Causes of Female Infertility
Monday, March 17th, 2008Infertility is an issue that 11% of all couples will experience during their reproductive part of their lives. Understanding what some of the causes of female fertility might be for them may help them to deal with their situation.
A fertility specialist should be consulted when females aged 35 or over have been not achieved pregnancy after 6 months. Younger women who have not achieved pregnancy after one year of trying should seek a professional.
In the female there are many causes for infertility, listed are some of them:
Cervical disorders
Endometriosis
Hormonal disorders
Ovulation Failure
Tubal disease or destruction
Uterine disorders
The following is a brief discussion of each cause:
Cervical disorder
This mainly concerns insufficient cervical mucous (CM). The mucous is a necessary part of conception because the sperm are nourished by the CM and also transported by the CM. Another problem that can be determined by examining the CM is when the female is allergic to the male’s sperm and has an allergic reaction to them that actually causes antibodies to be produced that destroy the sperm.
Endometriosis
This is a disease that can cause damage throughout the female body. It is a major cause of infertility because it can attach to the ovaries and to the fallopian tubes. Once attached it grows and can obstruct the ovaries or the tubes.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can affect a woman’s ability to conceive. Women who have PCOS produce an excess amount of a male hormone called “androgens” such as “testosterone” in their ovaries. They often have many small cysts, which are fluid filled on their ovaries. PCOS causes their endometrial lining to become thicker than normal because of the irregular menstrual cycles. Menstruation is when the lining is shed. Without menstruation the lining becomes thicker and thicker with each additional cycle that passes without menstruation.
These women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, acne, suffer infertility and usually struggle with obesity. Women who have PCOS are at a higher risk for type-2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Ovulation Failure
Women who do not release ova (egg) each cycle may have hormonal imbalances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (mouthful isn’t it?). Other causes can be with the thyroid gland, the female having excess body weight, stress, or tumors/cysts. Other contributing factors to ovarian failure can be attributed to eating disorders, alcohol abuse or excessive exercising.
Tubal Disease or Destruction
Sexually transmitted diseases can cause damage to the tubes. Such diseases are: Chlamydia and gonorrhea. The tubes may have also been damaged during previous surgeries such as when an ectopic requires surgery and the tube cannot be saved or is damaged by the ectopic pregnancy. Endometriosis can also damage the tubes.
Uterine disorders
The uterus is the home of the developing baby. The baby needs a nurturing environment that is big enough to allow for the normal growth expected. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can happen inside the uterus. Adhesions, which are scar tissue, can develop following multiple cesarean sections. The uterus could also be shaped abnormally or be positioned improperly. Many of the disorders of the uterus can be surgically treated.
Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Fertility.
Tags: endometriosis, female fertility, Fertility, infertility, PCOS
