# What is female infertility? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-howa-taakhor-alenjab-end-alnesaa Language: en Category: womens_health Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.664Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.664Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-howa-taakhor-alenjab-end-alnesaa Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one full year of regular attempts to conceive without using contraception. For women aged 35 or older, this duration is reduced to six months. Recurrent miscarriage is also considered an indicator of infertility [\[1\]](). Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, physical problems, hormonal disorders, as well as lifestyle and environmental factors. In many cases, the problem is related to egg production [\[1\]](). ## Main Causes of Infertility There are multiple reasons that may lead to female infertility. Some of the most prominent include: - **Ovulation problems:** Difficulties in egg production are the most common cause of female infertility [\[1\]](). These may include conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where the ovaries may not release an egg regularly or may not release a healthy egg. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) can also occur, where the ovaries stop functioning before natural menopause [\[1\]](). - **Age:** A woman's age plays a vital role in fertility, as both the quality and quantity of eggs decline with age [\[1\]](). - **Hormonal problems:** Hormonal imbalances can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation. For example, PCOS can cause elevated levels of AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) [\[2\]](). - **Physical problems:** These may include blocked fallopian tubes, uterine problems, or endometriosis [\[1\]](). - **Lifestyle and environmental factors:** Habits such as smoking, being significantly overweight or underweight, and exposure to certain chemicals can affect fertility [\[1\]](). - **Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure:** Women who were exposed to this drug in the womb (when their mothers took it to prevent miscarriage between 1940 and 1971) may face an increased risk of infertility, often attributed to uterine or fallopian tube issues [\[3\]](). ## When to See a Doctor If you have been trying to conceive for a year without success, or for six months if you are over 35, it is recommended to consult a doctor [\[1\]](). You should also see a doctor in the event of recurrent miscarriages [\[1\]](). A doctor can evaluate your condition and determine if there are any fertility issues. ## Diagnostic Tests Several tests are available to diagnose female infertility, including: - **Hormonal blood tests:** To measure levels of hormones such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), which indicates the ovarian reserve, as well as FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), LH (Luteinizing Hormone), estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin [\[1\]]()[\[2\]](). - **Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):** To detect any blockages in the fallopian tubes or uterine abnormalities [\[1\]](). - **Hysteroscopy:** To examine the interior of the uterus [\[1\]](). - **Laparoscopy:** A minor surgical procedure to examine internal reproductive organs [\[1\]](). - **Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries:** To assess the health of the uterus and ovaries. ## Available Treatment Options Treatment options depend on the cause of infertility and may include: - **Medications:** Such as ovulation-stimulating drugs [\[1\]](). - **Surgery:** To treat problems such as endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes [\[1\]](). - **Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):** Such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) [\[1\]](). AMH testing can help determine the appropriate dosage of fertility medication for IVF cases [\[2\]](). - **Lifestyle changes:** A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications to improve the chances of pregnancy. It is important to consult a specialist to evaluate your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. For more information on this topic, you can visit [Female Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Female Infertility]() - [Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test]() - [Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure and Cancer]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-howa-taakhor-alenjab-end-alnesaa#answer