Infertility is a major health concern that affects an estimated 15% of couples in the United States. Research says that about 6.7 million people (2.8% of the population) in the US alone experience infertility.
Of these, 22% are men, and 78% are women. There are many causes for infertility, and this article will explore why a woman may not be able to conceive. After reading this article, you should better understand what may cause women’s inability to conceive children.
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful disorder that affects over 10 million women in America alone. Endometrial lesions that grow outside the uterus lining, called endometriomas or “chocolate cysts.”
The condition causes infertility because it affects how a woman’s reproductive system functions by affecting the uterine lining. This happens when endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus makes its way into the uterus cavity. The cells of this tissue respond to hormonal signals, which leads to pain and hemorrhaging during menstruation. These lesions can be found in places such as the ovaries, bladder, or rectum.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by many small cysts on the ovaries, irregular or absent menstruation, high levels of androgen hormones, and symptoms like acne or hair loss. PCOS affects women in various ways depending on their age, ethnicity, family history, and overall health. Most common symptoms include obesity, abnormal menstrual cycles, hirsutism (hair growth in the male pattern), type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension (high blood pressure), and cardiovascular disease. PCOS can affect fertility in three ways: it can cause infertility due to absent or irregular periods; it can cause infertility because there might not be enough eggs to get pregnant, and it can cause complications during and after pregnancy.
3. Malfunctioning of Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian tubes are the channels that connect the ovaries to the uterus. They have a very important role in fertility. The most common causes of infertility in women over 40 years old are blockages in their fallopian tubes themselves. It is very common for women in their twenties and thirties to have at least one blocked fallopian tube due to previous infections or surgery near the area. Infections of fallopian tubes can also occur through sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pelvic endometriosis. In some cases, surgery is performed on blocked fallopian tubes for a condition called ovarian cancer. The operation involves removing one or both of the tubes from the woman’s body, after which she will no longer be fertile.
4. Uterus problems or thin uterus lining
The uterus is the place where a fertilized egg will implant and grow into a baby. The lining in the uterus should be thick enough to provide food for the embryo. If it is not, then pregnancy cannot happen. Uterine problems can affect any woman of any age and cause infertility. Some common uterine conditions that could lead to infertility and possible treatments include Fibroids, Uterine prolapse, Asherman’s syndrome, adhesions, Uterine cancer, or abnormal menstrual cycles, including heavy bleeding during periods or no period at all.
5. Vaginal Problems
Infertility can be a major problem for many couples. It leads to distress and emotional stress, which hurts both partners. Vaginal problems can cause infertility in some women. Thus women should be aware of the warning signs for vaginal problems that may eventually lead to infertility. The most common symptoms of such problems are itching, discharge, excessive dryness, or odor. Vaginal problems can make it difficult to conceive because they disrupt the natural balance in the vagina. It also makes it more likely that a woman will contract STDs when she has unprotected sex. Women should visit their gynecologists frequently to identify and treat problems while still in the early
stages.
Are you struggling with infertility? Our team has been through different processes to become parents. Through our experience and expertise, we offer you clear and friendly guidance, counseling, and support every step of the way. Additionally, we provide financial guidance and a holistic approach to stress management. We make everything easy to understand throughout the process, so no one feels left out or misinformed.
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