Infertility is a deeply personal and challenging journey for many women. If you’re struggling to conceive or just want to understand more about reproductive health, you’re not alone. 

Millions of women face fertility issues, but knowledge is power. By learning about the causes, treatment options, and lifestyle factors that can affect fertility, you can take informed steps toward your goals.

What is female infertility?

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex (or six months if you’re over 35). It can be caused by a variety of factors, including ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalances, and underlying medical conditions. It’s important to remember that help is available, and many women go on to conceive with medical assistance or lifestyle changes.

1. It’s far from uncommon

Female infertility is more common than many people realize. In the United States, about 11% of women have fertility problems. While infertility can feel isolating, these numbers show that many women share similar challenges. Thankfully, advances in reproductive medicine offer hope and support for those facing fertility struggles.

2. Age plays a big role

One of the most significant factors affecting female fertility is age. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as they age, both the quantity and quality of those eggs decline. Fertility decreases gradually in the early thirties and more significantly after 35. This doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible later in life, but it may require additional fertility treatments. 

3. Ovulation issues are a common cause

Many cases of female infertility stem from ovulatory disorders. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian failure (also known as primary ovarian insufficiency), can disrupt the hormonal balance needed for regular ovulation. If you have irregular or absent periods, or they're extremely painful, it may be a sign of an ovulation issue. Fortunately, medications that stimulate ovulation or lifestyle changes can help regulate your cycle and improve fertility.

4. Untreated STIs can affect fertility

Ironically, using protection can safeguard your chances of having a baby later on. Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can leave scar tissue in the fallopian tubes and increase the risk of infertility. 

Regular STI screenings and early treatment are crucial to maintaining reproductive health. Practicing safe sex and seeking prompt medical care for any infections can help prevent complications that may impact fertility.

5. The vaginal microbiome plays a role

Researchers are still exploring the extent to which the vaginal microbiome affects fertility, but we know that it plays a crucial role in reproductive health. A balanced microbiome, dominated by beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, helps maintain an optimal pH level and prevents infections that can lead to inflammation or conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV). Disruptions in this balance can impact fertility by increasing the risk of infections, altering cervical mucus quality, and even affecting implantation.

By identifying imbalances early, Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test provides personalized recommendations and actionable steps to restore balance, improving overall reproductive wellness and even potentially increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Recurrent symptoms? Get Evvy's at-home vaginal microbiome test, designed by leading OB-GYNs.
shop now

6. Lifestyle factors matter

Your overall health plays a big role in fertility. Diet, weight, stress levels, and alcohol consumption can all impact reproductive function and be potential risk factors for infertility. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important — being significantly underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone levels and ovulation. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, managing stress, and avoiding excessive alcohol or smoking can all support better fertility outcomes.

7. There are many treatment options

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, fertility treatments can offer hope. Depending on the cause of infertility, options may include medications to stimulate ovulation, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF). In some cases, surgery may be needed to address structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes or fibroids. Consulting a fertility specialist can help you determine the best course of action based on your unique situation.

8. Infertility isn’t just a female issue

While this article focuses on female infertility, it’s important to note that infertility can affect the male partner, too. In about 40-50% of cases, male infertility plays a role. If you’re struggling to conceive, both partners should undergo testing to identify any potential issues. A fertility specialist can assess sperm health, hormone levels, and reproductive function in both individuals to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

9. Getting professional help early can make a difference

If you suspect you have fertility issues, don’t wait too long to seek help. A fertility specialist can run tests to evaluate your ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and reproductive health. The earlier you identify potential challenges, the more options you’ll have for treatment. Even if you’re not ready to start a family, understanding your fertility health can help you make informed decisions for the future.

10. You have options

If traditional conception isn’t possible or fertility treatments aren’t successful, there are still many ways to build a family. Adoption, surrogacy, and donor eggs or embryos are options that many people consider. While the journey may not always be what you expected, there are still many paths to parenthood.

FAQ

What are the female causes of infertility?

Female infertility can be influenced by a variety of factors that affect different parts of the reproductive system. For instance, ovulation disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or issues with the hypothalamus can make it tough to release eggs, which is essential for conception. Hormonal imbalances, often linked to thyroid problems or high prolactin levels, can also disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles. There are also structural factors to consider, such as blocked fallopian tubes from conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis, which can interfere with fertilization or the implantation of an embryo. Uterine issues, like fibroids or polyps, might make it challenging for an embryo to settle in and grow. Don’t forget that age plays a role too — as women get older, both the quality and quantity of eggs can decrease, affecting fertility. Lifestyle choices, including weight, exercise habits, smoking, and stress levels, can also impact reproductive health. In many cases, the cause is unknown, a diagnosis called unexplained infertility.

What decreases the chances of getting pregnant?

Several factors can decrease the chances of getting pregnant, including age, hormonal imbalances, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. As women age, fertility naturally declines, with egg quantity and quality decreasing significantly after 35. Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction can disrupt ovulation, making conception more difficult. Structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis can also interfere with fertilization or implantation. Lifestyle factors play a major role as well. Being significantly underweight or overweight can impact hormone levels and ovulation. High stress levels may affect the menstrual cycle and reduce libido, making conception less likely. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can lower fertility by harming egg quality and disrupting reproductive hormones

Does hot water affect female fertility?

There’s no scientific evidence that hot water affects a woman's ability to conceive. However, hot water can have an impact on male fertility. When men are exposed to high temperatures for a long time — like taking frequent hot baths, soaking in hot tubs, or even using a laptop on their lap— it can raise the temperature of the testes. Since sperm production does best at a slightly cooler temperature than the body’s core, too much heat can temporarily lower sperm count and motility. These effects are usually reversible if the heat exposure is minimized. If a man is looking to conceive, it’s a good idea to limit time in hot baths, and saunas, and to wear looser clothing.