Causes of female infertility Female infertility can be caused by: ovulation problems polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) problems with the fallopian tubes problems with the uterus endometriosis. Ovulation problems causing female infertility The menstrual cycle functions by several glands and their hormones working in harmony. For ovulation to occur, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus prompts the nearby pituitary gland to secrete hormones that trigger the ovaries to ripen eggs. Irregular or absent periods indicate that ovulation may be irregular or absent too. The age of the woman is a significant fertility factor. The chance of pregnancy for a woman aged 40 years is only 5% per menstrual cycle. Ageing eggs are thought to be the cause. A woman is born with her entire egg supply and, as time passes, these eggs become less viable. Other difficulties for women over 40 include increased risk of miscarriage and genetic abnormalities in the unborn baby. Polycystic ovary syndrome causing female infertility At ovulation, the ovaries produce small cysts or blisters called follicles. Typically, one follicle ripens to release an egg. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the follicles fail to ripen, instead forming little cysts at the periphery of the ovaries which often release male sex hormones. This means that the woman’s ovulation and periods are irregular or don’t happen at a Problems with the fallopian tubes causing female infertility The sperm fertilises the egg on its journey down the fallopian tube. A blocked or scarred fallopian tube may impede the egg’s progress, preventing it from meeting up with sperm. Problems with the uterus causing female infertility The fertilised egg lodges (implants) in the lining of the uterus. Some uterine problems that can hamper implantation include: fibroids – non-malignant tumours inside the womb polyps – overgrowths of the endometrium, which can be prompted by the presence of fibroids. Problems with the cervix causing female infertility At the top of the vagina is the neck or entrance to the uterus, called the cervix. Ejaculated sperm must travel through the cervix to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes. Cervical mucus around the time of ovulation is normally thin and watery so that sperm can swim through it. However, in some women the cervical mucus is thick and this can hinder the sperm. Endometriosis causing female infertility Endometriosis is a condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) migrate to other parts of the pelvis. It can damage the fallopian tubes and the ovaries, and affect the movement of the egg and sperm. Even if the fallopian tubes and ovaries are not damaged, endometriosis can affect fertilisation, embryo growth and implantation. Diagnosis of female infertility Investigating suspected infertility requires tests for both the woman and her partner. Tests for the woman may include: physical examination – including medical history blood tests – to check for the presence of ovulation hormones laparoscopy – a ‘keyhole’ surgical procedure in which an instrument is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen so that the reproductive organs can be examined ultrasound scans – to check for the presence of fibroids. Her male partner's semen may also be analysed to make sure that he is fertile. Best Fertility Care Centre , Maternal & amp; Child Health Care Centre , Advanced Fertility Care Centre , Ashwini Hospital & amp; Fertility Centre Moondrumavadi K.Pudur Madurai-07 , Low Cost IVF & amp; ICSI Centre , Normal Vaginal Delivery Rs.35000/- including medicines, LSCS Rs. 50000/- including medicines .