Female infertility is the trouble of a woman in getting pregnant even after one year. For women above 35 years, it is for 6 months of trying. Also, if a woman repeatedly has miscarriages, it is considered as infertility. Nearly 12% of women who are 15 to 44 years of age are having difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy.

Causes

Infertility in women can be due to several causes and in some women, the cause is not known.

Ovulation disorders

The most important cause of infertility is a women’s reduced ability to produce eggs (ovulation). Either the release is not regular, or the released egg may not be healthy. Certain conditions can lead to the above problems such as:

• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• premature ovarian failure (i.e. the ovaries stop working before a woman turns 40)

• eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia

• thyroid problems (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)

Fallopian tube and womb defects

From the ovary, the eggs travel along the fallopian tubes into the womb. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes while the fertilized egg gets implanted in the womb and grows further. But in some women, damage can occur to the fallopian tubes or the womb impairing their functions. This damage can be due to several factors such as:

• Cervical mucus defect which makes it difficult for the sperm to swim towards the egg

• Scarring of the fallopian tubes and shortening of the cervix (neck of the womb) that may result from surgery

• Endometriosis can lead to infertility due to the new growths that can block the pelvis

• Growth of fibroids in and around the womb may prevent the implantation of the embryo in the womb leading to infertility issues

• Pelvic inflammatory disease which is an infectious condition can damage the fallopian tubes making it nearly impossible for the egg to travel into the womb