Author: Elizabeth Shrader, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC
The CDC estimates there are around 6.7 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 with “impaired fecundity,” or – in other words – the “impaired ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term.” This large number represents nearly 11 percent of all women in that age group in the United States. Given the complexity of the human reproductive system (in both women and men), it can sometimes seem like the number of possible causes of infertility can approach this daunting figure.
Common Causes of Female Infertility
At Arizona Associates for Women’s Health, fertility specialists like myself are dedicated to thoroughly evaluating patients and assisting them through the process of discovering and treating the cause of their infertility. These three categories represent some of the most common causes of female infertility.
- Ovulation problems. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), injury, tumors, or imbalanced hormones can interfere with ovulation, thereby preventing an egg from having the chance to be fertilized.
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. Blocked, scarred, or otherwise damaged fallopian tubes can prevent an egg from traveling from the ovaries to the uterine wall.
- Endometriosis. More than 5 million women have this health problem, which is characterized (in part) by abnormal tissue growths and benign tumors. Some women undergo treatment through minimally invasive da Vinci® surgery and are able to conceive afterwards.
- Unexplained. Unfortunately, the cause of infertility is unknown in approximately 10-15 percent of couples.
Of course, infertility doesn’t just affect one sex. As you embark on your journey to achieving pregnancy and growing your family, have your partner see the appropriate health care providers and undergo the proper testing.
Schedule An Appointment or Take a Fertility Questionnaire
To learn more about the causes of fertility and your infertility treatment options in Mesa and Tempe, AZ, call 480-257-2700, and schedule your appointment with a fertility specialist at Arizona Associates for Women’s Health. You can also take this quick fertility questionnaire to have someone from our offices contact you.
Please consult with your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.
