Why Infertility Occurs in Women

Women who have had trouble conceiving for at least six months despite having unprotected sex may be infertile. Approximately ten to fifteen percent of couples within the U.S. are considered to be infertile. This means that despite trying for a year, the couple has been unable to conceive.

There are a variety of causes for infertility. The cause may be due to one single issue or a combination of problems and factors that prevent pregnancy from occurring. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available to improve a woman's chances of becoming pregnant.

In order for a woman to become pregnant there is a complex process that occurs, from ovulation to fertilization. The process must work appropriately or the woman will not become pregnant. When there is a disruption or factor that prevents one of the processes from occurring correctly, infertility may arise.

Causes of Infertility in Women

There are a number of causes of infertility in women, with the most common being:

• Endometriosis - a condition that occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, sometimes affecting other organs that are situated nearby. Other organs such as the ovaries and Fallopian tubes may be affected by this condition. Endometriosis can cause problems with the function of the ovaries, sperm, egg and uterus.


• Uterine fibroids - benign tumors that occur in the uterine wall in women between the ages of 30 and 40 years old may contribute to infertility. Implantation is usually impacted by fibroids, but they rarely are found to block the Fallopian tube.


• Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS - a condition that occurs when the body produces too much androgen hormone, which disrupts the ovulation process. This condition is often seen in women who suffer from obesity and insulin resistance.


• Damage to the Fallopian tubes - inflammation of the Fallopian tubes due to sexually transmitted diseases and infections may result in infertility in women. Chlamydia is a frequent cause of blockage or damage within the tubes.


• Early menopause - women who experience menopause prior to the age of 40 may suffer from a condition known as early menopause. There is no known cause for this condition, although certain factors such as smoking, chemotherapy treatment and immune system problems may come into play.

Other Possible Causes of Infertility in Women

Less common causes of infertility in women include the use of certain medications, thyroid issues, certain forms of cancers and treatments such as chemotherapy, and other medical conditions may occur.