Top Causes of Female Infertility

If you are having problems conceiving a child, there is a good chance that you may have a condition or problem that is causing infertility to affect you. While you should be sure to visit a doctor if this is the case, you may also be interested in learning about what could be affecting you. Here, we will take a much closer look at some of the top causes of female infertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is known to be prevalent among at least one in ten women. It is one of the main causes of infertility. Some of the symptoms of PCOS include an irregular or lack of menstrual cycle, high levels of androgens (male hormones) and testosterone, obesity, pain during sexual intercourse, acne, facial hair and more. Not only is infertility very common among women who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but miscarriage is also a very common occurrence as well. While it is often difficult to conceive a child or have a normal birth if you have PCOS, it is possible through the use of medication and a healthy lifestyle.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is another one of the most common conditions that is known to affect fertility. It is believed that endometriosis affects about 90 million women worldwide. This condition occurs when the tissue of the uterine grows outside of the uterus. Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include painful menstrual cramps, pain during sexual intercourse, heavy periods, spotty bleeding between menstrual cycles, and irritable bowel-like syndromes. Laparoscopy can be used to help improve fertility among women with mild or minimal cases of endometriosis. Fertility medication and in-vitro fertilization are both also known to be very effective for improving fertility among women who have endometriosis.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are tumors which are located on the walls of the uterus. There are known to affect about thirty percent of Caucasian women and about fifty percent of African American women. Some of the symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavy bleeding that does not occur during menstruation, pain, and frequent or painful urination. Women with uterine fibroids are also at risk for miscarriage and premature labors. With the proper treatment for uterine fibroids, it is possible to conceive and experience a regular labor.

Thyroid Problems

While it is estimated that less than ten percent suffer from thyroid problems, it is also believed that many go undiagnosed for these types of conditions due to a lack of symptoms. Some of the main symptoms of an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) include the inability to lose weight, hair loss, fatigue, sensitivity to coldness, and brittle nails. Some of the main symptoms of an over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) include weight loss, sensitivity to heat, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. Both of these conditions are known to be associated with both sexual health and fertility.

Fallopian Tube Damage

Fallopian tube damage or blockage is a known cause of infertility. One of the main ways that this occurs is when you contract the sexually transmitted disease called Chlamydia. While it often does not cause any type of symptoms, some of the symptoms that you may experience if you have Chlamydia include strange vaginal bleeding, strange vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, abdomen pain, and painful or frequent urination. Fallopian tube damage does often go unnoticed. Receiving the proper treatment and reducing the risk of any further infections that may cause fallopian tube damage may help increase your chances of fertility.

Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a thin wall that contains fluid which can be found in an ovary. In medical terms, it needs to be at least two centimeters in order to be considered an ovarian cyst. They can be found in almost all women who have not yet gone through menopause. Bleeding and pain are the two most common symptoms of ovarian symptoms. Other symptoms which you may experience include pain during or after sexual intercourse, irregular periods, abdominal pain, and facial hair growth. After the treatment which is needed to remove ovarian cysts, many women are able to conceive a child.

Other Causes / Unknown Causes

Certain medications and consuming too much caffeine whether it is through food, drink or pills can also lead to infertility. Certain medical conditions, including HIV or AIDS, cancers of the reproductive system and kidney disease can all have an impact on your fertility. Many women who begin their menstrual cycles late and women who experience menopause earlier than normal also may be affected by infertility. In some situations, women may be infertile and there may not be a known cause.

While these are just some of the many reasons that you may be having difficulty conceiving a child, it is important to make sure that you do pay a visit to your doctor if this is a problem that you have been experiencing. You are considered infertile if you have been trying to conceive a child for at least a year. After this year, it is important to make sure that you go to the doctor and find out what could be going on. Expect to answer questions about any unusual symptoms that you may have, as well as questions about your family’s medical history. Once you have been diagnosed with any type of condition, it is often recommended for you to get a second opinion by another doctor.