Couples who are not able to conceive must know what constitutes infertility and the right time to talk to a doctor. Most women become pregnant within a year of trying to conceive.
If you are trying to conceive without any positive outcome after multiple attempts, you or your partner might be infertile. One out of every six couples in the world is affected by infertility. A diagnosis of infertility is given to couples who have been unsuccessful in conceiving over the course of an entire year.
When the source of infertility is associated with the woman, the condition is known as female infertility. It contributes to approximately 50% of all infertility cases.
The primary reason for infertility is hormonal imbalances. Among women, hormonal imbalances manifest as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which is a metabolic and nutritional problem that affects insulin levels in the body which is the key driver for infertility. High insulin levels that pave the way for pre-diabetes can also lead to infertility in women.
Symptoms of Female Infertility
Some of the common symptoms of female infertility are as follows:
- Soreness or itching in the vaginal area
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
- Unusual discharge
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal bleeding
Causes of Female Infertility
Getting pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to term are complex processes. Several things can go wrong during these processes that may eventually lead to infertility. Couples must seek help early if the woman is facing the following issues:
Failure to ovulate: Failure to ovulate is the most widespread reason for female infertility. It can be due to several reasons such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). It can also be due to issues with the hypothalamus or endocrine disorders. Environmental and lifestyle are also possible factors.
The woman is above 35 years of age: Once women turn 35, their ability to produce eggs goes down rapidly. Also, with growing age, the quality of eggs or the chances of an egg being normal genetically also diminish.
Consequently, it is advised that women over 35 consult a fertility specialist if she and her partner wish to become parents.
Autoimmune disorders: When a person is suffering from an autoimmune disorder, the body's immune system attacks body tissues.
Some of the common autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's, thyroiditis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis impact fertility. The reasons for this co-relation involve inflammation in the placenta and uterus or medications used to treat them.
History of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD): STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can result in inflammation or permanent scarring of the fallopian tubes. To conceive naturally, open tubes are necessary since sperm has to travel through the tubes to fertilize the ovulated egg.
Structural issues of the reproductive system: Structural issues often involve the occurrence of abnormal tissue in the uterus or fallopian tubes. If the tubes are clogged, eggs will not be able to move from the ovaries to the uterus and the eggs will fail to fertilize. Other issues with the uterus like those that might interfere with implantation, can also lead to infertility.
Intermittent menstrual periods: If a woman is menstruating often with the cycle happening every month, it implies that she is ovulating. Ovulation occurs about two weeks before the next cycle begins. When a woman menstruates at periods over 35 days, it implies that she is not ovulating appropriately. Ovulation is essential for pregnancy.
Failure of eggs to mature: Eggs might fail to mature due to several reasons, ranging from PCOS, obesity, to lack of proteins required for eggs to mature. A partially mature egg might not be released at the right time and fall short of making it down the fallopian tubes and fail to get fertilized.
Uterine fibroids or known endometrial polyps: Defects of the uterine such as endometrial polyps and fibroids that shift the endometrial cavity can harm the uterus lining and diminish pregnancy rates. Such defects lead to sporadic bleeding between menstrual cycles.
Women with a history of such sporadic bleeding must seek help from an infertility specialist within six months of trying to get pregnant. These uterine defects can be surgically removed using a method known as hysteroscopy.
Implantation failure: The failure of a fertilized egg to get implanted in the uterine wall to start pregnancy is known as implantation failure. The possibilities of implantation failure include scar tissue in the endometrial cavity, progesterone resistance, genetic defects in the embryo, embryonic defects, and thin endometrium among others.
How is Female Infertility Diagnosed?
Potential infertility among women is measured as part of an extensive physical examination. It includes medical tests based on reasons that cause infertility. A fertility expert may employ one or more of the following tests to evaluate fertility:
- An ultrasound with a saline injection into the uterus to detect issues or abnormalities.
- Check for any blockages using X-ray and insert a liquid into the fallopian tube.
- Pelvic and breast examination.
- Urine and blood test to check for any hormone problems or infections.
- A sample of cervical mucus and tissue is tested to find out if ovulation is taking place.
Speeding the Process of Ovulation with Fertility Medicines
Women have the option of taking several fertility medicines to regulate ovulation. Taking these pills is the easiest way to treat infertility and ovulation disorders. Such pills usually act as a catalyst that triggers ovulation.
However, before trying fertility drugs, it is essential for you to understand the risks involved.
Consuming fertility pills can lead to the following risks:
1. Ovarian tumor: Women consuming fertility drugs for over a year without getting pregnant will be at a greater risk of ovarian tumor later in life.
2. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Certain fertility drugs stimulate ovulation, which can often lead to OHSS or swollen and painful ovaries. Symptoms of OHSS include vomiting, slight abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, nausea that often subsides without any treatment.
Today, there are several treatment options for infertile women but despite the complexity of assisted reproductive technologies, there is no guarantee of pregnancy. Success largely depends on several factors including the woman’s age, reasons for infertility, and the type of technology used.
Couples who are not able to conceive must know what constitutes infertility and the right time to talk to a doctor. Most women become pregnant within a year of trying to conceive.If you are trying to conceive without any positive outcome after multiple attempts, you or your partner might be infertile. One out of every six couples in the world is affected by infertility. A diagnosis of infertility is given to couples who have been unsuccessful in conceiving over the course of an entire year.When the source of infertility is associated with the woman, the condition is known as female infertility. It contributes to approximately 50% of all infertility cases.The primary reason for infertility is hormonal imbalances. Among women, hormonal imbalances manifest as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which is a metabolic and nutritional problem that affects insulin levels in the body which is the key driver for infertility. High insulin levels that pave the way for pre-diabetes can also lead to infertility in women.Symptoms of Female InfertilitySome of the common symptoms of female infertility are as follows:Soreness or itching in the vaginal areaPain or discomfort during intercourseUnusual dischargeFeverAbdominal painAbnormal bleedingCauses of Female InfertilityGetting pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to term are complex processes. Several things can go wrong during these processes that may eventually lead to infertility. Couples must seek help early if the woman is facing the following issues:Failure to ovulate: Failure to ovulate is the most widespread reason for female infertility. It can be due to several reasons such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). It can also be due to issues with the hypothalamus or endocrine disorders. Environmental and lifestyle are also possible factors.The woman is above 35 years of age: Once women turn 35, their ability to produce eggs goes down rapidly. Also, with growing age, the quality of eggs or the chances of an egg being normal genetically also diminish.Consequently, it is advised that women over 35 consult a fertility specialist if she and her partner wish to become parents.Autoimmune disorders: When a person is suffering from an autoimmune disorder, the body's immune system attacks body tissues.Some of the common autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's, thyroiditis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis impact fertility. The reasons for this co-relation involve inflammation in the placenta and uterus or medications used to treat them.History of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD): STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can result in inflammation or permanent scarring of the fallopian tubes. To conceive naturally, open tubes are necessary since sperm has to travel through the tubes to fertilize the ovulated egg.Structural issues of the reproductive system: Structural issues often involve the occurrence of abnormal tissue in the uterus or fallopian tubes. If the tubes are clogged, eggs will not be able to move from the ovaries to the uterus and the eggs will fail to fertilize. Other issues with the uterus like those that might interfere with implantation, can also lead to infertility.Intermittent menstrual periods: If a woman is menstruating often with the cycle happening every month, it implies that she is ovulating. Ovulation occurs about two weeks before the next cycle begins. When a woman menstruates at periods over 35 days, it implies that she is not ovulating appropriately. Ovulation is essential for pregnancy.Failure of eggs to mature: Eggs might fail to mature due to several reasons, ranging from PCOS, obesity, to lack of proteins required for eggs to mature. A partially mature egg might not be released at the right time and fall short of making it down the fallopian tubes and fail to get fertilized.Uterine fibroids or known endometrial polyps: Defects of the uterine such as endometrial polyps and fibroids that shift the endometrial cavity can harm the uterus lining and diminish pregnancy rates. Such defects lead to sporadic bleeding between menstrual cycles.Women with a history of such sporadic bleeding must seek help from an infertility specialist within six months of trying to get pregnant. These uterine defects can be surgically removed using a method known as hysteroscopy.Implantation failure: The failure of a fertilized egg to get implanted in the uterine wall to start pregnancy is known as implantation failure. The possibilities of implantation failure include scar tissue in the endometrial cavity, progesterone resistance, genetic defects in the embryo, embryonic defects, and thin endometrium among others.How is Female Infertility Diagnosed?Potential infertility among women is measured as part of an extensive physical examination. It includes medical tests based on reasons that cause infertility. A fertility expert may employ one or more of the following tests to evaluate fertility:An ultrasound with a saline injection into the uterus to detect issues or abnormalities.Check for any blockages using X-ray and insert a liquid into the fallopian tube.Pelvic and breast examination.Urine and blood test to check for any hormone problems or infections.A sample of cervical mucus and tissue is tested to find out if ovulation is taking place.Speeding the Process of Ovulation with Fertility MedicinesWomen have the option of taking several fertility medicines to regulate ovulation. Taking these pills is the easiest way to treat infertility and ovulation disorders. Such pills usually act as a catalyst that triggers ovulation.However, before trying fertility drugs, it is essential for you to understand the risks involved.Consuming fertility pills can lead to the following risks:1. Ovarian tumor: Women consuming fertility drugs for over a year without getting pregnant will be at a greater risk of ovarian tumor later in life.2. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Certain fertility drugs stimulate ovulation, which can often lead to OHSS or swollen and painful ovaries. Symptoms of OHSS include vomiting, slight abdominal pain, diarrhea, and, nausea that often subsides without any treatment.Today, there are several treatment options for infertile women but despite the complexity of assisted reproductive technologies, there is no guarantee of pregnancy. Success largely depends on several factors including the woman’s age, reasons for infertility, and the type of technology used. https://ift.tt/eA8V8J https://ift.tt/2Pq98zm
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