Female Infertility

Ovulation disorders are some of the most common causes of female infertility, resulting in infrequent or a complete lack of ovulation. Ovulation disorders are often caused by issues with the regulation of reproductive hormones secreted by the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland.

Here are some common ovulation disorders that may cause female infertility:

• Hypothalamic Dysfunction – The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH) are the two hormones produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for ovulation on a monthly basis. Extreme emotional or physical stress, extremely high or low body weight, and abnormal weight gain or loss can impair ovulation by affecting these hormones.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – PCOS is a health complication that causes a hormonal imbalance in women, thereby affecting ovulation. PCOS is often associated with abnormal growth of hair on the body, acne, obesity, and insulin resistance.
• Premature Ovarian Failure – Also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, this issue is generally caused by a premature loss of eggs or an autoimmune response due to genetics or chemotherapy. As this prevents the ovary from producing eggs, it reduces the production of oestrogen in women under 40 years of age.
• Excess Prolactin – If the pituitary gland releases excessive prolactin, it reduces the production of oestrogen in women, increasing the chances of infertility. Also known as hyperprolactinemia, the condition can also be caused due to medications taken for other conditions.

Damage to the fallopian tubes of women is known as tubal infertility. In this condition, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperms from reaching the egg for fertilization. It may also block the way of a fertilized egg reaching the uterus.

Here are the two major causes of tubal infertility:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – This is an infection in the fallopian tubes and uterus caused due to gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or other STDs.
• Surgeries – Tubal infertility can also be caused due to surgeries performed in the abdominal or pelvic region of a woman.

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the tissue that typically grows in the uterus starts growing somewhere else. When this additional tissue grows and is removed surgically, it results in scarring. This scarring may lead to the blocking of fallopian tubes, preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg.

This health condition may also affect the effective implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to fertility issues.

Here are some of the most common cervical and uterine issues that hamper successful implantation of eggs and increase the chances of miscarriages:

• Benign Polyps – Benign polyps (or tumours) in the uterus may block the fallopian tubes or get in the way of successful implantation, thereby affecting fertility in women.
• Issues Since Birth – Infertility can also be caused to issues in uterus formation since birth, such as having an abnormally shaped uterus. Such issues often make it difficult for women to conceive without suffering from any of the causes mentioned above.
• Cervical Stenosis – This is the narrowing of the cervix which can be caused due to damage to the cervix or an inherited malfunction.
• Lack Of Effective Mucus – Infertility can also be caused if the cervix is not able to produce effective mucus that allows sperms to pass to the uterus through the cervix.

In many cases, female infertility cannot be traced to a specific cause. It may be caused due to a combination of multiple small and unnoticeable factors in both the partners. However, female infertility can be looked into and cured effectively if you get in touch with a skilled fertility specialist without any delay.

Tuberculosis in women can also lead to infertility issues if the disease is not treated on time. It is important for women diagnosed with tuberculosis to be treated soon and effectively to prevent any further health complications.