Infertility Solutions (IVF,IUI)

Female Infertility: Causes, Signs, and Treatments

Introduction

Female infertility is a growing concern worldwide, and one of the most searched health topics on Google. Women frequently type questions like “How do I know if I am infertile?”, “What causes infertility in women?”, and “Can I get pregnant with PCOS or endometriosis?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects nearly 1 in 6 people globally. For women, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and hormonal issues are the leading causes. However, infertility is not always permanent. With proper diagnosis and treatment, millions of women achieve pregnancy every year.

What is Female Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

How to improve success rates?

Understanding your health, following treatment plans, and utilizing our resources can enhance your chances of pregnancy.

What is the IVF treatment cost in Pakitan?

We provide various financial options to help manage treatment costs effectively. The cost of IVF is PKR 600,000/-.

Infertility vs Sterility:

Infertility means reduced ability to conceive but pregnancy is still possible with treatment. Sterility means pregnancy is medically impossible (e.g., absence of uterus or ovaries).

Causes of Female Infertility

Infertility in women can result from one or multiple factors. Let’s explore the most common ones.

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women worldwide.It affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age.The main issue is irregular ovulation due to hormonal imbalance.Symptoms: irregular or absent periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth.Treatment: weight management, ovulationinducing medications (Clomiphene, Letrozole), and sometimes IVF.

2. Endometriosis

Occurs when tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus. Affects 10% of women globally, with infertility reported in 30–50% of cases. Symptoms: painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, heavy bleeding. Treatment: laparoscopic surgery, hormonal therapy, or assisted reproduction (IVF).

3. Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Tubal blockage prevents the sperm and egg from meeting. Causes: pelvic infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or previous pelvic surgery. Accounts for around 25–30% of female infertility cases. Treatment: surgical repair or IVF (if surgery is not effective).

4. Hormonal Disorders

Hormonal imbalance disrupts ovulation. Common issues include: Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) High prolactin levels, Low estrogen/progesterone, Adrenal disorders. Treatment usually involves medications to correct hormone levels.

5. Age and Declining Fertility

A woman’s fertility peaks in her 20s, starts to decline in the early 30s, and drops sharply after 35.. By age 40, the chances of natural conception per cycle are below 5%. Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is increasingly used by women who want to delay motherhood.

6. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Smoking and alcohol reduce fertility. Obesity and poor diet affect ovulation. Excessive stress impacts hormone balance. Exposure to environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals) may reduce egg quality.

Signs of Infertility in Women

Many women don’t realize they may have fertility issues until they try to conceive. Watch for these signs:

· Irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Heavy, painful periods (possible endometriosis). No signs of ovulation (no cervical mucus changes midcycle). Pain during intercourse. Unexplained weight gain or hormonal symptoms (possible PCOS). History of pelvic infections or surgeries

If you are under 35 and trying for more than 12 months, or over 35 and trying for more than 6 months, consult a fertility specialist.

Diagnosis of Female Infertility

Doctors use several tests to diagnose the cause of infertility:

Ovulation tracking (ultrasound, blood tests). Hormone tests (FSH, LH, AMH, thyroid function). Hysterosalpingography (HSG) – checks fallopian tube blockage. Laparoscopy – to detect endometriosis or pelvic scarring. Ovarian reserve tests – to estimate egg count

Treatment Options for Female Infertility

1. Medications

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) – stimulates ovulation; success rate: 10–15% pregnancy per cycle. Letrozole – especially effective for PCOS related infertility. Gonadotropins – injectable hormones to boost egg production.

2. Surgery

To repair blocked fallopian tubes. To remove endometriosis lesions. To treat fibroids or uterine abnormalities.

3. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – sperm is placed directly into the uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and embryos implanted.

IVF success rate: 35–40% per cycle for women under 35, lower after 40.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – useful when male infertility is also present.

4. Natural Remedies & Lifestyle Changes

Maintain healthy BMI (20–25). Adopt a balanced, fertilityfriendly diet rich in folate, zinc, and omega3s. Quit smoking and alcohol. Manage stress with yoga, mindfulness, or counseling. Regular exercise improves ovulation and egg quality

Prevention Tips for Female Infertility

While not all infertility can be prevented, certain steps help protect fertility:

• Treat STIs promptly to avoid fallopian tube damage.

  • Avoid smoking, drugs, and excessive alcohol.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

  • Manage chronic conditions (thyroid, diabetes).

  • Get regular gynecological checkups.

    Consider egg freezing if delaying pregnancy

The Emotional Side of Infertility

Infertility is not just a physical issue but also an emotional challenge. Studies show women facing infertility often experience:

Stress and anxiety. Feelings of isolation. Relationship strain

Support groups, therapy, and counseling can be very helpful during treatment.

Future Trends in Fertility Medicine

IThe field of reproductive medicine is advancing rapidly. Some promising trends include:

• Egg and embryo freezing becoming more accessible.

• Stemcell research for ovarian rejuvenation.

• Genetic testing of embryos to improve IVF success rates.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) in embryo selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I know if I am infertile?

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if over 35) without success, and have irregular cycles or other symptoms, see a fertility doctor.

Q2: Can I get pregnant naturally with PCOS?

Yes. Many women with PCOS conceive naturally, especially with weight management and medications like Clomiphene or Letrozole.

Q3: What is the reproductive age for women?

Fertility is highest in the 20s, declines in the 30s, and drops sharply after 35.

Q4: What are the chances of pregnancy with Clomiphene?

Around 60–80% of women ovulate on Clomiphene, with 10–15% conceiving per cycle.

Q5: Does endometriosis always cause infertility?

No, but advanced cases often require surgery or IVF.

Q6: Can blocked fallopian tubes be treated?

Yes, sometimes with surgery. If not successful, IVF bypasses the tubes.

Conclusion

Female infertility affects millions of women worldwide, but it is not the end of the road. With timely diagnosis, medical treatment, lifestyle improvements, and emotional support, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies.

If you are struggling with infertility, don’t lose hope. Modern medicine is on your side, and every year, new breakthroughs bring fresh opportunities for motherhood.

The compassionate care and advanced treatments at this clinic made my journey to motherhood possible. Highly recommend their expertise!

Sadia Afzal

★★★★★