Prerequisites and causes

Prerequisites for reproduction

In general, the causes of involuntary childlessness can be found in equal measure in the man and the woman. However, to increase the chances of successful treatment, the woman is in most cases also treated even if the man alone has reproductive problems. We will therefore briefly describe the most important stages of a pregnancy to make it easier for you to understand the subsequent steps for diagnosis and the treatment options.

The most important stages of a pregnancy

Ovulation: During ovulation, the mature follicle bursts and releases an egg that is ready for fertilisation. This egg, which can survive for 24 hours, then moves through the fallopian tubes into the uterus.

Fertilisation: Fertilisation occurs when a sperm cell penetrates the egg through the embryonic membrane. The genetic material of the man and the woman then merges. The ideal window for fertilisation starts two days before ovulation and ends on the day of ovulation. A woman is in her fertile phase between the 9th and 16th day of her menstrual cycle.

Implantation: If the embryo settles in the endometrium (the mucus lining of the uterus), we speak of implantation. Initially, the yellow bodies and later the placenta produces the hormone progesterone, which is important for sustaining the pregnancy.

The most common causes of infertility (sterility)

Female infertility:

• Age: from the age of 35, the ability to reproduce decreases

• Abnormalities or injuries in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or uterus

• Blocked fallopian tubes

• Endometriosis

• Myomas (benign tumours of the uterus)

• Immunological abnormalities

Male infertility:

• Dysfunction in sperm maturation

• Blockage in the seminal ducts

• Ejaculation problems or erectile dysfunction

• Prostate disorders

• Stress, environmental toxins, infections