January 25, 2008, Newsletter Issue #63: External Causes of Infertility

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Since infertility affects both men and women, it is reasonable that there are many different causes. The majority of these causes are internal, such as structural problems within the reproductive organs, while others are related to external factors.

Some of the more common external factors related to infertility include:

trauma to the genitals or pelvissurgical complications or incidentsacquired infectionschemicals or medicationsTrauma to the genital organs or pelvis can be caused by straddle injuries, car accidents or falls that result in pelvic fractures, kick injuries to the groin, assaults and even sports injuries. Injuries that can occur as a result of trauma, include, but may not be limited to:

torn or crushed ductsbruising, swelling and edema of the scrotum and testiclesnerve injuries from crushing of the groin tissueslacerations/tears of the external genitalia which can cause scarring and impede sexual relationslacerations/tears of the fallopian tubes or uterusstab or bullet injuries to the scrotum or uterusSurgical complications which can decrease fertility include:

accidental severing of pelvic nervesaccidental tearing or severing of blood vessels in the pelvis, leading to the reproductive organssurgery related scarring (adhesions) which cause blockages in tubes and ductspost-surgical infections of the internal genital organshemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding) which results in emergent removal of reproductive organsAcquired infections can include:

sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea which can cause scarring, inflammation and tissue deathperitonitis - infection in the abdominal/pelvic cavity usually following surgery or rupture of an organ (appendix)pelvic inflammatory disease, in women, which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubesurethritis - infection of the urethra usually in men, which can cause erectile problems Chemical or medication causes of infertility can include: exposure to heavy metals or environmental poisons, and some prescription medications such as high blood pressure medication, antidepressants and narcotics, all of which can effect libido, erection, sperm and ova production and the ability to carry a fetus to term.

Though the internal causes of infertility may be more numerous, we cannot forget to examine the external causes, as well, to best assess and address infertility. Talk to your Infertility Specialist about other causes of infertility and the best way to treat them.

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