According to WHO, it is the inability of a couple to conceive after two years of unprotected intercourse. Factors that may become a cause of infertility in a female include:
A. Ovarian or Hormonal Factors:
1. Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism:
Hypogonadism is an important cause of infertility in both males and females.Causes of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism are: • Hyperprolactinemia usually occurs due to: a) Drugs b) prolactin-secreting tumours • Hypothalamic Insufficiency as occurs in Kallman syndrome which is associated with low levels of sex hormones resulting in late commence or non-completion of puberty. • Pituitary Insufficiency usually due to: a) Tumours b) Necrosis c) Thrombosis d) Stress
e) Exercise
2. Hypergonadotrophic Hypogonadism:
It can occur in following conditions: • Menopause • Luteal Phase Deficiency(shorter duration of luteal phase & low progesterone level during it) • Gonadal Dysgenesis(developmental disorder of reproductive system) • Premature Ovarian Failure (autoimmune,cytotoxic chemotherapy,tumour)
• Resistant Ovary Syndrome(insensitivity to hormones)
3. Metabolic Diseases:
• Thyroid Disorders like hypo or hyperthyroidism. • Liver Diseases(decreased levels of SHBG) • Obesity • Androgen Excess
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(androgen excess and anovulation)
B. Tubal Factors (involving fallopian tubes):
These can be any of the following: • Occlusion Or Scarring Of The Fallopian Tube • Salpingitis Isthmica Nodosa (nodular thickening of narrow part of fallopian tube due to inflammation)
• Infectious Salpingitis
C. Uterine Factors:
These are: • Leiomyomata (Fibroids) • Congenital Malformations (Bifid Uterus) • Adhesions (Asherman’s Sydrome)
• Endometritis or Abnormal Endometrium
D. Cervical Factors:
• Stenosis • Inflammation Or Infection
• Abnormal Mucus Viscosity
E. Immunological Factors (Anti-Sperm Antibodies in serum and Cervical Mucus)
F. Psychosocial Factors (Decreased Libido)
G. Iatrogenic : • Prolonged use of oral contraceptives • Cancer chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
H. Idiopathic(unexplained etiology)
Causes of Female Infertility – howMed
According to WHO, it is the inability of a couple to conceive after two years of unprotected intercourse. Factors that may become a cause of infertility in a female include:
A. Ovarian or Hormonal Factors:
1. Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism:
Hypogonadism is an important cause of infertility in both males and females.Causes of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism are: • Hyperprolactinemia usually occurs due to: a) Drugs b) prolactin-secreting tumours • Hypothalamic Insufficiency as occurs in Kallman syndrome which is associated with low levels of sex hormones resulting in late commence or non-completion of puberty. • Pituitary Insufficiency usually due to: a) Tumours b) Necrosis c) Thrombosis d) Stress
e) Exercise
2. Hypergonadotrophic Hypogonadism:
It can occur in following conditions: • Menopause • Luteal Phase Deficiency(shorter duration of luteal phase & low progesterone level during it) • Gonadal Dysgenesis(developmental disorder of reproductive system) • Premature Ovarian Failure (autoimmune,cytotoxic chemotherapy,tumour)
• Resistant Ovary Syndrome(insensitivity to hormones)
3. Metabolic Diseases:
• Thyroid Disorders like hypo or hyperthyroidism. • Liver Diseases(decreased levels of SHBG) • Obesity • Androgen Excess
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(androgen excess and anovulation)
B. Tubal Factors (involving fallopian tubes):
These can be any of the following: • Occlusion Or Scarring Of The Fallopian Tube • Salpingitis Isthmica Nodosa (nodular thickening of narrow part of fallopian tube due to inflammation)
• Infectious Salpingitis
C. Uterine Factors:
These are: • Leiomyomata (Fibroids) • Congenital Malformations (Bifid Uterus) • Adhesions (Asherman’s Sydrome)
• Endometritis or Abnormal Endometrium
D. Cervical Factors:
• Stenosis • Inflammation Or Infection
• Abnormal Mucus Viscosity
E. Immunological Factors (Anti-Sperm Antibodies in serum and Cervical Mucus)
F. Psychosocial Factors (Decreased Libido)
G. Iatrogenic : • Prolonged use of oral contraceptives • Cancer chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
H. Idiopathic(unexplained etiology)