What is Female Infertility?

Female infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. This condition can result from various factors affecting the female reproductive system, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, genetic issues, or lifestyle influences.

who.int

Recent Research Insights:

Impact of Age on Fertility:

A recent article highlights that while fertility naturally declines with age, the process is gradual. Women in their 20s have about a 25% chance of conceiving each month, which decreases to 15% by age 35 and further to around 5% in the early 40s. Despite these statistics, many women over 40 still achieve natural pregnancies. Assisted reproductive technologies like IVF are increasingly used, although success rates decrease with age.
nypost.com

Genetic Factors in Infertility:

A narrative review identified 65 genes linked to infertility and related disorders. Mutations in these genes can lead to conditions such as spermatogenic failure in males and ovarian failures in females. Understanding these genetic predispositions can aid in developing targeted treatments.
arxiv.org

Role of Ovarian Follicles:

Ovarian follicles are crucial for releasing mature eggs and producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can prevent follicles from maturing, leading to infertility issues. Diagnostic methods like pelvic ultrasounds can assess follicle health, and treatments vary based on specific conditions.
verywellhealth.com

Molecular Causes of Infertility:

Recent research has identified elevated levels of a molecule called miR-124-3p in the uterine lining of some women with unexplained infertility. Normally, levels of this molecule decrease to allow for embryo implantation. High levels disrupt this process, affecting around 20-30% of women facing unexplained infertility. This discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions like endometriosis and improved success rates for IVF.
heraldsun.com.au

Understanding the multifaceted nature of female infertility is essential for developing effective treatments and support systems for affected individuals.

References:
who.int

Infertility - World Health Organization (WHO)

May 22, 2024 — Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected ...

nypost.com

What really happens to fertility after age 35 - and the truth about 'geriatric pregnancies'

January 30, 2025 — The notion that fertility sharply declines or becomes too risky after age 35 is a common misconception. While fertility naturally declines as women age, the process is gradual and many women can still conceive successfully later in life. Dr. Randi Goldman, an expert in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, explains that egg quantity and quality decrease between ages 35 and 40, with natural conception chances dropping slightly from 25% in women in their 20s to 15% at 35. After the early 40s, the chances of natural conception decline to around 5% due to decreased egg quality. Despite increased risks, many women over 40 still achieve natural pregnancies. Assisted reproductive technologies like IVF are increasingly used, although success rates decrease with age. Better access to education, careers, and birth control contributes to delayed parenthood. With proper prenatal care, most women over 35 can have healthy pregnancies, debunking the term "geriatric pregnancies." Individualized risk assessments are crucial rather than focusing solely on age. The average age for first-time mothers in the US rose to over 27 by 2022, reflecting a trend towards later parenthood.

arxiv.org

Genes predisposing to syndromic and nonsyndromic infertility: a narrative review

January 13, 2021

verywellhealth.com

Exploring the Role of Ovarian Follicles in Reproductive Health

August 5, 2024 — Ovarian follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries that contain immature eggs (oocytes). During ovulation, one follicle matures and releases an egg, while others disintegrate in a process called atresia. The follicles also play a critical role in releasing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle. Various health conditions, like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), functional cysts, primary ovarian insufficiency, and ruptured ovarian cysts, can affect these follicles and impact fertility. PCOS, for instance, prevents follicles from maturing, leading to infertility issues. Diagnostic methods for affected ovarian follicles may include medical histories, physical exams, and pelvic ultrasounds, with several available treatment options based on the specific condition. The decline in the number of ovarian follicles as women approach menopause also correlates with the reduction in hormone production, leading to common menopausal symptoms. Understanding the function and the potential disorders of ovarian follicles is crucial for reproductive health and addressing fertility challenges.