Causes of infertility in females include malfunctions of the uterine tubes, reduced hormone secretion from the pituitary or ovary, and interruption of implantation.

Adhesions from pelvic inflammatory conditions caused by a variety of infections can cause blockage of one or more uterine tubes and is a relatively common cause of infertility in women.

Reduced ovulation can result from inadequate secretion of LH and FSH, which can be caused by hypothyroidism, trauma to the hypothalamus, infarctions of the hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland, and tumors.

Interruption of implantation may result from uterine tumors or conditions causing abnormal ovarian hormone secretion. For example, premature degeneration of the corpus luteum causes progesterone levels to decline and mensus to occur. If the corpus luteum degenerates before the placenta begins to secrete progesterone, the endometrium and the developing embryonic mass will degenerate and be eliminated from the uterus. The conditions that result in secondary amenorrhea also reduce fertility.

Endometriosis, a condition in which endometrial tissue is found in abnormal locations, reduces fertility. Generally endometriosis is thought to result from some endometrial cells passing from the uterus through the uterine tubes into the pelvic cavity. The endometrial cells invade the peritoneum of the pelvic cavity. Because the endometrium is sensitive to estrogen and progesterone, periodic inflammation of the areas where the endometrial cells implant occurs. Endometriosis is a cause of painful menstruation and can reduce fertility.

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