How can women become infertile?

Answer 1

Infertility is usually defined as the inability to become pregnant after 1 year of trying to get pregnant without any form of Birth Control.

There are several causes of infertility. These include female and male factors.

Male factors are usually the easiest to rule out and include low sperm count and abnormal sperm production. They are diagnosed by having a semen sample analyzed in the laboratory for sperm count and motility.

Female factors are more complex and more difficult to sort out. Hormonal factors, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, can result in lack of ovulation. The fallopian tubes can be tortuous and not allow the egg or sperm to pass through, other anatomical factors can also play a role. Some genetic problems also can cause infertility. Endometriosis or fibroids can cause problems with fertility as well.

The best way to determine if you are infertile (if you already meet the 1 year of trying unsuccessfully), is to see your OB/Gyn who will most likely order some lab tests and refer you to a fertility specialist. As noted above, a sperm count and motility test will be done. There will probably be some other tests required of the woman, as most of the things that can go wrong have to do with the ovaries, tubes, uterus, and the hormonal interplay with them.

Answer 2

Age, smoking, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, exposure to toxins or radiation, certain genetic mutations, ovarian cysts, hypothalamic dysfunction, chlamydia, uterine or tubal diseases, certain cancers, and being overweight or underweight can all affect fertility.

Chemotherapies with high risk of infertility include procarbazine and other alkylating drugs such as cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, busulfan, melphalan, chlorambucil and chlormethine.

Answer 3

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