Medical conditions: A variety of medical conditions can affect the female reproductive system and cause infertility in women. Examples include: ovulation disorders, which can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) endometriosis uterine fibroids premature ovarian failure scarring from a previous surgery Medications and drugs Certain ...

Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a gynecologic condition characterized by endometrial tissue from the inner lining of the uterus growing outside of the uterine cavity. Typical symptoms of endometriosis are painful menstrual periods, vaginal bleeding between periods, and infertility; however, some women with infertility associated with endometriosis have no symptoms. Although the exact mechanism of ...

What are risk factors for infertility in all genders? These factors increase the risk of infertility in all genders: Age (over age 35 for women or over 40 for men). Diabetes. Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Excessive alcohol use. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides. Over exercising. Radiation therapy or other cancer treatments. Sexually transmit ...

Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. It often happens about midway through the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary. In preparation for ovulation, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens. The pituitary gland in the brain stimulates one of the ovaries to release an egg. The wall of the ovarian follicle ruptures at the surface of the ovary. The egg i ...

What causes infertility? Infertility may be caused by a number of different factors, in either the male or female reproductive systems. However, it is sometimes not possible to explain the causes of infertility. In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by: tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes, which are in turn caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (S ...

Neural tube defects are birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. They happen in the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows that she is pregnant. The two most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. In spina bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely. There is usually nerve damage that causes at least some paralysis of the legs. In ane ...

A hydrosalpinx is a specific type of fallopian tube blockage. The fallopian tubes extend from the uterus, one on the right and one on the left. If they become blocked or infected, infertility may result. Studies have found that hydrosalpinx blockages are present in 10 to 30 percent of tubal infertility cases. Learn about this condition including diagnosis, treatment, and whether you can get preg ...

Tubal factors Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from getting to your egg and also prevent the fertilized egg from getting to your uterus. Leading causes of tube problems include pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia), and previous sterilization surgery. Possible symptoms: None. Possible solutions: Surgery to open the tubes. If surgery fai ...