Exploring Common Causes of Infertility in Women
Posted on July 24th, 2024
In the United States, approximately one in eight couples are affected by infertility. If you're having trouble conceiving, you aren't alone, but that doesn't make it any less challenging. Fortunately, thanks to modern fertility treatments and medications, there are a multitude of ways to grow your family. Let’s explore the common causes of infertility in women and how you can get the expert help you need if you’re struggling to conceive.
Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation is a phase of the female menstrual cycle that involves the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. After ovulation, during the luteal phase, the egg will be available to be fertilized by sperm. Certain disorders can disrupt the ovulation process, resulting in infertility. These conditions include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disorder that causes hormone imbalances
- Primary ovarian insufficiency, which is a premature loss of eggs due to genetics or chemotherapy
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea, where the hypothalamus (i.e., the control center of the brain), stops producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), causing menstruation to stop and disrupting ovulation
- Too much prolactin, which reduces estrogen production and can cause infertility
Fallopian Tube Damage
Fallopian tube damage prevents sperm from getting to the egg or blocks the passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease, caused by sexually transmitted infections, or previous surgery in the abdomen or pelvis can hurt or block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult to conceive.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease where tissue that typically grows in the uterus forms in other places, such as the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes. This extra tissue growth can cause scarring, blocking the fallopian tubes and preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg. Endometriosis can also disrupt implantation and damage sperm.
Uterine or Cervical Causes
Several uterine or cervical causes can interfere with implantation or increase miscarriage risk, including:
- Benign polyps or tumors
- An unusually-shaped uterus or other problems with the uterus present from birth
- Cervical stenosis, or a narrowing of the uterus caused by genetics or damage to the cervix
Unexplained Infertility
In some cases, despite extensive testing, the cause of infertility is never found. Not having a direct answer can be frustrating, but the problem may correct itself in time. However, you should still seek help from a reproductive specialist if you’re ready to have children.
Review Your Options with a Fertility Specialist
No matter the reason, infertility can be extremely challenging to deal with. Whether you know what’s causing it or aren’t sure, you should consult a fertility specialist to review your options and learn how to grow your family. At Aspire HFI, our experienced fertility team can help determine the cause of your infertility and recommend the most effective treatments. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
