02 Dec Female Infertility: From PCOS to Endometriosis — What You Need to Know
Infertility is not only a male issue. Many couples face challenges due to female factors and among those, conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, or structural and hormonal problems are common culprits. If you’re looking for a trusted Fertility Clinic in Delhi, it helps to understand what female infertility means, its causes, tests, and available treatments.
What Is Female Infertility?
Female infertility refers to the inability to conceive (or carry a pregnancy to term) despite regular, unprotected intercourse for a certain period. According to World Health Organization (WHO), infertility can arise from a number of female reproductive-system causes, including ovulation disorders, tubal damage, uterine abnormalities, or other ovarian problems.
Importantly, in some cases even after evaluation no clear cause is identified (termed “unexplained infertility”).
Common Causes & Key Conditions Affecting Female Fertility
Ovulation Disorders & PCOS
• Ovulatory problems are among the most common causes of female infertility — making up about 25% of known cases.
• PCOS is a leading cause of ovulatory dysfunction. As per WHO, PCOS is the most common cause of anovulation and a major contributor to infertility.
• Women with PCOS may have irregular or absent menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance — all of which can prevent regular ovulation and conception.
Tubal or Uterine Factors (Blocked Tubes, Uterine Abnormalities, Fibroids)
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes — often a result of past infections (like pelvic inflammatory disease), untreated STIs, surgery or other complications — can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or prevent embryo from reaching uterus.
• Uterine abnormalities, fibroids, or structural issues with uterus or cervix can also impair implantation or maintain pregnancy.
Endometriosis
• Endometriosis — a condition where uterine-lining-like tissue grows outside the uterus — is linked to infertility in a significant proportion of women with fertility problems.
• Estimates suggest that among infertile women, approximately 25%–50% may have endometriosis.
• Endometriosis can lead to inflammation, scarring, impaired tubal function, reduced egg quality or implantation issues — all affecting fertility.
Age, Ovarian Reserve & Egg Quality
• As a woman ages, both the quantity and quality of eggs decline — affecting fertility potential. Many fertility-specialist clinics warn that delaying childbearing (especially beyond mid-30s) reduces chances.
• Sometimes, even if ovulation occurs, diminished ovarian reserve or poor egg quality can prevent successful conception.
Hormonal, Lifestyle & Other Factors
• Hormonal imbalances (thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, hormonal disorders) can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation.
• Lifestyle factors — obesity, stress, poor nutrition, unhealthy habits — can exacerbate endocrine dysfunction, ovulation problems, or worsen underlying conditions.
How Female Infertility Is Diagnosed — Tests & Evaluations
When you visit a fertility-specialist (ideally at a well-established Fertility Clinic in Delhi), typical assessments may include:
• Hormonal tests — to check for ovulation, ovarian reserve, thyroid or endocrine disorders.
• Ultrasound / Imaging — to examine uterus, ovaries, check for cysts (as in PCOS), fibroids, or signs of endometriosis or structural anomalies.
• Tubal patency tests / Hysterosalpingography (HSG) — to check if fallopian tubes are open or blocked. (Important when secret or prior infections or surgeries are involved.)
• Ovarian reserve tests — to assess egg quality/quantity, especially if woman is older or there’s a history of delays/difficulties.
• Detailed medical history & lifestyle evaluation — to identify factors such as menstrual irregularities, weight issues, stress, prior surgeries or infections, which may influence fertility.
Often, fertility specialists recommend evaluating both partners — because infertility may arise from combination of male + female factors.
Treatment Options & What a Fertility Clinic in Delhi Can Offer
Depending on the cause, a fertility clinic may recommend:
Lifestyle and Hormonal / Medical Management
• For conditions like PCOS or hormonal imbalance — lifestyle modifications (weight management, diet, exercise), insulin-sensitivity management, medications to regulate menstrual cycles / induce ovulation.
• Hormonal therapy, thyroid/ metabolic control, and regular monitoring of cycles and ovulation.
Addressing Structural Issues
• For tubal blockages — procedures or surgeries to clear fallopian tubes or treat scarring / adhesions.
• For uterine abnormalities or fibroids — medical or surgical treatments, depending on severity & impact on fertility.
Management of Endometriosis
• Conservative or surgical treatment (laparoscopy, removal of endometrial lesions / scarring) where needed. This may improve fertility by restoring normal pelvic anatomy and reducing inflammation.
• Combined treatment plan — hormonal therapy + lifestyle + assisted methods if required.
Assisted Reproduction & Advanced Fertility Treatments
• For women with PCOS but ovulation difficulties: ovulation induction + timed intercourse, or intra-uterine insemination (IUI).
• For more complex cases (severely reduced ovarian reserve, recurrent infertility, structural disorders, repeated failures) — in-vitro fertilization (IVF) / ART under expert supervision.
• Personalised treatment: considering woman’s age
Support & Counselling
• Infertility often takes emotional toll; a good fertility clinic provides counselling, guidance on lifestyle, stress-management, realistic expectations, and holistic care.
• Follow-up and monitoring — both for reproductive health and overall wellness (nutrition, endocrine balance, general health).
Why Awareness & Early Action Matters — Especially for Women in Urban India (e.g. Delhi)
• Many causes of female infertility (like PCOS, endometriosis, tubal issues) exist silently — women might have irregular periods or mild symptoms, and realize the problem only after months or years of trying.
• Delayed diagnosis worsens age-related risk: with increasing age, egg quality and ovarian reserve decline — making conception harder. Early evaluation maximizes chances of successful pregnancy.
• Early intervention (medical, lifestyle or surgical) often improves outcomes significantly, compared to waiting.
• A trusted Fertility Clinic in Delhi offering comprehensive diagnostics, personalised care, and follow-up can make a real difference in your fertility journey.
Conclusion — Empower Yourself With Knowledge & Expert Help
Female infertility is a complex, multifaceted challenge. Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, tubal or uterine problems, hormonal imbalance, age-related decline — all can affect a woman’s ability to conceive. But the good news: many of these causes are treatable — especially when diagnosed early and managed under expert care with a holistic approach.
If you live in or around Delhi — reach out to a reliable Fertility Clinic in Delhi (like ours) for comprehensive evaluation, personalised treatment plans, and compassionate support. With the right care, many women go on to fulfill their dreams of motherhood.
FAQs:
Is PCOS always linked with infertility?
No — but PCOS is the most common cause of ovulation problems, and many PCOS-affected women face fertility challenges. With proper management (lifestyle, medical treatment, ovulation induction), many go on to conceive.
Can endometriosis be treated to allow pregnancy?
Yes. Treatment (medical and/or surgical) can reduce inflammation, remove scar tissue or lesions, and improve the chances of conception — either naturally or via ART.
Does age affect female fertility significantly?
Yes. As a woman’s age increases, both egg quantity and quality decline — reducing fertility chances. Early evaluation and timely treatment improve success rates.
If I have irregular periods, does it mean I’m infertile?
Not necessarily — but irregular periods often signal ovulation disorders. It’s wise to get evaluated early, especially if trying to conceive.
Should both partners be tested when facing infertility?
Absolutely. In many couples, infertility arises due to combined male and female factors. Comprehensive evaluation of both partners gives the best chance for correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
Dr. Shipra Gupta is a renowned obstetrician, gynaecologist, and infertility specialist, boasting over 17 years of invaluable clinical, teaching, and research experience. She has successfully performed more than 1200 cycles of IUI, IVF, natural cycle IVF, donor egg, and FET cycles. Dr. Gupta specializes in managing complex cases involving Advanced Maternal Age, PCO, Poor Ovarian Reserve, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility. Her expertise extends to treating recurrent IVF failures and male infertility.