Female Infertility: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Female Infertility?
An OB/GYN usually treats infertility first. Some have extra training and are called reproductive endocrinologists, who handle advanced treatments like IVF. A primary care doctor can be a good first stop for advice and a referral. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is female infertility?
Female infertility means a woman is unable to get pregnant after a year or more of regular sex without birth control. It can also mean a woman gets pregnant but the pregnancy does not continue. Many couples face this problem, and treatments help many of them have a baby.
Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system. Each month an egg must be released, travel through a tube, be fertilized by sperm, and attach inside the womb. A problem at any step can make pregnancy hard.
Symptoms
The main sign is not getting pregnant after trying for a year, or six months if the woman is 35 or older. Some women also have irregular, painful, or missing periods; others have none.
Causes and who gets it
Common causes include ovulation problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and hormone conditions like thyroid disease. Fertility drops after the mid-30s, and risk rises with smoking, heavy alcohol use, and unhealthy weight.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors start with a medical history, physical exam, and questions about menstrual cycles. Blood tests check hormones and ovulation; ultrasound and other tests examine the ovaries, womb, and fallopian tubes. Semen testing of the male partner is usually part of the workup.
Treatment
Medicines can help the ovaries release eggs, and surgery can fix blocked tubes or endometriosis. Intrauterine insemination places sperm inside the womb, while in vitro fertilization (IVF) fertilizes eggs in a lab and places the embryo in the womb. A healthy weight and quitting smoking can also help.
When to see a doctor
Most experts suggest seeing a doctor after a year of trying without pregnancy, or after six months if 35 or older. Go sooner if periods are very irregular, very painful, or missing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works with insurance. Either can help with early steps like ordering basic hormone tests and treating causes like thyroid problems, and will refer you to a fertility specialist when needed.
Common questions
Can stress cause infertility?
Stress alone has not been shown to be a main cause of infertility. However, stress can affect habits like sleep and eating. Going through infertility is itself stressful. Many people find that support from counselors or support groups helps during testing and treatment.
Does infertility mean I can never get pregnant?
No. Infertility means pregnancy has not happened after a set amount of time, not that it never will. Some couples get pregnant later without treatment, and many others do with medical help.
Are fertility treatments always expensive?
Costs vary a lot. Some treatments, like medicine that helps the ovaries release eggs, cost much less than IVF. Insurance coverage for fertility care differs by state and by plan. So it is worth checking what your plan covers.
Can men be the cause of a couple's infertility?
Yes. Problems with sperm are a factor in about half of couples who have trouble getting pregnant. That is why doctors usually test the male partner as part of the evaluation.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
