Fertility Research Center

There are many causes of female infertility than can make it difficult to have a baby. The main problems can include:

• the uterus and fallopian tubes
• the cervix
• ovulation
• endometriosis
• age (women over 35)
• STDs

Common causes of female infertility

There are many causes of female infertility, but most common ones include:

• hormonal problems
• tumors/cysts
• eating disorders
• weight issues
• alcohol or drug use
• thyroid disorders
• premature ovarian failure (POF)
• stress

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is another cause of infertility. Women with PCOS do not ovulate. Or if they do ovulate, the egg does not implant in the uterus. Symptoms of PCOS include excessive facial and body hair, hair loss, acne and obesity.

Endometriosis is another common cause of female infertility that may leave 30 to 40 percent of women infertile. Symptoms of endometriosis include:

• pelvic pain
• short menstrual cycles
• heavy or abnormal bleeding
• painful bowel movements and intercourse

Physical causes can be the culprit

And sometimes there are physical causes of female infertility, such as:

• abnormal cervical mucus
• cervical stenosis
• blocked fallopian tubes
• STDs
• sperm allergies
• DES exposure
• sexual dysfunction
• prior surgeries

Do STDs impact fertility?

STDs cause up to 50 percent of preventable female infertility cases in the U.S. Often women do not have symptoms of STDs. Or STD symptoms may be mild, and the women do not know that they are carriers.

STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a common cause of female infertility that can be prevented. Symptoms of PID include:

• pelvic pain
• abnormal bleeding
• discharge with odor
• painful urination
• fever/chills

Symptoms of female infertility

You may be infertile if you and your partner have been having unprotected sex for a year and have not yet conceived. Talk to your doctor if you have one or more of the following signs:

• unexpected bleeding
• pelvic pain
• pain during intercourse
• unexplained fever
• abnormal discharge
• pain and itching in the vagina
• irregular or absent periods
• increased hair growth
• breast secretion
• a history of miscarriage

Talk with your doctor about causes of female infertilty

To improve your chances of getting pregnant, talk openly with your doctor. Get screened for STDs. Stop cigarette smoking and avoid illegal drug and alcohol use. Some experts also recommend avoiding caffeine to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

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