Infertility is a condition where a woman faces difficulty in conceiving a child after having unprotected sex with her partner for at least a year. Infertility has become a common problem for women from all over the world.

Several reasons behind infertility, which we’ll discuss in this article.

1. Age

Age is one of the most important factors when it comes to women’s fertility. A woman’s fertility level starts to decline after the age of 32 and drops more steeply after the age of 37.

As women get older, the number and quality of eggs diminishes, which leads to a reduction in the chances of conception. Women in their 40s face extreme difficulty in conceiving naturally as compared to those in their 20s or 30s.

2. Irregular menstrual cycles

Irregular menstrual cycles can make it difficult for women to predict ovulation as ovulation occurs during a specific time in the menstrual cycle.

According to research, women who have a menstrual cycle length above 35 days or below 21 days have a higher chance of infertility as compare to women who have regular menstrual cycles.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. In this syndrome, women have a hormonal imbalance, which leads to irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth on various body parts such as face, chest, and stomach.

It also causes the ovaries to produce a higher amount of male hormones, which interferes in regular ovulation. Women with PCOS have a reduced chance of pregnancy.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, leading to severe pain in the pelvic area, pain during sex, and periods with heavy bleeding or irregular cycles.

Endometriosis can also lead to infertility as it can create an unfavorable environment around the eggs, preventing fertilization and implantation.

5. Blocked fallopian tubes

Fallopian tubes play a significant role in fertility. The eggs are transported from the ovaries to the uterus through these tubes after fertilization.

In women with blocked fallopian tubes, the sperm and eggs are not able to meet and conceive, leading to infertility.

6. Thyroid Disorder

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control our metabolism and are essential for the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Women with thyroid disorder might have irregular periods, making it difficult to conceive.

It can also lead to miscarriages during pregnancy.

7. Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and an unhealthy diet can lead to infertility. Women who smoke face difficulty in conceiving as it affects their menstrual cycle and lowers their fertility.

Similarly, women who consume excessive alcohol also face an increased risk of infertility.

8. Body Weight

Bodyweight plays a crucial role in fertility. Women who are underweight or obese have reduced fertility levels than those with a healthy BMI.

Obese women have high levels of estrogen, which interferes with regular ovulation, and they also have a higher chance of insulin resistance, leading to fertility problems.

9. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a bacterial infection, mainly caused by sexually transmitted infections. The infection causes inflammation in the reproductive organs leading to infertility.

Women with PID have a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy, which is a severe medical condition and can lead to loss of fertility.

10. Stress

Stress can lead to fertility problems. High levels of stress lead to irregular menstrual cycles, making it difficult to predict ovulation. It affects hormones, which interfere with regular ovulation.

Women who are trying to conceive should avoid stress as much as possible, engage in activities to reduce stress levels, and prioritize self-care and relaxation.