The medical infertility workup is usually able to diagnose the cause of a fertility problem in a woman. Identifying the problem is the first step in recommending treatment. The most common causes for female infertility are ovulatory failure , mechanical obstructions , endometriosis, cervical problems and uterine problems . These are described in the sections and tables below. Couple who face this challenge may be candidates for Assisted Reproductive Technology , while others turn to adoption or decide to live child-free.
Ovulation is regulated by hormone activity.
Thus, several hormonal problems can prevent ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the egg. Below is a description of the most common hormone irregularities in women which cause reproductive difficulty. Pill Use Explanation Birth control pills prevent pregnancy by interfering with hormonal regulation of ovulation. Going off the pill doesn't necessarily mean that a woman's cycles will return to normal immediately. Symptoms Irregular menstrual periods after the pill is stopped.