What are the causes of infertility?
Female fertility is influenced by various factors within the reproductive and hormonal systems, making the process of conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy complex. Infertility is diagnosed when a woman is unable to become pregnant after at least one year of unprotected intercourse. However, for women over 35 years of age, the timeframe is often reduced to six months.
Female infertility can be influenced by multiple factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, environmental factors, physical conditions, and lifestyle choices. These elements can all impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
Infertility is common.
Some individuals face challenges when trying to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Infertility is typically diagnosed when a person is unable to become pregnant after attempting to conceive for a year or longer, or if they experience recurrent miscarriages. Fortunately, there are various treatments available for different types of infertility, and many individuals are able to achieve a healthy pregnancy and have children.It is important to recognize that fertility issues are not solely a “woman’s problem” or solely related to age. Infertility can be caused by various factors and can affect individuals of all genders and age groups. When a couple experiences difficulty in conceiving, both partners are equally likely to contribute to the issue. Therefore, it is common for both individuals to undergo infertility testing if they are having trouble getting pregnant.
What are The Causes of Infertility in Females?
When a woman experiences difficulty in getting pregnant or has been actively trying for over a year without success, seeking medical assistance is advisable. A healthcare provider specializing in reproductive health will conduct a thorough examination, including hormonal profiling, ultrasound scans, and a review of the patient’s medical history. These assessments are crucial in determining the underlying cause of infertility, which, in turn, guides the potential treatment options. Some of the main causes of female infertility include:
Five possible causes of female infertility to look out for
1. Issues in the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a complex process involving the maturation and release of an egg, as well as the preparation of the uterus through the growth of the endometrium. This intricate process is regulated by various glands and hormones working together harmoniously. The menstrual cycle consists of multiple phases, and any disruptions within these phases can impact fertility outcomes.The hypothalamus, located in the brain, plays a significant role in controlling hormone production. It sends signals to the pituitary gland, triggering the secretion of hormones that stimulate the growth of eggs in the ovaries, leading to their maturation and subsequent release. Various issues related to the menstrual cycle can affect female fertility, including:
- Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual cycles.
- Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual cycles caused by uterine contractions.
- Polymenorrhea: Abnormal uterine bleeding characterized by menstrual cycles occurring at intervals of fewer than 21 days.
- Oligomenorrhea: Irregular menstrual cycles with intervals longer than 35 days and lighter bleeding.
- Menorrhagia: Excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding, lasting more than seven days.
- These menstrual cycle disturbances can have implications for female fertility and should be evaluated and addressed by medical professionals.
2. Ovulatory Issues
As women age, the number of eggs within the follicles in the ovary decreases. The ovary, an organ of the female reproductive system, is responsible for the growth and maturation of an oocyte or an egg. Certain ovulatory issues can result in infertility, including:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): In a normal ovulatory cycle, the follicle in the ovary matures, and the egg is released into the fallopian tubes. However, in polycystic ovarian syndrome, the follicles fail to mature properly and instead form small cysts on the outer edges of the ovaries. These cysts release male hormones, disrupting the hormonal profile and causing irregular menstrual cycles.
PCOS is typically diagnosed using specific hormonal tests and profiles referred to as PCOS profiles.
- Declining ovarian reserve – refers to the decrease in the number of eggs that are available for ovulation.
- Hormonal imbalances – such as hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin levels that disrupt ovulation), hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone production), or hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone production) can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal tests, including assessing the LH: FSH ratio, progesterone levels, estrogen levels, and other related tests, are conducted as part of female fertility assessments.
- Early menopause – characterized by the onset of menstruation before the age of 40, can be attributed to genetic factors or the effects of chemotherapy treatment.
- Chemotherapy – which involves the use of radiation in cancer treatments, can have detrimental effects on female fertility.
3. Damage to The Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in the reproductive process by retrieving the mature egg from the ovaries and serving as the site of fertilization where the sperm meets the egg. Consequently, any impairment or damage to these structures can result in infertility.
Inflammation within the fallopian tube, known as salpingitis, can lead to blockage or damage. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections, or the formation of adhesions.
4. Uterine Anomalies
Any structural anomalies inside the uterus can prevent proper fertilization and implantation. Some uterine anomalies include: Congenital Müllerian disorders – encompass genetic anomalies that affect the structure of the uterus. These anomalies may include a double uterus, a uterus with a dent on the top part, a one-sided uterus, a uterus with a partition in the middle, or an absent uterus.
Uterine myomas – also known as uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that rely on estrogen for their growth. They can cause symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pressure or discomfort. Surgical removal of uterine myomas is a possible treatment option.
An endometrial polyp is a noncancerous growth within the uterus that occurs when the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grows excessively during the menstrual cycle. These polyps can contribute to infertility.Endometriosis is a painful disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, often invading the fallopian tubes.
5. Age and Lifestyle Factors
The age of a woman is the most significant factor influencing fertility. As a woman gets older, the quantity and quality of eggs in her ovaries decline. Additionally, advancing age increases the likelihood of genetic abnormalities in eggs. For women aged 30 and above, an ovarian reserve test is typically performed to assess the remaining number of follicles.Various lifestyle factors can also impact fertility. Factors such as weight, smoking, excessive caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, exposure to occupational hazards, and other environmental exposures can interfere with hormone levels, disrupt ovulation, and affect fertility. It is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular exercise, follow a balanced diet, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and recreational drug use to support reproductive health.Regular screening tests that encompass a comprehensive evaluation of the body can help identify lifestyle disorders like type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and lipid disorders that may potentially interfere with female fertility. By detecting and addressing these conditions, it is possible to mitigate their impact on fertility.
Female infertility Treatment
Female fertility can be affected by various factors, and a fertility test for women can be instrumental in diagnosing the underlying issues and guiding appropriate treatment. Understanding the specific cause of infertility is crucial in determining the most effective course of action and medication to address the problem.In addition to medical intervention, patients can take proactive measures to regulate their lifestyle, adopt healthier diets, and engage in regular exercise to help regulate the hormones that influence fertility. Assisted reproductive technologies such as In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have also advanced significantly, providing viable options for individuals seeking solutions to infertility.With the availability of medicine, surgical procedures, artificial insemination, and advanced reproductive technologies, female infertility can be effectively treated. Initiating investigations through hormonal tests, PCOS profile testing, and full-body screenings is an important initial step in diagnosing infertility and addressing the underlying causes. This personalized approach enables tailored treatment strategies for individuals experiencing female infertility.
