Female infertility refers to difficulty in conceiving naturally and can cause multiple causes. The World Health Organization defines infertility as the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
Female reproductive tract
The female reproductive tract is all located within the pelvis and it is made up of internal and external reproductive organs. The internal reproductive organs are: the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. In terms if its role, the female reproductive system has a few functions:
- Produce oocytes needed for reproduction
- The fallopian tube is where conception normally takes place.
- After conception, the fertilised egg is implanted in the walls of the uterus.
Types of infertility
Infertility can be primary and secondary. In primary infertility, a person has never conceived. In secondary infertility, the person has at least one child.
Female Infertility causes
There are various factors that cause infertility in females. Some of them are:
These can include:
- Ovulation disorders. In this case, the release of eggs from the ovaries is affected. One of the common conditions causing anovulation is the polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Conditions of the uterus. These include uterine polyps, fibroids and issues with the shape of the uterus or problems with the cervix.
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage.
- Endometriosis.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency.
- Pelvic adhesions.
- Cancer and its treatment.
