By EKalman March 16, 2022 - 6:47am

Infertility is a condition in which a woman can't get pregnant after practicing unprotected sex for more than a year with a man. It is important to understand that both men and women can be infertile. As for women, there are many factors that can interfere with conception. Stress, structural abnormalities of the female reproductive system, hormonal imbalances, and some health issues can lead to fertility issues. Here is a list of six gynecological conditions that can cause infertility in women.

1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue that usually outlines the uterus from the inside starts to grow on other pelvic organs. This tissue attaches organs to each other and can block the fallopian tubes and ovaries. As a result, the sperm can't reach an egg to fertilize it. Other symptoms of endometriosis include heavy and painful periods, pelvic pain, and pain during sex. Treatment options for endometriosis include medications and surgery. But you should understand that this condition can't be cured and that treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms.

2. Adenomyosis
Many people tend to confuse endometriosis and adenomyosis. Indeed, in both these conditions, the endometrial tissue overgrows. But in the case of adenomyosis, the endometrium grows inside of the uterine walls. Moreover, women who have endometriosis often have adenomyosis as well. Symptoms of adenomyosis include heavy periods, pelvic pressure, and infertility. In most cases, adenomyosis is managed with the help of medications. However, you should always consult a gynecologist before taking any medications or home remedies.

3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that occur in the uterus. Even though they are not cancerous, it is still recommended to remove them if they cause the following symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain and bleeding during sex
- Pelvic pressure
- Spotting between periods

If fibroids grow near the fallopian tubes, they can block them and make a woman infertile. In this case, fibroid removal can help restore fertility.

4. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition in which the infection spreads to the pelvic organs and leads to inflammation. The most common causes of this condition include untreated bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease can include severe pelvic pain, pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharges with an unpleasant smell, and fever. Without timely and proper treatment, pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to the development of scars and adhesions that can interfere with egg release and fertilization.

5. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone-related condition that leads to the development of multiple cysts on the ovaries. As a result, the egg can't be released and fertilized. This condition occurs when a woman has an increased level of male hormones. In addition to infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome can cause acne, weight gain, increased body hair growth, male-pattern baldness, irregular or missing periods.

6. Premature ovarian failure
Premature ovarian failure, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, is a condition in which the ovaries stop producing eggs before menopause. This means that this condition can affect young women during their reproductive ages and make them infertile. Premature ovarian failure can cause symptoms that are similar to the signs of menopause. They include insomnia, mood swings, hot flashes, low sex drive, and vaginal dryness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition but many of its symptoms can be managed with the help of medications and lifestyle changes.

The bottom line
It is important to understand that many conditions that cause infertility can be cured or at least managed. In any case, you shouldn't perform self-treatment or use some questionable home remedies to improve your fertility. Moreover, regular gynecological exams can help prevent the aggravations of many health issues.