Understanding The Possible Causes Of Infertility In Women

A woman’s reproductive system is perfectly designed for pregnancy and childbirth. Women are taught, since childhood, that one day they will have children and become mothers. Until that point, a woman will use various contraceptive methods in order to plan pregnancies for when she is ready. When that day arrives, a woman will stop taking contraceptive methods and wait for the day when she can announce to her loved ones that she is pregnant.

However, for millions of women worldwide this doesn’t happen. They wonder why they aren’t pregnant if they have stopped using contraceptives. They had been taught since childhood that sex without contraceptives equals pregnancy. No one mentioned it would take this length of time. Many advise that perhaps they should relax, but women everywhere will testify that this is almost impossible. Perhaps after waiting months or years makes her go to the doctor for tests to find out about possible causes of infertility in women.

The results can be hard to accept, after all, she has been taught since childhood that her reproductive system is perfectly designed. However, there are numerous reasons for infertility which generally no one speaks about until women find that giving birth isn’t as simple as they first thought. Here are a few possible causes of infertility in women for a woman to think about or discuss with your doctor, if there are problems with conceiving.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

These tubes take the mature egg to the uterus. If these tubes are blocked, then the egg cannot continue and sperm cannot reach the egg to fertilize. 40% of infertility arises from this blockage. It is possible to have a one tube blocked, both or a partial blockage. Partial blockages could result in an ectopic pregnancy, which has its own very serious complications.

Blocked fallopian tubes are a very common problem. It can be caused by sexual transmitted infections resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgery, urinary infection through miscarriage or endometriosis but consult with your doctor to gain further information. If the blockage is in one tube then fertility drugs may be able to help you get pregnant. IVF treatment may help should the tube scarring be too severe. If there is partial scarring, then laparoscopic surgery may prove to be useful.

Uterus

The cervix (base of uterus) has mucus which is impenetrable to sperm. During ovulation the women’s hormones change this mucus to a clear substance which then allows for sperm to enter. If this doesn’t happen then pregnancy is unlikely to occur. Also, if the mucus has a certain level of antibody, then this antibody will attack and kill the sperm. The inability to fertilize an otherwise healthy egg due to mucus problems are a common glitch and can be treated through IVF.

Age

The older a woman gets, the higher the chance of complications conceiving, carrying a fetus to full term or child development problems. Regarding conception, the older a woman gets the harder she will find getting pregnant. Once a woman has reached her forties her chances have reduced, based on medical statistics, to 50%. By following a well balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and drugs and having intercourse during the most fertile times of the month should aid conception. Looking after your body and well being is incredibly important at any time, but especially so should you be getting older.

These are just a few possible causes of infertility in women. As you can see, it doesn’t have to be the end of trying to get pregnant. Modern medical advancements should help most women who are having problems conceiving. Speak with your health care professional for advice and possible treatments. Discovering possible causes of infertility in women helps women to work through their options with a professional.