What can cause female infertility

1. What can cause female infertility? One-third of the time, infertility is the result of factors affecting the woman and the rest of the time the cause is unknown or is a combination of male and female factors.

2. The most common causes of infertility in women are: • Polycystic ovary syndrome – a hormonal condition that affects your menstrual cycle and how well your ovaries work. This is the most common reason why eggs are not produced regularly. • • Premature ovarian failure – when your ovaries stop working properly and don’t produce eggs regularly. • • Disorders that can affect the glands that produce hormones in your body such as the thyroid gland which can cause problems with ovulation. • If you have a serious long-term health condition such as diabetes or cancer, it may affect your period which indicates that your ovaries are not working properly. 2

3. The reasons that may affect the fallopian tubes and cause fertility problems: • Infections (such as chlamydia) that damage the fallopian tubes and can cause them to be blocked. • Endometriosis – a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus also develops in other places in the body (including the fallopian tubes or ovaries). • Damage as a result of surgery on the fallopian tubes or the kidneys. • Damage from another health condition such as a ruptured appendix. 2

4. Other aspects that can affect your fertility: • Fibroids: non-cancerous growths on the walls of the uterus. • Smoking: includes exposure to smoking “as a passive smoker” or if your mother smoked during pregnancy. • Drinking alcoholic beverages beyond the recommended limits or using drugs. • Overweight: body mass index (BMI) higher than 29 • Underweight: body mass index (BMI) lower than 19 • Taking certain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antipsychotic drugs to treat conditions such as schizophrenia. • Cancer or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment. • Prolonged exposure to chemicals found in pesticides. • Mental stress and anxiety. 2

5. Diagnosis of female infertility When to see a doctor? Very much depends on your age and how long you have been trying to conceive without success. If you are under 35, most doctors will recommend trying to get pregnant for at least a year before testing or treatment. If you are between 35 and 40 years old, discuss your concerns with your doctor after you have tried for at least six months. If you are over 40, your doctor may suggest tests or treatment right away. A cause for your infertility may not be found – and this is true for a third of couples who have trouble conceiving. However, there are several reasons why you may have trouble getting pregnant. It’s important to remember that your fertility declines over the years, which can play a role. However, more than 9 out of 10 35-year-old women who regularly have unprotected sex will get pregnant within three years of trying, and almost 8 out of 10 38-year-old women will succeed. 2

6. CONTACT US Tammuz family is available for you at any time for any questions. For more details, please contact us. Visit Us - www.tammuz.com Phone-0737838058 Email - info@tammuz.com 2