What causes Female Infertility?

Female infertility is a frequent problem that affects women of reproductive maturity all over the world. It can be defined as the inability to get pregnant after one or more years of regular, unprotected sexual activity.

Infertility tends to be caused by female factors around one-third of the time and by both female and male factors approximately one-third of the time. In the other instances, the root cause is either unknown or a mix of male and female variables.

Types of infertility:

There are 2 main types of infertility:

1. Primary infertility refers to when you have never been pregnant and cannot conceive after trying regularly for more than 12 months.
2. Secondary infertility refers to when you cannot conceive after having one successful pregnancy.

Signs of infertility:

• Irregular periods: Women who have irregular cycles may have difficulties calculating when they will ovulate, making it difficult to arrange intercourse for optimal conception. Period irregularity can be caused by several reasons, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, and stress.
• Previous gynecological issues (infections, PCOS, endometriosis…): Scarring and damage to the reproductive organs caused by infections can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. Endometriosis, a disorder in which the tissue lining the uterus develops outside of it, can also cause infertility by obstructing the fallopian tubes or causing pelvic inflammation.
• Inability to get pregnant: Being unable to become pregnant is the most obvious sign of infertility. Couples who have been constantly trying to conceive for a year or more without luck may wish to see a fertility expert to find out what is causing their infertility.

Causes of Infertility:

• Lack of ovulation: occurs when the ovaries do not produce an egg throughout the menstrual cycle. This might be related to hormone imbalances, stress, or other health conditions.
• Weight: Women who are underweight or overweight may have problems conceiving owing to hormonal abnormalities. Achieving a healthy weight via adequate nutrition and exercise can assist in boosting fertility.
• Age: The fertility of women decreases as they age due to a reduction in the amount and quality of eggs. Women above the age of 35 may have trouble conceiving and might need medical assistance to conceive.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): is a hormonal condition affecting the ovaries. PCOS can cause irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and problems reproducing.
• Blocked fallopian tubes: This develops when the tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus get clogged, blocking the egg from reaching the uterus. This can be a result of an infection, tissue scarring, or other underlying health problems.
• Chronic diseases: Diabetes, thyroid issues, and autoimmune illnesses can all have an influence on fertility. Women who have these disorders may need medical help to boost the likelihood of conceiving.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a disorder in which the uterine tissue develops outside of the uterus, resulting in discomfort and infertility.
• Hormone imbalances: These may involve estrogen, progesterone, and other hormone abnormalities that control the menstrual cycle.

There are many other factors that can cause infertility, this list only mentions the main major causes.

Diagnosis of infertility:

A physical checkup and an extensive medical evaluation are usually the first steps in the process of diagnosis. Following that, the doctor may do a further evaluation using one or more of the following methods:

• Blood tests: Such as Thyroid function tests, hormone levels in both menstruation and ovulation testing, and ovarian reserve (egg supply) tests. 
• Transvaginal ultrasound: An ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina. The scan is often used to evaluate the condition of your womb and ovaries, as well as any obstructions in your fallopian tubes.
• Hysteroscopy: Your physician will place a hysteroscope (a tiny instrument with a camera on it) into the vagina and through the cervix during this test. This allows your physician to view into your uterus with greater precision.
• Physical examination: The doctor may weigh you to determine your BMI along with examining your pelvic area for infection, lumps, or soreness, which might indicate fibroids, ovarian tumors, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Treatments to consider:

• In Vitro Fertilization: IVF involves removing eggs from your ovary and combining them with sperm in a laboratory dish. The eggs are fertilized by the sperm. Up to three fertilized embryos are transferred into your uterus by a specialist.
• Egg Donation: Egg donation is a process through which a woman donates her eggs to help another woman conceive as part of an assisted reproduction treatment.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI improves pregnancy chances by injecting carefully chosen sperm straight into the uterus. The method is also known as artificial insemination.