Women under the age of 35 know they are dealing with infertility if they have been trying to get pregnant or stay pregnant without success for more than one year. Women 35 and older may experience infertility issues if they're not able to conceive within six months. If this applies to you, then it's best to understand the potential causes of female infertility to get the appropriate pregnancy help.

A Guide to Female Infertility

What Are Some Common Causes of Infertility?

In most cases, the issue is caused by an ovulation problem. If you are not ovulating, then there is no egg to inseminate. This issue may be caused by gynecological or ovarian conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

For women over 35, their number of eggs will diminish. You may know you are not ovulating normally if you are missing or have irregular periods. Infertility has also been linked to endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which block the fallopian tubes. 

Are There Chances of Conception?

You may still be able to conceive. If you have been trying for a year without success, then call your OB-GYN for pregnancy help. They will refer you to an infertility specialist, who will conduct a physical exam to check the number of eggs. They may also test your partner's semen for mobility. 

Once they have determined the cause of your difficulty with conception, they will begin the appropriate treatment plan. For women who are not ovulating, fertility drugs introduce hormones to induce or regulate ovulation. Surgery may remove uterine problems, such as removing polyps or scar tissue. Intrauterine insemination may be used to place healthy sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. If these methods don't work, you may try in vitro fertilization (IVF). This involves removing the eggs, fertilizing them in the lab, and implanting the viable embryos back into the uterus.

Dr. Joseph Hazan at Advanced OB-GYN Services in Missouri's St. Peters and Bridgeton will help you determine the cause of infertility. This board-certified OB-GYN doctor offers convenient early morning and evening appointment hours, and is on call around the clock for emergencies. Learn more online about the clinic's services. Call (636) 928-1800 for the St. Peters office or dial (314) 291-2140 for the Bridgeton location.