Top 7 Causes for Female Infertility

Women may develop infertility due to hormonal imbalances or structural or functional abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are also known to cause infertility in women. Read on to find the 7 most common causes of infertility in women.

7. Obesity

Obesity can affect women’s reproductive functions by causing hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities. It can also increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which can prevent conception and even increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. [1]

6. PCOS

PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome occurs due to the formation of multiple cysts in the ovaries. It can prevent the production of an egg in the ovaries and prevent conception. [2]

5. Endometriosis

Endometriosis refers to a condition caused due to the abnormal growth of the uterine tissues outside of the uterus. Endometriosis may prevent the successful attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus thereby causing infertility. [3]

4. Unhealthy lifestyle habits

Smoking and alcoholism are known to contribute to female infertility by affecting the ovarian functions and causing imbalances in the production of female sex hormones including estrogen and progesterone. [4]

5. Side effects of medications

Women who are using medications for the treatment of depression, diabetes, or hypertension are more likely to develop infertility.These medications are known to cause serious side effects and create imbalances in the levels of female reproductive hormones. However, stopping the use of these medications may help to reverse these adverse effects and restore normal fertility in women. [5]

2. Ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure can inhibit the formation of a mature egg in the ovaries. This is a common cause of infertility in middle-aged women. [6]

1. Infections

Infections in the uterus, vagina, cervix, or fallopian tubes can affect fertility in women. Chronic infections like tuberculosis may cause considerable damage to these tissues resulting in the formation of strictures, scars, and adhesions.As a result, the passage of an egg through the fallopian tube and the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus are affected resulting in an inability to conceive. [7]

 Conclusion

The treatment of female infertility should be based on the factors responsible for it. Detection of the underlying cause of female infertility and treating it can improve the chances of conception in women.