Infertility in women can be linked to a number of factors, including advanced maternal age, certain medical conditions, genetic disorders, and lifestyle factors. At the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (RSCNJ), we can help diagnose fertility infertility and create a personalized treatment plan to increase the chances of pregnancy success.
Age and Female Infertility
Recently, women have generally been waiting to have children later in life. Age plays a significant role because women are born with a fixed number of eggs in their ovaries. These eggs are continually lost through menstruation until the woman reaches menopause.
This reduction of the ovarian pool (also known as ovarian reserve) makes it more difficult for women to become pregnant. Studies indicate the probability of pregnancy decreasing from 55% for women younger than 30 to 40% for women between the ages of 31 and 35 and less than 10% for women aged 35 and older.
Additionally the risk of miscarriage increases with age. Women in their 30s or older who have been trying to conceive for six months without success should seek a fertility evaluation alongside their male partners. It's important to act quickly, as a woman's chances of becoming pregnant decrease significantly each year after she turns 30.
If you're under 30, there's no need to be overly concerned about infertility unless you've been trying to conceive for at least a year. In that case, you and your male partner should consult your doctor about getting a fertility evaluation.
Ovulatory & tubal disorders
While age-related factors are an increasing barrier to female fertility, ovulatory disorders play a significant role as well, accounting for 25% of infertility cases. Common symptoms of these disorders include excessive weight fluctuations and extreme emotional stress. It's important to note that even women with regular menstrual cycles may experience ovulatory problems, as pregnancy is the only definitive proof that normal ovulation has occurred.
An even more frequent problem is a disorder of the fallopian tubes, which are delicate and complex components of the reproductive system. When these tubes become blocked, sperm cannot reach the egg for fertilization, and the embryo cannot implant in the uterus.
Tubal problems account for 35% of infertility cases. These blockages can result from conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or surgery for an ectopic pregnancy.
Genetic disorders & infertility in women
Genetic disorders can cause infertility in women in several ways. Some genetic conditions can lead to abnormalities in reproductive organs from birth. Additionally, genetic disorders can result in diseases that negatively impact fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Furthermore, certain genetic disorders, including Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, can also create conditions that harm fertility.
Genetic chromosomal abnormalities can also prevent embryo implantation. These abnormalities account for over half of early pregnancy miscarriages, including conditions such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome.
Another type of inherited genetic disorder involves single-gene mutations that can lead to infertility. Examples of these disorders include Fragile X syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. Women with family histories of difficulties conceiving, particularly those related to premature menopause, may also experience genetic-related infertility.
More on genetic causes of infertility
Health & lifestyle influences
Along with age and specific reproductive functions, overall health can greatly affect a woman’s fertility. For example, some evidence indicates that smoking may lead to infertility. In one study, fertility rates among heavy smokers — defined as those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day — were found to be only 57 percent of those among nonsmokers. Furthermore, additional evidence suggests that smoking may impair the function of the fallopian tubes.
Can lifestyle choice cause infertility?
Several factors can contribute to infertility in couples, and not all of these are related to medical issues. Lifestyle choices can significantly impact fertility, sometimes even more than medical conditions.
It's crucial for hopeful parents to practice a healthy lifestyle while trying to conceive. The choices made by both men and women can greatly influence their ability to become pregnant and have a healthy child.
Most of these lifestyle issues can be resolved through a personal choice to improve. Couples should be mindful of the lifestyle factors that may lead to infertility and support each other in enhancing their daily habits.
Women’s lifestyle issues
There are various steps you can take to improve your reproductive health and chances of pregnancy success, including:
Maintain a healthy weight
When it comes to female fertility, a woman’s weight can greatly impact her hormone production. Being significantly overweight or underweight can inhibit normal ovulation. Women who are obese can have a harder time getting pregnant and can take longer to achieve pregnancy than a woman of normal weight. Therefore, it’s important for women to maintain a weight that is considered medically healthy, measured by a body mass index (BMI) calculator.
Eating healthy
Bodies perform best when they are fueled by healthy nutrients, and pregnancy is no exception. It is important to eat nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables as opposed to foods that are high in fat and preservatives. Conditions caused by food intake, including celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), can also affect a woman’s fertility.
Preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Effects of STDs, specifically chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to infertility in women. The best way to avoid contracting STDs is to practice safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners.
Not smoking
In addition to other health concerns, smoking ages a woman’s ovaries and depletes her eggs prematurely. If a woman does not have healthy eggs, she will struggle to become pregnant.
Limiting alcohol consumption
An increase in ovulation disorders is associated with heavy drinking. Women who are trying to get pregnant are encouraged to avoid alcohol completely.
Curbing caffeine
Though there are no clear links between caffeine and infertility, many reproductive experts recommend limiting daily caffeine consumption to less than 200 to 300 milligrams (or two cups).
Being wary of vigorous physical activity
While exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are important, physical activity should be done in moderation. Excessive physical activity can inhibit ovulation and reduce the production of progesterone, which is a hormone essential for becoming pregnant. Doctors recommend that women who are trying to become pregnant should not exercise more than five hours weekly.
Avoiding exposure to toxins
Exposure to toxins can affect hormones and the health of a woman’s eggs. Certain jobs can result in over exposure to these toxins. For example, dental assistants are exposed to high levels of nitrous oxide and industrial workers are exposed to drugs and chemicals during manufacturing processes. Agricultural workers and hair stylists are among other careers that may lead to reduced fertility due to toxic exposure.
