Infertility in women is defined as not becoming pregnant with frequent intercourse for at least one year. Female infertility, male infertility, or a mixture of these two impact millions of couples. An estimated 10 to 18% of couples have problems getting pregnant or have a healthy delivery.
Infertility due to female factors accounts for nearly one-third of the time. And infertility due to male factors accounts almost one-third of all the time. Of the remaining cases, the cause is either unclear or a combination of male and female causes.
Female causes of infertility may be difficult to diagnose. There are several treatments available that will vary on the cause of infertility in women. Many infertile couples will continue to conceive a child without treatment. After struggling to get pregnant for two years, about 95% of couples can conceive successfully.
Here are the top 10 causes of infertility in women:
1. Ovulation Disorders
The most common reason for infertility in women is ovulation disorders. If a woman’s ovaries do not produce a mature egg regularly, it is almost difficult for her to conceive normally. Abnormalities may cause ovulation disorders with the ovaries. Some of the reasons for ovulation disorders are as follows:
- PCOS. PCOS may cause hormonal imbalance if excess male hormone production may prevent the ovaries from releasing mature eggs. In women, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women.
- Hypothalamic Dysfunction. Hypothalamic dysfunction affects the pituitary gland’s ability to develop two hormones. These are LH and FSH. They are essential for ovulation. A woman may not be able to ovulate without these hormones. And they may have an irregular or absent period.
- Premature ovarian failure. This is a disease in which a woman’s ovaries stop operating long before menopause. Hence, they may no longer produce eggs. As a result, this may be the result of autoimmune disease and genetic disorders.
- Too Much Prolactin. Also, excessive prolactin production by the pituitary gland may cause ovulatory dysfunction. This, in turn, causes infertility in women.
2. Age
Infertility due to age is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. However, as a woman grows older, the number of her eggs is decreasing steadily. Besides, the quality of her eggs also increases the chance of chromosome abnormalities. Studies have found that approximately 70% of miscarriages are due to chromosomal disorders.
3. Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are cancerous growths in the uterus. They’re common (approximately 40% of women have them). However, the presence of fibroids alone does not generally cause infertility or pregnancy loss. So, fibroids that distort the uterine cavity affect the embryo’s ability to implant. Hence doctors should surgically remove them. But the effects of fibroids found elsewhere in the uterus are controversial and do not always need surgery.
4. Implantation failure
Implant failure refers to the fertilized egg’s failure to begin pregnancy by implanting in the uterine wall. While the exact cause of implantation failure is often unclear, the possibilities include:
- Genetic defects in the embryo
- Thin endometrium (pronounced en-doh-MEE-tree-uhm)
- Embryonic defects
- Endometriosis
- Progesterone resistance
- Scar tissue in the endometrial cavity
5. Smoking
Smoking can harm a developing fetus. But smoking can also greatly affect a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant in the first place. Also, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, smoking induces up to 13% of all infertility cases. (One study in 2014 also found that smoking a woman could affect her fertility.)
Cigarette smoke destroys hormones and kills DNA in both men and women. So even it doesn’t have to be heavy smoking, either. Hence, even people who smoke moderately or are exposed to second-hand smoke have damaged endocrine function and can experience significant fertility problems.
6. Thyroid disease
A 2015 survey was published by The Obstetrician & Gynecologist that confirms the long-supposed theory. It says thyroid problems can lead to difficulties with ovulation and pregnancy. And it indicated that women with difficulties in conceiving had been tested over-or underactive thyroid. People with severe thyroid disorder will usually have some pretty obvious symptoms. But subclinical, undiagnosed hypothyroidism is a known issue. Also, we know that, without a woman knowing it, it may have profound effects on fertility.
7. Sexual health history
A uterus and fallopian tube infection caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trauma are known as a pelvic inflammatory condition (PID). Remember: If the fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm and eggs cannot meet.
PID can trigger scar tissue cause damage to reproductive organs, and cause infertility in women. And, sadly, this disease is very common, affecting approximately 1 million women every year. And one in eight of these women would have trouble getting pregnant.
Chlamydia itself may also cause damage to the fallopian tubes without any other effects. Sometimes women do not know if they had the disease until they have difficulties getting pregnant.
8. Irregular periods
If a woman experiences irregular periods regularly, ovulation cycles can be unpredictable. One of the most common causes of irregular intervals is PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). And it is also a significant cause of infertility in women. PCOS also causes severe weight gain, painful periods, abnormal hair development. Irregular periods can also be due to fatigue, emotional difficulties, sudden weight loss or weight gain.
9. Unhealthy body weight
Unhealthy body weight makes your lifestyle unhealthy. Also, being obese can increase your risk of infertility and increase your risk of miscarriage. If you have an eating disorder or follow a very low-calorie diet, you are at risk for fertility issues. Then luckily, you may take steps to lose or gain weight. And as a result, you will be able to conceive if you have a healthier body weight. Also, obese women may find that they usually ovulate after losing as little as 5% of their body weight, this means it is just about 10 pounds for a woman who weighs 200 pounds.
10. Abnormal cervical mucus
Cervical mucus, a fluid secreted by the cervix, helps sperm live in the vagina’s hostile, acidic environment. Abnormal cervical mucus can make it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Unfortunately, treatments to improve cervical mucosa are unproven. But bypassing intrauterine mucous insemination is effective.
The Bottom Line
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine says that in between 5 to 10% of couples having a rough time conceiving, all fertility tests come back to normal. The course of treatment depends on the woman’s age. If you are younger than 35, doctors may try easier treatments such as fertility medications. So if you are older and it seems appropriate, you may go directly to IVF.
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