Having a miscarriage does not typically, in and of itself, cause infertility.  Many women who experience a miscarriage go on to have successful pregnancies in the future.  At the same time, many women who experience a miscarriage are likely to experience more than one miscarriage.  Some studies suggest that around half of the women who have a miscarriage will have at least one more miscarriage.

The most common causes of miscarriage are not actually related to fertility issues.   Things like chronic diseases, temporary illnesses such as rubella, chromosomal abnormalities, and lifestyle choices are among the factors that create the highest risks of miscarriage.  In many cases, addressing these factors adequately by quitting smoking, lessening caffeine intake, managing your chronic illness or getting an MMR shot will greatly improve your chances of avoiding a miscarriage.

In terms of infertilty, there are several known causes.  None of them are related to miscarriage, although some of them can occasionally lead to a miscarriage as well as infertility.  The causes of infertility can vary.  About half of the time, infertility is due to a problem with the man, and the other half of the time it is due to female infertility.

The most common cause of infertility for men is a low sperm count.  In addition to a low sperm count, some men’s sperm have problems with motility, or the ability of the sperm to swim forward.  For some men, their bodies may contain antibodies that counteract their own sperm.  Sometimes, there is a problem with the vas deferens, the tube that carries the sperm from the testicles into the body.

There can be many different problems that can cause infertility in women, as well.  PID or Pelvic Inflammatory disease can lead to infertility.  Some women develop antibodies to a partner’s sperm.  Some women have irregular ovulation cycles.  A woman may have failure of the ovaries or of the pituitary gland.  Endometriosis may head to infertility.  Some studies suggest that long-term use of the birth control pill may also lead to infertility.  A woman may have a blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes.  Several conditions involving the reproductive organs, such as fibroids, an abnormal womb shape, or congenital abnormalities may also lead to infertility.

In both men and women, several things can lead to infertility, including nutritional problems, extreme stress, exposure to heavy metals, Chlamydia, the use of some prescription and illicit drugs, and smoking.

Ultimately, if you are experiencing infertility, you should discuss the problem with your health care provider.  She may be able to help diagnose the causes of your infertility, and either refer you to a fertility specialist or to help address your fertility problems directly.