Ovulation disorders
Among the main reasons for infertility in women are:8
- there is low fertility in the ova;
- ovulation may be impaired or occurring irregularly;
- a blockage in the fallopian tubes;
- problems with the womb.
Ovulatory disorders, often be seen with menstrual disturbances, can be classified within three broad categories:5
- Group 1 – resulting from hypothalamic pituitary failure, and includes an absence of menstruation (often associated with low body weight or excessive exercise), and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (a decreased production of sex hormones – gonadotrophins and oestrogen).
- Group 2 – arising from conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), often resulting in reduced frequency or absent menses and no ovulation, and with weight gain and excessive androgen production.
- Group 3 – ovarian failure due to excess gonadotrophins and low oestrogen levels.