Female Infertility
Infertility means not getting pregnant after unprotected sex for one year if the female is less than 35 years and 6 months if the female is more than 35 years of age.
About 15 to 20% of couples worldwide face the problem of infertility. For infertility, in 40% of cases, the female partner is responsible; in 40% of cases, the male partner is responsible; in 10-20% of cases, both partners are responsible. Sometimes a pinpoint cause cannot be found, which is called unexplained infertility.
Infertility can be primary where the woman has never been pregnant or secondary when there is difficulty conceiving after childbirth or miscarriage.
For pregnancy to occur, several things have to happen:
The mature egg must be released from the ovary (ovulation). The egg must then be picked up by one of the fallopian tubes.
A man’s sperm must travel through the uterus to the fallopian tube to meet and fertilize the egg.
The fertilized egg must travel through the fallopian tube and attach (implant) to the lining of uterus. know more about natural conception.
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Female infertility causes
There are several reasons why you might have trouble getting pregnant. It’s important to note that your fertility declines over the years, which could play a role.
The most common reasons for infertility in women are:
Problems with Egg Formation and Ovulation
Ovulation problems are among the most common causes of infertility in women.
When ovulation does not occur regularly or at all, it becomes difficult for a woman to conceive naturally. Women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, very early periods, or missed periods altogether. These problems often arise from hormonal imbalances that disrupt the signals responsible for egg growth and release from the ovary.
Common Causes of Ovulation Problems
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of ovulatory dysfunction and infertility.
It is a hormonal disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms such as:
Irregular or absent ovulation.
Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism).
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
Acne or oily skin.
Metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance.
In PCOS, the ovaries contain many small immature follicles that fail to grow, mature, and release an egg. Instead, these follicles remain in early stages of development, giving the ovary a “polycystic” appearance on ultrasound.
This condition leads to hormonal imbalances, which can affect both fertility and overall reproductive health.
Low Egg Count (Diminished or Poor Ovarian Reserve)
A low egg count or diminished ovarian reserve means that the ovaries contain fewer eggs than normal, which can make conception more difficult. Women are born with a fixed number of eggs, and this number naturally declines with age. However, in some women, this decline happens earlier than expected.
There are often no clear symptoms, but in some cases, menstrual cycles may become shorter or irregular. Hormonal imbalances or disorders affecting the thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary glands can also disrupt ovulation and egg quality.
At Sarkar Hospital, Agra, we conduct advanced hormonal testing and ultrasound evaluations (such as AMH tests and antral follicle counts) to accurately assess ovarian reserve. Based on the results, our fertility experts create personalized treatment plans, including:
Ovulation induction therapy.
Mild or advanced stimulation protocols.
Egg or embryo freezing (for fertility preservation).
IVF with your own or donor eggs, depending on individual needs.
Poor or Non-Functioning Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes play a vital role in conception — they are the passage where the egg and sperm meet, fertilization takes place, and the embryo travels to the uterus for implantation.
When the tubes are blocked or damaged, fertilization cannot occur naturally. Tubal damage may result from:
Past pelvic or genital infections.
Previous surgeries on nearby organs (such as appendix or ovaries).
Endometriosis (growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus).
A history of ectopic pregnancy.
At Sarkar Hospital, our fertility team performs tubal patency tests (like HSG or laparoscopy) to assess the health of the tubes. Depending on the findings, we recommend surgical repair when possible, or IVF treatment if the tubes are severely damaged, to bypass the blockage and achieve pregnancy.
Problems with the Uterus
A healthy uterus is essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy. Certain uterine abnormalities can interfere with these processes, such as:
Congenital defects (abnormal shape, size, or absence of the uterus).
Fibroids (noncancerous growths) that may distort the uterine cavity or affect implantation.
Scars from previous surgeries or adhesions that alter the uterine lining.
Adenomyosis, where the uterine tissue grows into the muscle wall, affecting implantation and causing heavy periods or pain.
At Sarkar Hospital, Agra, our specialists use 3D ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and MRI to detect and treat uterine issues effectively. Depending on the case, treatment may include medical therapy, minimally invasive surgery, or assisted reproductive techniques (IVF/ICSI) to maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Problems with endometrium
The endometrium — the inner lining of the uterus — plays a crucial role in embryo implantation and pregnancy. It thickens and sheds with each menstrual cycle in response to hormonal changes.
A damaged or unhealthy endometrium may fail to develop properly, making it difficult for an embryo to implant successfully.
Infections in the Reproductive Tract
Infections can significantly affect fertility by damaging the reproductive organs and disrupting their normal function. Common infections linked to infertility include tuberculosis, chlamydia, and other bacterial or viral infections.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic wall, or other nearby structures. In some cases, it can form cysts in the ovaries, known as chocolate cysts.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle choices play a significant role in reproductive health and fertility. Factors such as obesity, excessive caffeine intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, pollution exposure, chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns, and lack of sexual activity can negatively affect both egg and sperm quality.
Medications
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with hormone balance, ovulation, or sperm production. These include antidepressants, tranquillizers, calcium channel blockers, narcotics, and anti-cancer drugs.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, liver disease, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B or C can directly or indirectly impact fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth outcomes. These conditions may alter hormone function, disrupt menstrual cycles, or impair sperm health.
Diagnosis of infertility in women
At Sarkar Hospital, Agra, we follow a “One Cycle Diagnostic Approach” for evaluating female infertility. This ensures that within a single menstrual cycle, all essential investigations are completed to identify the root cause of infertility efficiently.
Our Diagnostic Process Includes:
Semen Analysis of the Male Partner: To assess sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Ovarian Reserve Evaluation: Determines the number and quality of eggs available in the ovaries.
Ultrasound & Ovulation Tracking: Monitors follicle growth, ovulation timing, and uterine lining development.
Hormonal & Blood Tests: Measures reproductive and thyroid hormones to detect imbalances affecting fertility.
By completing these investigations within one menstrual cycle, we ensure a quick, accurate, and comprehensive diagnosis, enabling timely treatment planning.
Female infertility treatment
Once the cause of infertility is identified, we design a highly individualized and personalized treatment plan using precisely customized protocols suited to each woman’s unique reproductive health needs.
Our Advanced Treatment Options Include:
1. Ovulation Induction
For women with irregular ovulation due to PCOS or hormonal imbalance, oral or injectable fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate the ovaries and produce high-quality eggs. With modern protocols, ovulation can be successfully achieved in almost 100% of patients.
2. Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are used to diagnose and correct structural abnormalities such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine adhesions.
These procedures are performed with high precision using advanced endoscopic equipment for faster recovery and minimal discomfort.
3. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
A simple and painless outpatient procedure where washed and processed semen is directly placed into the uterus at the time of ovulation. IUI significantly increases the chances of conception compared to natural intercourse and is often the first line of treatment for mild infertility.
4. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF – ART)
In IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in our advanced IVF laboratory, and the best-quality embryos are transferred to the uterus.
Our “Easy IVF” program ensures that the process is simple, safe, and successful. With our cutting-edge lab technology and experienced fertility team, Sarkar Hospital consistently achieves high pregnancy and live birth success rates.
5. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy in Infertility
PRP therapy uses growth-factor-rich platelets derived from the patient’s own blood to rejuvenate ovarian or endometrial tissues, enhancing egg quality and endometrial receptivity. This therapy has shown encouraging results, especially in women with thin endometrium or poor ovarian reserve.
Preservation of Fertility & Preventive Care
At Sarkar Hospital, we emphasize the importance of preserving fertility and promoting reproductive wellness through preventive measures.
Guidelines to Maintain Female Fertility:
Maintain a regular sexual life.
Avoid unsafe abortions — use proper contraceptive methods when not planning pregnancy.
Follow proper personal hygiene and healthy dietary habits.
Keep a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and manage stress effectively.
Ensure adequate rest and regular exercise.
Visit a gynecologist regularly for preventive check-ups.
Consider egg freezing if planning to delay pregnancy for career, personal, or medical reasons.
Seek medical advice early if you experience irregular periods, painful cycles, difficulty in conception, recurrent miscarriages, or have a history of pelvic surgery or infections.