4 Common Causes of Female Infertility
If you’re in the middle of a fertility battle looking for answers or you simply want to be informed before you start trying to start a family, navigating infertility and its causes can be a daunting process.
But we want you to know you’re not alone.
Here, our team at Ovation Wellness in Flowood, Mississippi explores a few of the most common causes of infertility, so you can start making an action plan.
4 causes of infertility
No two women are the same, which means that infertility affects each woman differently, but at the most basic level, infertility stems from a disruption in the reproductive process.
Ovulation disorders
Ovulation disorders account for most cases of infertility. You have an ovulation disorder if you either ovulate infrequently or don’t ovulate at all. This typically stems from a problem in the hypothalamus, or the pituitary gland, but it can also result from a problem in the ovaries.
One of the most common ovulation disorders is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that affects ovulation. PCOS is often linked to other problems, such as insulin resistance, obesity, abnormal hair growth, and acne.
Other ovulation disorders include:
Each of these disorders is different, but they have one common denominator: They affect fertility by disrupting hormone production.
Fallopian tube damage
If your fallopian tubes are damaged, it’s difficult or impossible for sperm to reach an egg. Or if a sperm manages to make it to an egg, the fertilized egg may not reach the uterus.
Some causes of damaged fallopian tubes include pelvic inflammatory disease and previous surgery in the abdomen or pelvis.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis refers to a condition in which the tissue that typically grows in your uterus implants and grows in other places. The abnormal tissue growth, and in some cases, the surgical removal of it, can lead to scarring, which causes a block in your fallopian tubes and/or distorts the anatomy of your pelvis.
This condition can also prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg, affect the quality of your eggs, and can even affect the hormones that support healthy eggs.
Uterine or cervical problems
Sometimes, the source of your fertility issues lies in your uterus or cervix. These types of problems interfere with implantation and can increase the risk of miscarriage. You might have a uterine or cervical problem if you have:
- Benign polyps or tumors, also known as fibroids or myomas
- Congenital uterine problems, such as an unusually shaped uterus
- Cervical stenosis
Or there may be an issue with the mucus production in your cervix. It can be difficult to get pregnant if your cervix doesn’t produce enough mucus or quality mucus. This prevents the sperm from traveling through the cervix and into the uterus.
A note on unexplained infertility
Unfortunately, there are some cases of fertility that simply can’t be explained. When that happens, doctors typically point to a combination of factors in both partners, including age, tobacco usage, weight, alcohol consumption, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Though this can be one of the most frustrating causes of infertility, the problems often correct on their own and with certain lifestyle adjustments.
We walk alongside you and help you identify and adjust certain lifestyle factors that may be affecting your chances of getting pregnant.
If you’re told that you’re infertile, don’t throw in the towel until you’ve talked to us. Book an appointment with us online or call 601-326-6401 to see how we can help you realize your dream of parenthood.
