Female Infertility: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as difficulty conceiving, delay in childbearing.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Female infertility means difficulty conceiving after a year of regular unprotected sex. Common causes include blocked fallopian tubes (often after untreated infections), ovulation problems such as PCOS, and fibroids — many of which are treatable. Infertility is a couple's issue: in roughly half of cases the male partner contributes, so both partners should be tested from the start.
Symptoms
No pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sex
Irregular or absent periods
Very painful periods
Pain during sex
Previous pelvic infection or STI
Milky breast discharge unrelated to breastfeeding
Causes & risk factors
Blocked or scarred fallopian tubes after untreated infections
Ovulation disorders such as PCOS or thyroid disease
Fibroids or endometriosis
Age-related decline in egg supply
Previous unsafe abortion or pelvic surgery causing scarring
Treatment & self-care
A fertility work-up checks ovulation, hormone levels and whether the tubes are open — alongside a semen test for the partner. Treatment matches the cause: ovulation-stimulating medicines, surgery for tubes or fibroids, or assisted methods such as IUI and IVF where needed. Seek evaluation after one year of trying — or after six months if the woman is over 35 — and treat infections early to prevent the problem.
See a doctor urgently if
No conception after 12 months of trying (6 months if over 35)
Irregular or absent periods while trying to conceive
A history of pelvic infection, STI or pelvic surgery
Two or more miscarriages
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Female Infertility?
Early signs often include no pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sex, irregular or absent periods, very painful periods. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Female Infertility be treated?
A fertility work-up checks ovulation, hormone levels and whether the tubes are open — alongside a semen test for the partner. Treatment matches the cause: ovulation-stimulating medicines, surgery for tubes or fibroids, or assisted methods such as IUI and IVF where needed. Seek evaluation after one year of trying — or after six months if the woman is over 35 — and treat infections early to prevent the problem.
When should I see a doctor about Female Infertility?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: no conception after 12 months of trying (6 months if over 35); irregular or absent periods while trying to conceive; a history of pelvic infection, sti or pelvic surgery; two or more miscarriages.
See an MDCN-verified doctor about female infertility by video, audio or chat — then order medicine, book a lab test or get a home visit from the same app.