Women’s Infertility
Infertility is a problem that affects about one out of every six couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple that has been trying to conceive for a year and has been unsuccessful. Female infertility occurs when the female partner is the source of infertility. Female infertility factors account for almost half of all infertility cases, while female infertility accounts for roughly one-third of all infertility cases.
Infertility in Women: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
What factors contribute to female infertility ?
Ovulation difficulties, injury to the fallopian tubes or uterus, and cervix issues are the most prevalent reasons of female infertility. Because a woman’s fertility normally declines as she gets older, ageing can play a role in infertility.
One or more of the following factors may contribute to ovulation problems
- Unbalanced hormones
- a cyst or a tumour
- Eating disorders include anorexia and bulimia.
- Use of alcohol or other drugs
- issues with the thyroid gland
- Stress caused by excess weight
- Exercising at a high intensity that results in a considerable reduction of body fat
Menstrual cycles that are extremely short
One or more of the following can cause damage to the fallopian tubes or uterus
- Inflammation of the pelvis
- An illness from the past
- Endometriosis or fibroids can cause polyps in the uterus.
- Adhesions or scar tissue
- Illness that lasts for a long time
- An ectopic (tubal) pregnancy in the past
- A congenital flaw
The DES syndrome is a condition in which a person (The drug DES, which is given to women to prevent miscarriage or preterm delivery, might cause reproductive issues in their offspring.)
Female infertility can also be caused by abnormal cervical mucous. Cervical mucus that is abnormal can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or make it more difficult for them to enter it.
What are the signs and symptoms of female infertility ?
A comprehensive physical exam is used to detect potential female infertility. The evaluation will involve a medical history that will reveal any probable causes of infertility.
One or more of the following tests/exams may be used by healthcare practitioners to assess fertility
- A urine or blood test to rule out infections or hormone issues, such as thyroid dysfunction.
- Exams of the pelvis and the breasts
- A sample of cervical mucous and tissue is taken to see if ovulation is taking place.
- A laparoscope is a surgical instrument that is introduced into the belly to examine the health of the organs and search for blockages, adhesions, or scar tissue.
- HSG is an x-ray that is used in combination with a coloured liquid injected into the fallopian tubes to let the technician see whether there is any obstruction.
- Hysteroscopy is a procedure that involves looking for uterine abnormalities with a small telescope and a fibre light.
- The uterus and ovaries are examined using ultrasound. It’s possible to perform it vaginally or abdominally.
- To search for anomalies or issues, a sonohystogram combines ultrasonography with saline injected into the uterus.
- Your healthcare practitioner will be able to analyse your reproductive status if you track your ovulation through fertility awareness.
What are the options for treating female infertility ?
Women’s infertility is commonly treated with one or more of the following methods
- Hormone therapy is used to treat hormone imbalances, endometriosis, and a short menstrual cycle.
- Taking ovulation stimulant drugs
- Supplements that improve fertility – where to get supplements
- Antibiotics are used to treat infections.
- Minor surgery to remove scar tissue or obstruction from the fallopian tubes, uterus, or pelvic region.
Is it possible to avoid female infertility ?
In most cases, there isn’t much that can be done to avoid female infertility due to genetic issues or disease.
However, there are a number of things that women may do to reduce their chances of being infertile:
- Prevent sexually transmitted illnesses by taking the necessary precautions.
- Avoid using illegal substances.
- Alcohol should not be consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis.
- Personal hygiene and health habits should be adopted.
- Once you’re sexually active, see your gynaecologist on a yearly basis.
When should I schedule a visit with my doctor ?
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should call your healthcare practitioner right away
- Bleeding abnormally
- Pain in the abdomen
- Fever
- Discharge that is unusual
- During intercourse, there may be pain or discomfort.
- Itching or soreness in the vaginal region
Before considering infertility treatments, some couples want to try more traditional or over-the-counter methods. If you’re attempting to conceive and need resources, we recommend checking out our business sponsor’s fertility product and resource guide.