There are many common causes of female infertility, but thankfully most of them can be fixed with today’s medical technology. Once the problem is diagnosed and corrected, many women can go on to experience a viable pregnancy. Here are a few of the most common causes of infertility in women.
Fibroids are commonly found to be the cause of infertility in women. They are benign tumors that grow in various locations, such as inside or outside the uterus, underneath the uterine wall, or at the cervix. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can delay or prevent pregnancy.
In some cases, fibroids can cause monthly periods to become extremely heavy. One woman even began to hemorrhage as a result of uterine fibroids and had to have an emergency hysterectomy in order to stop the bleeding.
If you suffer from heavy monthly cycles, it’s important to get checked for fibroids. Fibroids can cause anemia, which in turn can cause infertility. Fibroids can grow to be very large, causing the uterus to extend and appear as if you are six weeks to a few months pregnant. There are various treatments for fibroids, from pharmaceuticals to surgery, depending on the severity of the problem.
Endometriosis is a condition often shared by women who suffer from infertility. It’s caused by the abnormal growth of tissue, specifically in areas where it shouldn’t be, such as outside the uterus lining. If left unchecked, endometriosis can lead to scarring. There are treatments available, however, such as hormone therapy and surgery to remove the scarring tissue.
Being overweight and having poor control over blood sugar levels can both cause infertility in diabetic women, according to some studies. It is not clear if being overweight is the main cause of infertility, or if it is something else. If you are overweight, you have a higher risk of getting pregnant. PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is another condition that can cause infertility. Some of the symptoms of PCOS include facial or body hair and irregular monthly periods.
This condition is more commonly diagnosed in men and is determined by an ultrasound or a blood test to check androgen levels. Androgen is the hormone that masculinizes male features. For example, facial hair growth and hair on the back are part of the androgen hormone’s natural effects. However, this condition can also cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes if left untreated. It is important to get treatment as early as possible.
Female infertility can have many potential causes, including too much caffeine, medication, or a thyroid disorder. If you think infertility may be an issue for you, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor to see if any of these causes could be the source of the problem.
