{"id":39554,"date":"2025-06-23T12:57:40","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T10:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/signs-you-cant-get-pregnant-main-causes-of-infertility\/"},"modified":"2025-11-13T17:24:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T16:24:26","slug":"main-causes-of-infertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/","title":{"rendered":"Signs you can\u2019t get pregnant: main causes of infertility"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Infertility in today\u2019s society has become a problem that is more than just common. But do we know why? Approximately\u00a0<strong>30% of the cases of infertility are associated with female-related issues<\/strong>, and another\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/the-male-factor-represents-35-of-primary-infertility-cases\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>30% with male\u2011related issues<\/strong><\/a>. The remainder of cases are due to situations in which both members of the couple present a problem, in addition to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/unexplained-infertility\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>\u2018unexplained infertility\u2019<\/strong><\/a>: i.e. women or couples who do not seemingly present any issues after having undergone the testing and necessary medical investigations studies, but who are not able to successfully conceive.<\/p>\n<p>Going into more detail regarding the causes that prevent pregnancy or make conception more difficult, today\u00a0<strong>we are going to talk to you about the main causes of infertility<\/strong>\u00a0that can affect both men and women.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Tabla de contenidos<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #3f3f3f;color:#3f3f3f\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #3f3f3f;color:#3f3f3f\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Main_causes_of_female_infertility\" >Main causes of female infertility<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Age_of_the_female_when_entering_into_motherhood\" >Age of the female when entering into motherhood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Endometriosis\" >Endometriosis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Ovarian_factor\" >Ovarian factor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Tubal_factor\" >Tubal factor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Uterine_factor\" >Uterine factor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Genetics\" >Genetics<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Main_causes_of_men_infertility\" >Main causes of men infertility<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Abnormal_sperm\" >Abnormal sperm<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Varicocele\" >Varicocele<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Blocked_tubes\" >Blocked tubes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Environmental_factors\" >Environmental factors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/main-causes-of-infertility\/#Age_and_infertility\" >Age and infertility<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_causes_of_female_infertility\"><\/span>Main causes of female infertility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When discussing the reasons behind female infertility, there are very specific and well-identified causes which make it difficult for women to conceive when they decide to start trying. Keep reading and we will tell you what they are.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Age_of_the_female_when_entering_into_motherhood\"><\/span>Age of the female when entering into motherhood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/how-does-age-impact-male-fertility\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>age of the female at the time she decides to try conceiving<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is by far the\u00a0<strong>most important point<\/strong>\u00a0on this list.<\/p>\n<p>Postponing maternity until later in life is becoming increasingly more frequent. Difficulties finding a partner, making our careers a priority, financial stability and difficulties finding a work\u2011life balance have all undoubtedly caused the average age of first\u2011time mothers to rise over the age of 30. The\u00a0<strong>average age of motherhood<\/strong>\u00a0in Spain has only risen. In 1980 the average age was just 28 years old. By 2014 it had risen to about 32 years old. At present, 33% of children born in Spain are to women over the age of 35 \u2013 an age at which fertility is not optimal. Actually, even more than simply not being an optimal age,\u00a0<strong>35 is the age at which female fertility begin to decline<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Endometriosis\"><\/span>Endometriosis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/endometriosis-and-fertility-everything-you-need-to-know-if-you-want-to-become-a-mother\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>What is endometriosis?<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0It\u00a0is a condition that causes endometrial tissue (the tissue which lines the inside of the uterus), to grow outside of the uterus. Its growth normally spreads through the ovaries and fallopian tubes by forming adhesions and cysts that can then lead to malfunctions of the female reproductive system. Endometriosis can also cause a decline in ovarian reserve.<\/p>\n<p>Between\u00a0<strong>30% and 50% of women who suffer from this condition deal with infertility<\/strong>. This is a very high percentage if we take into account that endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of childbearing age.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ovarian_factor\"><\/span>Ovarian factor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When fertility issues concern the ovaries it is usually a case of\u00a0<strong>lack of ovulation or very irregular ovulation<\/strong>. This normally occurs due to hormone imbalances. In this section we can also highlight cases of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/premature-menopause-and-how-its-related-to-female-infertility\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>premature menopause<\/strong><\/a>, poor egg quality and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/can-i-get-pregnant-if-i-have-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">polycystic ovarian syndrome<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>These are cases that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/our-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>our team of medical specialists<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0treat daily at URE Centro Gutenberg, all presenting different prognoses and different solutions concerning female fertility.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tubal_factor\"><\/span>Tubal factor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/fallopian-tube-obstruction-fertility-solutions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>When talking about tubal factor infertility<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0we are referring to situations in which the\u00a0<strong>fallopian tubes<\/strong>\u00a0do not function properly, either due to obstruction, malformations, surgical removal or lack of permeability\/flexibility which can all lead to the dreaded female infertility.<\/p>\n<p>These are very common cases which may not present any outward symptoms, and they also have a good prognosis thanks to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/in-vitro-fertilisation-icsi-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>In Vitro Fertilisation treatment<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uterine_factor\"><\/span>Uterine factor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The uterus is the organ responsible for pregnancy. The ovaries produce eggs which travel through the fallopian tubes. Once an egg leaves the ovary it can be fertilised by a spermatozoid and implant in the wall of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to provide a home for the fertilised egg and offer it the optimal conditions so that the embryo can continue to develop.<\/p>\n<p>For all of the above to occur you can imagine\u00a0<strong>the importance of the uterus<\/strong>\u00a0when it comes to female fertility and why certain problems associated with the uterus can have a negative impact on conception.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Genetics\"><\/span>Genetics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Genetics is also important when talking about female infertility. We are referring to\u00a0<strong>genetic abnormalities<\/strong>\u00a0in the eggs that, in many cases,\u00a0<strong>can lead to<\/strong>\u00a0miscarriage and even turn into cases of what is known as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/recurrent-pregnancy-loss-what-to-do-when-spontaneous-miscarriage-becomes-a-pattern\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>repeated or recurrent miscarriage<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>These genetic problems can be caused by the advanced age of the woman or by other causes such as hereditary genetic abnormalities. These are complex cases which may require highly advanced techniques such as\u00a0<strong>Pre\u2011implantation Genetic Diagnosis<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/egg-donation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>treatment with donor eggs<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_causes_of_men_infertility\"><\/span>Main causes of men infertility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although it is very common for the cause of infertility to be attributed to the female \u2011most commonly due to age\u2011, we must remember that conceiving a baby always takes two people and that\u00a0<strong>there can also be male\u2011related problems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Here we will review the main causes that complicate conception due to problems associated with males.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Abnormal_sperm\"><\/span>Abnormal sperm<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some men may have a low sperm count in the ejaculate or may present sperm with reduce motility, defects in their morphology, etc. These problems, which can be detected with a simple test<a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/how-to-interpret-a-sperm-analysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>\u00a0(sperm study)<\/strong><\/a>, can prevent a female\u2019s egg from becoming fertilised and therefore\u00a0<strong>must be taken into consideration<\/strong>\u00a0when a couple is having issues conceiving naturally.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Varicocele\"><\/span>Varicocele<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/male-infertility-common-illnesses-that-can-cause-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Varicocele<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is dilation of the veins that drain blood from the testicles: it can be compared to a varicose vein. This dilation causes the temperature of the testicles to rise, thus leading to decreased sperm production and quality, and in turn, a decline in male fertility.<\/p>\n<p>Due to male anatomy, varicocele is\u00a0<strong>more commonly observed in the left testicle<\/strong>. The\u00a0<strong>incidence of varicocele in the general population is 10%<\/strong>. In males with abnormal sperm analysis results its prevalence can reach 25%, and it is observed in up to 40% of infertile men.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blocked_tubes\"><\/span>Blocked tubes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Obstructions in the ducts through which sperm travel can cause a\u00a0<strong>partial or total blockage<\/strong>\u00a0at the site where semen exit the body. Some of these abnormalities may be congenital (present at birth), or acquired (due to infections, scars from surgery on the urogenital tract, etc.).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Environmental_factors\"><\/span>Environmental factors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Lifestyle has a direct impact on the quantity and quality<\/strong>\u00a0of the sperm that men produce. This is especially true if a man consumes great amounts of alcohol, tobacco or drugs: substance abuse can almost be considered a direct passport to male infertility (<a href=\"https:\/\/fertilityclinicspain.com\/what-is-study-male-fertility\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>in this article<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0we discuss the\u00a0<strong>bad habits you should avoid<\/strong>\u00a0if you want to become a father).<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, contact with aggressive chemical substances (for example fertilisers), can be harmful and also directly affect male fertility.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Age_and_infertility\"><\/span>Age and infertility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As we mentioned earlier,\u00a0<strong>age is the most important prognostic factor for females in terms of fertility and conception<\/strong>. For males this concept is not so clear, although it is known that sperm count and motility can begin to decline after the age of 45, and that by the age of 60 the testicles become smaller in size.<\/p>\n<p>These aspects lead us to believe that fertility also decreases as males age, though later in life than for women, so this point should not be disregarded.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you have been trying to get pregnant for some time but have not been successful, you may be wondering\u00a0<strong>if it is time to consider assisted reproduction treatment to become a parent<\/strong>. If this is your case, do not hesitate to contact us.<\/p>\n<p>At URE Centro Gutenberg we will offer you all the advice and assistance you need from professionals who have years of experience.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Request your appointment online with URE<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or call us on\u00a0<a href=\"tel:0034 952 122 565\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>0034 952 122 565<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and we\u2019ll be happy to help you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Infertility in today\u2019s society has become a problem that is more than just common. But do we know why? Approximately\u00a030% of the cases of infertility are associated with female-related issues, and another\u00a030% with male\u2011related issues. The remainder of cases are due to situations in which both members of the couple present a problem, in addition [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":38131,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[497,501],"tags":[559,511,512,529,531,518,507,508,502,520,513,541,509,510,506,515],"class_list":["post-39554","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fertility-problems","category-lifestyle-and-fertility-en","tag-age","tag-assisted-reproduction-clinic-in-algeciras","tag-assisted-reproduction-clinic-in-malaga","tag-causes-of-infertility","tag-fertility","tag-fertility-clinic","tag-fertility-clinic-in-algeciras","tag-fertility-clinic-in-malaga","tag-fertility-treatments","tag-fertility-treatments-in-algeciras","tag-fertility-treatments-in-malaga","tag-infertility","tag-ivf-clinic-in-algeciras","tag-ivf-clinic-in-malaga","tag-pregnancy","tag-reproductive-treatments"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39554","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39554"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39554\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39733,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39554\/revisions\/39733"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urecentrogutenberg.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}