Infertility has caused a million of couples to suffer throughout the world. An estimated ten to eighteen percentage of couple, experience difficulties in getting pregnant or having a healthy delivery. Inability to conceive is termed as infertility. It is when a person has been trying to get pregnant for the last one year but has not get any success. This can be due to either female infertility, or male infertility or both. Sometimes the couple fail to identify the factors for their infertility. In this article, we will look at all those reasons why a woman faces issues in getting pregnant.
Ovulation disorders
Ovulation disorders imply that there is irregularity in your ovulation. Such type of infertility is seen in one out of four infertile couples. The prime cause behind this issue is the imbalance in reproductive hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, or hypothalamus gland.
Hypothalamic dysfunction
Follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone are the two hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. Both of these hormones stimulate ovulation every month. Excess emotional, or physical stress, a very low or very high body weight, or any substantial gain or loss in weight can disturb the secretion of these hormones. All of these reasons can impact ovulation in a person. Any irregularity in the levels of these hormones in the body is seen in the form of absent, or irregular periods.
Premature ovarian failure
Premature ovarian failure is caused due to an autoimmune response where the ovary loses its ability to produce eggs. The amount of estrogen secretion also reduces in women who are below 40 years of age.
Excessive production of prolactin
When the pituitary gland fails to perform properly, then it can result in excess secretion of prolactin in the body. The result of this over production is that it lowers the secretion of estrogen in the body. This ultimately results in causing infertility in a person.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS is another cause for the imbalance in hormones that can impact your ovulation. PCOS is linked with obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal growth of hair on your body, and face, and acne. It is believed to be the commonest cause of female infertility.
Blocking or damage to fallopian tubes
Any block or damage of fallopian tubes is another major reason for infertility. This condition is also called as tubal infertility and constitutes to around 25 percent of female infertility incidents. The fallopian tubes serve as the pathway between the uterus, and the ovaries.
As these tubes aren’t attached to the ovaries so sperm have to float from the cervix to reach to the fallopian tubes via uterus. Any damage or obstruction in these fallopian tubes prevent sperm from fertilizing egg in the uterus. Some of the major reasons that can lead to fallopian tube blocking or damage are:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, or
- Undergoing any previous surgery in pelvis or abdomen
Cervical or Uterine causes
Various types of cervical, and uterine disorders impact fertility by either increasing the chances of a miscarriage, or interfering with implantation. These issues are:
- Endometriosis, or uterus inflammation
- Abnormal shape of uterus from birth
- Cervical stenosis, or contraction of the cervix. It can be due to damage to cervix, or a hereditary malformation.
- Inability of cervix to produce the right form of mucus to facilitate the movement of the sperm to the uterus via the cervix.
Age-Related Infertility
Age is a major reason that can cause infertility in any women. A woman after the age of 35, and a man after the age of 40 can take more time to conceive. This happens because the quality, and quantity of eggs produced reduces as the age increases. Furthermore, if the partner is 5 or more years elder to you, this it can further enhance the risk of fertility issues after the age of 35.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
If you or your partner is infected by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, and chlamydia, then it can also be a reason for infertility. These diseases cause damage to the fallopian tubes.
Thyroid imbalance
Imbalance in the production of thyroid in the body can also be the reason for infertility.
Other existing diseases
An undiagnosed diabetes, depression, autoimmune ailments such as lupus or celiac disease can also be the reason for infertility.
Also read: Do’s And Don’ts For A Safer Pregnancy?
Conclusion
If you are facing difficulties in conceiving, you need to know that you can get assistance. Don’t wait for a longer time for a magic to happen. Sometimes delaying can worsen the causes of infertility. The quicker you reach out for help, the possibility for fertility treatments to work in your favor increases.