If you have trouble conceiving, you should consult an infertility doctor to understand the possible causes and their treatment. Most commonly, female infertility is caused due to problems associated with ovulation. If you have irregular or absent menstruation, that means you are not ovulating correctly. It is not possible to conceive without producing a healthy egg.

There are a number of things that may be the reason for your infertility;

• Ovulation disorders
• One in four infertile couples suffers from ovulation disorder, where there is either infrequent ovulation or no ovulation at all. The underlying causes for ovulation disorders can be;
• Polycystic ovulation syndrome or PCOS – It is caused by hormone imbalance associated with insulin resistance and obesity, leading to acne and abnormal facial hair growth.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency – It is an autoimmune condition causing premature loss of eggs from ovaries. Genetics or chemotherapy can be the reason for this condition.
• Excess prolactin – Pituitary gland producing excess prolactin decreases the estrogen production causing infertility.
• Dysfunction of the hypothalamus – Excessive stress or weight gain can disrupt the hormone production of the pituitary gland. This affects ovulation and causes irregular menstruation..
• Uterine or cervical causes
• Uterine or cervical causes can impact your fertility by interfering with the implantation of the fertilized egg. This results in loss of pregnancy or miscarriages.
• Polyps or benign tumors can cause blockage of fallopian tubes, or interfere with implantation affecting your fertility.
• Anatomical anomalies of the uterus can also be the reason for your infertility.
• Any damage to the cervix can cause cervical stenosis or narrowing of the cervix.
• The inability of the cervix to produce an adequate amount of mucus to allow the sperm to travel.
• Unexplained infertility
• Sometimes the underlying cause of infertility can not be determined.

Several factors together in both couples can be the reason for infertility

• Female Infertility Diagnosis
• Infertility evaluation involves physical examination followed by medical and sexual history. Your fertility doctor may advise you to undergo several tests, including a blood test to evaluate your hormonal levels and endometrial biopsy to examine your uterine lining.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
• This procedure helps to determine if there is any blockage in your fallopian tubes. It involves ultrasound or x-ray of your reproductive organs during which the doctor injects a special dye or saline into your cervix to locate the blockage.
• Laparoscopy
• It is a minor surgery performed to get a better view of your reproductive organs. A small tool called a laparoscope is inserted into your lower abdomen through a small incision. This laparoscope carries a camera that allows your doctor to check for any abnormalities.
• Determining the specific cause of infertility can be a long and emotional process. Seek help from your partner or family when needed. If you are having any anxiety or depression, discuss it with your doctor. Take all the required measures to help your doctor in finding the right cause and best possible treatment.

• Female Infertility Treatment
• Infertility is commonly treated with medication, artificial insemination, surgery, or assisted reproductive techniques. Many times doctors preferred a combined approach for treating infertility. Depending on your test results, age, health, and history, your doctor will plan the line of treatment.
• During any tubal or pelvic diseases or any cysts, laparoscopy is done to treat the condition.
• Hysteroscopy is done to remove polyps or fibroid tumors or scar tissue and to open blocked tubes.
• Drugs will be prescribed if you are having issues with ovulation.
• Intrauterine insemination
• In this procedure, sperms are placed directly into your uterus during ovulation. Sometimes even medication is given to stimulate the release of an egg.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Your eggs are collected and placed in a petri dish. Sperms are also collected, washed, and placed in the same petri dish for fertilization. A healthy fertilized egg is then inserted into your uterus. This procedure is called IVF.
• ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
• In this procedure, sperm is directly injected into the egg for fertilization. Then the fertilized egg is placed into your uterus.
• Depending on the underlying cause of infertility and your health, your doctor will plan the treatment procedures. It is essential to discuss with your doctor to understand the IVF treatment procedures