8 Common Causes of Female Infertility and Their Treatment
Female infertility is a sensitive yet very common problem that many families face. According to medical statistics, approximately 15% of married couples have difficulty conceiving, and in half of these cases, the cause is the female factor. It's important to understand that infertility is not a death sentence, but simply a condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we'll look at the eight most common causes of female infertility and possible treatment options.
1. Hormonal disorders
Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of infertility. The female body functions in specific cycles, and any disturbance in hormone production (estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and others) can lead to a lack of ovulation.
To restore hormonal balance, medications are prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle and stimulate ovulation. Sometimes lifestyle changes are enough: normalizing weight, reducing stress, and following a healthy diet. In complex cases, hormonal medications are used, which are selected strictly on an individual basis.
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries are covered with numerous small cysts. This disrupts ovulation and increases the level of male hormones in the blood. The doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate ovulation, hormone therapy, and, in cases of obesity, a weight-loss program. In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery is performed, in which the doctor makes small incisions on the surface of the ovaries to
restore their normal function.
3. Fallopian tube problems
A blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes prevents the egg from entering the uterus. Causes can include previous infections, surgery, or endometriosis. Surgical restoration of fallopian tube patency or modern reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which an egg is fertilized outside the woman's body and implanted into the uterus, are used.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the growth of the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus) outside the uterus. The condition can cause chronic pain and adhesions that prevent conception.
Hormonal medications are prescribed to suppress the activity of the endometrial lesion. In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery is performed to remove diseased tissue. After treatment, the likelihood of pregnancy increases significantly.
5. Infections and inflammation
Chronic infections of the genital organs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis) can lead to adhesions and irreversible changes in the pelvic organs. Even mild, untreated inflammation can cause infertility.
Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy are prescribed. After treatment, it is essential to ensure that the infection is completely cleared and the vaginal microflora is restored.
6. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in various layers of the uterus and can impair its function. Depending on their location, fibroids can deform the uterine cavity, prevent embryo implantation, or impair blood flow to the pelvic organs. In some cases, fibroids cause miscarriages and the inability to bear a child.
Fibroid treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor. For small fibroids, hormonal medications are used to slow the growth of tumors. In more severe cases, surgical methods are used: myomectomy (removal of the fibroid while preserving the uterus) or uterine artery embolization. For larger tumors, complete removal of the uterus is sometimes necessary, but this is an extreme option.
7. Immunological infertility
Sometimes the female body perceives sperm as a "foreign body" and produces antibodies against it. This is a rare but possible cause of infertility. Artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination, or IVF are used. Immunomodulatory therapy is sometimes prescribed to reduce the body's aggressive response.
8. Age factor
With increasing age, a woman's fertility decreases. The most favorable time for conception is between 20 and 30 years. After 35, egg quality deteriorates, and after 40, the likelihood of natural conception drops significantly.
In such cases, assisted reproductive technology is used. IVF, egg donation, or egg freezing at a young age are modern methods that help women of advanced reproductive age become mothers.