Women Causes of Infertility - Major Reasons for Female Fertility Issues

A woman's ovulation is a essential component of conception. In short, a woman who has no means of producing an egg will have zero chance of conceiving. The primary signs of a problem with ovulation are intermittent or absent monthly menstrual periods.

Real Life Situations

Two of the more problematic conditions involving a woman ovulating are PCOS & POI. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by a problem with the hormones, which then affects the normal ovulation process. It is reportedly the highest cause of infertility in women.

On another note, primary ovarian insuffiency happens when the ovaries stop functioning properly even before a woman reaches 35. POI is commonly thought to be early menopause, which is an entirely different illness.

Other Associated Causes

There are other uterine problems that also contribute to infertility.

- Fibroids in the uterus, which are non-cancerous clumps on the uterine walls

- Clogged Fallopian tubes because of ectopic pregnancy surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis

- Physical problems with the uterus

Factors That Increase Infertility Risks

Aside from problems with one's health, genes and lifestyle factors can also contribute to female infertility. Inclusive of:

- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking

- Lousy diet

- Age creep

- Too much physical activity

- Stress

- Being underweight or overweight

- STIs

- Health issues that affect the body's hormone producing abilities

Infertility Women Causes - The Age Factor

Often American women these days do not have children until their 30s and 40s...and a third of the total cases on infertility involve women who are over 35 years old.

Why Does Age Matter To Fertility?

- Ovaries weaken over time, and this affects their egg-releasing capacity

- Older ovaries make fewer eggs

- The eggs of an older woman are less healthy

- Health problems that may interfere with fertility creep up as the woman gets older

- Incidence of miscarriage increases with age

Medication that Stimulates Fertility

These drugs are often prescribed for women who have fertility problems.

- Clomiphene citrate: Often recommended for women with PCOS and hormonal related malfunctions. You might recognize it by the brand Clomid, which is ingested orally.

- Human menopausal gonadotropin: hMG is an injection used to stimulate the ovaries directly so that egg formation occurs. Popular brands include Repronex and Pergonal.

- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog: Gn-RH is a medication often prescribed for women who don't ovulate regularly. It works on the pituitary gland to dictate when ovulation happens. It may purchased as a nasal spray or as an injectable.

- Follicle stimulating hormone: The FSH is also an injectable and acts on the ovaries to encourage ovulation. Well-known drug brands are Gonal-F and Follistim.

- Metformin: Metformin is given to women who are either resistant to insulin or have PCOS. This medication, which is often taken with FSH or clomiphene, can help balance and regulate the male hormones in the female body and eventually assist women in the ovulation process.

- Bromocriptine: Prolactin is a hormone that causes production of milk in the mammary glands. Medium to high levels of prolactin may affect ovulation and cause it to stop. Bromocriptine acts directly on prolactin, slowing it down, so that ovulation can occur.

Multiple Birth Risk

While fertility inducing drugs are highly successful at helping women have a baby, they also have a high chance of developing multiple fetuses. Women who carry more than one fetus are prone to more pregnancy problems than those who carry just one. More than one fetus in the womb increases the risk for premature birth...and a baby born prematurely has a higher risk of health issues going forward.

Fertility medications may lead to ovarian hyperstimulation, which is a medical condition that may threaten mortality.

Because of these health risks & the high cost of assisted reproductive technology, alternative methods have become popular for overcoming infertility without adverse side effects. These remedies cover a vast range from natural healing therapies which are meant to help the body repair itself. Some of the common alternative therapies include Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutrition-based treatments.

Click here for more information on how to increase your chances of pregnancy or how conceive