fbpx window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'UA-21669185-1');
Midwest Reproductive Center

The three main causes of structural infertility in women

A range of issues can cause infertility among women. While some of the causes of female infertility are related to hormones, health conditions or lifestyle, others have to do with the actual structure of a woman’s reproductive tract. If there has been any damage or disease there can be actual physical obstacles for conception.

Fertility specialist Dr. Dan Gehlbach and the rest of the Midwest Reproductive Center team have extensive experience diagnosing and treating structural issues that affect fertility. Here are the three most common structural causes of infertility among women:

Fallopian tube blockage

During ovulation, a woman’s egg exits one of her ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. Along the way, the egg can meet a sperm can become fertilized – the first step in a successful pregnancy. When one or both fallopian tubes are blocked, however, the egg can’t make the journey and never gets the chance to meet the fertilizing sperm. In these cases, natural conception cannot occur.

There are a few different causes for this type of blockage:

  • Hydrosalpinx
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form inside one or both ovaries. They are very common among women of all ages. Most cysts are functional – meaning that they come and go without any treatment – and cause no harm. Some, however, are problematic and must be removed.  Pathologic cysts are usually benign, such as endometriomas (cysts of endometriosis), dermoids, or cystadenomas.  On rare occasions, however, they can be malignant (cancerous).  Regardless of their source, ovarian cysts can interfere with fertility, so it is important to make sure that they are evaluated and treated by a trained medical professional.

Fibroid Tumors

Many women have benign (non-cancerous) tumors, or fibroids, in their uterus. These may be undetected and cause no problems. In some women, however, fibroids can cause excessive and frequent menstrual periods, pelvic pain, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Early diagnosis leads to effective treatment for structural infertility

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success for a year, it’s a good time to have a comprehensive fertility evaluation. Dr. Gehlbach does a careful review of each couple’s history and test results to determine the best course of treatment, including minimally invasive outpatient surgery to correct structural issues that cause female infertility. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss this possibility with a board-certified expert.

Want more information on the Structural causes of infertility? Visit our web site>>here.

 

Leave a Reply

Follow Us on Facebook