Infertility is a condition that affects approximately one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple who is unsuccessful with their attempts to conceive over the course of one year. When the problem exists within the female partner, it is referred to as female infertility. Female infertility factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases, and female infertility alone accounts for approximately one-third of all infertility cases.

Female infertility usually occurs when there is a problem with ovulation, a damaged fallopian tube or uterus, or a problem with the cervix. Age may also contribute to fertility struggles because as a woman ages, her fertility decreases.

Ovulation problems may be caused by one or more of the following:

• A hormone imbalance
• A tumor or cyst
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• Alcohol or drug use
• Thyroid gland problems
• Excess weight
• Stress
• Intense exercise that causes a significant loss of body fat
• Extremely brief menstrual cycles

Damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus may be caused by one or more of the following:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• A previous infection
• Polyps in the uterus
• Endometriosis or fibroids
• Scar tissue or adhesions
• Chronic medical illness
• A previous ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
• A birth defect
• DES syndrome (The medication DES, given to women to prevent miscarriage or premature birth, can result in fertility problems for their children.)

Abnormal cervical mucus may be the cause of your infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus may prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it more challenging for the sperm to penetrate the egg.

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