Infertility can be inherited, but it is much more complicated than that. There are no genes for infertility, but more than half of all cases of infertility are due to an underlying genetic condition and, in some cases, hereditary causes can be inherited. However, there are many more factors that can cause fertility problems, such as unhealthy lifestyles. Being genetically aware will make you stronger and will make you better aware of your reproductive health. So let’s find out some genetic disorders that can cause infertility in men and women as explained Dr. Shruti Ghat, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Bhopal.
Genetic causes of infertility in men
Male infertility is caused by low sperm quantity and quality, abnormal sperm function, and pain and swelling in the testicles. These fertility problems are caused by chronic illness, injury, lifestyle choices and genetics. Genetic conditions that can cause male infertility are;
- Kleinfelter Syndrome – Men with Kleinfelter syndrome have extra X chromosomes that cause low testosterone production, which results in or decreases sperm production.
- Coleman’s syndrome – Coleman’s syndrome interferes with the production of certain hormones that negatively affect sexual development, leading to infertility.
- Y chromosome microdialysis – People with this condition are missing part of their Y chromosome, which can cause them to have less or less sperm production. The Y chromosome contains genes that are involved in sperm development.
- Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) – Cystic fibrosis is a condition that usually affects the lungs and digestive system. However, it also causes male fertility problems because it negatively affects the vas deferens and does not allow sperm transport.
- Chromosome rearrangement – People with chromosome rearrangement either shed too much or too little chromosomal material, which increases the risk of pregnancy loss, pregnancy problems, and neonatal birth defects.
Genetic causes of infertility in women
Infertility can be caused by hormonal changes, menstruation and ovulation problems, endometriosis and other reproductive health problems. Other factors that affect a woman’s fertility include age, weight, lifestyle and genetics.
- Endometriosis – In endometriosis, the tissue that is usually found in the lining of the uterus develops elsewhere in the body. This condition is inherited and is one of the major causes of fertility problems in women. Women with a family history of menstrual problems are also known to suffer from the same problem. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and PCOD can sometimes be hereditary, but other factors such as weight, diet, and lifestyle changes can also affect.
- Turner syndrome – People with Turner syndrome have an increased risk of ovarian insufficiency, which can lead to fertility problems.
- Frasile X Syndrome – Women with Frasile X Syndrome are at risk of early ovarian insufficiency, which causes their ovaries to stop working before the age of 40. This leads to infertility problems and even a high risk of giving birth to a mentally handicapped child.
Why is it advisable for young people to get an initial test for infertility?
Various conditions that can cause fertility problems such as egg quality and quantity, low sperm count and quality, block or damaged fallopian tubes can happen to anyone regardless of family history. Although most of the conditions that cause infertility are not inherited, understanding your potential causes of infertility can help you evaluate all your concerns about fertility. If you have a family history of infertility, and you can’t get pregnant after a year of trying, a fertility test is recommended. Genetic blood testing has many advantages because it answers your questions about your personal reproduction and family history. Genetic testing is usually recommended during fertility assessment and fertility treatment.
Your fertility specialist will be able to provide the necessary guidance and support. Awareness is the first step towards finding a solution. Genetics Genetics can play a role in fertility problems that can help you identify problems later than later.
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