Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Female infertility means having trouble getting pregnant. It’s diagnosed when someone or a couple has been trying to have a baby for a year without success, even after having unprotected sex. There are various ways to tackle infertility. These include medications to balance hormones, surgeries, and fertility procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). These treatments offer hope to those dreaming of starting or expanding their family.

What is Female Infertility?

Infertility is when someone has trouble getting pregnant. For those born female, it’s diagnosed if:

  • If you’re over 35 and have been attempting to conceive for six months.
  • If you’re younger than 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year.

Trying means having regular unprotected sex. Sometimes, you might get diagnosed sooner if there’s a medical condition involved.

Infertility can happen because of issues from either partner. Surprisingly, male and female reproductive problems occur about as often.

In women, infertility can be due to age, hormone imbalances, medical issues, or lifestyle factors.

When it’s likely the uterus owner’s issue, doctors call it “female infertility” or “female factor” infertility.

What Types of Female Infertility Are There?

There are two types: primary and secondary.

  • Primary infertility is when you’ve never been pregnant and can’t get pregnant after trying for either six months (if you’re over 35) or a year (if you’re under 35).
  • Secondary infertility happens when you can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy and birth.

How Common is Female Infertility?

Infertility is more common than you might think. It affects at least 10% of women and individuals assigned female at birth. As people get older, the likelihood of experiencing infertility rises. This means that as women age, the chances of having difficulty getting pregnant also increase. So, while infertility can feel isolating, it’s important to remember that many others face similar challenges.

What are the Signs of Infertility in Women?

The main sign of infertility in women is not being able to conceive despite having regular, unprotected intercourse. This can be distressing for couples trying to start a family. 

Yet, there are additional signs to be aware of. Irregular or absent periods can also indicate potential fertility issues. For some women, these signs may be the first indication that something is amiss with their reproductive health.

It’s essential to pay attention to these signs and seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your fertility.

What Causes Female Infertility?

Female infertility can stem from various factors, and sometimes it’s tough to pinpoint the exact reason. Some couples find themselves facing what’s called unexplained infertility. Here are some possible causes:

  • Issues with the Uterus: Your uterus can develop problems like polyps, fibroids, or adhesions (scar tissue) inside its cavity. These can occur independently over time or due to procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C).
  • Fallopian Tube Problems: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common cause of tubal factor infertility. This condition often results from untreated infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Additionally, endometriosis can lead to scarring in the fallopian tubes.
  • Ovulation Challenges: Regular ovulation (releasing an egg) can be disrupted by various factors. Hormonal imbalances, eating disorders, substance abuse, thyroid issues, severe stress, and pituitary tumors are among the things that can affect ovulation.
  • Issues with Egg Quantity and Quality: Women are born with a set number of eggs, and this supply can diminish prematurely, even before reaching the natural age of menopause (around 51). Some eggs may have chromosomal abnormalities, making fertilization and healthy fetal development difficult.

Understanding these factors can be a crucial step in navigating the journey toward parenthood for couples facing infertility challenges.

What is the Leading Cause of Female Infertility?

The biggest reason behind infertility in individuals with a uterus often revolves around difficulties in producing and releasing eggs, a process called ovulation. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) are common culprits. With POI, the ovaries stop working before the age of 40 due to a very low supply of eggs. These conditions can feel overwhelming, but understanding them is the first step in seeking support and exploring options on the path to parenthood.

What are the Risk Factors for Infertility?

Various factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing infertility. These include:

  • Age: Fertility typically starts to decline in your 30s.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with hormones can interfere with ovulation, the process of releasing eggs.
  • Menstrual Irregularities: Abnormal menstrual cycles can be a sign of potential fertility challenges.
  • Weight: Both being underweight or obese can impact fertility.
  • Exercise: Too much intense exercise or overexertion can affect fertility.
  • Health Conditions: Conditions like endometriosis, structural problems in reproductive organs, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or tumors can all play a role.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Hashimoto’s disease can affect fertility.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections: Infections that lead to pelvic inflammatory disease can impact fertility.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder can contribute to infertility.
  • Primary Ovary Insufficiency (POI): A condition where the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40 due to a low egg supply.
  • Substance Use: Excessive drinking or drug misuse can affect fertility.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use can decrease fertility.
  • Past Ectopic Pregnancy: A history of ectopic pregnancy can also be a risk factor.

Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed choices about their health and seek appropriate support if facing fertility challenges.

How Does Age Impact Female Infertility?

As we grow older, our chances of getting pregnant naturally start to decline. Nowadays, more and more people are waiting until their 30s or 40s to have children, which can impact fertility. Once you hit 35, the risk of facing fertility challenges increases. Here’s why:

  • Decreased Egg Supply: As we age, the number of eggs we have decreases, making it harder to conceive.
  • Chromosome Abnormalities: With age, more eggs may have irregular chromosome numbers, affecting their fertilization ability.
  • Risk of Health Issues: As we get older, the likelihood of developing other health conditions also increases. These conditions can further complicate fertility.

Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning.

How to Find Out if You’re Fertile

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant or suspect you might have fertility issues, it’s best to see a healthcare provider who specializes in fertility. They can conduct tests to determine if there are any underlying issues. Remember, it’s common to feel anxious but many people who seek infertility treatment go on to have successful pregnancies.

Tests for Diagnosing Female Infertility

When you visit your healthcare provider, they may perform various tests to understand what might be causing fertility challenges. Some of these tests happen right in the office, while others may require a visit to a lab. Here’s what you might expect:

Tests Done in the Office:

  • Physical Exam: Your provider will examine your body to check for any visible signs of issues.
  • Pelvic Exam: This involves checking your reproductive organs for any abnormalities.
  • Pelvic Ultrasound: A painless procedure where sound waves create images of your reproductive organs.

Lab Tests:

  • Blood Tests: These can help assess hormone levels related to ovulation and fertility, as well as check your ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have left).
  • X-ray Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Dye is injected into your uterus to see if your fallopian tubes are blocked.
  • Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where a tiny camera is inserted into your abdomen to examine your organs.
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound: Similar to a pelvic ultrasound but the wand is inserted into your vagina for a closer look.
  • Saline Sonohysterogram (SIS): Saline is used to see the inside of your uterus more clearly and check for abnormalities.
  • Hysteroscopy: A thin device with a camera is inserted into your uterus to provide a detailed view.

These tests may sound intimidating, but they help your provider understand your fertility better and guide potential treatment options. It’s okay to feel nervous but remember, your provider is there to support you through the process.

Treatment for Female Infertility

When you’re diagnosed with infertility, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options tailored to your specific situation. Here are some common treatments:

  • Surgery: If there’s a physical issue like blockages or scarring, surgery might help fix it.
  • Fertility Medications: These can balance hormones or stimulate ovulation, making it easier to conceive.
  • Antibiotics: If an infection is causing infertility, antibiotics can clear it up.
  • Fertility Awareness: Tracking ovulation using methods like checking cervical mucus or basal body temperature can help pinpoint the best time for conception. Some use home kits or smartphone apps for this too.

For some, more advanced treatments may be needed:

  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This is a procedure where sperm is inserted directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): These methods involve combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a lab and then transferring the embryo to the uterus.

If pregnancy isn’t possible, options like adoption or gestational surrogacy can also help build a family.

It’s important to know that fertility treatments can come with risks, such as:

  • Multiple Pregnancies: There’s a higher chance of having twins or more.
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This can occur due to fertility medications, causing swollen and painful ovaries.

Navigating infertility can be challenging, but with support and the right treatment, many people go on to fulfill their dreams of having a family.

Can Female Infertility Be Prevented?

While you can’t always prevent female infertility, there are steps you can take to support your reproductive health:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Making adjustments like reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can all contribute to overall well-being, including fertility.
  • Prioritize Sleep: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night to help your body function optimally.
  • Regular Checkups: Visiting your healthcare provider regularly allows you to discuss any concerns or risks related to infertility. Annual checkups with a gynecologist, especially once you become sexually active, can help detect and address any issues early on.

Taking care of your health in these ways can support your fertility journey and overall well-being. Remember, your healthcare provider is there to help you navigate any challenges you may face along the way.

Final Note

Struggling to conceive can be tough. If you’ve been trying for a baby for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without any luck, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. They can figure out why it’s happening and work with you to find the best way forward. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed but remember, many people find success with the right help and treatment. Stay hopeful!

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