HealthcareProgramsEbooks

10 Common Health Complications That Lead To Infertility in Women

ByTarin Hussain
Updated: 2 Apr 2026, 9:30 am

If you have been trying to conceive for a year with regular unprotected intercourse and haven’t been successful, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Understanding these common problems is the first step to knowing your body better and exploring the right solutions to improve your chances of conceiving.

Pregatips
Trying to start a family but facing infertility can be one of the most emotional experiences for a woman. You might be trying to conceive and wonder why it isn’t happening, or feel anxious when you don’t know what could be standing in the way. The truth is that there are several health issues that can make it harder for a woman to get pregnant.
When it comes to trying for a baby, several health conditions can make conception more difficult:

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. In this condition, the ovaries and sometimes the adrenal glands produce higher levels of male hormones called androgens. This hormonal imbalance affects the development of ovarian follicles and can prevent regular ovulation.

Without consistent ovulation, it becomes much harder to conceive. Many people with PCOS also have irregular menstrual cycles, which adds another layer of challenge when trying to get pregnant.

  • Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue can cause inflammation, scarring, and changes in the pelvic area. As a result, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus can be affected, making it more difficult for an egg to be fertilised or for an embryo to implant successfully.

Endometriosis can also cause chemical and structural changes in the uterine lining, which may reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage or difficulty maintaining a pregnancy.

  • Blockage or Damage in Fallopian Tubes

Healthy fallopian tubes are crucial because they carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus for fertilisation. If the tubes are blocked or damaged, the egg cannot meet the sperm, or a fertilised egg cannot travel to the uterus. This issue often results from inflammation, known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Common causes include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endometriosis, or adhesions (bands of scar tissue). When the fallopian tubes are affected, conceiving naturally becomes very difficult without medical intervention.

  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs/STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections can directly harm the reproductive system. If left untreated, they cause inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes that may lead to blockages. This prevents the egg from travelling through the tube to meet the sperm in the uterus. That’s why detecting and treating STIs early is so important for protecting your fertility.

  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (Primary Ovarian Deficiency)

Premature ovarian insufficiency, also called primary ovarian insufficiency or early menopause, happens when the ovaries stop working normally before the age of 40. This leads to irregular menstrual cycles or the complete absence of periods, and egg production drops significantly.

Several factors can cause this condition, including autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, certain illnesses, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or sometimes natural causes.

  • Uterine Fibroids and Abnormalities of the Uterus or Cervix

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop inside or around the uterus. Many fibroids do not cause any problems and may even shrink over time. However, when fibroids appear during the reproductive years, they can change the shape of the uterus and affect how it functions. This can make it harder for sperm to travel through the uterus or for a fertilised egg to attach properly to the uterine lining.

Besides fibroids, other structural abnormalities in the uterus or cervix, such as unusual shapes or sizes, can also create challenges for conception.

  • Pelvic Adhesions

Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that cause organs in the pelvic area to stick together in ways they normally shouldn’t. These adhesions often form after infections, endometriosis, pelvic surgery, appendicitis, or any inflammation in the pelvic region. When these scar tissues develop, they can change the natural position of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus.

In many cases, pelvic adhesions significantly reduce the chances of natural conception, and medical treatment may be needed to improve fertility.

  • Hypothalamic Dysfunction

The hypothalamus is a small but very important part of the brain that plays a central role in reproduction. It produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which tells the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones are essential for the maturation of eggs and regular ovulation.

When the hypothalamus is not functioning properly, the production of GnRH decreases. This leads to lower levels of FSH, LH, and oestrogen, which disrupts ovulation and menstrual cycles. Without regular ovulation, conceiving naturally becomes much more difficult.

  • Diabetes

Diabetes can have a significant impact on fertility if it is not well-controlled. High blood sugar levels over time can disrupt the normal hormonal balance needed for ovulation, making it harder to release a healthy egg.

Uncontrolled diabetes can also affect the uterine environment, which may reduce the chances of implantation and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

  • Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate many body functions, including reproduction. Both underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can interfere with menstrual cycles and ovulation.

When thyroid hormones are out of balance, it can make it harder to conceive naturally and may also increase the risk of miscarriage.


These health complications show just how closely the reproductive system is connected to overall health. The positive part is that many people facing these challenges go on to have successful pregnancies with the right medical guidance.

You’re not alone in your journey when trying to conceive. Join our supportive community to connect with others, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.

FAQs on 10 Common Health Complications That Lead To Infertility in Women

  1. Does weight play a role in female fertility?
    Both being underweight and being overweight can affect hormone balance and ovulation. Try to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to improve fertility outcomes.
  2. Can certain medications affect fertility?
    Yes, some medications, such as long-term steroid use or chemotherapy drugs, may reduce fertility.
Medically Reviewed By:
Medically approved by Dr Shanujeet Kaur, Associate Director – Department of Fertility and Senior Gynecologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chandigarh

Related Stories

  1. 10 Common Health Complications That Lead To Infertility in Women
  2. Why PCOS Makes Getting Pregnant Harder Than It Looks?
  3. Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS): A Smarter Approach to Sperm Selection in Fertility Treatment
  4. Reproductive Health After 40: A Practical Guide for Indian Men
  5. Klinefelter Syndrome Explained: When a Male Is Born With an Extra X Chromosome
  6. When to Take a Break From Fertility Treatments