Causes of Infertility
Infertility refers to an inability to conceive a child within a one year time span. Difference between infertility and sterility, is that a sterile woman is unable to conceive a child at all. If infertility occurs, the woman is able to become pregnant, but factors are occurring that prevent it from happening. Female infertility accounts for up to 70% of unfertile couples. This is largely due to the complex process of the female reproductive system. Although some signals of potential difficulties can be irregular menstraul periods or other conditions that cause pain during intercourse or menstruation, there is a multitude of other causes. Below are some of the most common causes...
Endometriosis (5-30% of female cases)- a medical condition which the tissue of the uterine lining is implanted and growing outside of the uterus. This can occur on the ovaries or lining of the abdomen near the uterus and fallopian tubes as well. Scarring and inflammation of the pelvic tissue occurs with this condition.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (10%)- causes high amounts of male hormones (androgens), particularly testosterone to develop. This causes production to stop the ovaries from producing a mature egg. Failure to produce an egg causes the follicles of the ovary to swell with fluid and form cysts.
Hypothalamic-pituitary disorders (30%)- the hypothalmic-pituitary axis is the part of the brain responsible for ovulation, and disruption occurs that causes dificiencies in luteinizing hormones and follicle-stimulating hormone.
Tubal occlusion (most common cause)- results from an obstructed fallopian tube. Difficulty from this causes the fertilized egg to move and implant into the uterus. It can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease.
Luteal Phase Defecet(25-60% women who have had spontaneous abortions)- problems in the corpus luteum that result in inadequate production of progesterone. Because progesterone is necessary for thickening and preparing the endometrium (uterine lining), the egg fails to successfully implant.
Early menopause- premature ovarian failure leading to absense of menstruation and early depletion of follicles before the age of 40.
*For more information on Menopause visit Elise's page.
