14 Mar What can cause female infertility?

Infertility is the inability to conceive a child having frequent sexual intercourse for at least a year. According to experts, in 40% of cases of infertility the causes are attributed to women, 40% to men, and the remaining 20% to combined causes (affecting both partners), or unknown causes . But what can cause female infertility?

There are many factors that can cause infertility in women. But, thanks to modern techniques of assisted reproduction, most women can realize their dream of being mothers.

Main causes of female infertility

The causes of female infertility are very varied and only a specialist can make a diagnosis after performing the respective relevant medical tests.

In general, we can group the main causes of female infertility into four large groups:

Alterations in the menstrual cycle

Most cases of female infertility are related to problems in ovulation. It is estimated that 25% of women with infertility ovulate little or never. These women often have irregular menstrual cycles or lack of ovulation.

Diseases and disorders

There are diseases that affect the reproductive and the hormonal system of women, such as Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, among others. In addition to other diseases that affect the general health of women, and may also affect their fertility. Like cancer, whose treatments to fight it can put on risk the fertility of women.

Factors linked to the age of the woman

One problem that grows every year more. With age, the quantity and quality of the ovules worsens. And at older age, greater difficulties to conceive naturally.The current tendency to postpone motherhood significantly increases the cases of female infertility linked to age. In addition, it increases the risk of miscarriage and the likelihood of transmitting genetic diseases to offspring. After age 40, the probability of pregnancy is less than 10% per month.

Other factors that affect fertility

Fertility (both male and female) can be affected by controllable factors linked to our lifestyle. The consumption of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or even the excess caffeine, can make pregnancy difficult. And recent studies have shown that stress can also affect the fertility of both sexes. Weight is another fundamental factor to control in order to achieve the desired positive. Both being above the ideal weight (overweight), and being below (underweight), affects your fertility. In fact, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 12% of cases of female infertility are linked to weight. It is also worth to mention that there are other less controllable external factors such as the use of certain medications, or endocrine disruptors that may affect fertility.

In some cases, specialists can not find the cause of infertility. These cases are called unexplained infertility.

When shall I go to a specialist?

• If you have trouble getting pregnant, Reproclinic specialists recommend following these general guidelines:

• If you are under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, it’s time to go to a specialist.
• If you have more than 35 or some member of the couple has a family history of genetic diseases, it is suggested to wait for 6 months.

How is female infertility treated?

Your gynecologist will carry out relevant tests and to give you a diagnosis. Based on your case, it will suggest treatments to try to get pregnant. The most common are Artificial Insemination and in vitro fertilization, either with the patient’s ovules or with donated ovules.

In general, not much can be done to prevent female infertility caused by genetic problems or diseases. But many of these factors are linked to our lifestyle and are more or less controllable. Eat a healthy and balanced diet, practice moderate exercise regularly, avoid harmful habits … Start taking care of yourself before pregnancy!

Medical Director at Reproclinic
Specialist in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine