Main Causes of Modern Factor Infertility: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Recent studies show that cases of infertility in couples have been increasing significantly over the years. Infertility is characterized by the couple's failure to conceive after a year of trying without using any contraceptive method. According to some studies, this condition is becoming increasingly common, with more than 2 million new cases reported annually in Brazil. Among the main known causes of infertility in couples are reproductive system pathologies, hormonal or genetic disorders, and infections in general. Objectives: To survey the main causes of infertility based on systematic reviews, seeking to determine the incidence and prevalence of clinical conditions that impair fertility. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, searching for original articles in English and Portuguese, evaluating the relationship between infertility and its current causes. Results: Most studies have shown that the most significant causes of female infertility are those caused by hormonal changes and irregularities, such as aging, endocrine disorders, and gonadal dysfunction. However, the most common disease in female infertility is endometriosis, affecting 10 to 15% of women of reproductive age, and 30 to 50% of women diagnosed with infertility also have a diagnosis of endometriosis. Preventable causes, those not caused by endogenous pathologies, include age, obesity, smoking, and sexually transmitted diseases.