Infertility is a common issue that many couples face when trying to conceive. In fact, about 10% of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. There are many potential causes of infertility, but here are the top seven causes of infertility in women.
- Age As women age, their fertility naturally declines. The number and quality of a woman’s eggs decrease over time, making it more difficult to get pregnant. Women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk for infertility and pregnancy complications.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS can cause irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and infertility due to irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate.
- Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and pain. Endometriosis can also cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or affecting the quality of the eggs.
- Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or interfering with the implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes The fallopian tubes are essential for conception because they transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Blocked fallopian tubes can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or surgery and can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
- Thyroid Disorders Thyroid disorders can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and ovulation. Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause infertility.
- Weight Weight can have a significant impact on fertility. Women who are underweight or overweight may have irregular periods, which can make it difficult to get pregnant. Additionally, obesity can lead to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, which can affect fertility.
In conclusion, infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions. If you are struggling with infertility, it is important to consult with a fertility specialist to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With the help of advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF), many couples can overcome infertility and realize their dream of having a family.