Symptoms of Sterility Disease, it causes and treatment Options

Sterility Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Sterility disease refers to the inability to conceive a biological child naturally. It is a condition affecting either the male or female reproductive system and is typically diagnosed when a couple has been unable to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. The causes of sterility disease can be related to male factors, female factors, or sometimes remain unexplained.

This guide provides a detailed overview of sterility disease, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and more. Read ahead for more insight.

What are the Symptoms of Sterility Disease?

Here are some symptoms of sterility disease:

• Inability to conceive after regular, unprotected sex
• Sexual issues like low libido, ejaculation problems, and erectile dysfunction
• Low sperm count in men
• Irregular or absent periods in women
• Hormonal changes, such as reduced body and facial hair in men
• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicles
• Frequent respiratory infections (genetic link)
• Poor or absent sense of smell (linked to rare syndromes)
• Breast tissue growth in men (gynecomastia)
• Hair thinning or loss in men due to hormonal/chromosomal issues

What are the Causes of Sterility Disease?

Below are some of the key causes of sterility identified in both women and men:

1. Female Sterility Causes

One of the leading contributors to infertility symptoms in women is ovulation dysfunction, when the ovaries fail to release an egg regularly. This disrupts the natural process of fertilization. The following are the causes of female sterility:

• Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in areas outside the uterus.
• Past sterilization procedures include tubal ligation or fallopian tube removal.
   
• Structural abnormalities affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, or vagina.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or celiac disease.
• Blood disorders or chronic kidney conditions.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that disrupts regular ovulation and hormonal balance.
• Hormonal imbalances are caused by dysfunctions in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
• Decreased egg quality or premature ovarian failure.
• Imbalances caused by thyroid disorders.
• Inherited or chromosomal conditions.
• Issues with sexual function.
• Growths such as uterine fibroids or polyps.
• Irregular or absent menstruation patterns.
• Being born without ovaries or having them surgically removed.

2. Male Sterility Causes

In men, sterility is most often related to issues with sperm, whether it is a low count, poor motility, or abnormal shape. Additional male-related causes of sterility include:

• Sexual health problems include erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, or premature ejaculation.
• Varicoceles, or swollen veins within the scrotum, may impact sperm production.
• Hormonal problems or chromosomal conditions.
• Genetic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis.
• Overheating of the testicles from habits like wearing tight clothing, using hot tubs often, or placing hot objects near the groin area is a minor risk.
• Physical trauma to the testicles or scrotum.
• Absence of testicles due to surgery or birth defects.
• Surgical sterilization procedures include vasectomy.
• Use of anabolic steroids for muscle building.
• Undescended testicles during childhood.
• Previous treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

What are the Risk Factors of Sterility Disease?

Being aware of these risks can support better reproductive planning and healthcare decisions. Here are the risk factors for sterility disease:

1. Risk Factors for Women

Common risk factors for women include:

• Age over 30
• Endometriosis
• Chronic conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Smoking, alcohol, or toxin exposure
• Abnormal body weight
• In-utero exposure to estrogen-like drugs
• Recurrent miscarriages
• History of STIs
• Fallopian tube disorders
• Uterine fibroids or abnormalities

2. Risk Factors for Men

The following are the risk factors for men:

• Prostate issues or STIs
• Exposure to radiation, chemicals, or fumes
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Prior hernia surgery
• Undescended testicles
• Opioid or hormone-disrupting medications
• Mumps after puberty
• Genetic or congenital conditions

How is Sterility Disease Diagnosed?

One can perform sterility diagnosis in  the following ways:

1. Diagnostic Tests for Women

• Ovulation Evaluation: A blood test assesses hormone levels and determines whether ovulation is occurring as expected.
• Thyroid Screening: If fertility issues may be tied to thyroid imbalances, a blood test can check whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive, which can lead to reproductive health issues.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): This imaging test uses a contrast dye injected into the uterus, followed by an X-ray to inspect the uterus and fallopian tubes for blockages or structural issues.
• Ovarian Reserve Assessment: This test evaluates a woman's number of viable eggs. It typically involves hormone testing during the early days of the menstrual cycle.
• Hormone Panel: Various hormone levels are measured, including those responsible for triggering ovulation and others produced by the pituitary gland that influence fertility.
• Pelvic Imaging: A pelvic ultrasound detects issues within the uterus or ovaries. A saline sonogram may obtain a more detailed image of the uterine lining in certain situations.

2. Diagnostic Tests for Men

• Semen Analysis: A semen sample is collected and analyzed in a lab to evaluate sperm count, movement, and shape. Occasionally, a urine sample may be examined to detect sperm, especially in cases of suspected retrograde ejaculation.
• Hormone Evaluation: Blood samples can be analyzed to assess testosterone and other hormone levels influencing sperm production.
• Genetic Screening: Certain inherited genetic conditions can impact fertility. Genetic evaluations can detect abnormalities in chromosomes or genes that might impair sperm formation or performance.
• Testicular Biopsy: In rare situations, a small tissue sample is taken from the testicle to be examined under a microscope. This can help diagnose blockages or assess sperm quality for use in assisted reproductive procedures like IVF.
• Imaging Exams: Ultrasound imaging may detect problems in the scrotum, seminal glands, or sperm ducts. If a pituitary tumour is suspected, an MRI of the brain may be ordered, particularly if there is an imbalance in prolactin that may interfere with sperm production.
  
   

How is Sterility Disease Treated?

The following are the different ways one can treat sterility disease:

1. Treatment for Women

• Use fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation if it is irregular or absent.
• Try intrauterine insemination (IUI), where healthy sperm is placed directly in the uterus during ovulation, often paired with fertility medications.
• Consider surgical procedures to remove fibroids, scar tissue, or polyps through hysteroscopy or to treat conditions like endometriosis with laparoscopy or open surgery.

2. Treatment for Men

• Make lifestyle changes such as having intercourse during ovulation, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol, quitting tobacco, and stopping certain medications (only with medical guidance).
• Use doctor-recommended medications designed to enhance sperm production and support healthy testicular activity.
• Undergo surgery to correct blockages or treat varicoceles that may be affecting fertility.
• Use sperm retrieval techniques if ejaculation is not possible or if sperm are absent in the semen, especially when planning assisted reproduction.

How to Prevent Sterility Disease?

Protecting your fertility is integral in planning a healthy future, especially if you are trying to conceive. Consider the following steps to help reduce the risk of sterility:

• Follow a nutritious, balanced diet and work toward maintaining a body weight that supports reproductive health.
• Avoid smoking, substance abuse, and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Minimize your contact with harmful environmental chemicals and pollutants.
• Stay regularly active, but avoid intense or excessive physical training that can disrupt hormonal balance.
• Try not to postpone starting a family until later in life, as fertility typically declines with age.
• Explore fertility preservation options such as egg or sperm freezing if you anticipate delays in conception.

Sterility disease can impact both men and women and often stems from a variety of physical, hormonal, and environmental factors. Recognizing the symptoms early, understanding the risk factors, and seeking a timely medical diagnosis are essential steps toward effective treatment.

At Star Health, we offer coverage for assisted reproduction treatment under our Star Women Care Insurance Policy. By taking proactive measures and staying informed, individuals can improve their chances of overcoming sterility disease and achieving a healthy pregnancy.