Infertility is a reproductive health issue that creates obstructions for couples on their way to parenthood. As per the international website of the World Health Organisation, 48 million couples and 186 million individuals have fertility problems across the world. As a couple (of the opposite sex), you should rush to a clinic to consult a doctor for infertility treatment if you don’t conceive a child through your efforts for a year. For having no kids, both of you (males and females) may be responsible. Here, have a look at the causes of female infertility or what causes a female to have infertility:
1. Ovulation disorders: infertility treatment
The primary cause of female infertility is ovulation disorders. As per an estimate, approximately 40% of women have ovulation problems. The problems relate to no or lower production and release of eggs in a female’s ovaries. You may have ovarian issues due to:
● PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
● POI (primary ovarian insufficiency)
● Aging
● Lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, and extreme exposure to heat
2. Problems in the menstrual cycle
Menstrual cycle problems such as irregular periods can make you prone to infertility. A healthy menstrual cycle helps your body get ready for pregnancy.
3. Structural problems in the fallopian tubes or uterus
Structural problems in your uterus or fallopian tubes may create obstructions in the movement of eggs from the ovaries and ejaculated sperm. Movement obstructions can prevent you from conceiving. And no conception means you won’t have a child. Some structural problems you may have are as follows:
● Endometriosis
● Uterine fibroids
● Polyps
● Scars in the uterus
● Abnormal uterus shape/size
4. Infections
Infection in your reproductive organs will prevent you from getting pregnant. The probable infections that can be a barrier in your parenthood journey are as follows:
● STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia
● HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
● Chronic cervix infection
● Surgical treatment of cervical lesions
5. No proper maturation of eggs: infertility treatment
Several factors prevent the eggs in your ovaries from being matured. These factors can be a lock of particular proteins eggs need to mature and PCOS. An immature egg is not ideal for its release from the ovaries, fertilization with sperm, and travel to the uterus via the fallopian tubes.
6. Implantation failure:infertility treatment
Implantation failure means no proper transfer of the fertilized eggs in the uterine wall to facilitate the beginning of pregnancy. There are no known specific causes of implantation failure. Some probable causes are as follows:
● Genetic defects in the embryo
● Endometriosis
● Progesterone resistance
● Embryonic defects
● Scar tissue in the endometrial cavity
● Thin endometrium
7. Endometriosis
Endometriosis takes place in a female body when she has a lining of cells outside of her uterus instead of being in the uterine cavity. Studies state that 25 to 50% of females have endometriosis and 30 to 40 percent of them are infertile.
8. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
It is the most common cause of female infertility. In such a situation, a female’s ovaries produce more androgens that affect the egg’s development and release. As per a study, 5-10% of females in the USA have PCOS. Till now, there is scientific proof of the exact cause of having PCOS. However, many experts say genetic and environmental factors can lead a female to have this issue.
9. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous development inside the uterus. Medical experts have no clear idea on what causes females to have uterine fibroids. However, they believe that a genetic reason could make a female highly prone to it. Studies reveal that 5-10% of infertile females have uterine fibroids. They can affect your fertility if they:
● Alter your cervix position
● Change your uterus shape
● Create a blockage in your fallopian tubes
● Interrupt the blood flow to your uterus
10. Autoimmune disorders
Due to autoimmune disorders, you have an attack on your normal body tissues. Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroiditis may affect your fertility. Due to these disorders, you have inflammation in your uterus and placenta. You may have these due to the use of certain medications to treat diseases.
Conclusion
Female infertility is the result of several physical and environmental factors and a bad lifestyle. Health conditions like ovulation disorders, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, PCOS, menstrual cycle issues, and infection affect a female’s fertility a lot. Being aware of these health conditions will help you treat them and move ahead in your pregnancy plan or parenthood journey.
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