Female Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

What Causes Female Infertility?

Female infertility can result from several reproductive health issues. Common causes include:

• Ovulation Disorders: These affect the ovaries’ ability to develop or release eggs. A common example is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities: Conditions such as uterine fibroids, scar tissue from past procedures (e.g., D&C), or cervical mucus issues may hinder conception.
• Endometriosis: This condition involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, disrupting reproductive function.
• Early Menopause: Roughly 1% of women under age 40 experience premature menopause, resulting in infertility.
• Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage: Often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, infections, or STIs, which can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Lifestyle Factors: Being over- or underweight, excessive stress, smoking, substance use, and high or low physical activity levels can also affect fertility.
  

How Is Female Infertility Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough review of your medical and family history, menstrual patterns, and past pregnancies.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:

• Hormone testing to assess ovulation
• Ultrasound or imaging to examine reproductive organs
• Ovarian reserve testing to assess egg quantity/quality
• Hysterosalpingography to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, for more detailed examination

What Surgeries Help Treat Infertility?

Certain minor procedures can both diagnose and treat infertility:

• Laparoscopy – A camera-assisted surgery to identify and treat pelvic issues such as endometriosis or adhesions.
• Hysteroscopy – Used to view and treat uterine lining abnormalities via a thin telescope inserted through the cervix.
• Myomectomy – A procedure to remove fibroids that may interfere with implantation or pregnancy.
• Polypectomy – Removes noncancerous uterine polyps that can affect fertility.

How Is Female Infertility Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Ovulation-stimulating medications
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Minimally invasive surgery
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) for more complex cases
• Third-party reproductive options such as egg donation or surrogacy

For expert evaluation and personalized fertility care, call OC Fertility® + OC Biogenix® or book an appointment online today.