Infertility Causes - The Biology
Ovaries, the uterus, and fallopian tubes are the three major organs in the concept of female fertility. Female eggs lie inside the two oval-shaped ovaries on either side of the uterus. A girl is born with about 1 to 2 million eggs which began to die as one gets older. There are 400 eggs (on average) during the reproductive years of a woman. At the end of each menstrual cycle, one egg gets mature and is released into the fallopian tube.
This process is called ovulation which occurs 12-14 days before the next period. Hormones control the whole process - the length of the menstrual cycle, the ripening of eggs, and the timing of ovulation. For you to conceive, this ovulated egg should meet a healthy sperm within 24 hours of release. If not, then the egg disintegrates in the uterus.
5 Major Infertility Causes in Women
Let's understand what are the common causes of infertility in women:#1 Ovulation disorder
It is one of the most common reasons for female infertility and accounts for almost one-third of the cases. Ovulation is the process of release of an egg every month. This may occur due to any of the following:
- Malfunctioning of the woman's ovaries is known as premature ovarian failure.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by abnormally high levels of androgen in a woman of reproductive age.
- Poor quality of eggs may be due to genetic abnormalities or in a woman of older age.
- Excessive production of prolactin hormone produced by pituitary glands, also known as hyperprolactinemia may also inhibit ovulation
- Ovarian tumors, stress, and malnutrition may also inhibit ovulation.
- Hormonal imbalance like the suppression of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) inhibits the complete development of the follicles in ovaries where eggs can mature. In the case of immature eggs, the chances of fertilization become nil. Lack of FSH and LH may occur due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and malfunctioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
- Unruptured follicle syndrome is when women are able to produce a normal follicle but it fails to rupture to release the egg.
#2 Blockage of fallopian tubes
- Sexually transmitted infections like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia may cause inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes. This is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Due to the lack of symptoms, it may go unnoticed. However with each episode of PID, the probability of infertility increases - 15% with the first, 35% with the second, and 75% with the third round of PID.
- Non-sexually transmitted diseases like genital tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, and endometriosis; post-partum and post-abortion infection may also lead to infertility
- Abdominal diseases like appendicitis and colitis may cause scarring and blockage of fallopian tubes.
#3 Uterine factors
Factors such as congenital malformation, fibroids, and adhesion of the uterus due to infection or abortion may interfere with the movement of male sperm or implantation of the embryo.
#4 Cervical factors
- A very narrow cervical canal prevents the sperm to pass into the uterus.
- Low levels of estrogen which may produce insufficient or very thick mucus in the cervix to allow sperm motility
- Presence of antibodies in cervical mucus or fluid which leave sperm inactive
#5 Other factors
- Scarred ovaries due to surgeries
- Premature menopause
- Any previously done sterilization treatment like blocking of fallopian tubes.
- Certain medications like non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy also affect fertility in women.
- A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism states that adults with high cholesterol levels may face problems in conceiving.
- Behavioral factors like cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight or underweight, and drugs like marijuana or anabolic steroids.
- Environmental factors like lead and ethylene oxide in pesticides etc.
Conclusion
Infertility is a health issue and treatment options are available to combat it. One of the most effective remedy methods is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Learn more about IVF through our chain of articles - KnowIVF. For more information and free personalized guidance, speak to a Credihealth medical expert at +918010994994.[button size="medium" color="transparent_credi" class = "custom_button transparent_credi" link="https://www.credihealth.com/medical-assistance?utm_source=blog_article&utm_medium=bottom_button&utm_campaign=book_appointment" icon="" target="true"]Request Callback [/button]
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