Causes of infertility in women
The main documented families of causes — ovulation disorders, tubal damage, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities — and the everyday exposures that can be acted on.
Ovulation disorders
These account for a large share of female infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of irregular or absent ovulation. Premature ovarian insufficiency, which is rarer, means the ovarian reserve is depleted early. Thyroid disorders and excess prolactin can also disturb ovulation.
Damage to the Fallopian tubes
An obstruction or abnormality of the tubes prevents the egg and sperm from meeting. It can follow an upper genital infection, endometriosis or previous pelvic surgery.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterus. It is associated with infertility in some of those affected, through several mechanisms: inflammation, adhesions, altered tubal or ovarian function. Not everyone with endometriosis is infertile.
Uterine abnormalities
Congenital malformations, fibroids, polyps or intrauterine adhesions can interfere with implantation. Treatment is often surgical and belongs to specialist care.
Modifiable exposure factors
Alongside medical causes, some everyday exposures are documented to widely varying degrees. Smoking is the best established. Endocrine disruptors found in some cosmetics or packaging are, depending on the substance, probable or emerging. Each linked sheet below shows its level of evidence.
Most relevant exposure sheets
The questionnaire offers a “woman” profile to target the relevant questions. It does not measure your fertility.
Take the questionnaireAlso worth reading
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Back to all guidesContent last updated: September 14, 2026