What Are the Causes of Infertility in Women?

Nov 13, 2023 @ 03:37 PM — by Sonja Kristiansen, MD

There are many different causes of infertility in women. Thankfully, Houston Fertility Center can diagnose and treat female infertility. We have helped numerous patients all over Harris County experience the joys of parenthood.

Let’s take a moment right now to consider the various causes of infertility in women and what procedures we can perform to address these issues.

How Common Is Infertility in Women?

According to findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in every 5 women experiences some form of infertility. This means that a woman has been unable to conceive after trying for one year.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Infertility has a number of potential causes related to a woman’s age, general health and wellness, weight, use of tobacco products, and exposure to chemicals or substances. Numerous factors could result in an inability to become pregnant or an inability to carry a child to term.

Generally, we notice that women face fertility challenges because of the issues below.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

This hormonal issue affects ovulation and menstrual cycles in women. PCOS causes enlargement of the ovaries and the formation of small cysts on the ovaries. The exact cause of the condition is not yet known, but it tends to run in families.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the interior lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. In addition to causing pelvic pain and heavy flow, endometriosis increases the likelihood of infertility in women.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths on the uterus that are sometimes referred to as leiomyomas and myomas. Uterine fibroids can lead to pelvic pain, heavy flow, and other symptoms, and may also contribute to infertility and pregnancy loss.

Fallopian Tube Damage

A blockage or problem with the fallopian tubes can make it much more difficult for sperm to reach an egg or for a fertilized egg to travel to the uterus.

Issues with the Uterus

Sometimes issues with the shape of the uterus can contribute to pregnancy loss or infertility.

Cervical Mucus Issues

Sometimes the consistency of cervical mucus or the total lack of cervical mucus can contribute to other infertility factors.

Treatments for Female Infertility

Houston Fertility Center offers numerous procedures to address infertility. Three potential options include:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - IVF is one of the most popular fertility treatments available. The procedure involves the fertilization of an egg in a lab setting. This increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Egg Donation - Egg donation means that another woman’s eggs will be used during an IVF procedure. This is a good option for women who do not have viable eggs of their own.
Gestational Surrogacy - Gestational surrogacy is when a woman is hired to carry a baby to term. In this scenario, an egg is fertilized in a lab before it is transferred to the surrogate.

We can discuss the right treatment for you during your consultation.

Learn More About Your Treatments for Infertility

For more information on treating female infertility, contact Houston Fertility Center today. Dr. Sonja B. Kristiansen and her team look forward to your visit.