Causes of Female Infertility: Tubal Disease, Endometriosis and Fibroids

Infertility is defined as a couple trying to conceive for 12 months despite regular, unprotected intercourse, in a woman under 35. Dr. Prakash walked through the major causes of female infertility.

Tubal and uterine causes

PCOS is a common cause, along with severe endometriosis. Hydrosalpinx (fluid-dilated fallopian tubes) may need surgical correction; if both tubes are blocked entirely, IVF is required. A submucosal fibroid inside the uterine cavity, though rare, needs removal, as do uterine polyps and intrauterine adhesions.

Unexplained infertility

The most common single category is unexplained infertility, where the ovaries, tubes, uterus and semen analysis are all normal, but there is an intrinsic defect at the level of the uterus, ovaries or sperm that leads to fertilisation failure without an identifiable structural cause.

This article is based on a Jivo Masterclass session conducted by Dr. Parul Prakash, Head, Reproductive Medicine (IVF), Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. The article has been summarised with the assistance of an AI tool from the original masterclass recording. Watch the full Masterclass recording

Looking for a fertility or IVF consultation? Get in touch with the Jivo team