Female infertility is mainly related to the woman’s age, however it can also be a consequence of changes in the structure of the uterus or ovaries, such as a septate uterus or endometriosis, and hormonal changes, such as excess testosterone in the body.
Furthermore, another common cause of female infertility is premature menopause, which happens when the ovaries begin to have reduced activity before the age of 40, ceasing to produce eggs to be fertilized.
In some cases, it is possible to undergo treatment to become pregnant, which must be guided by the gynecologist and carried out according to the cause of infertility, which may require the use of anti-inflammatory, hormonal medications, antibiotics or surgery, for example.
The most common causes that can cause infertility in women are:
1. Polycystic ovaries
The presence of polycystic ovaries causes menstruation to be irregular and can even affect the release of a mature egg. Therefore, women with polycystic ovaries usually have difficulty getting pregnant.
How is the treatment: It is normally done with the use of medicines with hormones that stimulate ovulation, such as Clomiphene, correcting the problem and increasing the woman’s chances of getting pregnant naturally. Understand better what the treatment for polycystic ovary should be.
2. Early menopause
Early menopause occurs when women under 40 are no longer able to produce eggs, and may be caused by genetic changes or chemotherapy treatments, for example.
How is the treatment: It is generally done through the use of hormone medications to stimulate ovulation, in addition to being necessary to practice physical activity daily and have a diet rich in fiber, soy, fruits and vegetables. Find out more about how to identify early menopause and how to treat it.
3. Thyroid changes
Changes in the thyroid, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, cause a hormonal imbalance in the body, interfering with a woman’s menstrual cycle and may make pregnancy difficult.
How is the treatment: Thyroid problems can be easily treated with medications to regulate thyroid function and promote pregnancy. Check out the 8 common thyroid problems and what to do in each case.
4. Inflammation of the tubes
Inflammation of the uterine tubes, called salpingitis, prevents pregnancy because it does not allow the egg to meet the sperm to form the embryo. It can affect one or both tubes, and generally causes signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, pain during sexual intercourse and bleeding.
How is the treatment: It can be done through surgery to unblock the affected tube or through the use of medication to stimulate ovulation. Find out more about what salpingitis is and how it is treated.
5. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus, in places other than the uterus, such as the tubes, ovaries or intestine. Women who suffer from endometriosis, in addition to having difficulty getting pregnant, usually also experience very intense menstrual cramps, heavy menstruation and excessive tiredness.
How is the treatment: It is normally done through the use of medicines such as Zoladex, which control the progression of the disease, or through surgery to correct changes in the affected organs. Understand better how endometriosis can be treated.
6. Infections in the reproductive system
Infections in the female reproductive system can be caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria that irritate the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, causing changes that prevent these organs from functioning properly and, therefore, can make pregnancy difficult.
How is the treatment: These infections can be treated with medications to combat the causing microorganism, such as antibiotics and antifungal ointments, but in some cases the infection can cause more serious damage, requiring surgery to repair the affected organ.
7. Changes in the uterus
Some changes in the uterus, mainly uterine polyps or septate uterus, can make the process of implantation of the embryo in the uterus difficult and end up causing frequent miscarriages.
How is the treatment: The treatment of these changes is done through surgery to correct the structure of the uterus, allowing the woman to become pregnant naturally after approximately 8 weeks after surgery. Learn more about uterine polyps or septate uterus.
