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If you're trying to conceive and it's taking longer than expected, you're not alone. About 9% of men and 11% of women have struggled with infertility.
You may be familiar with common causes of infertility, such as age or ovulation issues, but there are less obvious factors that can play a significant role in reproductive health.
At Yorktown Health in Lombard, Lisle, and Vernon Hills, Illinois, we take a comprehensive, compassionate approach to fertility care. We understand that each case is unique, and finding the underlying cause is often the first step toward finding a solution.
Here are five little-known causes of infertility you may not have considered:
Both overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid conditions can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones necessary for ovulation. Many people live with mild thyroid dysfunction without realizing it.
Testing thyroid function is a simple step that could reveal a reason that you’re having trouble conceiving.
Stress affects more than your state of mind. It can directly impact hormone production and ovulation. Chronic stress may lead to elevated cortisol levels, which in turn interfere with reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.
Lifestyle changes and support can make a meaningful difference. Our pregnancy specialists can help you understand how.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often affecting fertility. Endometriosis is often associated with pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, but in some women, it can exist without noticeable symptoms.
Even mild, asymptomatic endometriosis can affect egg quality, implantation, and fallopian tube function. It’s a commonly overlooked contributor to unexplained infertility.
Everyday chemicals and toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and certain plastics, can affect fertility in both men and women. Occupational exposures or frequent contact with these substances can disrupt hormone levels and reproductive function.
Avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals when possible is an important step if you’re trying to conceive.
Fertility depends on overall health, and that includes proper nutrition. Diets lacking essential nutrients like folate, iron, vitamin D, or healthy fats can interfere with menstrual cycles and hormone regulation.
In some cases, being underweight or following a restrictive diet can halt ovulation entirely. Being overweight can also have an impact on your fertility.
At our clinic, we help you get to the root cause of your infertility. Whether you're just starting to explore your fertility or you’ve been investigating for a while, our team of OB/GYNs and family medicine providers is here to guide you.
Contact us for expert care, advanced diagnostics, and a whole-person approach to reproductive wellness. Reach out to us at Yorktown Health by phone, or use our online tool to book an appointment.