Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex or 6 months in certain situations. Infertility may be due to a single problem in either you or your partner or a combination of factors. However, there are safe and effective therapies that can greatly increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
 

 

Who is at risk of infertility ?

 
These factors increase your risk of infertility.

• age 35 years or older
• being overweight or underweight
• alcohol abuse
• smoking
• lack of exercise
• stress
• poor diet
• sexually transmitted infections STI

 

What are some of the causes of infertility in women ?

 
There are many causes of infertility in women even though some of the causes may be unknown. Some fertility problems are from birth (congenital ) and others may be incurred during your lifetime.

 

Abnormalities of the uterus and cervix : Problems with the opening of the cervix as well as cervical mucus may contribute to infertility. Abnormalities in the shape of the uterus may also contribute to it. Uterine fibroids which are benign tumors in the walls of the uterus may rarely cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tube.

 

Ovulation disorders : These are disorders that may hinder the release of ovaries. Such disorders include these  hormonal disorders

•  polycystic ovary syndrome  – which causes the ovaries to produce too much of the male hormone testosterone
• hyperprolactinemia – when you have too much prolactin, the hormone that stimulates breast milk production

 
Endometriosis : This is when the endometrial tissue implants and grows outside of the uterus . This usually affects the functions of the  ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.

 

Primary ovarian insufficiency : This is also known as early menopause. This is when your ovaries stops working and menstruation starts before the age of 40. Even though the exact cause of this condition is unknown, factors such as immune system diseases, radiation or chemotherapy treatment and smoking may contribute to it.

 

Blocked or damaged fallopian tube : This condition may  be caused by the following :

• salpingitis- inflammation of the fallopian tube
• endometriosis
• adhesions
• pelvic inflammatory disease caused by sexually transmitted infections

 
Pelvic adhesions : These are bands of scar tissue that bind organs after pelvic infection, abdominal or pelvic surgery or appendicitis.

 

Other causes of infertility in women include the following

• cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation
• thyroid problems
• certain medical conditions that result in delayed puberty or absence of menstrual period such as Cushing’s disease, celiac disease, sickle-cell anemia ,kidney disease or diabetes
• genetic problems that reduces your chances of conception and getting pregnant

 

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