Understanding the Causes of Infertility Among Women

Infertility, the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse, is a significant health concern affecting about 17.5% of the adult population globally​ (World Health Organization (WHO))​. While it impacts both men and women, in this article we explore the biological, environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to infertility as well as the causes of infertility among women.

Ovulation Disorders

One of the leading causes of infertility in women is ovulation disorders, which affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. Common ovulation disorders include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects a woman’s ovaries, leading to irregular or absent menstrual cycles and the development of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. It is one of the most common causes of infertility.

• Hypothalamic Dysfunction

• The hypothalamus regulates the hormones responsible for stimulating ovulation. Stress, significant weight loss or gain, and excessive exercise can disrupt the production of these hormones, leading to irregular or absent ovulation​ (World Health Organization (WHO))​.

• Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

• This condition, also known as premature menopause, occurs when the ovaries fail before the age of 40. It can be due to genetic factors, autoimmune diseases, or certain medical treatments like chemotherapy​.

Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage

The fallopian tubes are crucial for the fertilization process, as they transport the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Damage or blockage can prevent the sperm from meeting the egg, causing infertility. Common causes include:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can result in scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes​ (World Health Organization (WHO))​.

• Endometriosis

• A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, often affecting the fallopian tubes and causing blockage or damage​.

• Previous Surgeries

• Surgeries involving the pelvic area, including those for ectopic pregnancy or removal of ovarian cysts, can cause adhesions and block the fallopian tubes​.

Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities

Structural problems in the uterus or cervix can also cause infertility. These issues include:

• Uterine Fibroids

• Non-cancerous growths in the uterus can interfere with implantation or block the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg​ (World Health Organization (WHO))​.

• Polyps

• Small growths on the inner wall of the uterus can prevent the implantation of an embryo​.

• Cervical Stenosis

• A narrowing of the cervix can impede the movement of sperm into the uterus​.