Is Infertility Hereditary? Expert Guides Through, Lists Reasons Causing The Condition

Is Infertility Hereditary? Expert Lists Reasons

A 2023 study, titled Infertility Burden Across Indian States: Insights from a Nationally Representative Survey Conducted During 2019–21, discovered that in India, infertility prevalence stands at 18.7 per 1,000 women. This data was compiled after studying those who have been married for a minimum of five years and are in a union. Given this finding, it can safely be concluded that infertility is somewhat common in the country.

While all the aforementioned reasons are often discussed, it's high time infertility caused by hereditary factors gets considered as one of the major causes, emphasizes Dr. Amitha N.

"Some fertility problems are heritable, that is, can be inherited from one generation to the other. But as was stated before, not all cases of infertility are genetic. It may either be congenital or because of acquired abnormalities that genetically predispose individuals or alter their reproductive lifestyles," she adds.

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According to her, the following 4 are possible genetic precursors causing reproductive health issues, including infertility, in females:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

PCOS is genetically linked and women with a family history of this condition can likely develop infertility, as it causes irregularities in ovulation.

2. Endometriosis:

It has been asserted that first-degree, family history is a risk factor for developing endometriosis. This condition can cause scarring and inflammation that affects the reproductive organs and thus fertility.

3. Premature Ovarian Failure (POF):

In POF, ovaries cease to function before forty, massively affecting fertility. This particular disease can be inherited and is supported by the mutations of particular genes.

4. Chromosomal Abnormalities:

Genetic disorders like Turner Syndrome due to a partial or complete missing of one X chromosome may lead to infertility or diminished ovarian activity.

As for men, the following 3 reasons can impact their fertility:

1. Microdeletions of Y Chromosome:

Deletions at specific intervals along the Y chromosome may cause a dearth of sperm (oligospermia) or no sperm (azoospermia). Such microdeletions may occur because of inherited characteristics.

2. Klinefelter Syndrome:

Men typically assumed to be Klinefelter due to possessing an additional X chromosome will present with low to absent testosterone and very few to nonexistent viable sperm. Without any viable sperm, a male with a chromosome aberration disorder is unable to reproduce.

3. Cystic Fibrosis Gene Mutations:

Mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene cause the relevant protein to malfunction or not be made at all, leading to a buildup of thick mucus and complications in other organs. Most men with cystic fibrosis (97–98%) are infertile but not sterile because they produce sperm.

"While some cases of infertility are hereditary, not all cases are caused by genetics. Contacting a specialist and being aware of family medical history could be a good start. Due to new achievements in genetic diagnostics, couples nowadays can know about the possible hereditary factors that may influence their fertility," concludes Dr. Amitha N.

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