What Causes Infertility?
Most cases of infertility in women result from problems with ovulation. Some conditions affecting ovulation include premature ovarian failure, in which the ovaries stop functioning before natural menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which the ovaries may not release an egg regularly or may not release a viable, healthy egg. Among women who have PCOS, even when a healthy egg is released and fertilized, the uterus may not be receptive to implantation of a fertilized egg, which results in infertility.
Other Causes of Infertility Might Include:
- Blocked fallopian tubes due to endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or surgery
- Physical problems with the uterine wall
- Uterine fibroids
Non-medical Causes of Infertility
A woman’s risk for infertility can also be affected by certain lifestyle and environmental factors, including (but not limited to):
- Age
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Being overweight or underweight
- Smoking, drugs, and alcohol
- Medication
- Environmental toxins
- Genetic conditions, such as being a carrier of Fragile X syndrome
- Other health problems, such as sexually transmitted diseases
This is an excerpt provided by National Institutes of Health, NICHD
This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.
