By EKalman November 10, 2022 - 1:35am

Infertility means that you haven't been able to conceive after a year of trying. If you're a woman over the age of 35, it indicates you haven't been able to conceive after 6 months of trying. Women who can conceive but are unable to bring a pregnancy to term may be diagnosed with infertility.

Primary infertility is diagnosed when a woman has never been able to conceive. Secondary infertility is identified in women who have had at least one successful pregnancy in the past. In this article, we have gathered six health issues that can cause female infertility.

1. Primary ovarian insufficiency
This condition is also known as premature ovarian failure and is typically caused by an immunological reaction or early loss of eggs from your ovary. Although the cause is frequently unknown, some factors such as immune system disorders, certain genetic problems such as Turner syndrome or carriers of Fragile X syndrome, and radiation or chemotherapy treatment have been linked to early menopause.

The ovary no longer produces eggs, and estrogen production is reduced in women under the age of 40. This means that a woman with this condition becomes infertile. Even though treatment options can help ease the symptoms of primary ovarian insufficiency, they can’t restore fertility.

2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial cells, which ordinarily line the uterine cavity, are located outside the uterus. Endometriosis and infertility have been linked in studies. Endometriosis affects between 25% and 50% of infertile women, while 30% to 40% of women with endometriosis are infertile. 6,7,8 The clear reason for infertility in women with endometriosis is unknown.

3. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition. This refers to the ovaries' numerous partly developed follicles, each of which contains an egg. These are seldom mature enough to generate eggs that can be fertilized. Women with PCOS frequently have high amounts of ineffective insulin, or male hormones known as 'androgens,' or both.

The exact reason is unknown, although family history and genetics, hormones, and lifestyle all have a part. PCOS is rather prevalent, particularly among infertile women. It affects 8% to 13% of reproductive-age women (between late adolescence and menopause). Almost 70% of these instances are still undiagnosed.

4. STDs
Having unprotected intercourse exposes you to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Women can get pelvic inflammatory disease and fallopian tube infections from Chlamydia and gonorrhea. To lower your risks of contracting some STDs, use a condom every time you have intercourse. It is also important to undergo regular STD testing to prevent the infection from spreading and causing severe complications.

5. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are the most common kind of noncancerous growth in women of reproductive age. Fibroids are made up of muscle cells and other tissues that develop in and around the uterine, or womb, wall. Fibroids have an unknown etiology. Being African-American or overweight is a risk factor. Fibroid symptoms include the following:
- Heavy or painful periods
- Bleeding between periods (spotting)
- Lower abdomen feeling "stuffed."
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sex
- Lower back pain
- Infertility, multiple miscarriages, or premature delivery are examples of reproductive issues

However, some women will not have any symptoms. That is why it is critical to schedule routine examinations with your doctor.

6. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It can cause problems with the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and uterus. PID can be caused by a variety of bacteria, including the same bacteria that cause STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. If the infection spreads to your blood, PID can become highly severe, even fatal. If you believe you have an infection, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.