The different causes of female infertility

The major causes of female infertility

Female infertility is classified schematically into 5 major groups. Causes of female infertility include-

Ovarian function disorders

 Ovarian function disorders account for about half of female infertility. When they are not linked to the patient's age, they are often due to a disturbance in endocrine function (excess or failure of one of the regulators). Concretely, they result in great difficulty or inability to produce an oocyte which can be fertilized. Among the 

pathologies causing ovarian disorders are:

• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),

• multifollicular ovaries,

• macropolycystic ovaries

• anovulation due to a strong source of stress, strong gain or weight loss, 

excessive secretion of prolactin, etc.

• Ovarian failure.

Tubal anomalies:

 In almost 25% of women with difficulty conceiving, infertility is due to damage to the fallopian tubes. Essential for fertilization (it is in the tube that the meeting takes place between the oocyte and the spermatozoa), the tube can however be damaged, or sometimes even completely blocked following, in particular, an infection or an inflammation. 

Originally, tubal infertility, various ailments such as:

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),

• certain infections and sexually transmitted diseases: salpingitis, chlamydia, etc.

• endometriosis

• bilateral tubal agenesis,

• appendicitis,

• in utero transgenerational exposure to distilbene (DES),

• the consequences of an ectopic pregnancy,

• history of pelvic surgery, etc.

Uterine factors

Sometimes the difficulty in procreating is due to a uterine malformation or a problem related to the uterine lining (endometrium) which is too thin or even hostile. Whether congenital or acquired, these uterine factors can in particular prevent the proper implantation of the fetus in the uterine cavity and encourage recurrent miscarriages. Among them, we frequently find:

• the septate uterus,

• the unicornuate uterus,

• the bicornuate uterus,

• endometrial polyps,

• uterine synechiae,

• fibroids (when they are numerous and large), - certain autoimmune diseases,

• endometriosis,

• exposure to DES, etc.

This is one of the most common causes of female infertility.

Cervical factors

Female infertility can originate from an alteration of the cervix and in particular cervical lesions or strictures. In the event of cervical pathology, the cervix no longer performs its buffering function, making fertilization uncertain. The most common cervical causes of infertility:

• polyps,

• endometriosis,

• certain suites of surgery or curettage (conization, Asherman syndrome),

• exposure to DES, etc.

Genetic factors

Rarer, some genetic syndromes, like Turner's syndrome, are accompanied by infertility, just like certain genetic traits (Fragile X syndrome causing early menopause, for example). These are the most common causes of female infertility.

When everyday life affects fertility

Beyond these specificities linked to sex, certain factors due to lifestyles and environmental exposures are today recognized as disturbing fertility, in both men and women. Among them:

• overweight or underweight,

• working conditions (prolonged exposure to heat, long transport times),

• the stress,

• lack of sleep,

• tobacco, alcohol, drug use (and coffee in women),

• exposure to pesticides, some of which are known endocrine disruptors,

• exposure to other toxic substances (arsenic, lead, aluminum, mercury, parabens, Bisphenol A),

• intensive sport,

• prolonged exposure to mobile waves.

To know more about the causes of female infertility, visit the best fertility clinic in India.