Female infertility is described as not being able to conceive or become pregnant despite having frequent unprotected sexual intercourse over a period of one year.

Infertility may be due to a single cause or multiple causes. A woman is born with a finite number of eggs. As she gets older, the number and the quality of the eggs diminish and the chances of having a baby are reduced. Other causes of not being able to get pregnant may include an ovulation disorder, uterine fibroids, damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, medications or other health issues. In addition, factors such as smoking, obesity and malnutrition can also affect your chances of conception.

Infertility is not uncommon. Sometimes the cause is traced back to the woman and sometimes the cause is traced back to the man. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

When to seek expert advice

To discuss your concerns you can consult a family doctor working with the Department of Family Medicine at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

If you are a woman, who has been trying to get pregnant for over a year, you can consult with our doctors in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Aga Khan University Hospital. You may consider making an appointment earlier if:

You are middle aged and have been trying to get pregnant for over six months.
You are above 40 years.
You have irregular menstrual cycles.
You have fertility problems that you are already aware of.
You have undergone cancer treatment.
You have had a miscarriage.
You have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.