Infertility is a word used to describe not being in a position to conceive after at least one year of trying while in the productive age bracket. Recurrent miscarriage in women is also termed infertility. According to World Health Organization, 2020 report 186 million adults live with infertility worldwide. In Kenya, around five million adults live with infertility while two out of every ten couples have fertility issues. Among infertile couples, infertility prevalence chances are two-thirds in women and a third in men. The blame for delayed birth or childlessness in a marriage is seen as a woman’s fault by our society which makes infertility in women a topic of interest. Here are the various factors that cause infertility in women.
Primary ovarian dysfunction: Most cases of infertility in women result from a problem with producing eggs (Ova). In this case, the ovary never produces ova, maybe producing an unhealthy egg, stops producing before menopause, or releases an egg irregularly. Ovarian cancer, ovarian cyst, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome ovarian torsion, or twisting of the ovary are the major ovarian issues that lead to infertility in women.
Tubal disorders: A normal female has two Fallopian tubes in their reproductive system. A blocked or damaged Fallopian tube leaves a woman with infertility issues. This issue prevents sperms from reaching the ova in the Fallopian tube for fertilization and even if fertilization occurs, the zygote is blocked from traveling to the uterus. Some of the causes of blocked tubes are untreated Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), surgery in the lower abdomen, ruptured appendix, complications of unsafe abortion, and inflammatory infections.
Uterine disorders: The uterus in women is located at the back of the bladder and in front of the rectum. This is the place where the embryo is anchored until it grows into a baby and a hostile environment inside causes miscarriages which reciprocate to infertility. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and uterine prolapse are the uterine disorders leading to most infertility causes in women.
Disorder of the endocrine system: Endocrine disorders are known to disrupt the production of reproductive hormones in the body. The endocrine system is made up of the glands that produce hormones, receptors that respond to hormones, and the organs that are directly impacted by the hormones. The amount of hormones released depends on the body’s needs at a given time. Too much or little release can widely affect a woman’s fertility.
Every human has a right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Individuals and couples have the right to decide the number, timing, and spacing of their children. Infertility can negate the realization of these wishes with women suffering the most as they are subjected to violence, divorce, social stigma, emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem hence addressing infertility is an important part of realizing these rights of individuals and couples.