It is not easy to get pregnant. A woman has to go through a very complex process. If you are above 35 and you are trying to get pregnant for a long time, there can be different causes. There are different factors combined which can prevent pregnancy.
The causes of female infertility are not easy to diagnose. So, you should see a professional best gynecologist in Noida who can suggest the right treatment after diagnosis. In this guide, let’s discuss some of the common causes and risk factors –
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Causes of Infertility in Women
- The problem in Ovulation – It affects the process of egg release from ovaries. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that also causes this problem. A condition when too much prolactin (the hormone responsible for increasing production of breast milk) is produced, Hyperprolactinemia also affects ovulation. The menstrual cycle is also affected by either a lack of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or overproduction (hyperthyroidism). Some other causes are eating disorders, tumors, and too much exercise.
- Cervical/uterine abnormalities – It consists of abnormalities in the share of uterus, cervix, and polyps in the uterus. Benign (non-cancerous) tumors (uterine fibroids) in the uterine wall also lead to infertility. They prevent the fertilized egg from releasing into the uterus or block the fallopian tubes to cause infertility.
- Endometriosis – It takes place with the growth of endometrial tissue out of the uterus. It affects the function of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
- Blockage or damage of fallopian tubes – It is often due to inflammation of the fallopian tube which can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, adhesions, endometriosis, or STDs.
- Early menopause – Primary ovarian insufficiency usually occurs before the age of 40 when menstruation ends and ovaries no longer work. There are certain factors related to this condition, such as genetic disorders, immune system diseases, and chemotherapy/radiation treatment.
- Cancer and cancer treatment – Some types of cancers like reproductive ones often cause infertility in women. Chemotherapy and exposure to radiation affect fertility.
- Pelvic adhesions – Appendicitis, pelvic or abdominal surgery, endometriosis, and pelvic infection can bind organs due to scar tissue.
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Risk Factors
- Age – The quantity and quality of eggs start declining with age in women. The follicle loss speeds up in the mid-30s and it results in poorer quality and fewer eggs. Due to this reason, the risk of miscarriage rises, and conception becomes more complex.
- Smoking – Smoking also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage along with damaging fallopian and cervix tubes. It also depletes eggs and ages your ovaries prematurely. If you are going for fertility treatment, you should stop smoking.
- Weight – Being underweight or overweight may drastically affect normal ovulation. You can improve the chances of pregnancy and ovulation frequency by reaching a healthy BMI.
- Alcohol – If you are an alcoholic, don’t take more than one drink in a day and stick to moderate consumption.
- Sexual history – STDs like gonorrhea and Chlamydia can cause damage to fallopian tubes. If you have unprotected sex with several partners, it can cause fertility issues in later life and increase the risk of STDs.
Prevention
Here are the tips to improve the chances of pregnancy for women –
- Manage your weight – Being underweight or overweight can cause ovulation disorders. You should exercise properly to lose weight. Don’t overdo it for over 5 hours a week. It can affect ovulation.
- Stop drinking – Alcohol abuse can also affect fertility. Even normal use of alcohol can affect the growth of the fetus. If you want to be pregnant, you should avoid alcohol use.
- Don’t smoke – Tobacco can cause a lot of adverse effects on your health, not to mention the health of your child and fertility. Quit smoking if you are planning to be pregnant.
- Control caffeine – According to research, controlling the intake of caffeine to only 200mg per day can affect your fertility. Don’t drink more than 2 cups of coffee each day, i.e. around 6-8 ounces per cup.
- De–stress – Mental stress is another major cause of infertility, according to the research. Find your way to control stress in your life.