Approximately 16% of couples trying to conceive experience fertility problems. In 30% of cases, the cause lies with the woman, in 30% with the man, and in 30% with both. In 10% of cases, no specific cause is found, which is often referred to as idiopathic subfertility, or unexplained infertility.
Age plays an important role in female infertility. The chance of pregnancy for women aged 20–35 with regular unprotected intercourse is approximately 80%. This chance gradually decreases with age.
Possible causes of infertility
Besides age, there are numerous other possible causes of female infertility:
- Irregular sleep patterns, for example due to shift work.
- Caffeine consumption: More than four cups of coffee (over 300 mg of caffeine per day)
- Underweight and overweight: Both can lead to a reduced chance of pregnancy. Being underweight can disrupt the menstrual cycle, while being overweight has a negative impact on the cycle.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): These can lead to blocked fallopian tubes, making pregnancy virtually impossible.
- Alcohol and smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy.
Fertility assessment
During a fertility assessment, various tests are performed to identify possible causes, including analyzing medication use and hereditary diseases in the family, evaluating the menstrual cycle, and checking for previous abdominal surgeries, STDs, or gynecological problems.
Treatment for female infertility
The treatment of female infertility can take place in various ways:
- Ovulation induction: Use of fertility-enhancing medication to promote ovulation.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Fertilization takes place outside the body, where an egg is combined with sperm cells in a laboratory.
- IUI (Intrauterine insemination): Processed sperm from the partner is placed directly into the uterus.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection): A sperm cell is injected directly into an egg cell to promote fertilization.
The choice of treatment depends on the specific cause of infertility and the patient's preferences.
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