While many couples have no difficulty becoming pregnant, many have tried in vain to conceive. In fact, according to figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 12% of American women aged between 15 and 44 has impaired ability to have children.
Women have difficulty getting pregnant for a number of reasons. The following are the most common causes of female infertility.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells found in the uterine lining grow outside the uterus. The cells bleed during menstruation, causing internal organs to become glued together with blood and endometrial tissue. It can affect fertility if the ovaries, Fallopian tubes or uterus are damaged. Although some women with endometriosis have no symptoms, many suffer extremely painful periods, general pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
Ovulation Problems
For ovulation to occur, there must be a balance of different hormones such as estrogen and progesterone to allow the release of a mature egg from the ovaries. The absence of these hormones or a hormonal imbalance can lead to ovulation problems. Women with hormonal problems have infrequent periods, abnormally light or heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Two possibilities occur in women with PCOS – the ovaries cannot release an egg regularly or the ovaries cannot release a healthy, mature egg. That’s not all. Even if a healthy egg is successfully released and fertilized, the uterus of a woman with PCOS may not be able to implant a fertilized egg, resulting in infertility.
Poor Egg Quality in Ovaries
If a woman’s eggs in the ovaries are damaged or have chromosomal defects, she will have great difficulty getting pregnant. As women grow older, the quality of their eggs declines considerably. Ideally, try to conceive between the ages of 20 and 35 as these are best reproductive years for women.
Damaged or Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Damage to the Fallopian tubes or blockage can be caused by pelvic inflammation diseases, sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, previous surgery or endometriosis. Damaged or blocked Fallopian tubes stop sperm from reaching the egg, effectively preventing the fertilized egg from getting to the uterus.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow inside and outside the uterus. While fibroids don’t actually affect fertility directly, their growing size can cause them to press against the Fallopian tubes or affect the implanting of a fertilized egg. Medical treatment can prevent fibroids from growing bigger. Another commonly used solution is to surgically remove uterine fibroids.
Lifestyle Factors
Female infertility can also be caused by certain lifestyle and environmental factors such as stress, poor eating habits, obesity, being underweight, smoking, drinking, substance abuse and some medication.
There are many causes of female infertility. These include endometriosis, ovulation problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, poor egg quality, damaged Fallopian tubes and uterine fibroids. A woman’s risk for infertility also increases by certain lifestyle changes.
Found this article useful? Read also Common Causes of Male Infertility, Treating Infertility and Fertility Food.
References:
Practical Parenting Group. Pregnancy – All your Questions Answered. London: Hamlyn, 2007.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Website
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