A new life begins when a woman's egg is fertilised by a man's sperm. Ovulation occurs 14 days before the start of the menstrual period when an egg (ovum) is released from one of the ovaries. The egg is swept into a nearby fallopian tube and guided to the uterus (womb). If the egg becomes fertilised while travelling, it becomes lodged in the womb lining (endometrium). The pregnancy then begins.
Every month, a young fertile couple has a one in five chance of becoming pregnant. A couple is not considered to have fertility issues until they have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for one year.
Fertility Difficulties - Female Infertility
Fertility problems like female infertility affect about 15% of couples. In most cases, assisted reproductive technologies can help the couple.
Around 30% of infertility problems in couples are caused by the woman. Another 30% comes from the man, and 30% comes from both partners. In approximately one out of every ten couples who are investigated for infertility, no cause is discovered. All this is called 'unexplained' or 'idiopathic' infertility.
Because people have children later in life, age-related infertility affects an increasing number of women and men.
Causes of infertility in women
Infertility in women can be caused by:
ovulation problems
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis, fallopian tube problems, and uterine endometriosis are all examples of endometriosis.
The menstrual cycle is controlled by a number of glands and hormones that work in tandem. In order for ovulation to occur, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus signals the nearby pituitary gland to secrete hormones that cause the ovaries to ripen eggs. Irregular or absent periods indicate that ovulation may also be irregular or absent.
The age of the woman is an important fertility factor. A woman over 40 has a 5% chance of becoming pregnant per menstrual cycle. The cause is believed to be ageing eggs. Other difficulties for women over 40 include an increased risk of miscarriage and genetic abnormalities in the unborn baby. All these are treated at a fertility clinic.
PCOS and infertility
The ovaries produce small cysts or blisters known as follicles during ovulation. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when follicles fail to ripen, instead of forming small cysts on the ovaries' periphery that frequently release male sex hormones. This means that the woman's ovulation and periods are irregular or do not occur at all.
Female infertility is caused by cervix problems
The cervix, or opening to the uterus, is located at the top of the vagina. To reach the uterus and fallopian tubes, ejaculated sperm must travel through the cervix. Cervical mucus is typically thin and watery around the time of ovulation, allowing sperm to pass through. However, some women's cervical mucus is thick, which can obstruct sperm movement.
Female infertility due to endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that causes cells from the uterine lining (the endometrium) to migrate to other parts of the pelvis. It can harm the fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as disrupt egg and sperm movement. Endometriosis can affect fertilisation, embryo growth, and implantation even if the fallopian tubes and ovaries are not damaged.
Get connected with the doctors and sort out your infertility issues now.