Female Infertility

Causes

Ovarian Cysts (Endometriomas)
Ovarian cysts may indicate advanced endometriosis and often is associated with reduced fertility. An ovarian cyst is a small fluid-filled sac that grows in the ovary. Endometriomas can be treated with surgery.

Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids or leiomymomas are benign tumors usually located on the outside surface or within the muscular wall of the uterus. They are not associated with the reproductive system but may cause infertility by interfering with the contour of the uterine cavity, blocking the fallopian tubes. It can also interfere with embryo implantation or fetal growth. Though the causes of these tumors are unknown, evidence suggest that estrogen and progesterone contribute to the growth of fibroids. It is most often diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 40. Common symptoms of fibroids is pelvic pressure, along with irregular bleeding and the effective treatment option is hysterectomy. 

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or Early Menopause
Early menopause is the absence of menstruation and the early depletion of ovarian follicles before age 40. Though the cause is often unknown, the condition is associated with autoimmune disease, pelvic surgery, tobacco smoking, genetic factors, radiation or chemotherapy. Treatment option for POF is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the pelvis or organs of the reproductive tract, including the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the cervix or the uterus. It can lead to blocked or damaged fallopian tubes and is usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases, miscarriages, abortions, childbirth, or an intrauterine device.

Pelvic Adhesions
Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue formed between two or more internal organs after pelvic infection, appendicitis or abdominal or pelvic surgery. This condition is usually caused by surgery or infection and can affect the functioning of the ovaries and fallopian tubes resulting in infertility. 

Age is also a risk factor of infertility. A woman's peak fertility occurs in her early 20s. The ability for ovaries to produce eggs declines with age, especially after age 35. As a woman ages beyond 35 (and particularly after age 40), the likelihood of conceiving diminishes to less than 10% per month. The risk of miscarriage also increases with a woman's age. Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, extremes in body mass either too high or too low are all risk factors of infertility. 

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