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Causes of infertility or sub-fertility in females
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Reproductive issues in couples because of female account for 40% of all, male issues account for other 40%, and in 20% of cases cause cannot be identified. Common causes in females are listed below.
1: Damage or blockage of fallopian tubes:
Inflammation resulting from infections, especially chlamydia, causes scarring, blockage and mobility problems. It may go unnoticed with only pain and fever. Tubal pregnancy is another reason for fallopian tube damage.
2: Endometriosis:
It is the growth and implantation of uterine tissue outside uterus. Usual cyclic changes occur in this tissue as well as the menstrual bleeding. This results in pain and infertility because of adhesions, impaired functions of fallopian tubes, ovaries or uterus.
3: Ovulation problems:
Problems at hypothalamic-pituitary axis cause a decrease or disturbance of FSH and LH levels, the two hormones necessary for female fertility. Common causes for this are starvation, injury, tumors and excessive exercise.
4: Hyper-prolactinemia:
Prolactin is the breast feeding hormone. High levels in ladies who are not nursing or pregnant affect ovulation and thus fertility. Such female will have milk flow as a sign. Causes are some drugs or pituitary tumor.
5: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):
PCOS is common with insulin resistance and obesity. There is excessive androgen production which affects the ovulation.
6: Early menopause:
Menopause before the age of 35 years represents premature ovarian failure. Causes are unknown but there is association with smoking, chemotherapy, radiation and immune system disorders.
7: Benign uterine tumors:
Benign tumors called as fibroids are common in ladies of 30s age group. They may cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes.
8: Pelvic adhesions:
These are abnormal bands of scar tissue binding different organs together thus impairing their usual mobility and function. They occur after infections in abdomen or pelvis (e.g. appendicitis), surgery (both abdominal and pelvic) and endometriosis.
9: Medications:
Some medications may temporarily impair ovulation and fertility in women. The problem resolves after discontinuation of medicine.
10: Thyroid problems:
Both excess and deficiency of thyroid hormones affect fertility
11: Cancer and its treatment:
Cancer of female reproductive system severely impairs fertility. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy also causes fertility problems in both sexes.
12: Caffeine intake:
Excessive caffeine intake reduces fertility in females
13: Other conditions:
Conditions having a global effect on whole body; also affect the reproductive system by causing amenorrhea, delayed puberty and later infertility. The list includes Cushing’s disease, AIDS, sickle cell disease, kidney disease, diabetes etc.
It is also believed that like the men, women also suffer from reduced fertility because of general health and life style issues like emotional stress, obesity, alcohol, smoking, substance abuse and advancement in age.© Wisdia.com
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