Endometriosis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOvulatory disorders, which affect ovulation, are the most common cause of female infertility. Problems with ovulation account for about 25% of all infertility cases. Uterine or cervical abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps in the uterus, can also impair fertility in women. Structural issues or scarring in the fallopian tubes make it difficult for eggs to travel and become fertilized. Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, is another source of infertility.<\/p>\n
Understanding the common causes of infertility in women is important for diagnosis and exploring treatment options. Testing and evaluation by a doctor can help determine which factor is contributing to a woman’s infertility. The specific cause will then dictate what treatments may help restore fertility.<\/p>\n
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Ovulatory Disorders<\/h2>\n
Ovulatory disorders are one of the most common causes of female infertility. These disorders prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly or at all, making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant.<\/p>\n
The most prevalent ovulatory disorder is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes multiple small cysts to develop on the ovaries. The cysts interfere with normal ovulation by throwing off hormone levels in the body. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular or missed periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity. Around 5-10% of women have PCOS, and it accounts for about 30-40% of female infertility cases.<\/p>\n
Another ovulatory disorder is premature ovarian failure (POF). In POF, the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. The ovaries do not produce normal levels of estrogen or release eggs regularly. POF affects about 1% of women and causes about 10% of infertility cases. Genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, and prior chemotherapy treatment can cause premature ovarian failure. Symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and fertility problems.<\/p>\n
Some common signs and symptoms of ovulatory disorders in general include irregular, absent, or infrequent menstrual periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excess hair growth, acne, obesity, hot flashes, and night sweats. Getting diagnosed and treated for ovulatory disorders is important for improving fertility chances. Medications and lifestyle changes can often help regulate ovulation. Assisted reproductive technologies like IVF may be needed in severe cases.<\/p>\n
Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities<\/h2>\n
The uterus and cervix play important roles in conception and pregnancy. Abnormalities in the shape, structure, or function of these organs can negatively impact fertility. There are several types of uterine and cervical issues that may cause infertility:<\/p>\n
Uterine Polyps<\/strong>\u00a0– Polyps are benign overgrowths that attach to the uterine lining. They range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Polyps may cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes, preventing implantation, increasing chances of miscarriage, or disrupting the uterine environment.<\/p>\nUterine Fibroids<\/strong>\u00a0– Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in or on the muscles of the uterus. There are several types of fibroids that can affect fertility:<\/p>\n\n- Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity, which can obstruct fallopian tubes or interfere with implantation.<\/li>\n
- Intramural fibroids grow within the uterine wall muscle, potentially making the uterus less receptive for embryo implantation.<\/li>\n
- Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer uterine wall and can compress the fallopian tubes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Congenital Uterine Anomalies<\/strong>\u00a0– Some women are born with uterine abnormalities like a septate uterus (uterus divided into two chambers), bicornuate uterus (two small uteruses), or unicornuate uterus (half of a uterus). These anomalies increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and other complications.<\/p>\nCervical Stenosis<\/strong>\u00a0– This condition is the narrowing of the cervical opening, which can make it difficult for sperm to enter and travel through the cervix. It may be caused by surgery, infection, or congenital abnormalities.<\/p>\nThese uterine and cervical problems are often caused by genetics, abnormal development, chronic infections, benign growths, scar tissue formation, or exposure to DES (a drug once prescribed to prevent miscarriage). They can create a hostile environment for conception, embryo implantation and development, or carrying a pregnancy to term. Evaluating and addressing uterine and cervical abnormalities is an important part of diagnosing and treating infertility.<\/p>\n
Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage<\/h2>\n
The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. If the tubes become damaged or blocked, it can prevent pregnancy in the following ways:<\/p>\n
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Scarring or blockage stops the egg from traveling through the tube.<\/strong>\u00a0This is often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a sexually transmitted infection. PID causes inflammation that leads to scarring and adhesions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
The fallopian tube is unable to pick up the egg.<\/strong>\u00a0Tiny finger-like projections called fimbria are located at the end of the tubes. They sweep the egg into the tube. If they are damaged, they may not function properly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
The fertilized egg gets stuck in the tube.<\/strong>\u00a0If the tube is blocked, a fertilized egg may get stuck and be unable to reach the uterus. This leads to an ectopic pregnancy, which must be ended through medication or surgery.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n- \n
Toxins in the tube can impact fertilization or transport.<\/strong>\u00a0Smoking, for example, can cause toxin buildup that damages the tubes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFallopian tube issues are one of the most common causes of female infertility. Thankfully, many causes can be successfully treated with medications or surgery. However, severe tubal damage may require IVF to achieve pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Endometriosis<\/h2>\n
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue lining the pelvis. Each month during menstruation this misplaced tissue breaks down and bleeds, but it has no way to exit the body.<\/p>\n
This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue. It can also lead to infertility in a number of ways:<\/p>\n
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Scar tissue can distort and block the fallopian tubes so eggs cannot travel through them to reach the uterus. This can prevent fertilization.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The misplaced tissue can affect the ovaries and follicles, disrupting egg maturation and ovulation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Inflammation in the pelvis can impact sperm motility and function.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Chemical changes in the uterus from endometriosis may impact implantation of a fertilized egg.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Damage to fallopian tubes or ovaries from frequent bleeding and inflammation can prevent eggs from being released or becoming fertilized.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \n
Painful periods, especially cramping in the pelvis, lower back, and thighs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Pain during or after sexual intercourse<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Pain with bowel movements or urination during menstrual periods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Excessive bleeding during periods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Infertility or inability to get pregnant<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Fatigue and nausea, especially during periods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ovulation Problems<\/h3>\n
Ovulation problems are one of the most common reasons women are unable to conceive. Irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation prevents the release of eggs needed for fertilization. Some specific causes of ovulation problems include:<\/p>\n
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – Condition characterized by hormone imbalance, ovarian cysts, and irregular periods. It’s a frequent cause of infertility.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Premature ovarian failure – When a woman’s ovaries stop functioning before age 40. Causes poor egg quality and low estrogen.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Hypothalamic dysfunction – The hypothalamus helps regulate ovulation. Any dysfunction can inhibit proper signaling.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Excess prolactin – High levels of the hormone prolactin can interfere with ovulation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tubal Damage<\/h3>\n
Damage or blockages in a woman’s fallopian tubes disrupt the pathway for eggs to reach the uterus. Causes include:<\/p>\n
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Pelvic inflammatory disease – Infection of the reproductive organs that causes scar tissue and damage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Previous reproductive surgeries – Operations like cesarean sections increase risk of scarring.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Endometriosis – Uterine tissue growing outside the uterus can obstruct the tubes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Endometriosis<\/h3>\n
This condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus can not only obstruct the fallopian tubes but also impact egg quality and implantation.<\/p>\n
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)<\/h3>\n
As mentioned, PCOS is a frequent cause of ovulation problems. The hormone imbalances and ovarian cysts make conception difficult.<\/p>\n