Common reasons for female infertility include:

• Ovulatory disorders (including PCOS)
• Poor egg quantity or absence of eggs
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Physical problems with the uterus
• Unexplained infertility

Hormones control the reproductive cycle Ovulation problems occur when a condition, usually hormonal, prevents the release of a mature egg from an ovary (ovulation). Two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are responsible for stimulating ovulation each month. Production of these hormones can be disrupted by excess physical or emotional stress, a very high or very low body weight, or a recent substantial weight gain or loss. Other factors include an underactive thyroid or a pituitary gland disorder which causes excess production of prolactin. Some medications such as steroids or insulin may also affect the hormones. Blood tests are used to determine the levels of the hormones and if ovulation is occurring. Ovulatory disorders can be treated with drugs to stimulate ovulation (release of the egg) such as clomiphene, gonadotropins (hormones with a stimulating effect on the gonads, either ovaries or testis), and prolactin suppressants such as bromocriptine. These may be prescribed following fertility testing. If these are unsuccessful then IVF with fertility drugs may be recommended.