Struggling to get pregnant? Dr Wangui urges couples not to overlook male fertility
By Valerian Khakayi, June 17, 2026For many couples trying to have a child, the journey can be emotionally challenging, especially when pregnancy does not happen as expected.
However, Dr Lillian Wangui Mwangi says infertility should never be viewed as a woman’s issue alone, as both partners can contribute to difficulties in conceiving.
According to the doctor, infertility is not a single condition but a symptom that can arise from many different causes. In some cases, the cause may lie with the woman, the man, or both partners, or it may remain unexplained.
“Infertility is not just a woman’s issue. Infertility is not one condition; it’s a symptom with many possible causes,” Wangui said.
“When a couple is struggling to conceive, the cause may be from the woman, the man, both partners, or sometimes remain unexplained.”
“That’s why infertility evaluation should involve both partners. Getting checked together helps identify the cause and find the most appropriate treatment path.”
Fertility testing
She explains that finding the cause of infertility often requires more than one test. Depending on a person’s medical history and symptoms, investigations may include hormone tests, ovulation assessment, pelvic ultrasound, tubal patency tests, and other specialised examinations.
“Finding the cause of infertility often requires more than one test. Depending on your history and symptoms, your doctor may recommend hormone tests, ovulation assessment, pelvic ultrasound, tubal patency tests, and other investigations,” she explained.
“The goal is not just to do tests, but to understand why pregnancy is not happening and identify the best path forward.”
In addition, Wangui advised couples struggling to conceive to seek medical evaluation together, as understanding the underlying cause is the first step towards finding the right treatment and improving their chances of having a baby.
“Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding a solution,” she advised.
Causes of infertility in women
The consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist went further and explained causes of infertility in women, stating that it can result from problems affecting the cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes.
“For the female causes, you can have cervical causes; the cervix can be blocked. Either you were born with it like that, or you have had surgery on the cervix, and then it healed by narrowing. Or, another factor is that the cervical mucus is hostile to the sperms,” Wangui stated.
“The uterus can have congenital abnormalities; also, there can be acquired things in the uterus, like fibroids or polyps, or maybe you have had surgery inside the uterus, and then it healed with scarring.”
“Tubes can also be a cause when they are narrow or they are blocked or you were born without a tube.”
Causes of infertility in men
While emphasising that the male partner should also be evaluated during infertility investigations, Wangui said that tests for men may include semen analysis, hormone testing, a physical examination, and other investigations where necessary
“When investigating infertility, evaluating the male partner is just as important. Tests may include semen analysis, hormone testing, physical examination, and other investigations where necessary,” she said.
Additionally, Wangui revealed that issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm movement, abnormal sperm shape, hormonal imbalances, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors can all affect a man’s fertility.
“Male factors also contribute to a significant number of infertility cases. Low sperm count, poor sperm movement, abnormal sperm shape, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, and certain medical conditions can all affect fertility,” she added.