Exploring the Top Causes of Infertility and How They Impact Fertility Treatments

Infertility is a deeply personal journey, and for many couples, it can be both emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s important to understand that infertility is not uncommon. If you are one of the nearly 27.5 million couples in India affected by infertility, you're not alone. Treatment options are more accessible than ever, especially in urban fertility hubs like Bangalore.. At Santaan IVF Bangalore, we believe that understanding the root causes of infertility is the first step toward successful conception.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top causes of infertility, how they affect both men and women, and how these factors can shape your infertility and treatment plans.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. For women over 35, this time frame is reduced to 6 months. Infertility affects both men and women almost equally and can be caused by a wide range of factors; many of which are treatable with proper diagnosis and care.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

• Ovulation Issues

  One of the leading fertility issues in women is irregular or absent ovulation. If the ovaries do not release an egg every month, conception cannot occur. This is often due to hormonal imbalances or conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

  PCOS and infertility: PCOS affects 1 in 5 Indian women of reproductive age, according to studies by AIIMS and FOGSI.

  Impact on treatment: Ovulation-inducing medications such as Clomiphene or Letrozole are often the first line of treatment.

• Endometriosis

  Endometriosis and conception issues arise when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Affecting 10%–15% of Indian women; It blocks fallopian tubes or affects egg quality, making it harder to conceive.

  Treatment impact: Laparoscopic surgery or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF may be needed for conception.

• Age and Fertility Decline

  Fertility in women naturally declines after the age of 35 due to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of eggs.

  Age and fertility decline is a major concern in urban areas like Bangalore, where many delay pregnancy due to career or lifestyle choices.

  Impact on treatment: Women above 35 are often advised to consider IVF earlier than younger patients.

• Thyroid Disorders

  Over 40 million Indians have thyroid dysfunction. Both underactive and overactive thyroid can affect ovulation and menstruation.

  Thyroid and fertility: A simple blood test can detect thyroid issues, and treatment often improves fertility outcomes.

• Unexplained Infertility

  Sometimes, despite all tests coming back normal, couples still struggle to conceive. This is known as unexplained infertility, and it accounts for 10%–20% of all infertility cases in India

  Impact on treatment: IVF or IUI is often recommended in such cases to improve the chances of conception, especially when combined with lifestyle modifications and effective stress management

  
  

Common Causes of Infertility in Men

• Low Sperm Count and Poor Sperm Quality

  Nearly 40% of infertility cases in India are linked to male factors. This might include low sperm count, slow motility (movement), or abnormal shape. These issues may stem from lifestyle, medical conditions, or even unknown causes.

  Treatment: Fertility treatments like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or lifestyle changes can help overcome these challenges.

• Varicocele

  A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum which is found in 15%–20% of Indian men. Affecting the sperm production and quality.

  Treatment: Surgical correction or IVF with ICSI is often recommended.

• Hormonal Imbalances

  Low testosterone or other hormonal disruptions can interfere with sperm production.

  Diagnosis: A hormone test helps identify imbalances, and medications or hormone therapy may be advised.

  
  

Lifestyle and External Factors Affecting Fertility

In cities like Bangalore, lifestyle-related factors affecting fertility are becoming more common due to fast-paced work culture and urban stress.

• Smoking and Alcohol

  Both reduce sperm count in men and affect egg quality in women.

• Obesity

  Excess weight disrupts hormone levels and ovulation. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can boost fertility outcomes.

• Environmental Toxins

  Exposure to industrial chemicals, radiation, and pollution can impact reproductive health in both genders. Bangalore’s rising air toxicity index has been linked to increasing fertility challenges.

  
  

Importance of Early Infertility Diagnosis

Early infertility diagnosis can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment. At Santaan IVF, we use advanced diagnostic tools such as:

• Hormone profiling

• Transvaginal ultrasound

• Semen analysis

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

The sooner you diagnose, the sooner you can plan effective treatment.

How Causes Impact Fertility Treatments

Each infertility cause has a direct effect on the choice of infertility and treatment strategy.

PCOS or Ovulation Problems → Ovulation induction or IVF

Tubal Blockages or Endometriosis → Laparoscopy or IVF

Male Factor Infertility → ICSI or sperm retrieval techniques

Advanced Maternal Age → Embryo freezing, IVF, or donor eggs

Unexplained Infertility → IUI or IVF with lifestyle support

When to See a Fertility Specialist

If you're trying to conceive and not seeing success within a year (or six months if over 35), it’s time to consult a specialist. At Santaan IVF, our experts in infertility treatment in Bangalore offer a compassionate, scientific, and holistic approach to fertility.

We also provide counseling and support to help couples manage the emotional stress that often comes with this journey.

Why Choose Santaan IVF?

Located in Bangalore, Santaan IVF offers:

• Board-certified fertility specialists with 10,000+ successful cases

• World-class labs for IVF, ICSI, and cryopreservation

• Affordable, transparent pricing with no hidden costs

• A full-spectrum approach—from diagnostics to emotional care

  
  

We focus not just on treatment, but also on education and empowerment, helping couples understand the causes of infertility and guiding them every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Infertility is not a dead end. With the right information and expert care, it is a challenge that can be overcome. Understanding the factors affecting fertility, both in men and women, plays a critical role in choosing the right path forward.

If you or your partner are facing fertility issues, don’t wait. Book a consultation with our specialists at Santaan IVF Bangalore today and take the first step towards starting your family.

Hope begins with a conversation. If you're dreaming of starting or growing your family, reach out to Santaan IVF, where expert care meets heartfelt support, and every step is taken with you.

Call us at +91 8105108416

Or visit www.santaan.in to schedule your appointment.