What is Female Infertility?
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse, or after six months for women over 35. This condition can result from a variety of causes, including ovulatory dysfunction, tubal damage, or abnormalities within the uterus.
Defining Female Infertility
A healthy female reproductive system depends on regular ovulation, clear fallopian tubes, a receptive uterus, and balanced hormone levels. Disruption in any of these areas can cause female infertility.
Common Causes of Female Infertility
Ovulation Disorders (PCOS, Hormonal Imbalances)
Conditions such as PCOS and thyroid disorders are among the most common causes of female infertility, particularly when they interfere with or prevent ovulation.
Tubal Factor Infertility (Blocked Fallopian Tubes)
Tubal infertility occurs when one or both fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting. Tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG) and hysteroscopy help evaluate female infertility caused by tubal issues.
Uterine or Cervical Causes (Fibroids, Polyps, Septum)
Structural abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps, can disrupt implantation and lead to difficulties with fertility.
Endometriosis and Its Impact on Fertility
Endometriosis is another key factor in female infertility causes. It leads to inflammation and scar tissue that can affect the ovaries, tubes, and uterus. Liv Hospital offers comprehensive treatment for endometriosis.
Age-Related Factors in Female Infertility
Age and female infertility are strongly connected. Fertility starts to decline gradually in a woman’s early 30s, with a more rapid decrease after age 35. This is mainly due to a reduction in both the quality and quantity of eggs.
Unexplained Infertility
Even after a comprehensive fertility evaluation, approximately 10–15% of couples experience unexplained infertility, meaning that no identifiable cause is found despite thorough testing.
Symptoms and Signs of Female Infertility
Recognizing the symptoms of female infertility can support early diagnosis and more effective treatment.
Irregular or Absent Menstrual Cycles
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles are important indicators of ovulation problems.
Painful Periods or Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain or painful periods may indicate endometriosis or pelvic infections.
Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms (Acne, Hair Growth)
Excess facial or body hair, severe acne, or noticeable weight changes can be symptoms of female infertility often linked to hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Recurrent Miscarriages
Multiple pregnancy losses may suggest an underlying reproductive or immune issue.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Excess facial or body hair, severe acne, or noticeable weight changes can be symptoms of female infertility often linked to hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Diagnosing Female Infertility: The Evaluation Process at Liv Hospital
Diagnosing female infertility requires a comprehensive series of medical evaluations to determine the underlying cause.
Initial Consultation and Medical History Review
Taking a thorough medical history is the first step in evaluating female infertility. This process includes tracking menstrual cycles, reviewing lifestyle factors, and assessing past medical conditions.
Physical Examination and Pelvic Exam
A pelvic examination can help identify visible anatomical abnormalities or signs of infection.
Ovulation Testing (Blood Tests, Ultrasound)
Hormonal bloodwork and ultrasounds help assess if ovulation is occurring normally.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) for Tubal Evaluation
HSG is essential for diagnosing tubal infertility, allowing visualization of the fallopian tubes.
Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy
A pelvic examination can help identify visible anatomical abnormalities or signs of infection.
Ovarian Reserve Testing
A pelvic examination can help identify visible anatomical abnormalities or signs of infection.
Advanced Female Infertility Treatment Options
Lifestyle Modifications and Natural Approaches
For some individuals, weight loss, stress management, and dietary modifications are sufficient to restore ovulation and enhance fertility.
Medications for Ovulation Induction
Medications such as Clomid or Letrozole are commonly used to stimulate ovulation in women with hormonal or ovulatory disorders.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI increases the number of healthy sperm reaching the egg at the right time.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Focusing on Female Factors
Our IVF programs address female factor infertility by utilizing advanced technologies such as time-lapse imaging and innovations in our embryology laboratory.
Surgical Treatments for Underlying Conditions
Procedures to remove fibroids, endometriosis, or correct tubal damage are often part of female infertility treatment.
Egg Donation and Surrogacy Options
When egg quality is too low or absent, egg donation or surrogacy may be the best path to parenthood. Liv Hospital also provides egg freezing options for fertility preservation.
Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies for Female Infertility
Understanding the risk factors for female infertility can assist in managing the condition and help prevent potential future complications.
Age as a Primary Risk Factor
As previously mentioned, age is closely linked to female infertility, with the highest fertility typically occurring in a woman’s 20s and early 30s
Smoking, Alcohol, and Drug Use
These lifestyle factors can disrupt hormone levels and lower egg quality, thereby increasing the risk of female infertility.
Weight Management (Underweight and Overweight)
Extremes in weight can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt ovulation.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a major contributor to tubal infertility.
Environmental Factors and Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and BPA, may contribute to infertility.
Preventive Measures and Maintaining Reproductive Health
To help prevent female infertility, it is important to have regular OB/GYN check-ups, seek prompt treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), effectively manage chronic health conditions, and explore fertility preservation options when appropriate.
Why Choose Turkey for Female Infertility Treatment?
High Standards of Medical Care in Turkey
Turkey is renowned for its highly qualified medical professionals and state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Other Countries
International patients often find that medical treatment in Turkey offers both high quality and greater affordability.
Experienced Fertility Specialists and Clinics
To help prevent female infertility, it is important to have regular OB/GYN check-ups, seek prompt treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), effectively manage chronic health conditions, and explore fertility preservation options when appropriate.
Liv Hospital: Leading Female Infertility Care with Advanced Technology
Our Multidisciplinary Team of Fertility Experts
Our Obstetrics and Gynecology department brings together top specialists in reproductive medicine.
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic and Laboratory Facilities
Our embryology laboratory supports precise embryo culture and screening, improving outcomes.
Personalized Treatment Plans Tailored to You
Every woman’s fertility journey is unique. We develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnostic profile.
Success Rates and Patient Testimonials
We are proud of our high success rates and the inspiring stories of hope shared by patients from around the globe.
Supporting International Patients Through Their Journey
From coordinating medical care to facilitating travel and language support, we ensure a seamless experience for our international patients.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This page does not include information about medicinal healthcare services available at Liv Hospital.
For more professional discussions, visit our Linkdin page.