A couple trying to conceive may fail due to fertility problems, which may affect both the woman and the man. The causes of infertility in women can be varied, but the most common is when the woman has ovulation problems. Some of the causes of infertility can be successfully fixed, while other may require a lengthy treatment with questionable results.
Anovulation
Anovulation can be due to a wide range of factors and will cause fertility problems in women. Anovulation may be due to:
- Hormonal imbalance, as the ovulation is influenced by the hormonal activity and when this activity is not normal, the ovulation process may fail
- Immature eggs
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a very common cause of anovulation and amenorrhea and is due to a low production of FSH and an increased amount of testosterone and estrogen
- Hypothalamus dysfunction, causing hormonal imbalance and the production of immature eggs
- Dysfunctional pituitary gland, which will fail to produce the FSH and LH, required for the process of ovulation
- Damaged ovaries, due to surgery or trauma
- Premature menopause, which can be genetic and will cause women under 50 to get to menopause
The anovulation is typically indicated by amenorrhea, so the woman will know there might be a problem and should seek specialized help. These problems may be solved with medication (typically hormonal therapy) or surgery. In the case of premature menopause, there may be little to do other than collecting the ovules before the menopause occurs.
Fallopian Tube Problems
If the woman has fallopian tube problems, the conception may also not be possible. The fallopian tubes may be damaged due to a surgery, infections, STDs, urinary tract diseases, ectopic pregnancies or may be blocked due to unknown causes. Surgery can be performed to solve the problem and enable the woman to conceive.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects about 7% of all women and can cause infertility. This condition is manifested through abnormal growth of the uterus lining, fallopian tubes or ovaries, preventing conception or a normal development of an embryo. Common symptoms of endometriosis include prolonged menstrual periods, painful periods, spotting before menstruation or rectal bleeding.
The condition can be detected through a laparoscopy. Treatment can be applied, but will not be always effective and the woman may still have trouble conceiving even after a full treatment.
Other Factors Affecting Fertility
Women may also have difficulties conceiving if they have an abnormal shape of uterus, have cysts, fibrosis, polyps or other abnormal growths that can block the fallopian tubes.
There are also other factors that can affect fertility in women, including:
- Poor dietary habits, which should be changed
- Obesity, which can cause amenorrhea and hormonal imbalance
- Smoking can reduce the chances of conceiving and may also result in miscarriage
- Alcohol consumption
- Drugs consumption
- Constant exposure to toxic materials and fumes
