Overview:

Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive despite having regular, unprotected sex for a year or more.

Approximately one-third of infertility cases are attributed to female factors, another third to a combination of both female and male factors, and in the remaining cases, the cause is either unknown or involves both partners.

Diagnosing female infertility can be challenging due to the variety of potential causes. While many couples facing infertility will eventually conceive without medical intervention, there are numerous treatments available depending on the specific underlying issues.

Symptoms:

The primary sign of infertility is the difficulty in achieving pregnancy. Irregularities in the menstrual cycle, such as cycles lasting 35 days or longer, shorter than 21 days, or missed periods, can indicate issues with ovulation. Often, there may be no other noticeable symptoms.

Causes:

Infertility can stem from a variety of factors, and identifying the exact cause can be challenging. In some cases, the cause remains unexplained. Potential causes of female infertility include:

• Uterine Issues: Conditions such as uterine polyps, fibroids, or adhesions (scarring) inside the uterus can affect fertility. Polyps and fibroids may develop independently, while adhesions can form after procedures like a dilation and curettage (D&C).
• Fallopian Tube Problems: One of the most common causes of “tubal factor” infertility is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often resulting from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea. Endometriosis can also lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes.
• Ovulation Disorders: Irregular or absent ovulation can be caused by hormonal imbalances, eating disorders, substance abuse, thyroid issues, severe stress, or pituitary tumors.
• Egg Quality and Quantity: Women are born with a finite number of eggs, which can deplete prematurely or contain chromosomal abnormalities, affecting their ability to be fertilized and develop into a healthy fetus.

Leading Cause of Female Infertility

The most frequent cause of infertility in individuals with a uterus is related to issues with egg production and release (ovulation). Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), where the ovaries stop functioning before age 40 due to an extremely low egg supply, are common contributors.

Risk factors:

Several factors can heighten the risk of infertility, including general health conditions, genetic traits, lifestyle choices, and age. Key factors that can contribute to infertility include:

• Age: Fertility generally starts to decline in your 30s.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions that disrupt normal ovulation.
• Menstrual Cycle Irregularities: Abnormalities in menstrual cycle patterns.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can affect fertility.
• Being Underweight: Insufficient body weight can also impact fertility.
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
• Structural Issues: Physical problems with the fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries.
• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can affect fertility.
• Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that may impact fertility.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that can cause infertility.
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): A condition where the ovaries stop functioning before age 40.

Treatment and prevention:

Treatment for female infertility varies depending on the underlying cause diagnosed by your healthcare provider. Here are some common treatment approaches:

• Surgery: If infertility is due to structural issues, blockages, or scarring, surgical procedures may be used to correct these problems.
• Fertility Medications: These medications address hormonal imbalances or ovulation disorders. They can stimulate ovulation and assist in releasing eggs.
• Antibiotics: If an infection in the reproductive organs is identified, antibiotics can be used to treat it.
• Fertility Awareness: Your provider might recommend tracking ovulation through methods such as monitoring cervical mucus or measuring basal body temperature. Many individuals also use home ovulation predictor kits and smartphone apps to identify optimal times for conception.

For some individuals, more advanced treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), may be necessary.

Can female infertility be prevented?

While you can’t prevent all types of female infertility, you can manage some risk factors through lifestyle changes. Consider the following actions:

• Take food supplements that contain ingredients that increase fertility and conception such as Myo-Inositol and White Kidney Beans.
• Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake can benefit overall reproductive health.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation can improve fertility and overall health.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieving and keeping a weight that’s appropriate for you supports reproductive function.
• Exercise Regularly: A balanced exercise routine promotes general well-being and reproductive health.
• Eat a Nutritious Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night to support overall health.
• Regular visits to your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring reproductive health. Starting annual checkups with a gynecologist when you begin having sex can help detect and address conditions that might impact your fertility in the future.