Infertility in Women: Common Causes and When to Seek Help

Let’s talk about something that can feel deeply personal, often overwhelming, and, unfortunately, more common than we realize – infertility in women. If you’ve found yourself here, chances are you’re searching for answers, guidance, or maybe just some reassurance that you’re not alone.

And let me start by saying this: you absolutely are not alone.

Infertility can be one of the most emotionally taxing journeys a person can go through. Dreams of building a family suddenly become clouded by frustration, confusion, and, often, self-blame.

But here’s the truth: infertility is not your fault, and understanding its causes can help you take the next steps toward clarity and, hopefully, resolution.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• The most common causes of infertility in women
• When it’s time to seek help
• Why reaching out sooner rather than later can make all the difference

What is Infertility?

Before we jump into the “whys” and “hows,” let’s clear up what infertility actually means.

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if you’re over the age of 35). It’s more common than you might think – about 1 in 8 couples struggle to conceive.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, about 33% of infertility cases can be attributed to female infertility. Men’s problems account for another 33% of infertility cases and the remaining cases are often caused by a combination of female and male infertility. They may also have no known cause.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Infertility in women can happen for a variety of reasons, from hormonal imbalances to structural issues. Below are some of the most common causes and risk factors:

Ovulation Disorders

Researchers suggest that nearly 25% of cases of infertility in women occur as a result of ovulation disorders.

If you’re not ovulating regularly (or at all), conception becomes incredibly difficult. Ovulation is when your ovary releases an egg, and without it, there’s no egg to fertilize. Here are some conditions that can lead to ovulation disorders:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The fact sheet published by the WHO reveals PCOS as one of the most common causes of infertility. PCOS leads to hormonal imbalances that disrupt ovulation. Symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth can be telltale signs.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with thyroid hormones, prolactin levels, or estrogen and progesterone can mess with your ovulatory cycles.

According to the research published by the American Thyroid Association, the risk of infertility is substantially higher in women who suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland that results in reduced levels of thyroid hormones.

• Premature Ovarian Failure: Sometimes, a woman’s ovaries stop functioning properly before the age of 40, reducing egg supply and hormone production.

Fortunately, most of these ovulation disorders are treatable with medications or lifestyle changes, so don’t lose hope!

Structural Problems in the Reproductive System

Sometimes, physical issues in the reproductive organs can interfere with conception. Here are some structural problems commonly implicated in issues with fertility:

• Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Scientific studies have confirmed that tubal factors, such as blocked fallopian tubes, account for nearly 30 to 40% of infertility cases in women. The fallopian tubes are like highways for eggs. If they’re blocked – often due to infections, endometriosis, or past surgeries – the egg can’t meet the sperm. 
• Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can affect the implantation of a fertilized egg or make it harder for pregnancy to progress.
• Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. Endometriosis can cause pain, scarring, and blockages in the reproductive system.

There are surgical and non-surgical treatments available to treat these conditions and improve your chances of conception.

Egg Quality and Quantity

Here’s a fact many of us don’t like to face: fertility declines as we get older. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as we age, both the quantity and quality of those eggs decrease.

• By age 30, fertility starts to decline gradually.
• By age 35, the decline speeds up.
• By age 40, chances of conception drop significantly.

But don’t panic! Many women conceive in their late 30s and early 40s. If age is a concern, seeking help earlier can provide options like fertility preservation (freezing eggs) or assisted reproductive techniques.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Sometimes, the causes of infertility lie in factors that are often overlooked:

• Weight: Research has established obesity as a major cause of infertility in both women and men. Being significantly overweight or underweight can disrupt hormone levels and ovulation, resulting in difficulty in conception.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking damages eggs and reduces fertility, while excessive alcohol consumption can also take a toll.
• Stress: While stress alone doesn’t cause infertility, it can mess with your hormones and cycles, making conception trickier.
• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals, heavy metals, or pesticides may interfere with fertility.

Healthy habits – like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances – can make a real difference.

Unexplained Infertility

Sometimes, despite all the tests and evaluations, there’s no clear reason for infertility. This is known as “unexplained infertility.”

Although the diagnosis of unexplained infertility can feel incredibly frustrating, it’s important to remember that you’re not out of options. Treatments, like assisted reproductive technology (ART), can often help couples facing this diagnosis.

When Should You Seek Help?

So, when is it time to schedule a doctor’s appointment? Here are some general guidelines:

• If you’re under 35: Seek help if you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.
• If you’re over 35: Don’t wait as long – reach out after 6 months of trying.
• If you have irregular periods, severe pelvic pain, or a known condition like PCOS or endometriosis: Talk to a doctor sooner rather than later.

And remember – there’s no guilt or shame in asking for help. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this road for a while, a fertility specialist can help pinpoint the issue and guide you toward the next steps.

What Happens When You Seek Help?

Taking that first step can feel intimidating, but knowledge is power. Here’s what you can expect when you see a fertility specialist:

1. A Detailed Health History: Your doctor will ask questions about your menstrual cycle, past pregnancies, any medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and family history.
2. Blood Tests and Imaging: Hormone tests, ultrasounds, and other imaging can help identify ovulation issues, egg supply, or structural problems.
3. Ovulation Tracking: You may need to chart your cycles or use ovulation kits to confirm if and when you’re ovulating.
4. Further Testing: If needed, tests like hysterosalpingography (to check for blocked tubes) or laparoscopy (to diagnose conditions like endometriosis) may be recommended.

From there, your doctor will discuss treatment options tailored to your situation – whether it’s medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.

Final Thoughts: Hope and Next Steps

Fertility issues are more common than most people realize. Infertility in women can have many causes, but there are also many solutions. If you’re struggling to conceive, know that there is help available. Whether the answer lies in lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or simply time, don’t lose hope.

Take the first step. Talk to your doctor. Educate yourself. And most importantly – believe in yourself.

By seeking help sooner rather than later, you give yourself the best shot at finding answers and solutions. And remember, asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve “failed” – it means you’re taking charge of your health and future. That’s empowering!

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308
2. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/infertility
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556033/
4. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
5. https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/april-2019/vol-12-issue-4-p-11-12/
6. https://www.cureus.com/articles/121570-a-review-of-tubal-factors-affecting-fertility-and-its-management#!/
7. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(10)60490-4/abstract
8. https://jtgga.org/articles/doi/jtgga.2015.15232