Selena Gomez Reveals She Cannot Have Children: Factors That Can Affect Female Fertility (Image Credits: iStock)
Singer and actor Selena Gomez recently revealed that due to medical issues, she is unable to have children. In a cover interview with Vanity Fair, the 32-year-old shared that learning she couldn’t carry her own child safely was something she had to "grieve."
"I haven't ever said this, but I unfortunately can't carry my own children," she told the publication. "I have a lot of medical issues that would put both my life and the baby’s life in jeopardy. That was something I had to grieve for a while."
Selena, who has previously been open about her lupus diagnosis, explained how this autoimmune disease—which causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue—has affected her health. In 2017, she underwent a kidney transplant as part of her treatment for lupus, an incurable condition that can be managed through medication.
In addition, Selena has shared her experience living with bipolar disorder. During a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, she discussed how the medication she takes to manage the disorder could prevent her from having a safe pregnancy.
Despite the challenges, Selena remains hopeful about becoming a mother, telling Vanity Fair that she is considering surrogacy or adoption. "It's not necessarily the way I envisioned it. I thought it would happen the way it happens for everyone," she said. "But I'm in a much better place with that now. I find it a blessing that there are wonderful people willing to help through surrogacy or adoption, both of which are huge possibilities for me."
She added, "I'm excited for what that journey will look like. It might look different, but at the end of the day, I don’t care. It’ll be mine. It’ll be my baby."
This revelation by Selena Gomez has raised concerns about various health conditions that can affect female fertility. We got in touch with Dr Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who shares factors that can impact a woman’s ability to conceive and bear children.
Common Conditions Affecting Female Fertility
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects a woman’s ovaries. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and obesity. Women with PCOS often have difficulty ovulating regularly, which can hinder their chances of becoming pregnant.
- Endometriosis
This painful condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can cause severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. The abnormal tissue growth can obstruct the fallopian tubes or damage the ovaries, making it challenging to conceive.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of infertility.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
POI, also known as premature menopause, occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. This condition results in reduced estrogen levels and irregular or absent menstrual cycles, affecting fertility.
- Uterine Fibroids
These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can vary in size and number. While many women with fibroids have normal pregnancies, larger fibroids or those that block the fallopian tubes can cause complications and impact fertility.
- Thyroid Disorders
Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can interfere with menstrual cycles and ovulation. Proper thyroid function is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Health Conditions Affecting Childbirth
- Gestational Diabetes
This condition develops during pregnancy and can cause high blood sugar levels. If not managed properly, it can lead to complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and increased risk of cesarean delivery.
- Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the kidneys. It can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if not monitored and treated promptly.
- Placenta Previa
This condition occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, potentially causing severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. It often necessitates a cesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
- Multiple Pregnancies
Carrying more than one fetus, such as twins or triplets, increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and complications during delivery.
- Advanced Maternal Age
Women who conceive at an older age face higher risks of complications such as chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. The likelihood of needing assisted reproductive technologies also increases with age.
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