Gynecology

Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive and achieve a successful pregnancy. It can also refer to women who can conceive but have difficulties in maintaining a pregnancy. Infertility affects a significant number of women worldwide, with around 10 percent of women in the United States aged 15-44 experiencing difficulties in getting pregnant or staying pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Female infertility is often associated with problems related to ovulation. Ovulation is the process where a mature egg is released from the ovary and is available for fertilization. If ovulation does not occur or is irregular, it can lead to difficulty in conceiving. Some signs that a woman is not ovulating regularly include irregular or absent menstrual periods. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can disrupt ovulation, making it one of the leading causes of female infertility.