Infertility happens to be a condition that does affect approximately 1 out of every affected 6 couples. An infertility diagnosis is provided to a couple that has been unsuccessful in efforts to conceive over the course of a full year. When the cause of infertility does exist within the female partner, it is much referred to as female infertility. Female infertility factors tend to contribute to nearly 50% of all the infertility cases.
Infertility Causes, Treatment and Prevention
What causes female infertility?
The most common causes of female infertility do include problems with one’s ovulation, much damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with one’s cervix. Age can also contribute to one’s fertility on account of woman aging which leads to declining in her fertility rate.
Ovulation problems may be caused by one or more of the following:
- A hormone imbalance
- A tumor or cyst
- Stress
- Thyroid gland problems
- Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
- Alcohol or drug use
- Excess weight
- Intense exercise that tends to cause a significant loss of one’s body fat
- Extremely brief menstrual cycle
Damage caused to the fallopian tubes or uterus that can be due to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- A previous infection
- Endometriosis or fibroids
- A birth defect
- Polyps in the uterus
- Scar tissue or adhesions
- Chronic medical illness
- A previous ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
- DES syndrome (The medication DES, given to women to prevent miscarriage or premature birth can result in fertility problems for their children.)
Abnormal cervical mucus can also cause much infertility. Abnormal cervical mucus can also prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or make it much more difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg.
How is female infertility diagnosed?
Potential female infertility is also assessed as part of a thorough physical exam. The exam will also include a medical history regarding potential factors that do contribute to infertility.
Healthcare providers can use tests/exams to test fertility:
- A urine or blood test to check for infections or a hormone problem that includes thyroid functioning
- Pelvic exam cum breast exam
- A sample of cervical mucus as well as tissue to determine if ovulation is occurring
- Laparoscope inserted into the abdomen to be able to view the condition of organs and also to look for blockage, adhesions or scar tissues.
- HSG, an x-ray is made use of in conjunction with a colored liquid that is inserted into the fallopian tubes thus making it easier for the technician to check out for blockage.
- Hysteroscopy makes use of a tiny telescope with a fiber light to look for uterine abnormalities.
- Ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries. This may be done vaginally or abdominally.
- Sonohystogram combines an ultrasound and the saline injected into one’s uterus in order to look for abnormalities or problems.
Tracking one’s ovulation through one’s fertility awareness will also help one’s healthcare provider to be able to assess one’s fertility status.
How is female infertility treated?
Female infertility is most often treated by one or more of the following methods:
- Taking hormones to address a hormone imbalance, endometriosis, or a short menstrual cycle
- Taking medications to stimulate ovulation
- Using supplements to be to enhance fertility – shop supplements
- Taking antibiotics in order to remove an infection
- Having minor surgery to remove blockage or scar tissues from the fallopian tubes, uterus, or pelvic area
Can female infertility be prevented?
One cannot usually do anything to prevent female infertility thus caused by genetic problems or illness
Steps that women can do to decrease the possibility of infertility:
- Steps to prevent sexually transmitted diseases
- Avoid illicit drugs
- Avoid heavy or even frequent alcohol use
- Adopt good personal hygiene cum health practices
- Have annual checkups with your GYN once you are sexually active
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
It is important to get in touch with one’s healthcare provider in case one experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Unusual discharge
- Fever
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
- Soreness or itching in the vaginal area
Some couples prefer to explore more of the traditional or over the counter products before exploring infertility procedures.
For more details call our fertility experts at +91 903 001 5454
