
Infertility is a common problem in the United States, with about 10% of women aged 15-44 years facing difficulty in conceiving or bearing a child.
The following conditions can cause infertility in a woman:
Ovulation (the process of releasing eggs from the ovaries) disorders:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): In this disorder, multiple cysts develop in the ovaries. It is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 6-12% of US women of reproductive age.
- Premature ovarian failure: The ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40 years.
- Hypothalamic dysfunction: A problem in the functioning of the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) causes problems in the pituitary gland (a small gland below the hypothalamus that regulates hormone production).
- Excessive prolactin production: Problem with the pituitary gland may cause hyperprolactinemia (excess production of prolactin), which lowers estrogen production and may cause infertility.
Blockage in the fallopian tubes (a fallopian tube is a tube that connects the uterus to the ovary on each side): This can obstruct the sperm from reaching the egg or block the fertilized egg from getting into the uterus. Fallopian tube blockage can be caused by
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes).
- Endometriosis (formation of the uterine tissue outside the uterus, commonly in the ovaries and fallopian tubes).
- Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery in the abdomen or pelvis.
- Pelvic tuberculosis.
Other causes of infertility in women include:
- Fibroid or myoma (noncancerous growths in the uterus)
- Inflammation within the uterus
- Abnormal shape of the uterus
- Cervical stenosis (a narrowing of the cervix)
What things increase a woman's risk of infertility?
Certain things may put women at a high risk of infertility. These are as follows:
- Increasing age: The quality and quantity of a woman's eggs begin to decline with increasing age, particularly in the mid-30s.
- Smoking habit: Smoking damages a woman’s cervix and fallopian tubes, increases her chances of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy and damages the eggs.
- Low or high weight: A higher or lower body mass index (BMI) affects the ovulation process.
- Poor nutrition: A diet high in saturated fats and sugars increases a woman’s odds of infertility, whereas a diet rich in whole cereals, fruits, and vegetables improves fertility.
- Unhealthy sexual history: Having unprotected sex with multiple partners increases a woman’s risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which can result in infertility.
- Excess alcohol: Having more than one alcoholic drink in a day puts women at risk of becoming infertile.
- Increased levels of stress: Several recent studies have found links between women's levels of day-to-day stress and lowered chances of pregnancy.

QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHow long should women wait to consult their doctors for infertility?
Infertility is defined as the failure to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. Hence, most experts suggest that women should wait at least one year before consulting their doctors for infertility issues.
Women who are aged 35 years or older should see their doctors after six months of trying. This is because of the decrease in a woman's chances of having a baby after the age of 30 years.
Women can also visit their doctors early if they suffer from
- Irregular periods.
- Scanty periods.
- Extremely painful periods.
- Endometriosis.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
It is wise for women to talk to their doctors before trying to get pregnant. The doctor can do a complete health evaluation and suggest ways to help women in achieving a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
Latest Women's Health News
Daily Health News
Trending on MedicineNet
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Female infertility. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308
Infertility FAQs. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility
Top Causes of Infertility in a Woman Related Articles
Complications Of Hypothyroidism: Fertility, Weight And More
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive.Gonal-F (follitropin alfa) Injection
Gonal-F (follitropin alfa) Injection is a prescription medicine containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is used in infertile women to help them ovulate and in infertile men to help develop and produce mature sperm. Serious side effects of Gonal-F include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), twisting of ovary, birth defects, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, ovary tumors, severe allergic reactions, lung problems, and blood clots.How Long Does a Hysteroscopy Take?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure performed by a gynecologist to inspect inside of the uterine cavity using a thin tube with a light and camera attached to it. Hysteroscopy can take anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes or longer if a surgical procedure is being performed at the same time. Surgical procedures to treat uterine pathologies can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours as well, depending on the procedure.Infertility
Infertility is the diminished ability to conceive a child. Infertility can be a problem with both men and women. Infertility in men can be caused by medical conditions, unhealthy habits, and toxins from the environment. Infertility in women can be caused by problems with ovarian function, the Fallopian tubes, or the physical characteristics of the uterus. Methods of conceiving for couples that cannot conceive include intrauterine inseminations (IUIs) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), specific drugs, assisted reproductive technology (ART), surgery, and gestational carrier.Infertility Treatment
Learn about fertility options such as IVF (in vitro fertilization), acupuncture, and natural lifestyle choices. Read about infertility in men and women as well as treatment costs and pregnancy success rates.Is Corpus Luteum Cyst a Good Sign?
A corpus luteum cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that is more likely to rupture during menstruation. Learn the signs of a corpus luteum cyst, what causes a corpus luteum cyst, how doctors diagnose a corpus luteum cyst, and what you can do to treat a corpus luteum cyst.Ovulation & Fertility
Boost fertility and increase your chances to conceive. Learn about ovulation calendars, diet, aging and other factors that can affect pregnancy.Ovulation Calculator and Fertility Calendar
Ovulation calculators and calendars are tools that attempt to predict when women might ovulate. These tools are based on the typical length of their menstrual cycle and the expected window for ovulation. These tools will guide women when they are releasing an egg each month (also known as ovulation) and when are they most fertile for the best chances of getting pregnant.What Can Cause Infertility in a Woman?
Infertility affects approximately 10%-15% of reproductive-aged couples. Cause of infertility could be due to issues in one or both partners. In about one-third of infertile couples, the issue is with the male partner, whereas in a third of the couples, there is an issue with the women.What Does Cervical Mucus Mean?
Cervical mucus is a fluid secreted by the cervix (mouth of the womb) during different stages of the menstrual cycle. Its production is influenced by the hormone, estrogen. Cervical mucus is one of the factors that pave the way for successful conception.What Is Laparoscopy in Gynecology?
Laparoscopy in gynecology (gynecological laparoscopy) is a less invasive alternative to open surgery. The procedure involves using a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a light connected to a camera) to look inside the pelvic area to diagnose gynecological disorders or to perform surgery to treat gynecological conditions.