Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017

(WRDW/WAGT) -- A new study with Occupational and Environmental Medicine shows work schedules and physically demanding jobs hurt women's fertility. However, what else causes infertility, how is it diagnosed, and how can it be treated?

Infertility can occur in either the male or female. Female infertility accounts for 50% or one-third of all infertility cases, and is a common problem with women between the ages of 15 and 44.

Causes of male infertility include varicocele (when veins become enlarged inside your scrotum), low or absent sperm count, sperm damage or certain diseases.

Female infertility is caused by a number of factors including age, a hormone imbalance, a tumor or cyst, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, alcohol or drug use, thyroid gland problems, excess weight, stress, intense exercise that causes a significant loss in body fat, and extremely brief menstrual cycles. In addition, ovulation disorders, tubal blockage, uterine fibroids, and endometrial polyps can also cause female infertility.

In women, these tests could include a urinalysis or a blood test to check for infections or a hormone problem. A physician might also want to conduct a pelvic exam, breast exam, or an ultrasound of the reproductive organs.

In men, these tests would include looking at your medical history. A physician may also want to conduct a seminal analysis, a urinalysis, or an ultrasound of the reproductive organs.

In men, surgery and sperm retrieval techniques can be performed. Antibiotic treatment and hormone treatment can also treat infertility issues.

A physician may also recommend intrauterine insemination (a process where the sperm is washed and injected) or In Vitro Fertilization where eggs are collected and fertilized by sperm outside the body, and then inserted into a surrogate.

In women and men, this means taking steps to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, avoiding illicit drugs, avoid heavy or frequent alcohol use, avoid smoking, reduce stress, keeping your weight off, adopt good personal hygiene and health practices, and have annual checkups with your doctor once you're sexually active.

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What causes infertility and how can it be treated? - WRDW-TV

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