Ovarian failureIf the woman does not have any ovaries, or they do not produce any eggs, -she will not be able to conceive without assistance. Her ovaries may have been damaged, for example as a result of chemotherapy, or removed in surgery. Alternatively she may suffer from a genetic condition such as Turner's syndrome, in which they fail to develop, or polycystic ovary syndrome, where they do not produce mature eggs. Sometimes when a woman is quite young her ovaries may simply stop functioning, in which case she may go through an early menopause. Alternatively she may suffer from a hormone deficiency which means that she is unable to ovulate or ovulates so irregularly that it is extremely difficult for her to become pregnant.
AgeThis is the most common reason for failure to ovulate. Women usually become infertile between the ages of 40 and 50. Less well-known is the rapid decline in fertility in most women from the age of 35 onwards. Although it takes older women longer to get pregnant, it is not helpful to tell them to wait before seeking medical help, since they cannot afford that extra delay.
Tubal damageDamage to the fallopian tubes can cause infertility. It is thought to be on the increase due to the spread of diseases of the reproductive system and prolonged use of contraception, in particular intra-uterine devices. Tubal damage can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg at all. Alternatively it can stop the fertilised egg from travelling down into the womb. Some¬times this results in the egg implanting in the fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening and lead to further damage or the loss of the tube altogether.
Pregnancy Fertility Problems - Ovarian Failure, Age And Tubal Damage