Conditions That Cause Female Infertility By Sonja Kristiansen, MD on September 30, 2012

Not being able to have the family that you desire because of fertility issues is heartbreaking. Failed attempt after failed attempt to become pregnant can take a physical and emotional toll on a woman’s body. At Houston Fertility Center, we understand how frustrating it can be to experience fertility issues.

Conditions That Cause Female Infertility

Sadly, there are many conditions that cause female infertility. Some of the most common conditions that cause female infertility are polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and irregular ovulation. While these conditions can make it difficult or even impossible to conceive, there is hope. For many of our patients in Houston, in vitro fertilization has proven to be quite successful. Your unique needs and goals will determine which treatments are most likely to help you achieve a pregnancy. Dr. Sonja Kristiansen believes in utilizing the most cost-effective treatments to make your dream of parenthood a reality. Because the financial strain of fertility treatment can put undue stress on patients in an already stressful situation, there are financing options available. We believe that the cost of treatment should not prevent you from having the family you so deserve.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can affect a woman’s appearance, ability to conceive, menstrual cycle, and hormones. As many as five-million women in the United States may be affected by PCOS. Women who have PCOS typically have small cysts in their ovaries, irregular periods, and high levels of androgen within their bodies. The cause of PCOS is still unknown. The majority of women with PCOS do not produce insulin correctly. It is common for women with PCOS to have an excess amount of insulin, which is thought to lead to the production of androgen. High levels of androgen can lead to weight gain, acne, ovulation problems, and excessive hair growth. Women affected by PCOS may experience depression, skin tags, male-pattern baldness, sleep apnea, anxiety, excessive hair growth on the body and face, pelvic pain, heavy periods, irregular periods, or missing periods.

Endometriosis

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. In endometriosis, the endometrium grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can be quite painful and commonly involves the bowels, ovaries, and the tissue lining the pelvis. In rare cases, endometrial tissue may spread beyond the pelvic region. During the menstrual cycle, the displaced endometrial tissue breaks down and bleeds. Because it is displaced, the endometrial tissue becomes trapped in the body. Any tissues that surround this displaced tissue become irritated and, over time, will develop scar tissue and adhesions. Women who have endometriosis may find it incredibly difficult to become pregnant. Symptoms of endometriosis include pain during urination and bowel movements (especially during menstruation), painful periods, pain with intercourse, bleeding between periods, fatigue, infertility, and heavy bleeding during menstruation.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

In order for a woman to conceive, the egg must travel down the fallopian tube. Blocked fallopian tubes make it impossible for the egg to reach the sperm. A blocked fallopian tube may also prevent a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. While it is possible to conceive with one blocked fallopian tube, it is more difficult. If both fallopian tubes are blocked, it becomes impossible to conceive through traditional methods.

Irregular Ovulation

Irregular ovulation can make conceiving difficult. Irregular or absent periods are signs of an ovulation problem and can greatly affect your chances of becoming pregnant. Fortunately, irregular ovulation is one of the easiest fertility issues to correct.