UZ Leuven

Fertility problems in women can also have a wide range of causes. The menstrual cycle is a complex phenomenon and things can go wrong at various points.

Defective ovary and ovulation function 

• Anovulation: hormonal disorders can lead to complete failure of the ova to ripen and to a lack of ovulation (can occur in women with polycystic ovaries)
• Disovulation: the ovum matures, but it receives the signal to leave the ovary far too early, before it is sufficiently mature.
• Luteal insufficiency: everything goes smoothly up to and including ovulation but then things go wrong during the luteal phase, when the endometrium prepares for implantation of the embryo.

Disrupted conveyance

An obstruction or abnormal cilium function in the fallopian tube or adhesions in the abdominal cavity (endometriosis following an operation or infection) can prevent the (fertilized) ovum being transported properly to the uterus. Endometriosis without adhesions can also reduce female fertility.

Problems due to disrupted implantation 

Fertility problems can also be the result of failed implantation in the uterus (caused by a fibroid tumour or infection of the endometrium).

Problems in the cervix

Finally, defects related to the cervix can also jeopardise the accessibility of sperm cells and can thus be the cause of reduced female fertility.

See also

• Endometriosis.org - the global forum for news and information in endometriosis
• The World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF^TM)

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