What are the causes of infertility?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Causes of female infertility: The first category is ovulatory disorders, where endocrine abnormalities caused by various factors lead to anovulation or infrequent ovulation. The second category involves tubal factors that result in infertility. Common conditions such as salpingitis, peri-tubal lesions, ectopic pregnancy, or tubal ligation can obstruct the pathway for sperm and egg union, thereby causing infertility.
Infertility generally refers to the medical condition where a couple fails to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular sexual intercourse without using any contraception. So, what are the causes of infertility?
What Are the Causes of Infertility?
Causes of female infertility fall into several categories. The first is ovulatory disorders—endocrine abnormalities caused by various factors that lead to anovulation or infrequent ovulation. The second category involves tubal factors; common conditions such as salpingitis, peritubal lesions, ectopic pregnancy, or tubal ligation can obstruct the pathway for sperm and egg to meet, thus preventing fertilization. The third category is endometriosis. The fourth includes uterine factors, such as abnormal uterine development, congenital absence of the uterus, uterine malformations, septate uterus, and endometrial abnormalities including common conditions like endometritis, endometrial tuberculosis, as well as intrauterine fibroids and tumors—all of which may contribute to infertility.
Cervical factors also play a role. Cervicitis, abnormal cervical development, and dysfunctional cervical mucus can impair sperm motility and transport, hinder sperm storage, and prevent sperm from passing through the cervical canal, potentially leading to infertility. Abnormalities of the vulva and vagina—including developmental anomalies, intersex conditions, abnormal hymenal development, or vaginal malformations—can prevent sexual intercourse altogether, blocking sperm entry into the cervical os and resulting in infertility. Also commonly seen are vaginal infections such as trichomoniasis or fungal vaginitis, which alter the vaginal pH and reduce sperm viability, thereby affecting the chances of conception.
Finally, when no specific cause can be identified despite comprehensive testing, it is referred to as unexplained infertility—where all test results appear normal, yet pregnancy does not occur. We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
