Female infertility is the inability of a woman to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
Female infertility can result from various factors, including problems with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, age-related decline in fertility, or other underlying medical conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve the chances of conception.
Irregular or absent ovulation is a major cause of female infertility.
Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), thyroid disorders and high prolactin levels can disturb normal egg release.
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm and egg from meeting.
Tubal damage may result from pelvic infections, tuberculosis, previous surgeries or endometriosis.
Polyps, fibroids, uterine septum, adhesions (Asherman’s syndrome) and chronic infections can interfere with implantation or increase miscarriage risk.
Cervical factors, such as abnormal cervical mucus or stenosis, may also contribute in some cases.
A woman is born with a limited number of eggs, and both egg number and quality decline with age.
Low AMH, low antral follicle count, early menopause or advanced maternal age (especially after 35) increase the risk of infertility and reduce natural conception chances.
Key hormone tests help evaluate ovulation and ovarian reserve:
These results guide whether simple medicines are sufficient or advanced treatments like IVF may be needed.
Transvaginal ultrasound assesses:
Ultrasound is non‑invasive and forms the backbone of most infertility evaluations.
To confirm ovulation and its timing, tests may include:
These help determine if and when you are releasing an egg, and whether treatment should focus on ovulation induction.
