Female Infertility: Common Causes and What You Need to Know

Infertility is on the rise. As per a TOI report, almost 10% to 15% of married Indian couples face challenges in conceiving naturally. Female infertility affects millions of women across the world, including thousands in India. Infertility is the inability of women to get pregnant after 12 months of regular intercourse.

While your gynaecologist is the right person to consult if you are facing issues in conceiving, understanding the causes of female infertility can make a difference in making the right decisions.

Common Causes of Female Infertility

Ovulation Problems

Ovulation is the stage where a mature egg is released for fertilisation. Due to hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, or irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation can be disrupted. This can make pregnancy difficult to achieve.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. PCOS and infertility are linked as it causes hormonal imbalances that prevent regular ovulation. Women with multiple small cysts on their ovaries have irregular periods and elevated male hormone levels, making pregnancy difficult.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis infertility occurs when tissues similar in nature to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus, mainly on the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can inflame and scar the ovaries, which can interfere with egg release or sperm-egg interaction.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Your fallopian tubes must be healthy, as these are vital for transporting eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Fallopian tubes can get blocked due to infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, or previous surgeries. All these conditions can prevent fertilisation.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Every woman is born with a finite number of eggs. As women age, the supply declines. As the ovarian reserve reduces, there are fewer ova for fertilisation and of lower quality. This is a significant factor for women aged 35 years or above. However, it can affect younger women too.

Uterine or Cervical Issues

Structural problems in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or abnormalities, can interfere with embryo implantation. Cervical issues, like insufficient cervical mucus, may also hinder sperm movement.

What You Need To Know?

When to Seek Medical Help

The best time to seek help is when you have been trying to conceive for a year or so (if you are younger than 35 years) and six months or more (if you are over 35 years). You need to consult about your female fertility issues with a fertility specialist. The earlier you have the problem diagnosed, the faster the cause of your infertility issue can be identified, leading to effective treatment options such as ovulation-inducing medications, minimally invasive surgery, or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.

Emotional and Physical Impact

Female infertility can be overwhelming. Other than medical treatment, women also need emotional support and that comes from counselling or being a part of support groups. It is also essential to have open communication with your partner. Managing stress and adopting a healthy lifestyle should be the top priority. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. Your diet should be balanced, and you should exercise regularly.

Female infertility has different causes, including endometriosis, PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, reduced ovarian reserve, etc. This is a journey that can be highly challenging, but thanks to modern medicine, there are multiple solutions to improve your chances of conception.