What Are the Common Causes of Female Infertility?

For many individuals and couples, the journey to parenthood is a dream. However, for some, conceiving can be a challenging and emotionally taxing process. If you’re struggling to get pregnant, you might be asking: “What are the common causes of female infertility?” Understanding the potential reasons behind difficulties in conception is the first crucial step toward finding solutions and exploring appropriate female infertility treatment.

At Wombs Fertility, we specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of female infertility. Our compassionate team and advanced fertility clinic are dedicated to providing clear answers, accurate infertility diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to support your path to parenthood.

Defining Female Infertility

Female infertility is generally defined as the inability of a woman under 35 to conceive after 12 months of unprotected, regular intercourse, or after 6 months if she is 35 or older. It’s important to remember that infertility is a shared issue, affecting both men and women, often in combination.

Common Causes of Female Infertility

The female reproductive system is intricate, and issues at various stages can impede conception. Here are some of the most frequent causes of infertility in women:

1. Ovulation Disorders (Hormonal Imbalances)

Ovulation is the monthly release of an egg from the ovary. Disorders affecting this process are among the leading causes of infertility.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a very common hormonal disorder characterized by irregular or absent ovulation, elevated androgen levels, and often small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can significantly disrupt the menstrual cycle.
• Hypothalamic Dysfunction: The hypothalamus and pituitary gland regulate hormones that stimulate ovulation. Excessive physical or emotional stress, very high or very low body weight, or rapid weight changes can disrupt these hormones, leading to irregular or absent periods.
• Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Also known as premature ovarian failure, this occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40, leading to a decline in egg production and estrogen.
• Too Much Prolactin: High levels of prolactin (the hormone that stimulates breast milk production) can interfere with ovulation.

1. Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities
2. Structural issues in the uterus or cervix can hinder egg implantation or sperm passage.

Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can interfere with implantation or block fallopian tubes.

Uterine Polyps: Small, benign growths on the uterine lining that can also affect implantation.

Uterine Septum: A congenital abnormality where a wall (septum) divides the uterus, potentially leading to recurrent miscarriages or implantation issues.

Cervical Stenosis: A narrowing of the cervix that can impede sperm from reaching the uterus.

3. Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage

The fallopian tubes are crucial for carrying the egg from the ovary to the uterus and are where fertilization typically occurs. Blockage or damage can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can lead to scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes.
• Previous Surgery: Surgeries in the pelvic area, including previous ectopic pregnancies or abdominal surgeries, can cause scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes.
• Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus (e.g., on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs). It can cause pain, scarring, and blockages, impacting both egg and sperm function.

4. Endometriosis

As mentioned above, endometriosis can significantly impact fertility. The abnormal tissue growth can cause adhesions, block fallopian tubes, or even affect the quality of the eggs or the uterine lining’s receptivity to implantation.

5. Unexplained Infertility

In some cases, despite thorough investigation, no specific cause for infertility can be identified. This is often termed “unexplained infertility.” While frustrating, couples with this diagnosis may still benefit from female infertility treatment options like assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

When to Seek Help from a Fertility Clinic

If you have been trying to conceive without success, especially for the recommended period, it’s time to consult a specialist. Early consultation with a fertility clinic can lead to a quicker infertility diagnosis and more timely initiation of female infertility treatment.

At Wombs Fertility, we understand that grappling with female infertility can be overwhelming. Our approach begins with a comprehensive infertility diagnosis to pinpoint the specific causes of infertility affecting you. From advanced diagnostic tools to a wide range of female infertility treatment options – including medication, lifestyle adjustments, IUI, and IVF – we are here to guide you with expertise and empathy, helping you achieve your family dreams and take control of your reproductive health.