Infertility is a common issue now a day which is affecting many peoples’ dreams of parenthood. According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects 15% of couples of reproductive age worldwide.

It can occur in males as well as females and can be caused by various reasons. Here, we will discuss the causes of infertility in females and how it can be diagnosed and treated.

Anovulation

Anovulation refers to a condition in which a woman’s ovary does not release an egg during a menstrual cycle. It’s the most common cause of infertility in females.

The main reason behind anovulation is hormonal imbalance, which can occur due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or disorders of the pituitary gland. Other factors that can lead to anovulation are thyroid disorders, obesity, excessive exercise, and stress.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing scarring and inflammation. It affects around 10% of women of reproductive age.

Endometriosis can cause infertility by affecting the function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, painful intercourse, and heavy bleeding during menstruation.

Delayed Pregnancy

A woman’s fertility declines with age. After the age of 35, the number and quality of eggs decline in the ovary, making it difficult to conceive. Delayed pregnancy is a significant cause of infertility in women.

The success rate of fertility treatments such as IVF also decreases with age.

Fallopian Tube Disorders

Fallopian tube disorders or blockage is another common cause of infertility in females. The fallopian tube helps the egg move from the ovary to the uterus.

If the fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, the sperm cannot reach the egg, or the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus. Fallopian tube blockage can occur due to pelvic infections, sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, or surgery.

Uterine Disorders

The uterus is an essential organ, which plays a vital role in pregnancy. Disorders or abnormalities in the uterus can prevent implantation of the fertilized egg and can cause infertility in females.

The most common uterine disorders are uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, and a septum in the uterus.

Pelvic Adhesions

Pelvic adhesions or scar tissue can develop in the pelvic region due to pelvic infections, surgery, or endometriosis. Pelvic adhesions can prevent the ovaries and the fallopian tubes from moving freely, which can cause infertility.

It can also cause chronic abdominal or pelvic pain.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. It can affect the reproductive system, causing infertility in females.

The most common autoimmune disorder that affects fertility is antiphospholipid syndrome, which can cause recurrent miscarriages or stillbirths.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Primary ovarian insufficiency or premature ovarian failure occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working before the age of 40 years. It can be due to genetic or autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or surgery to remove the ovaries.

Women with primary ovarian insufficiency have a very low chance of getting pregnant naturally and may require donor eggs for conception.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnosis of infertility in females involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

The most common diagnostic tests are blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, pelvic ultrasound to assess the reproductive organs’ structure, and hysterosalpingography to check for blockage in the fallopian tubes.

Treatment

Treatment of infertility depends on the underlying cause, age, and duration of infertility.

The most common infertility treatments for females are fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation, intrauterine insemination to increase the chances of fertilization, and in vitro fertilization to fertilize the egg outside the body. Surgery may be required to treat disorders such as endometriosis or uterine abnormalities.