Causes of Female Infertility: Diagnosis & Treatment in Goa
Female infertility is a common challenge affecting millions of women worldwide, but understanding its causes can empower you to seek timely help and explore effective solutions. Whether you’re just starting to learn about fertility issues or actively searching for treatment, this guide covers everything from definitions and symptoms to diagnosis, treatments, and prevention. As a leading IVF specialist in Goa with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Milind Colvalcar at Mapusa Clinic Medical Centre has helped hundreds of couples navigate infertility with compassionate, evidence-based care.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 17.5% of the adult population globally—roughly 1 in 6—experiences infertility. In India, an estimated 22 to 33 million couples in the reproductive age group struggle with lifetime infertility. These numbers highlight the urgency of awareness and access to quality care, especially in regions like Goa where advanced fertility treatments are increasingly available.
What is Female Infertility?
Female infertility refers to the inability to conceive after trying for at least one year (or six months if you’re over 35) through regular, unprotected intercourse. It can also include difficulties in carrying a pregnancy to term, such as recurrent miscarriages.
Types of Female Infertility
- Primary Infertility: You’ve never been pregnant and can’t conceive after the recommended trying period.
- Secondary Infertility: You’ve had at least one successful pregnancy but are now unable to conceive again.
Infertility affects about 10-15% of couples globally, with female factors contributing to roughly one-third of cases, male factors another third, and the rest a combination or unexplained. In many instances, it’s treatable—offering hope through modern reproductive medicine.
Symptoms of Female Infertility
The primary symptom is the inability to get pregnant. Other signs may include:
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
- Painful periods or heavy bleeding.
- Hormonal changes like acne, unwanted hair growth, or weight fluctuations.
- Pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse.
If these sound familiar, consulting a specialist early can make a difference. As Dr. Milind Colvalcar notes, “Early diagnosis allows for personalized treatment plans, increasing the chances of success.”
Common Causes of Female Infertility
Female infertility often stems from issues in ovulation, the reproductive organs, or hormonal imbalances. Based on data from the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, here are the top causes:
- Ovulation Disorders (25-30% of cases): Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) prevent regular egg release. PCOS, affecting 5-10% of women, involves hormonal imbalances leading to cysts on the ovaries.
- Fallopian Tube Damage or Blockage (Tubal Infertility): Infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) from untreated STIs (e.g., chlamydia or gonorrhea) can scar or block the tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
- Uterine or Cervical Issues: Fibroids, polyps, or an abnormally shaped uterus can interfere with implantation. Cervical mucus problems may also hinder sperm movement.
- Endometriosis (15% of cases): Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing scarring and inflammation that affects egg quality or tube function. Studies show 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility.
- Age-Related Factors: Fertility declines after age 30 due to reduced egg quantity and quality. By age 35, the risk increases significantly, with chromosomal abnormalities rising.
- Unexplained Infertility (10-20% of cases): No clear cause is found, even after thorough testing.
- Other Factors: Autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, or lifestyle-related problems like obesity can contribute.
For a quick overview, here’s a table summarizing key causes and their prevalence:
| Cause | Prevalence | Description/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ovulation Disorders | 25-30% | Hormonal issues preventing egg release (Mayo Clinic) |
| Tubal Factors | 20-25% | Blockage from infections or scarring (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Endometriosis | 15% | Abnormal tissue growth (ASRM) |
| Uterine Issues | 10-15% | Fibroids or polyps affecting implantation (NICHD) |
| Age-Related Decline | Varies by age | Egg quality drops after 35 (WHO) |
| Unexplained | 10-20% | No identifiable cause (CDC) |
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, NICHD.
Risk Factors for Female Infertility
Certain factors increase your likelihood of infertility:
- Age: Over 35, fertility drops sharply.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol, or high caffeine intake can damage eggs.
- Weight: Obesity or being underweight affects hormone levels.
- Medical History: STIs, cancer treatments, or chronic conditions like diabetes.
- Environmental Exposures: Toxins, pesticides, or stress.
In India, where fertility rates have declined to 2.0 (UNFPA, 2020), urban lifestyle factors play a growing role. Maintaining a BMI of 19-27 and quitting smoking can reduce risks by up to 30% (Harvard Health).
How is Female Infertility Diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical exam. Common tests include:
- Blood tests for hormone levels (e.g., FSH, AMH for ovarian reserve).
- Ultrasound to check ovaries and uterus.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to assess tube patency.
- Laparoscopy for endometriosis or scarring.
- Hysteroscopy to examine the uterine cavity.
At Mapusa Clinic Medical Centre, Dr. Milind Colvalcar uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to pinpoint issues quickly, ensuring tailored care.
Treatment Options for Female Infertility
Many causes are treatable, with success rates improving thanks to advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Treatment depends on the cause, age, and duration of infertility.
Top 5 Treatment Options
- Medications: Clomiphene or letrozole for ovulation induction (success rate: 20-25% per cycle for unexplained infertility).
- Surgery: Laparoscopic removal of fibroids or endometriosis (improves conception in 50-60% of cases).
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is placed directly in the uterus (success: 10-20% per cycle).
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are fertilized in a lab and transferred (average success: 50-60% under 35, per 2025 data from Cofertility).
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): For severe cases, a single sperm is injected into an egg (often combined with IVF, boosting rates by 10-15%).
For women over 35 or with low ovarian reserve, options like egg donation or frozen embryo transfer (FET) can achieve 50-70% success.
Here’s a comparison table of success rates by treatment (2025 estimates):
| Treatment Type | Success Rate (Under 35) | Success Rate (Over 35) | Best For | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medications (e.g., Clomiphene) | 20-25% per cycle | 10-15% per cycle | Ovulation disorders | ASRM |
| IUI | 10-20% per cycle | 5-10% per cycle | Mild issues/unexplained | CDC ART Success Rates |
| IVF | 50-60% per cycle | 30-40% per cycle | Tubal/ovarian factors | Risaa IVF 2025 |
| ICSI (with IVF) | 55-65% per cycle | 35-45% per cycle | Severe male/female factors | Hardik IVF Center |
| Surgery (e.g., for Endometriosis) | 50-60% natural conception post-surgery | 30-40% | Structural issues | Mayo Clinic |
Sources: CDC ART Success Rates, ASRM. Note: Rates vary by individual factors; consult a specialist.
At IVF Angels Goa, we offer comprehensive treatments including IVF, IUI, and ICSI. Explore our full range of fertility treatments.
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips for Better Fertility
While not all causes are preventable, these steps can help:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., Mediterranean style).
- Exercise moderately (30 minutes/day) but avoid extremes.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
- Manage stress through yoga or meditation.
- Get vaccinated against HPV and screen for STIs.
Research from the NIH shows mind-body interventions can improve outcomes by 20-30%.
When Should You Seek Help for Female Infertility?
Don’t wait—see a specialist if:
- Under 35: After 1 year of trying.
- Over 35: After 6 months.
- You have known risk factors like irregular periods or endometriosis.
Early intervention is key, as Dr. Milind emphasises: “Compassionate care starts with understanding your unique journey.”
Why Choose Dr Milind Colvalcar’s Mapusa Clinic Medical Centre in Goa for Female Infertility Treatment?
If you’re in Goa or nearby (e.g., Mapusa, Panaji, or North Goa), Dr Milind Colvalcar’s Mapusa Clinic Medical Centre offers world-class care led by Dr. Milind Colvalcar, a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (F.I.C.S.) with MBBS and MD from Goa Medical College. With over 20 years of experience, he has guided 1200+ success stories, specializing in advanced techniques like genetic embryo screening and minimally invasive surgeries. As chief IVF consultant at IVF Angels Goa – Fertility Clinic since 2016, Dr. Milind’s patient-focused approach ensures personalized plans, ethical practices, and high success rates.
His memberships include the Indian Medical Association (Goa) and Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India. Patients rave: “Dr. Milind is the best IVF doctor in Goa… He has given me babies. Thank you!” – Hema Anand.
Ready to start your journey? Book a consultation at our Mapusa clinic today or learn more about Dr. Milind Colvalcar. Visit drmilindcolvalcar.com/about/ for his full profile.
FAQs About Female Infertility
What is the most common cause of female infertility?
Ovulation disorders like PCOS account for 25-30% of cases (Cleveland Clinic).
Can female infertility be cured?
Many cases are treatable with medications or ART, with success rates up to 60% (CDC).
How does age affect female infertility?
Fertility declines after 30; by 40, chances drop below 5% per cycle naturally (ASRM).
What treatments are available in Goa?
At IVF Angels Goa, options include IVF, IUI, and surgery—tailored by Dr. Milind Colvalcar.
For more insights, check our blog on IVF after 35 or endometriosis treatments.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes. Always consult an expert healthcare professional for personalised advice.