Causes of Male and Female Infertility According to Indonesian Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Chair

The issue of infertility or fertility disorders remains a significant challenge for many couples in Indonesia seeking to have children. Professor Budi Wiweko, Chair of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (POGI), stated that the causes of this condition are significantly split between men and women, driven by lifestyle factors and reproductive organ disorders.

During his statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May, Prof. Budi emphasised that infertility is not solely a woman’s issue. Data shows that male factors contribute significantly to pregnancy success.

According to Prof. Budi, sperm quality accounts for approximately 35% of infertility cases among couples. Sperm quality is heavily influenced by daily habits affecting the temperature around reproductive organs.

Lifestyle factors men should be cautious of include:

Meanwhile, for women, the primary cause of fertility disorders is imperfect egg maturation, often indicated by irregular menstrual cycles.

“If a woman’s period is regular, there is a 90% chance her eggs are healthy. However, if menstruation is irregular, such as every three months or twice a month, there is likely an egg maturation issue,” Prof. Budi explained.

Other symptoms to watch for include:

Prof. Budi recommended that fertility checks begin with a sperm analysis for men before conducting in-depth reproductive organ examinations for women, to ensure efficient diagnosis and treatment.

Reproductive health education is crucial for supporting the government’s programme to enhance productive age quality towards the Golden Generation 2045. With proper understanding, couples are encouraged to stop blaming each other and seek medical consultation promptly when facing difficulties in conceiving.

Preventive measures through healthy lifestyle changes and accurate menstrual cycle tracking are key to maintaining fertility from an early age.

Various sperm disorders often serve as the main cause of male infertility.

Fertility disorders that make conception difficult do not only occur in women. Male fertility issues can also arise, similar to those experienced by women.

The controversy surrounding Bisphenol-A (BPA) causing infertility, including micropenis in men, has been deemed unproven.