Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What are the common causes of female infertility?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
infertility
Major structures and hormones involved in the initiation of pregnancy. Also seen, at right, is the development of an egg cell (ovum) from follicle to embryo.
Female infertility is a complex medical condition that can arise from various factors, including ovulatory, cervical, and uterine issues, as well as the effects of aging.1
Common causes include:
- Disorders of Ovulation: Accounting for approximately 25 percent of cases, these include anovulation (failure to ovulate) and oligoovulation (irregular cycles).2
- Fallopian Tube Damage: Blockage or scarring of the tubes—often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease resulting from infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia—prevents the egg and sperm from meeting.3
- Endometriosis: A condition where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which can interfere with fertility.5
- Advanced Age: Fertility typically declines starting in a woman's mid-30s due to reduced ovarian function and a lower reserve of eggs.4
- Anatomic and Structural Factors: This includes congenital uterine deformities, intrauterine scarring from procedures like dilatation and curettage, and gonadal dysgenesis, where ovaries form without eggs.1
Understanding these factors is essential for diagnosis and determining appropriate medical interventions.235