Female infertility in India is a significant concern affecting numerous couples striving to conceive. According to a 2023 World Health Organisation report, 1 out of 6 people in the world is dealing with infertility at some level, and studies suggest that female factors contribute to approximately a third of all infertility cases in India.

These alarming statistics show the critical importance of an accessible and reliable IVF centre in Kolkata, like PHS Fertility. In 2024, top fertility clinics play a pivotal role in providing advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to address female infertility issues effectively. 

There is a wide range of factors that can cause infertility in women, be it genetic or acquired. But with specialised expertise and holistic care, countless couples struggling with infertility in India can have hope using IVF and other advanced solutions.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the different symptoms, causes, and treatment options for female infertility so that you can detect it early and receive the necessary treatments.

Symptoms of Female Infertility

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular periods, including absent or infrequent menstruation, may indicate ovulatory dysfunction or hormonal imbalances.

Painful Menstruation

Severe menstrual cramps may suggest conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, which can impact fertility.

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if accompanied by odour or discomfort, could indicate infections or reproductive health issues.

Hormonal Changes

Symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, or changes in libido may signal hormonal imbalances, which can affect fertility.

Pelvic Pain or Pressure

Chronic pelvic pain or pressure, particularly during intercourse or ovulation, may indicate the presence of fibroids, ovarian cysts, or adhesions, which can impair fertility.

Previous Pregnancy Complications

History of recurrent miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, or preterm births may indicate underlying fertility issues that warrant investigation.

Underlying Health Conditions

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases can impact fertility and may present symptoms that warrant evaluation.

What Can Cause Female Infertility?

• Ovulatory Disorders

Irregular or absent ovulation, often caused by hormonal imbalances or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can prevent the release of eggs needed for fertilisation.

• Fallopian Tube Blockages

Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes, typically due to infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or endometriosis, can obstruct the pathway for sperm and egg interaction. Tube blockages account for 30-40% of cases in India.  

• Uterine Abnormalities

Structural abnormalities of the uterus, such as fibroids (benign growths), polyps, or congenital malformations, can interfere with embryo implantation or development.

• Endometriosis

This is a condition that accounts for 15-20% of infertility cases in India, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often leading to inflammation, scarring, and fertility issues.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Infections of the reproductive organs, commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, can damage the fallopian tubes.

• Age-Related Decline

Advancing age leads to a decrease in egg quantity and quality, making conception more challenging, particularly after the age of 35.

• Autoimmune Disorders

Immune system disorders like antiphospholipid syndrome or autoimmune thyroid disease can interfere with fertility by affecting implantation or causing recurrent miscarriages.

• Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, obesity, poor nutrition, and stress can negatively impact fertility by disrupting hormonal balance or impairing reproductive function. 

Data suggests that 2% of infertile couples in India can improve pregnancy outcomes just by changing certain habits.

Treatments for Female Infertility

1. Ovulation Induction

• Medications like clomiphene citrate may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation in women with ovulatory disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Injectable gonadotropins may be used for more severe cases or in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

2. Fertility Enhancing Surgery

Surgical procedures may be performed to correct structural abnormalities, like:

• Laparoscopic Surgery: Used to treat endometriosis, remove ovarian cysts, or repair fallopian tube blockages.
• Hysteroscopic Surgery: Used to remove uterine polyps, fibroids, or septum.

3. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): In IUI, washed sperm are directly placed into the uterus during ovulation to improve the chances of fertilisation. Recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, cervical factors, or mild male infertility.

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, with resulting embryos transferred into the uterus.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into the egg to facilitate fertilisation, often used in cases of male factor infertility or previous IVF failure

4. Donor Eggs or Embryos

• Women with diminished ovarian reserve or poor egg quality may benefit from IVF by using eggs or embryos from a healthy, fertile donor

5. Gestational Surrogacy

In cases where a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy, gestational surrogacy involves ko on es implanting an embryo created through IVF into a surrogate’s uterus.

The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term, and the intended parents raise the child after birth.

7. Lifestyle Modifications

It’s proven that adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve fertility outcomes, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Note: There are counselling groups that offer emotional support and guidance to couples navigating the challenges of infertility. In some cases, a supportive community can yield exceptional outcomes.

What Makes PHS Fertility the Best IVF Centre in Kolkata

Founder’s Commitment

Founded by Dr Prajnanika Gurung, PHS Fertility has been prioritising patient-centric care, affordability, and accessibility for more than 12 years now.

Comprehensive Care

We offer a range of specialised fertility treatments tailored to address female infertility, including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and IVF.

Success Stories

With a proven track record of over 5,000 successful IVF procedures and 3000+ healthy babies born, PHS Fertility offers hope for aspiring parents in Kolkata and beyond.

Latest Technology

Our state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team of experts ensure the highest standards of fertility care.

Easy EMI Payment Options

We understand the financial strain of fertility treatments and offer convenient EMI payment options to ease the burden on patients.
If you’re looking for the best IVF centre in Kolkata, PHS Fertility is the right choice. Contact us at +033 48097679 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation today and access our top-notch fertility services.