Female infertility can by physically and emotionally draining for couples trying to conceive. Questioning the reasons why your body is struggling to ovulate or carry a baby can be disappointing and put unnecessary stress on couples who already have busy lives jugging their careers and relationships.
Understanding Infertility causes can alleviate some of the worry and anxiety associated with struggling to conceive by providing an explanation as to why conception is not occurring. Eliminating the mystery around any problem is half the battle. Three specific areas of female biological functioning are typically the source of female infertility. These common root causes include ovulation problems, fallopian tube complications, and endometriosis.
1. Ovulation Oversights:
Failure to ovulate is a fairly common problem which affects about 30% of women who struggle with infertility. Hormonal problems can disrupt the ovulation process by affecting egg maturation and release. Often, ovulation disorders originate in the regulation of reproductive hormones in a quadrant of the brain called the hypothalamus. When the two main ovulation stimulating hormones are interrupted, ovulation may not occur.
2. Fallopian Faux Pas:
About 25% of infertility issues are due to fallopian tube complications. These issues can include infections, congenital defects, and injuries. In order for the egg to move from the ovary to the uterus, the fallopian tubes need to be unobstructed. Infection and damage can build up scar tissue which hinders the egg’s journey.
3. Endometriosis Emergencies:
This serious, and often painful, condition effects about 10% of women struggling to conceive and about five million U.S. women. Women with endometriosis have a significantly lessened chance of conceiving due to the excess growth of endometrium tissue. Endometriosis can actually lead to fallopian tube damage.
If a woman feels that she may be suffering from infertility, a physician can run several tests and blood work to determine the cause and make a plan for remedying the problem. An ultrasound of the reproductive organs will give the doctor a deeper understanding of the functioning of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Additionally, a minimally invasive treatment called a laparoscopy can also allow the physician to assess the health of reproductive organs.
Additionally, aging has an impact on the fertility of women since both the quantity and quality of eggs takes a steady decline after the age of forty. According to a new study, this change in egg production is due inflammation of the ovarian stoma, the environment an egg would grow in. Francesca Duncan from the Center for Reproductive Science at Northwestern University Feinberg said, “There is no way this environment won't impact the eggs growing in it and it very likely contributes to their decrease in quality,” about her recent study. As couples undertake their family planning, they may want to consider potential infertility issues coupled with age. For instance, if someone suffers from endometriosis, a post-forty pregnancy may cause additional complications.
In about 25 percent of couples, infertility remains unexplained. This can be due to a series of incredibly minor issues that compound to prevent pregnancy. If causes of female infertility are not identified, consider exploring potential complications in the male partner’s reproductive system. While not knowing the reason for infertility and being unable to undertake steps to remedy the problem, remember that often times these problems correct themselves over time. Head to the bedroom and keep trying!