Doctor Explains Causes of Infertility in Men and Women

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Infertility issues in men and women can stem from various factors, including lifestyle and reproductive organ disorders. President of the Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (POGI), Prof. Dr. dr. Budi Wiweko, Sp.OG, Subsp.F.E.R., MPH, FRANZCOG (Hons), FICRM, said sperm-related issues account for 35% of infertility cases.

For women, the primary cause is egg maturation problems. ‘Data from Yasmin Clinic and across Indonesia shows that 35% of infertility cases are due to sperm issues, while for women, the main cause is egg maturation problems, such as irregular menstrual cycles or endometriosis,’ Budi told media at the relaunch event of Yasmin Clinic RSCM in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

He stressed that preventing infertility is crucial to supporting the government’s program to enhance the productive age of the golden generation by 2045. To maintain sperm quality, he recommended lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding tight underwear, long-distance cycling, sauna use, and keeping phones in trouser pockets.

For women, Budi advised accurately tracking menstrual cycles to identify egg maturation issues. ‘If a woman has regular periods, 90% of her eggs are healthy; irregular cycles, such as occurring every three months or twice a month, likely indicate egg maturation problems. Symptoms such as painful menstruation, intercourse, bowel movements, or urination during periods should also be noted,’ he said.

He added that broader education for both genders is needed to achieve healthy offspring and avoid blaming women for infertility. The new Yasmin Clinic RSCM concept now prioritises male sperm checks before examining female reproductive organs.