I read this morning that it had been reported that Micheal Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones were hoping to sue some of his sperm, frozen before his illness to conceive another child. They deny this but it made me think about the whole infertility thing. Most to the time in normal circumstances, 80% of couples will conceive within a year and 90% within two years if they don't use contraception and do have regular intercourse.

Fertility depends on many factors such as the age of the partners and it is true that female fertility declines with age. Approximately one third of women aged 35 year or older will have fertility problems. Other factors include things like sexual behaviour, timing and hormonal influences.

The term infertility is defined as the inability to conceive despite regular and unprotected intercourse for 2 years. However, risk factors such as the woman's age, abnormal menstrual periods, history of pelvic inflammatory disease and previous abdominal or pelvic surgery or a history of undescended testicles might warrant earlier investigations and treatment of infertility. Most will conceive within a year and 90% within two years if they don't use contraception and have regular intercourse. Although, infertility by itself may not threaten physical health, it does have a serious impact on the mental and social well being of affected couples.

thanks for the lovely information

Here are some of the causes of reduced sperm count.

• Problems with sperm production - such problems can be genetic (for example Klinefelter's syndrome) or based on a hormonal disorder
• Testicular injury and disease - injuries that affect the testicles may affect sperm production and cause low sperm count
• Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies - deficiency of some nutrients (for example Zinc, Selenium, vitamin C, etc.) may also lead to low sperm count
• Overheating - excessive heat from saunas, hot tubs, etc. may decrease sperm production and lower sperm count
• Smoking - smoking cigarettes may impair male fertility since it is known to reduce sperm count and sperm lifespan
• Drugs - the use of cocaine and heavy marijuana is known to reduce sperm count by 50%
• Excessive alcohol consumption - alcohol is toxic to sperm and may reduce sperm count and quality
• Prescribed medications - many prescription medications are known to reduce sperm count and decrease fertility
• Environmental toxins, radiation and heavy metals - a number of environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or chemicals, can reduce sperm count either by affecting testicular function directly or by affecting the hormone system
• Obesity - many studies find association between low sperm count and obesity in men
• Stress and excessive physical or mental exertion - these can cause some hormonal changes in the body that can affect sperm count and fertility
• Varicocele - it is not clear how exactly this condition causes infertility in men
• Bicycling - blood vessels and nerves may be damaged due to the pressure from the bike seat