Common causes of infertility in women and how to treat them

Common causes of infertility in women and treatment options: 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

According to the USA’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women¹. Up to 26.7% of women of childbearing age may have PCOS, with up to 70% unaware of it.  PCOS is characterised by symptoms such as ovarian cysts, excessive male hormones, and irregular periods. PCOS isn’t a straightforward condition either, says Stephanie Watson, a writer at healthline.com. It’s called a syndrome because it usually consists of at least two of the following symptoms:

• Ovarian cysts
• Excessive male hormones
• Irregular or skipped periods

This often presents with symptoms like:

• Acne
• Weight gain
• Insulin resistance / diabetes
• Male-pattern hair growth / loss

The most common treatments include the contraceptive pill and diabetes medication, but natural treatments include:

• Weight loss
• Regular exercise
• Contraceptive pills
• Dietary intervention 
• Natural approaches like weight loss, regular exercise, and herbal supplements¹

Other ovulatory disorders

Not ovulating is usually caused by an hormonal imbalance that can be aggravated by:

• Genetics
• Endocrine problems
• Diet, stress or poor lifestyle
• Obesity or low body weight
• Long-term use of hormonal medications, like the contraceptive pill
• Xenohormones (Chemicals found in substances like plastic and soy that act like hormones in the body and disrupt the body’s natural hormones)

Babycentre.co.uk says that ovulation-stimulating drugs and in-vitro fertilisation can be used to help induce a pregnancy in PCOS sufferers. For a natural approach, Rodriguez (2010) recommends fertility cleansing, herbs and a fertility diet. Read the Natural Guide for Menstrual Health here.

Treatments include: 

• • Ovulation-stimulating drugs
  • In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • Natural methods like fertility cleansing, herbs, and a fertility diet¹.

YOU MUST CHECK OUT: Ovulation calculator

Endometriosis

Mayo Clinic explains that endometriosis is an “often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus – the endometrium – grows outside your uterus”. Just like the lining of the uterus, this tissue thickens and sheds with every menstrual cycle. But, with nowhere to go, it becomes trapped and can develop scar tissue and adhesions.

Common symptoms of Endometriosis  include:

• Painful periods and cramping
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements or urination
• Excessive or unusual bleeding
• Other symptoms, like fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea

Treatments range from pain medication to hormone-related drugs and surgery, Mayo Clinic (2018) says. Natural approaches involving lifestyle changes and diet²  are recommended.  Rodriguez (2014) suggests natural treatment options, like lifestyle changes and diet. Read here detailed article here.

Blocked fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes are “the pathways in which the ova travel from the ovaries … into the uterus”, and blockages affect as many as 25% of female infertility cases. Rodriguez (2014) explains that blocked tubes can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, a history of abdominal surgery, or a previous ectopic pregnancy. 

Fertility treatments include minimally invasive surgery to unblock the tubes, in-vitro fertilisation, or Natural methods like diet, herbal supplements, and alternative therapies³.  Get her insight here.

Remember that early diagnosis and personalised treatment plans are essential for managing infertility. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

RELATED ARTICLE: Causes of male infertility & how to treat them