Overview
Female infertility means difficulty conceiving after a year of regular unprotected sex. Common causes include blocked fallopian tubes (often after untreated infections), ovulation problems such as PCOS, and fibroids — many of which are treatable. Infertility is a couple's issue: in roughly half of cases the male partner contributes, so both partners should be tested from the start.
Symptoms
- No pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sex
- Irregular or absent periods
- Very painful periods
- Pain during sex
- Previous pelvic infection or STI
- Milky breast discharge unrelated to breastfeeding
Causes & risk factors
- Blocked or scarred fallopian tubes after untreated infections
- Ovulation disorders such as PCOS or thyroid disease
- Fibroids or endometriosis
- Age-related decline in egg supply
- Previous unsafe abortion or pelvic surgery causing scarring
Treatment & self-care
A fertility work-up checks ovulation, hormone levels and whether the tubes are open — alongside a semen test for the partner. Treatment matches the cause: ovulation-stimulating medicines, surgery for tubes or fibroids, or assisted methods such as IUI and IVF where needed. Seek evaluation after one year of trying — or after six months if the woman is over 35 — and treat infections early to prevent the problem.
See a doctor urgently if
- No conception after 12 months of trying (6 months if over 35)
- Irregular or absent periods while trying to conceive
- A history of pelvic infection, STI or pelvic surgery
- Two or more miscarriages