Female fertility
Cycle, hormones, ovarian reserve: what influences a woman's fertility.
Causes of an unfulfilled wish for a child.
Infertility ("sterility") is defined as the absence of pregnancy after one year of regular intercourse. The good news: in most cases, the causes can be found today – and treated.
Distribution
Where the causes of infertility lie.
30–40 %
of the causes lie with the woman
30–40 %
of the causes lie with the man
15–30 %
affect both partners
5–10 %
remain without an organic finding
In women
Causes of infertility in women
The causes in women can be hormonal, tubal or immunological. Common triggers are PMOS (formerly PCOS), endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes or a reduced ovarian reserve (AMH level).
In men
Causes of infertility in men
The causes in men are usually insufficient sperm production or a disorder of sperm transport. A semen analysis brings clarity – a simple, quick examination.
In both men and women, the causes can also be psychological – you can read more under psychotherapeutic support.
A closer look
Unfulfilled wish for a child: the most common causes at a glance.
There is rarely a single reason behind an unfulfilled wish for a child – usually several factors act together. In women, hormonal disorders are among the most common causes: an irregular cycle, disorders of egg maturation, a thyroid dysfunction or an elevated prolactin level can prevent or delay ovulation. In addition, organic causes such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, polyps or adhesions after surgery and inflammation come into consideration.
Age also plays a major role: female fertility declines noticeably from the mid-30s onwards, because both the number and the quality of the eggs decrease. In men, impaired sperm production and disorders of sperm transport are the main factors – for example after infections, with a varicocele (varicose vein on the testicle) or due to hormonal and genetic factors. Last but not least, lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight or underweight and chronic stress influence the fertility of both partners.
If no abnormal finding emerges despite thorough assessment, this is called idiopathic infertility. Even in this case, there are effective treatment paths – from insemination to IVF.
Dig deeper
Causes in detail.
Learn more about the most common reasons for an unfulfilled wish for a child – and what can be done about them.
Male infertility
Sperm quality and transport: the most common factors in men.
PMOS
One of the most common hormonal causes in women.
Endometriosis
Benign but often painful growths of the uterine lining.
AMH level & ovarian reserve
How many eggs are still available?
Semen analysis
Count, motility and shape of the sperm analysed in the laboratory.
Diagnostics at WIF
How the work-up at the Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger works.
It all starts with a detailed first consultation: we take time for your history, your cycle and your existing results – ideally with both partners together. Building on this, we plan the diagnostics: hormone status and AMH level from our own hormone laboratory, ultrasound, a check of tubal patency if needed, and a semen analysis of the partner. If there are indications of hereditary factors, analyses from our own genetics laboratory, WIF Genetics, complete the picture.
In doing so, we combine experience with state-of-the-art medicine: as a pioneering institute where Austria's first IVF baby was born in 1983, we have been accompanying couples for decades – more than 30,000 babies later, we know how individual every journey is. Step by step, a complete picture of your situation emerges – and from it, your personal treatment plan.
Our free fertility info evenings or a first fertility consultation at our locations in Vienna, Baden and St. Pölten offer a non-binding way to get started.
FAQ
Causes of an unfulfilled wish for a child: your questions.
When does one speak of an unfulfilled wish for a child or infertility?
Infertility is defined as the absence of pregnancy despite regular, unprotected intercourse for one year. From a female age of 35, a work-up is recommended after about six months, as fertility then declines more rapidly.
Are the causes more often found in the woman or the man?
Both partners are affected roughly equally often: 30–40 % of the causes each lie with the woman and with the man, and in 15–30 % of cases factors are found in both. That is why a complete work-up always includes a semen analysis of the man.
Which examinations come at the beginning of the work-up?
For the woman, these are usually a hormone status at the beginning of the cycle, determination of the AMH level and an ultrasound, supplemented if needed by a check of tubal patency. For the man, a semen analysis is enough to start with. The most important examinations can usually be completed within a few weeks.
What does "idiopathic infertility" mean?
If no abnormal finding emerges despite a complete work-up of both partners, this is called idiopathic – i.e. unexplained – infertility. It affects around 5–10 % of couples. Even without an identifiable cause, effective treatments are available, from insemination to IVF.
What role does age play in the wish for a child?
The woman's age is one of the most important influencing factors: from around the mid-30s, the number and quality of the eggs decline markedly. Semen quality also changes with age in men, but much more slowly. An early work-up brings clarity – it does not mean you have to start treatment any time soon.
Can psychological stress affect fertility?
Yes. Chronic stress and emotional strain can affect the cycle, ovulation and sexuality – and the unfulfilled wish for a child is itself an enormous burden for many couples. That is why, if desired, psychotherapeutic support is part of our 360° care.
Does the IVF Fund cover the costs of treatment?
The Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger is a contractual partner of the Austrian IVF Fund. If there is a medical indication and the legal requirements – such as the age limits – are met, the fund covers a substantial part of the costs of IVF and ICSI treatments. We are happy to check together with you whether you are eligible.
Your next step
Let's find out together what the reason is.
In the first consultation, we take a full hour for your story – and plan the right work-up.
Or call us: +43 1 877 77 75