Infertility is a condition that affects approximately one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple who is unsuccessful with their attempts to get pregnant over the course of one year. When the problem exists within the female partner, it is referred to as female infertility. Female infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and female infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases.
What causes female infertility?
Female infertility usually occurs when there is a problem with ovulation, a damaged fallopian tube or uterus, or there is a problem with the cervix. Age may also contribute to fertility struggles because as women ages, her fertility decreases.
Ovulation problems may be caused by one or more of the following:
- A hormone imbalance
- A tumor or cyst
- Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
- Alcohol or drug use
- Thyroid gland problems
- Intense exercise causing a loss of body fat
- Extremely short menstrual cycle
Damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus may be caused by one or more of the following:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- A previous infection
- Polyps in the uterus
- Endometriosis or fibroids
- Scar tissue or adhesions
- Chronic medical illness
- Surgery to remove a tubal pregnancy
Abnormal cervical mucus may be the cause of your infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus may prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it more challenging for the sperm to penetrate the egg.