What is the most common cause of infertility in women?

The most common cause of infertility in women is ovulatory disorders. These disorders interfere with the normal ovulation process, meaning that an egg may not be released or may not mature properly, which significantly affects fertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic disorders, and hyperprolactinemia are examples of ovulatory disorders that can lead to irregular or absent ovulation.

The prevalence of ovulatory disorders as a cause of infertility is supported by studies showing that approximately 25-30% of women experiencing fertility issues are affected by these conditions. Successful ovulation is crucial for conception, as fertilization cannot occur without the release of a viable egg.

In contrast, while uterine abnormalities, fallopian tube blockage, and endometriosis can also result in infertility, they occur less frequently as the primary cause. Uterine abnormalities may impact implantation but are not as common as ovulatory issues. Fallopian tube blockages can prevent sperm from meeting the egg, and endometriosis can affect fertility through various mechanisms but is not as prevalent as ovulatory dysfunction. Thus, ovulatory disorders represent the most significant proportion of diagnosed infertility cases in women.