Ovulatory disorders are the most common cause of infertility. This is the main reason for which 30% of women are infertile. However, 70% of these conditions can be treated with the use of drugs. Listed below are the various causes of infertility in women:
Ovulatory problems
- Hormonal disturbances: Ovulation problems, the most common cause of infertility and is mainly due to the problems in the production of hormones by the pituitary gland or hypothalamus or problem in the ovary. FSH and LH are the hormones responsible for ovulation. When there is abnormal production of these hormones, it can lead to irregular or absent period.
- Premature ovarian failure: An autoimmune response mistakenly attacks the ovarian tissues, which can lead to egg loss in your ovaries and also decrease the production of estrogen.
- Luteal phase defect: This condition results when the ovary is unable to produce sufficient progesterone hormone after ovulation. This hormone plays an important role in the preparation of uterine lining to implant the fertilized egg.
Poor functioning of fallopian tubes
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes don’t allow the sperm to meet with the egg or even they don’t allow the fertilized egg to implant in the uterus, which is the main cause of infertility in women. There are several causes that can lead to blockage or damage, such as inflammation due to sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, previous surgical procedures performed in the pelvis or abdomen, or previous ectopic pregnancy.
Endometriosis
This condition occurs when the small pieces of the womb lining, called as endometrium, start growing at some other areas, such as ovaries. These new growths can lead to the formation of cysts or adhesions, which can block or distort the pelvis. This makes the egg release process difficult.
Blockage or narrowing of the cervix
This condition is also termed as cervical stenosis, which results from an inherited defect or even cervical damage. The result of this condition is the production of insufficient mucus for sperm mobility and fertilization. This can also close the cervical opening and prevent the sperm to reach with the egg.
Uterine problems
Most women during their 30’s may experience tumors or polyps in the uterus. This cause of infertility can block the fallopian tubes and also disrupt the implantation process. Uterine scars and uterine abnormalities like abnormally shaped uterus can make it difficult to become pregnant.
Poor egg quality
As you age, the quality and number of eggs that you produce will decrease. Also, women who undergo fertility treatment can also affect the egg quality and quantity.
Unexplained infertility
In most cases, the cause of infertility is never found. However, couple with unexplained infertility can have great chances to conceive than other infertile couple.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCOS is also a cause of infertility in women. In this condition, small ovarian follicles don’t develop into the larger and matured ones that release eggs. PCOS can cause abnormal periods, acne, obesity, and excessive hair growth.
