What are the different causes of female infertility ?

We talk about infertility in the absence of pregnancy after one year of sexual intercourse (definition proposed by WHO). What are the different possible causes?

Advanced Age

The first cause is the advancing age, which decreases fertility especially after 35 years. After that, the ovulation disorders come up.

Ovulation disorders

It may be an absence of mid-cycle ovulation, infrequent or irregular ovulation. Such disturbances of ovulation can result in fertility problems. Note that the optimal fertilization period is between 4 days before ovulation and 2 days after.

Hormonal disorders

These hormonal disorders can be induced by certain drug treatments for example, but also by pollution. Indeed, our environment and our food are exposing us more and more to toxic substances accused of being endocrine disruptors, that is to say capable of disrupting our hormonal balance.

Tubal obstruction

Tubes can be blocked, damaged or absent. This can occur as a result of infection, surgery for ectopic pregnancy, or sterilization.

Abnormality of the cervix

The cervix may be responsible for infertility. This is the case, for example, after surgical treatment, which can modify the production and the quality of the cervical mucus, essential for the penetration of spermatozoa.

Benign neoplasm, fibroma, endometriosis and infertility

The presence of one or more fibroids, polyps or polycystic ovaries also hinders fertility because these tumors hinder the implantation of the embryo. They increase the risk of miscarriage.

Endometriosis increases the risk of infertility: this disease is characterized by a migration of endometrial fragments outside the uterus. Endometriosis causes pelvic pain, menstrual disorders, but is also the most common cause of infertility in women (30% of endometriosis cases).