# Is infertility only a woman's issue, or does it affect men too? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-infertility-only-a-womens-issue-or-men-too Language: en Category: womens_health Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.196Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.196Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/is-infertility-only-a-womens-issue-or-men-too Infertility is not exclusively a woman's issue; it can affect both men and women equally. Pregnancy is the result of a complex process that requires several steps to function correctly, and any disruption in these steps in either partner can lead to difficulty conceiving. Therefore, when facing difficulty with conception, it is always recommended to evaluate both partners to determine potential causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan [\[1\]](). ## Causes of Female Infertility Pregnancy in women requires ovaries, fallopian tubes, and a uterus that function properly. Conditions affecting any of these organs can contribute to female infertility [\[1\]](). Common causes include: - **Ovulation disorders:** Such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common cause, low ovarian reserve, or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (premature menopause before age 40) [\[1\]](). - **Blocked fallopian tubes:** This can occur due to a history of pelvic infection, appendicitis, endometriosis, or previous abdominal surgery [\[1\]](). - **Uterine abnormalities:** Such as intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps, fibroids, or congenital uterine malformations [\[1\]](). The risk of infertility in women increases with advanced age, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being significantly overweight or underweight, and excessive physical or emotional stress [\[1\]](). ## Causes of Male Infertility Male infertility can result from impaired testicular function or ejaculation, as well as hormonal and genetic disorders [\[1\]](). Some causes include: - **Problems with testicular function or ejaculation:** Such as varicocele (enlarged veins in the testicles), testicular injury, unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol and smoking, or certain chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer [\[1\]](). - **Hormonal disorders:** Such as dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which affects the production of hormones that maintain normal testicular function [\[1\]](). - **Genetic disorders:** Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome or androgen insensitivity syndrome, can cause a lack of sperm production or low sperm count [\[1](), [2\]](). The risk of infertility in men increases with advanced age (especially after 40), being overweight or obese, smoking, excessive use of alcohol or drugs, a history of testicular trauma, and frequent exposure of the testicles to high temperatures [\[1\]](). ## When should couples seek medical help? It is recommended to see a doctor if pregnancy does not occur after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse, provided the woman is under 35 years old [\[1\]](). If the woman is 35 or older, consult a doctor after 6 months of trying [\[1\]](). Couples where the woman is over 40 years old should seek evaluation and treatment immediately [\[1\]](). Do not hesitate to visit a doctor earlier if there are specific signs or symptoms, such as irregular or absent menstrual cycles in women, or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or previous hernia surgery in men [\[1\]](). ## Initial Examinations and Treatment Options Initial evaluation begins with gathering a comprehensive medical and sexual history for both partners. Initial tests may include a semen analysis for the man, and evaluation of the fallopian tubes and an ovarian reserve test for the woman [\[1\]](). You can learn more about this topic by visiting the page on [Infertility Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Jordan (Arabic)](). Treatment options vary based on the cause of infertility, its duration, and the age of the partners. Treatments may include timed intercourse, ovulation-stimulating medications, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) [\[1\]](). ", "slugEn": "is-infertility-only-a-womens-issue-or-men-too", "metaTitleEn": "Infertility: Does It Affect Both Women and Men?", "metaDescriptionEn": "Infertility can affect both men and women. Learn about common causes for both genders, when to seek medical help, and the tests available to identify the cause.", "keywordsEn": "infertility, causes of infertility, male infertility, female infertility, infertility tests"} ## Medical references - [Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions]() - [Androgen insensitivity syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics]() - [Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure and Cancer]() - [Diagnosis of infertility - NHS]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-infertility-only-a-womens-issue-or-men-too#answer