (imaging of the abdomen) reveals an accurate picture of the inside of the abdomen. For example, adhesions, cysts, and endometrial implants as well as fibroids can be evaluated in this way and removed, if necessary. It is also possible to examine the fallopian tubes for blockages.
Causes of male infertility
Varicose veins produce heat, which disrupts sperm production. Even a temperature difference of just 0.5°C can negatively impact the sperm quality. In consultation with your urologist, an operation can be considered in such cases.
In this case, the testes remain permanently or intermittently in the groin rather than migrating into the scrotum. In this position, normal body heat can disrupt sperm production. This condition should be corrected surgically as soon as possible in childhood.
If the body produces too few sexual hormones, this can reduce or entirely prevent sperm production. In consultation with your urologist, there are ways to counteract such a hormonal imbalance.
Nicotine and alcohol can negatively influence sperm quality – as can anabolic steroids, excess caffeine consumption, energy drinks, and certain chemicals (e.g. pesticides). Stress, diabetes mellitus, overweight, and many other factors can also play a role. We would be happy to advise you on these topics.
For example, a case of the mumps during or after puberty can cause irreversible damage to the tissue of the testes.
Examinations for men
This involves examining the seminal fluid under a microscope (for quantity, shape, and motility of the sperm cells). A microbiological investigation may also be conducted if there are indications of an infection.
If a spermiogram reveals abnormalities, a urologist should be consulted for an examination of the testes, epididymis, and prostate.
If the quality of the sperm is significantly compromised, it may be advisable to take blood sample in order to rule out genetic causes.