A number of factors can be responsible for infertility.  A couple may be affected by one of these factors, or by a combination of them.  The most common causes of male and female infertility are listed below.  When treating infertility we need to look beyond the reproductive tract; we need to look at the entire body.  In many cases health problems that you think have nothing to do with your reproductive tract are in fact responsible for your infertility.

Female causes of infertility

Ovulation disorders
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Tubal problems
Endometriosis
Premature menopause
Infections
Hormonal problems
Repeated miscarriage
Immune system and blood clotting disorders
Uterine fibroids and polyps
Exposure to chemicals
Poor nutrition, especially nutrient deficiencies
Age
Stress

Male causes of infertility

Low sperm count or abnormal sperm
Tubal problems
Exposure to excessive heat
Exposure to chemicals
Hormonal problems
Testicular problems
Functional problems, including erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation
Immune system disorders
Infections
Poor nutrition, especially nutrient deficiencies
Age

In up to 20 percent of couples medical tests cannot determine a concrete cause for infertility and it is deemed “unexplained”.  This is where couples are usually steered in the direction of IVF.  However, it is my experience that in the vast majority of cases a couple's health has not been adequately assessed for causes of infertility.  IVF should be a last resort, as it does carry some risks and it does nothing to improve the health of you or your partner.  It's vital to optimise your health before falling pregnant because the healthier you both are, the better start in life you will give your child.