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Common causes of fertility problems in women

Eleven percent of reproductive-age couples in the United States have trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy. About one-third of these cases are due to female fertility problems, one-third to male fertility problems, and the rest to factors involving both partners or to unexplained causes.
If you've had regular, unprotected sex for more than a year without conceiving (or six months if you're older than 35), see your doctor. About 65 percent of couples that get treatment for a fertility problem are eventually able to have a successful pregnancy, according to Resolve, the national infertility association.
The success rates below are based on averages gathered from large groups of patients. Each couple is unique, so think of the success rate for any treatment as a general snapshot, not a prediction of your chances of having a baby. Read on to learn more about female infertility and available fertility treatments.

Ovulation problems

An ovulation problem occurs when eggs don't mature in the ovaries or when the ovaries fail to release a mature egg. This is sometimes known as premature ovarian failure. Ovulation problems are common in women with infertility.
Possible symptoms: Absent or infrequent periods, unusually light or heavy menstrual bleeding, or lack of such premenstrual symptoms as bloating or breast tenderness.
Possible solutions: Managing body weight if it's too low or too high, taking fertility drugs (with or without artificial insemination), and having in vitro fertilization (IVF).

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About 11 percent of reproductive-age couples in the United States have trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy. About one-third of these cases are due to male fertility problems, about one-third are related to female fertility problems, and the rest are due to factors involving both partners or to unexplained causes. If you've had regular, unprotected sex for more than a year (or six months if you're older than 35) without conceiving, see your doctor. About 65 percent of couples that get treatment for a fertility problem are eventually able to have a successful pregnancy, according to Resolve, the national infertility association. A fertility specialist will usually give you and your partner an initial examination. If a semen analysis isn't normal, or if anything in your medical or reproductive history indicates you need a more thorough evaluation, you may be referred to a urologist or other male reproduction specialist who can recommend treatment and help you...