Causes of Male and Female Infertility
Infertility or fertility disorders are often perceived as solely a woman’s issue. However, the Chairman of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI), Prof. Dr. dr. Budi Wiweko, Sp.OG, Subsp.F.E.R., emphasised that male factors significantly contribute to couples’ difficulties in conceiving.
Prof. Budi revealed that Indonesian data shows sperm-related issues account for 35% of fertility disorders, while the primary issue for women is often imperfect egg maturation.
“Data from Yasmin Clinic and across Indonesia indicate that 35% of fertility disorders are due to sperm factors. For women, the main issue is irregular menstrual cycles, leading to poor egg maturation, or chocolate cyst-related menstrual pain,” Prof. Budi stated.
Broadly, fertility disorders are influenced by two main factors: lifestyle and reproductive organ conditions. The following details the causes based on the presented data:
Prof. Budi stressed that sperm quality is heavily affected by daily habits. He advised men to avoid activities that excessively raise temperature around reproductive organs. Such habits include smoking, wearing overly tight underwear, long-distance cycling, sauna use, and keeping mobile phones in trouser pockets.
For women, the key to early detection is consistently tracking menstrual cycles. Regular cycles are a strong indicator (around 90%) of proper egg maturation. Conversely, periods occurring every three months or twice a month should raise concerns about egg maturation issues.
“It is also important to note if there are severe menstrual pains, pain during sexual intercourse, or discomfort during bowel movements or urination during menstruation,” he added.
Preventing fertility disorders is crucial for supporting the government’s programme to enhance productive years towards the 2045 Golden Generation. Prof. Budi hopes fertility education reaches wider audiences to eliminate stigma that unfairly blames women for conception issues.
As a concrete step, Yasmin Clinic at RSCM has introduced a new fertility testing approach. The procedure prioritises sperm checks before proceeding to more complex female reproductive organ examinations, ensuring efficient diagnosis and appropriate treatment for both partners.