What causes female infertility?
Female Infertility
Female infertility is when a woman has trouble getting pregnant despite a year of regular, unprotected sex. It can be due to issues with ovulation, fallopian tubes, or the uterus. Common causes include hormonal imbalances, blocked fallopian tubes, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
What are the symptoms
of female infertility?
Symptoms of female infertility can vary, but common indicators include:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Inconsistent or absent periods.
- Painful Periods: Severe menstrual pain or cramping.
- Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region, which can indicate conditions like endometriosis.
- Abnormal Discharge: Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.
- Difficulty Conceiving: Trouble getting pregnant despite regular, unprotected sex.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, or weight changes.
Often, women may not have obvious symptoms and might only discover infertility through testing or when facing difficulties with conception.
Female infertility can be caused by various factors, including:
- Ovulation Disorders: Problems with the release of eggs from the ovaries, such as in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhea.
- Fallopian Tube Blockages: Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes, often due to pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis, preventing egg and sperm from meeting.
- Uterine Abnormalities: Conditions affecting the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or congenital abnormalities.
- Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and potentially affecting fertility.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Disruptions in hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, such as thyroid issues or elevated levels of prolactin.
- Age: Fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after age 35.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Early loss of ovarian function before age 40.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, extreme weight changes, or drug use.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders that impact fertility.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic disorders that affect reproductive organs or function.
Diagnosis often involves medical evaluations, including hormonal tests, imaging, and sometimes genetic testing.