Female Infertility : Everything You Need To Know

Trying to conceive and start a family can be a joyous and exciting time. However, for some couples, it can also be a journey filled with unexpected challenges and questions. Infertility, the inability to conceive after one year (or six months if you’re 35 or older) of trying, affects millions of couples worldwide, and it’s important to understand it’s not uncommon.

This blog aims to provide you with a complete yet easy-to-understand guide to female infertility, addressing causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Female Infertility?

Infertility is the inability to become pregnant. Healthcare practitioners identify it when a person or couple has had unprotected intercourse for 12 months without becoming pregnant. Infertility can be treated with a variety of methods, including correcting hormonal issues, surgery, and fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Infertility can be caused by various factors, and it’s important to understand that it’s not always the woman’s fault. Around 30% of infertility cases are related solely to female factors, while another 30% are due to male factors, and the remaining 40% involve a combination of both or have unknown causes.

Common Causes of Female Infertility

1. Ovulation Disorders:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition characterized by an imbalance in a woman’s sex hormones, which can cause irregular menstrual periods, acne, significant weight gain, and excessive hair growth. Women with PCOS often have multiple small cysts on their ovaries, detected via ultrasound. The hormonal imbalance can disrupt ovulation, making it difficult to conceive.
2. Thyroid Issues: Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can affect ovulation and female fertility. The thyroid gland produces hormones that are critical for maintaining regular menstrual cycles. When these levels are too high or too low, it can lead to irregular periods or no periods at all, hindering the chances of a successful pregnancy.
3. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Also referred to as premature ovarian failure, POI is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. Unlike early menopause, which is the complete cessation of menstrual periods, women with POI might still have occasional periods but will experience reduced fertility due to their decreased ability to ovulate regularly.

2. Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities:

These include issues like fibroids, polyps, or anatomical abnormalities that can interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg or increase the risk of miscarriage.

1. Fibroids: These are benign tumors that grow within the uterine wall. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can block the fallopian tubes or lead to a shape change in the uterus, which can interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg.
2. Polyps: Endometrial polyps are overgrowths of tissue in the lining of the uterus. While they are usually benign, they can affect fertility by disrupting the normal environment of the uterus, making it difficult for an embryo to implant.
3. Anatomical Abnormalities: Some women are born with or develop abnormalities in the shape or structure of their uterus or cervix. Conditions such as a septate uterus (a common congenital anomaly where a septum divides the uterine cavity) can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

3. Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage

1. The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in conception by transporting the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Damage or blockage can occur due to:
2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Often resulting from STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, PID is an infection of the reproductive organs, which can cause scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes.
3. Surgical Scar Tissue: Surgeries involving the abdomen, especially those related to the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes, can lead to the formation of scar tissue that may block or damage the fallopian tubes.

4. Endometriosis

In endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, such as on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can lead to pelvic pain and infertility. The misplaced tissue can cause inflammation and scar tissue, block the fallopian tubes, and disrupt the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.

5. Early Menopause

Early menopause, or premature ovarian failure, occurs when the ovaries cease functioning before the age of 40. This leads to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, hormones vital for fertility, causing irregular periods or the cessation of menstruation altogether, significantly affecting a woman’s ability to conceive naturally.

6. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices and environmental factors can also impact female fertility:

1. Age: Women’s fertility naturally begins to decline in their late 20s to early 30s, with a more significant decrease after the age of 35.
2. Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Use: Both can lead to reduced fertility. Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of infertility and earlier menopause, while excessive drinking can cause irregular menstrual cycles.
3. Weight Issues: Being significantly overweight or underweight can affect ovulation and, consequently, fertility.
4. Stress: High levels of stress can interfere with hormones needed for ovulation.

Symptoms of Female Infertility:

1. Irregular or absent menstrual periods
2. Excessive menstrual bleeding or pain
3. Pelvic pain
4. Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by specific tests like ovulation tracking, hysterosalpingography (to examine the fallopian tubes and uterus), and laparoscopy, among others. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and can range from medication to induce ovulation, surgery to rectify physical issues, to assisted reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Facing infertility can be emotionally challenging. Connecting with support groups, talking to a therapist, and openly communicating with your partner can help you navigate this journey with less stress and anxiety.

Remember, you’re not alone. Infertility is a common condition, and seeking professional help can equip you with the knowledge and options to increase your chances of achieving your family-building dreams.

For those in the Pune area looking for expert guidance and support on their journey to parenthood, Dr. Sonal Katarmal‘s femcare clinic offers a complete range of female fertility treatment in Ambegaon. Recognized for her compassionate approach and expertise in the field, Dr. Katarmal and her team are committed to providing personalized care tailored to each individual’s specific needs. the clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating various causes of female infertility,