About Surrogacy

Understanding Female Infertility: Causes & Your Options


Key Points:

If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (or 6 months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s natural to feel concerned.

Causes of female infertility are varied, ranging from age and hormonal imbalances to physical issues. But remember, even with these challenges, you still have options for building your family.

Ready to explore how surrogacy can circumvent most causes of female infertility? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Speak with a specialist today

What are Causes of Infertility in Women? Categorizing the Challenges

Female infertility often stems from issues affecting the reproductive system’s ability to ovulate, allow sperm to reach the egg, facilitate fertilization or support embryo implantation.

These factors can originate in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus or cervix, and sometimes involve multiple areas. The complexity of these issues is why a thorough diagnosis is crucial to identify the specific challenges you may face.

Female infertility can often be categorized based on the primary factor affecting conception:

Ovulatory Factor Infertility

This is one of the most common types and occurs when a woman doesn’t ovulate regularly or at all. The following conditions can cause ovulatory infertility:

Tubal Factor Infertility

This type involves blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from reaching the uterus or sperm from reaching the egg.

Causes often include:

Uterine Factor Infertility

This refers to conditions affecting the uterus’s ability to support a pregnancy. Examples include:

Cervical Factor Infertility

Problems with the cervix, such as abnormalities in cervical mucus that impede sperm movement, cervical insufficiency or previous cervical surgeries (e.g., for abnormal Pap tests), can contribute to infertility.

Endometriosis-Related Infertility

Endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, can cause inflammation, scarring and anatomical distortion, impacting fertility in various ways.

Unexplained Infertility

In about 10-15% of cases, standard diagnostic tests do not identify a clear cause for infertility. This doesn’t mean there’s no problem, but rather that current diagnostic methods haven’t pinpointed it.

How Common is Female Infertility?

Infertility affects a significant number of women, highlighting the widespread nature of these challenges.

Diagnosis of Female Infertility: Uncovering the Root Cause

When conception proves challenging, a thorough diagnostic process helps pinpoint the underlying causes of female infertility. This typically involves a series of consultations, examinations and specialized tests:

Initial Consultation and Medical History

Your fertility specialist will begin by discussing your medical history, menstrual cycles, past pregnancies, lifestyle factors and any previous attempts at conception. Your partner’s medical history will also be relevant.

Physical Exam

A general physical examination and a pelvic exam are standard procedures to assess overall health and reproductive organ health.

Blood Tests

Imaging Tests

Laparoscopy

In some cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy may be recommended.

This allows the doctor to directly visualize the reproductive organs, identify conditions like endometriosis, adhesions or blockages, and sometimes treat them during the same procedure.

    Treatment Options for Female Infertility: Pathways to Parenthood

    Once a diagnosis is made, various treatment options are available, tailored to your specific situation and goals. These pathways aim to enhance your chances of conception:

    Your fertility specialist will discuss the most suitable options based on your diagnosis and family-building aspirations.

    Surrogacy: An Option When You’re Ready

    The journey through infertility can be emotionally challenging, especially after trying various treatments.

    If you’re wondering what’s next, surrogacy can be a powerful option. Many individuals and couples choose surrogacy when medical treatments, such as IVF, haven’t been successful.

    Deciding to pursue surrogacy and let go of the dream of carrying a pregnancy yourself is a deeply personal and often difficult choice. There’s no pressure to rush this decision.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Surrogacy agencies can quickly find you a highly qualified surrogate partner who is ready to help you become a parent.

    Remember:

    Surrogacy is always an option, and you can take your time to make the choice that feels right for you.

    Ready to learn more about how surrogacy can help you become a parent quicker? Contact a surrogacy professional today.

    Get Started