Abstract
Infertility is a widespread, emotional health issue that affects women and couples all over the world. Beyond the medical difficulty of conceiving, infertility frequently imposes significant social, financial, and psychological consequences on women, particularly in cultures where motherhood is inextricably linked to identity, status, and familial security. To summarize current knowledge on the global prevalence of female infertility, the primary biomedical and societal risk factors contributing to it, and the psychological effects for women. This narrative review uses peer-reviewed epidemiological, clinical, and social-science literature to summarize patterns in prevalence, significant risk pathways (age, endocrine disorders, infections, lifestyle and structural variables), and mental-health outcomes related with infertility. Wherever possible, results from systematic analyses and high-quality regional studies are highlighted to provide clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with a balanced, understandable picture. Female infertility rates vary greatly by area and study type, with community surveys typically reporting lower frequency than clinic samples. Biological drivers such as advancing maternal age and ovarian disorders (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis) are universal, while infectious and obstetric complications play a disproportionate role in low-resource settings. Poverty, a lack of reproductive health facilities, and gendered norms all influence risk exposure and care seeking behavior. Women with infertility experience higher levels of sadness, anxiety, stress, and social stigma than their fertile counterparts; comprehensive mental-health assistance enhances coping and treatment adherence.
Infertility in women is a multidimensional issue that necessitates comprehensive solutions, including enhanced prevention and clinical care, culturally responsive psychosocial support, and policies that eliminate stigma and expand equal access to reproductive health services. Future research should standardize mental health measurements to better assess global burdens and inform solutions.