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Infertility / Fertility Causes & Risks

Causes

Successful conception involves many steps:

  • An egg is released from the woman's ovaries (ovulation).
  • The egg travels to the fallopian tubes. Here it can be fertilized by the man's sperm.
  • If the egg is fertilized (conception), it moves down the fallopian tubes to the uterus.
  • It secures itself into the wall of the uterus. It then begins its 40-weeks of fetal growth.

Most cases of infertility are due to problems with ovulation or problems with fallopian tubes.

Female Reproductive Organs

Fallopian Tube, Ovary, and Uterus
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Problems With Ovulation

If the egg is not released from the follicle in the ovary, you will not be able to conceive. Up to 40% of cases are due to this. Some factors that can cause problems are:

Problems With Fallopian Tubes

If the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, it is difficult for the egg to be fertilized or to travel to the uterus. Problems can be caused by:

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing infertility:

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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