What is the most common cause of female infertility?

The most common cause of female infertility is primarily attributed to ovulatory disorders. Ovulation is a critical component of female fertility, as the release of a mature egg is essential for conception. Various medical conditions can disrupt normal ovulation, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and hyperprolactinemia, resulting in irregular or absent menstrual cycles.

While uterine abnormalities can contribute to infertility by affecting implantation or carrying a pregnancy to term, and age-related factors play a significant role in fertility decline as women age, ovulatory disorders remain the leading cause since they directly impact a woman's ability to conceive by either preventing ovulation altogether or leading to infrequent ovulation. Male factor infertility is another significant cause of infertility but is specifically related to the male partner. In summary, ovulatory disorders represent the most common cause due to their direct link to the processes necessary for conception.