When you’re hoping to become a parent, facing a negative pregnancy test after months of trying can be disheartening. You’re not alone—6.7 million U.S. women between 15 and 44 have trouble conceiving or avoiding a miscarriage. If you’re hoping to learn more about the reasons behind infertility, use the following guide.

3 Common Causes of Infertility in Women

1. Uterine Problems 

Certain conditions can make the womb less hospitable to fetal growth. While benign, myomas, fibroids, and other growths can take up space inside the uterus, blocking the fallopian tubes and preventing an egg from implanting.

Women with endometriosis—a condition that requires surgery to remove extra tissue in the uterus or fallopian tubes—can end up with scarring in these areas that also inhibits implantation. 

2. Ovulation Issues

Ovulation—the release of eggs from the ovaries—is necessary for implantation.

Some conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can prevent this initial step from even happening. This hormone imbalance is the leading cause of infertility in women. It causes ovarian cysts, which result in irregular menstrual cycles.

Ovulation issues may also be caused by an excess amount of prolactin in the pituitary gland, which slows estrogen production.

3. Egg Challenges

When you’re born, you start off with a lifetime of eggs inside your body. With each menstrual cycle, your ovaries release some of these cells, and they are not replenished.

Ovum quality is best when you’re young, which is why women in their 20s have better chances of conceiving. Luckily, freezing techniques allow younger women to preserve ova for implantation when they’re older. Fertility therapies are also available for women older than 35. 

If you’re interested in learning more about infertility solutions, reach out to Thameside ObGyn Centre of Groton, CT. They are proud to help patients work through the challenges of conception and prenatal care. Whether you’re looking for a checkup or dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, call them at (860) 445-5107 to make an appointment. You can also visit the website to learn more about their state-of-the-art treatments, such as robotic surgery.