Dr Chinnadorai Rajeswaran, consultant endocrinologist explains about infertility and its endocrine management. Please email him, if you need more information
Infertility is broadly defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year for most couples. There is usually a combination of factors leading to infertility.
In general, the rule of one third is applicable to infertility. That is one third of the problem could be due to issues with a man, one third with the woman and the rest could be a combination or an unidentified cause.
Causes for male infertility includes:
- Abnormal sperm production
- Problems with the delivery of sperm
- Abnormal sperm function
- Overexposure to chemicals and medications
- Radiotherapy
Causes of female infertility includes:
- Ovulation disorders
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Endometriosis
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause)
- Pelvic adhesions
- Medications, chemotherapy and radiotherapy
In addition to obesity, there are several endocrine causes for infertility in both men and women which includes abnormalities of Pituitary, Adrenals, Ovary, Testes and Thyroid.
It is important to Consult an endocrinologist near you.
NICE recommend that women and their partners are investigated for infertility if they have not conceived after one year of unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse. If you are lean or have a recognised cause for infertility, referral may be expedited prior to the 12 months.
When BMI is greater than 30 kg/m2, it is important you seek help from an obesity specialist to investigate for underlying causes and help you with sustained weight loss.
Dr Chinnadorai Rajeswaran is a consultant Physician specialising in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity. As a private endocrinologist he has private endocrine, diabetes and weight loss clinics in Harley Street, London, Chennai (India), Claremont Hospital, Sheffield, Nuffield Hospital, Leeds and Simplyweight, Bradford.
He has face to face consultations with people from Barnsley, Rotherham, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Bradford, Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, London and Chennai (India). He also offers video consultations.
