Possible problems and fetility statistics
Our knowledge of the human reproductive system and the hormones which control it, teach us also what can go wrong. (See also the
causes in men and the
causes in women):- Defective hormone production in the brain;
- Defective hormone production in the reproductive organs;
- Insufficient production of sperm cells;
- Poor quality of sperm;
- Problems related to the ripening process of egg cells;
- Insufficient supply of eggs, or absence of eggs, poor quality of eggs;
- Obstructions in the path of the sperm within the male reproductive system;
- Patency of the fallopian tubes;
- Incorrect timing or location of the unity between sperm and egg;
- Implantation problems of the embryo.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fertility problems affect 8-10% of the world population. In real figures, this is between 50-80 million people, approximately 2 million additional cases per year.
A worldwide WHO examination of 5,700 couples established that 41% of the cases were down to fertility problems in the woman, 27% in the man and 32% in both the man and the woman.
Other studies over the years have aimed at establishing the precise roots of fertility problems and have produced the following statistics:
| 30% |
| 22% |
| 17% |
| 5% |
unexplained infertility | 14% |
other (immunological, genetic etc.) | 12% |
When considering the figures, it is important to keep in mind that the fertility of a couple depends on factors in both partners. A less fertile man can for example be able to have fathered children with his first fully fertile partner, whilst with his second, less fertile partner, conception cannot be achieved, because she maybe has egg cells of a lesser quality, or her fallopian tubes are less patent.
Just because one or the other partner has previously been able to produce a child, does not automatically mean that they are perfectly fertile.
During the first consultation at the CRG, the doctor will talk with the couple in order to establish which investigations will be necessary for which partner. There will be a number of investigations for both partners anyway, because in reality, fertility problems are caused by a whole range of factors.
Each investigation is designed to identify the particular fertility problem that you have, in order to determine the best method of treatment.