Learning the Causes of Infertility

Here you will find information about the potential causes of infertility. Only a health care professional can provide an accurate infertility diagnosis, based on a complete medical evaluation. You should talk to your health care provider about any questions you may have relating to your diagnosis. By gathering all relevant information, you will be better equipped to take the next step on your journey to parenthood.

Male Causes

Male Factor in Infertility—The cause of infertility may be due to a problem with the man’s reproductive system, or a problem that involves both partners.

Female Causes

Female causes of infertility can be categorized as uterine, ovarian, tubal, or other.

Uterine

Endometriosis—Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue that lines the inside of the uterus) grows outside the uterus.

Uterine Fibroids—Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus.

Ovarian

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome—Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in which the ovaries produce excessive amounts of male hormones and develop many small cysts.

Ovulatory Dysfunction—Ovulatory dysfunction is a term that describes a group of disorders in which ovulation fails to occur, or occurs on an infrequent or irregular basis.

Premature Ovarian Failure—Premature ovarian failure is the medical term used to describe early menopause.

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea—Hypothalamic amenorrhea is a condition in which menstruation stops for several months due to a problem involving the hypothalamus.

Tubal

Tubal Disease—Tubal disease is a disorder in which the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged.

Other

Pelvic Adhesive Disease—Pelvic adhesive disease is a condition in which scar tissue binds adjacent organs to each other.

Ectopic Pregnancy—Ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy that implants in a site other than the uterine cavity.

Hyperprolactinemia—Hyperprolactinemia is a disorder in which your pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of the hormone prolactin.

Advanced Age—Age plays an important role in a woman’s ability to become pregnant and carry a pregnancy to term.

Recurrent Miscarriages—Recurrent miscarriage is defined as 3 or more consecutive, spontaneous pregnancy losses.

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