Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. Approximately 10% of couples who are trying to conceive experience infertility. Infertility can be attributed to problems with either the male or female reproductive system and sometimes both. When no cause for infertility is found in the female partner, this condition is unexplained infertility.
Though many factors may cause infertility, loss of ovarian reserve is a significant cause. This leads to poor response to stimulation and low chances of successful implantation, which reduces the chances of pregnancy. You may need to see a specialist in infertility in Lake Mary to determine the cause of your infertility and explore possible treatment options. Read on to learn more about the different causes of infertility.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of your uterus grows in other areas of the body. It may cause scar tissue around the fallopian tubes, which reduces the chances for an embryo to implant after fertilization. Endometriosis can also affect fertility by reducing ovulation or causing pelvic pain.
- Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow from the smooth muscle of your uterus. Uterine fibroids are a result of estrogen stimulation. As the body produces more estrogen, these tumors start to grow. They can range from being so small that they cannot show on an ultrasound to large masses that distort the uterus’s shape and size. They may interfere with implantation as they distort the uterine cavity, leading to difficulty in embryo attachment. Fibroids may also cause pelvic pain and heavy bleeding that can affect fertility.
- Ovarian or Uterine Cancer
Cancer in the uterus, ovaries, cervix and fallopian tubes can cause infertility by altering hormone production, interfering with implantation, and obstructing the fallopian tube. Ovarian cancer may cause early menopause, preventing ovulation.
- Poor Egg Quality
The quality of the egg determines its ability to fertilize and implant correctly. The egg is formed during fetal development before a baby girl is born. A woman is born with all the eggs she will have throughout her life. As you age, your egg quality deteriorates, leading to poor response to fertility medication and lower chances of pregnancy.
- Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation disorders caused by low thyroid function or polycystic ovarian syndrome can also contribute to infertility. Low thyroid function is associated with higher chances of miscarriage and premature births, whereas polycystic ovarian syndrome increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also lead to an irregular menstrual cycle and trouble conceiving.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common condition among women of reproductive age, and it is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and high testosterone levels. It can cause infertility due to irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all. This condition is also linked to metabolic disorders that may lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
To summarize, women across the world experience infertility due to many different causes. They range from polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovulation disorders to poor egg quality and ovarian or uterine cancer. Endometriosis and uterine fibroids can also cause infertility.
