The journey to becoming a parent can include common challenges, such as female infertility issues. If you have had unprotected sex with your partner for at least a year without conceiving, you might feel stressed about your chances. However, there are many ways to resolve fertility issues. Here's a guide to help women struggling to become pregnant find a solution.

What Causes Female Infertility? 

Ovulation problems occur when the ovaries release eggs irregularly or not at all. They're among the most common reasons for fertility issues in women. Often, they include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that causes acne and abnormal facial and body hair growth. Another ovulation issue that impacts women is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which is when women under age 40 cease producing eggs.

The fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, can also cause female infertility. They can become damaged from issues like STD-related pelvic inflammatory disease or abdominal surgery scarring. When this occurs, they block sperm from reaching the egg or prevent the fertilized egg from entering the uterus.

Uterine issues often make it challenging to become pregnant. They include endometriosis, a disorder where tissue grows outside the uterus and attaches elsewhere. This excess interferes with egg fertilization and can block the fallopian tubes. Benign uterine polyps also cause problems because they prevent the uterus from functioning normally.

Who Is at Risk?

Women are born with all of the eggs they will have in their lives. However, the quality and quantity naturally decrease with age. Therefore, those in their late 30s and 40s often have a harder time becoming pregnant. Other risk factors include being overweight or underweight, as both can lead to hormonal changes that affect conception chances. Smoking and drinking alcohol also decreases fertility, as they cause cervical and fallopian tube damage and undesirable hormonal changes. 

How Can It Be Treated? 

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, can boost fertility. If you're struggling to conceive due to a reproductive health disorder, a doctor can recommend medication and surgery. For example, taking drugs helps stimulate ovulation, and removing polyps can allow for optimal uterine function.

Many women experiencing female infertility often turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a potential solution. With this treatment, the sperm fertilizes eggs outside your body. Once the embryo is created, it gets placed directly in the uterus. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is another option. The sperm gets washed and injected directly into the uterus during ovulation.

If you're considering IVF or IUI treatments to help you become pregnant, visit IVF HAWAII in Honolulu. Known for the highest IVF success rate in the state, this welcoming clinic is here to help you determine the best next step by providing personalized services. Call (808) 538-6655 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the website for more about their female infertility solutions.