Conception depends on the fertility potential of both the male and female partner. The male is directly responsible in about 30-40 per cent, the female in about 40-55 per cent and both are responsible in about 10 per cent cases. The remaining 10 per cent, is unexplained in spite of thorough investigations with modern technical knowhow. It is also strange that 4 out of 10 patients of unexplained category become pregnant within 3 years without having any specific treatment.

Many factors can increase your risk for infertility. General health conditions, genetic (inherited) traits, lifestyle choices and age can all contribute to infertility. Specific factors can include:

• Age. Generally, fertility begins to decline in your 30s.

• Hormone issues that prevent ovulation.

• Abnormal menstrual cycle.

• Obesity.

• Having underweight

• Overexercise or intense exercise.

• Endometriosis.

• Structural problems (physical problems with your fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries).

• Uterine fibroids.

• Ovarian cysts.

• Tumors.

• Autoimmune disorders. (lupus, rheumatoid arthitis, Hashimoto's disease).

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) causing pelvic inflammatory disease.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause infertility.

• Primary ovary insufficiency (POI).

• Excessive substance use (heavy drinking or misuse of drugs).

• Smoking.

• A past ectopic pregnancy.

What causes female infertility?

There are many possible causes of infertility. However, t can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, and some couples have unexplained infertility. Some possible causes of female infertility can include:

• Problems with your uterus: This includes uterine polyps, fibroids or adhesions (scarring) inside the cavity of your uterus. Polyps and fibroids can form on their own at any time. Adhesions can form after a surgery like a dilation and curettage (D&C).

• Problems with your fallopian tubes: The most common cause of “tubal factor” infertility is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea are common causes of PID. Endometriosis can also cause scarring of your fallopian tubes.

• Problems with ovulation: There are many reasons why a person may not ovulate (release an egg) regularly. Hormonal imbalances, an eating disorder, substance use disorder, thyroid conditions, severe stress and pituitary tumors are all examples of things that can affect ovulation.

• Problems with egg count and quality: You're born with all the eggs you'll ever have, and this supply can run out early, before the natural age of menopause (around 51). In addition, some eggs will have the wrong number of chromosomes and be unable to fertilize and grow into a healthy fetus.