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Female Infertility
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Female Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of trying, or six months for women over age 35, and can be addressed through various medical interventions.

Overview

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying (or 6 months if the woman is over age 35). If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it is also called infertility. Female infertility can result from age, physical problems, hormone problems, and lifestyle or environmental factors.

Causes

Most cases of infertility in women result from problems with producing eggs. Specific conditions include:

  • Primary ovarian insufficiency: The ovaries stop functioning before natural menopause.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): The ovaries may not release an egg regularly or they may not release a healthy egg.

About a third of the time, infertility is because of a problem with the woman. One third of the time, it is a problem with the man. Sometimes no cause can be found.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you think you might be infertile, see your doctor. There are tests that may tell if you have fertility problems. When it is possible to find the cause, treatments may include medicines, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies. Happily, many couples treated for infertility are able to have babies.

Frequently Asked Questions

In women over 35, the primary causes are reduced ovarian reserve (fewer and lower quality eggs), diminished ovarian response to stimulation, and increased rates of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs. Other factors include uterine or tubal issues, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or excessive alcohol. A thorough evaluation can pinpoint the specific cause.
To assess ovulatory function, clinicians typically order a baseline hormone panel (FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, TSH), a mid‑cycle LH surge test or basal body temperature charting, and an ultrasound to evaluate ovarian morphology. If results are abnormal, further testing such as a clomiphene challenge or antral follicle count may be done.
Lifestyle modifications can improve fertility: maintaining a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9), quitting smoking, limiting alcohol to no more than one drink per day, reducing caffeine to under 200 mg per day, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. Regular moderate exercise and a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, and omega‑3 fatty acids also support reproductive health.
For women with PCOS, IVF success rates are generally comparable to those with normal ovarian function when using appropriate stimulation protocols. Age is the most significant factor; success rates decline with each year after 35. In general, live birth rates per IVF cycle range from 30–45% for women under 35 and drop to 15–25% for women over 40, regardless of PCOS status.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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