Problems with this sticky or slippery substance that collects on the cervix and in the vagina can make it difficult for women to get pregnant. Men and women who weren't vaccinated as preteens can also get the vaccine into their early to mids. Eggs may not mature properly for a variety of reasons, ranging from conditions such as PCOS, to obesity, to a lack of specific proteins needed for the egg to mature. An immature egg may not be released at the correct time, may not make it down the fallopian tubes, or may not be able to be fertilized.
Implantation failure refers to the failure of a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine wall to begin pregnancy. While the specific cause of implantation failure are often unknown, possibilities include: 3 , 4 , 5.
Endometriosis occurs when the cells that normally line the uterine cavity, called the endometrium, are found outside the uterus instead. Research has found a link between infertility and endometriosis. PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. High levels of these hormones interfere with the development of ovarian follicles and release of eggs during ovulation.
As a result, fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, can develop within the ovaries. POI is a condition in which a woman's ovaries stop producing hormones and eggs at a young age. Women with POI ovulate irregularly, if at all, and may have abnormal levels of ovarian and pituitary hormones due to problems with their ovaries.
Women with POI often have trouble getting pregnant. However, pregnancy is still possible, though rare. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form inside the uterus. Uterine fibroids can cause symptoms in some cases, depending on their size and location. Scientists do not know what causes fibroids to form, but it is believed that there may be a genetic basis.
Fibroids are more likely to affect a woman's fertility if they 12 :. A more detailed description of uterine fibroids can be found on the NICHD uterine fibroids topic page. Autoimmune disorders cause the body's immune system to attack normal body tissues it would normally ignore. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, Hashimoto's and other types of thyroiditis, or rheumatoid arthritis, may affect fertility.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. If you or your female partner are over the age of 35, you should see a fertility specialist after six months.
After age 40, we recommend seeking help right away because we know fertility declines as age increases. Aside from having trouble conceiving, symptoms can vary significantly from one person to another.
Depending on the reason for infertility, sometimes women may experience pelvic pain, heavy periods, skipped periods or unpredictable vaginal bleeding. Some of these symptoms may represent underlying hormonal conditions that should be addressed even if you are not trying to conceive. Infertility can be a result of many different factors — even in one person or couple. The most common causes include problems with ovulation, structural issues in the uterus or fallopian tubes, or abnormalities in sperm.
In females, medical conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS , uterine polyps or a history of pelvic infections are often associated with infertility. Having regular predictable periods is a good indicator that you ovulate regularly. In other words, it means an egg is being released from your ovaries on a regular basis.
But, ovulation alone does not guarantee that you can get pregnant. Sometimes there can be an issue with egg quality, how the egg is fertilized, its ability to be transported to the uterus, or how it becomes implanted in the uterus. There may also be a problem with the sperm. Outcomes indicate that black, Asian and Hispanic or Latina women may have less success with fertility treatments compared to white women.
However, we do know certain medical conditions that can impact fertility occur more frequently in some races than in others. For example, women of color have a higher likelihood of having uterine fibroids than white women. Additionally, studies show that women of color are more likely to be affected by socioeconomic factors that can make it more difficult to get treatment — or even to understand the need the need for treatment. At UChicago Medicine, we take a personalized approach to educating each patient about their reproductive health and family-building options.
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