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Dealing with fertility challenges can be overwhelming, especially when it transforms what should be an exciting period into a stressful one. Infertility in women is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. After the age of 35, this timeframe shortens to six months. The likelihood of pregnancy decreases significantly after the age of 40.Â
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) notes that 1 in 7 couples, approximately 14 percent, grapple with infertility. Female factors contribute to one-third of these cases, while factors involving both partners and male factor infertility each account for a significant share, roughly 20 percent. Fertility testing for both partners is often necessary before embarking on fertility treatments.
The difficulty in achieving a first successful pregnancy, prompts individuals or couples to seek assistance or medical advice to address infertility. This situation, known as primary infertility, occurs when a woman has never been pregnant and has been trying to conceive without success for either six months (if you’re older than 35) or one year (if you’re younger than 35).
Similar to primary infertility, couples experiencing secondary infertility may seek assistance or medical advice to understand and address the factors contributing to their challenges in conceiving a subsequent child.Â
Secondary infertility occurs when a woman who has previously been pregnant and had a child faces challenges in conceiving again despite actively trying. It involves difficulty in achieving another pregnancy after a period of previous fertility and successful childbirth.
Many women facing infertility may not display noticeable symptoms beyond the challenge of conceiving. However, women experiencing the following conditions, signs, or symptoms should promptly consult their healthcare provider when attempting to conceive:
Female infertility can happen when various factors disrupt important steps in the process of getting pregnant. First, there’s ovulation, where a mature egg is released from the ovary – if this process is affected, it can make conception difficult. Then comes fertilization, where sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tube after travelling through the cervix and uterus.Â
Lastly, there’s implantation, where a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining, creating a space for it to grow into a baby. If any of these steps face challenges, it can lead to difficulties in achieving pregnancy. Factors that can disrupt this process include:
Excessive production of prolactin, a hormone from the pituitary gland, known as hyperprolactinemia, can lead to reduced estrogen production and contribute to infertility.Â
This hormonal imbalance can be a result of the pituitary gland overproducing prolactin. Additionally, certain medications taken for other health conditions can also cause elevated prolactin levels, further impacting fertility.
Ovulation disorders, a significant cause of infertility in women, disrupt the monthly release of eggs. One prevalent hormonal disorder is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), characterized by enlarged ovaries containing fluid-filled cysts, leading to irregular periods and hormonal imbalances affecting ovulation.
Hypothalamic dysfunction, a critical brain region regulating bodily functions including the menstrual cycle, is another contributing factor to ovulation disorders. Factors such as stress or weight fluctuations can disrupt hormone production and subsequently affect ovulation.
Before the age of 40, some women may experience primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as premature ovarian failure. This condition can result from autoimmune responses, genetic factors, or treatments like chemotherapy, leading to a decrease in estrogen production and fertility.
Additionally, excessive production of prolactin, a hormone from the pituitary gland, can also contribute to ovulation disorders. Elevated prolactin levels can suppress estrogen production, impacting fertility.
Damage to the fallopian tubes, known as tubal infertility, is a situation where structural issues or blockages hinder the normal functioning of these tubes. The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in the reproductive process by providing a pathway for the egg to travel from the ovary to the uterus.Â
Damage to these tubes can result from conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Which occur when sexually transmitted bacteria, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, infect the reproductive organs, particularly the uterus and fallopian tubes. This infection causes inflammation, and over time, it may result in the development of scar tissue. This scarring can obstruct the normal passage for eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus, making it challenging for sperm and egg to meet for fertilization.
Formation of scar tissue, also known as adhesions, is a natural part of the healing process after surgeries in the pelvic region, particularly those related to gynaecological concerns like ectopic pregnancies or other reproductive issues. However, if excessive or improperly formed, these adhesions from previous surgeries can cause blockages in the fallopian tubes. This obstruction can interfere with the tubes’ ability to transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, impacting fertility.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus develops outside the uterus, commonly in the pelvic area. This additional tissue growth and any subsequent surgical removal can lead to scar tissue formation.Â
This scarring has the potential to block the fallopian tubes, creating obstacles for the egg and sperm to meet and hindering the process of fertilization. Endometriosis can make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the lining of the uterus; this condition might also indirectly influence fertility by potentially causing harm to the sperm or egg.
Some growths commonly found in the uterus, such as fibroids or myomas, are benign polyps or tumors. Certain fibroids or polyps can pose challenges for fertility by potentially obstructing fallopian tubes or disrupting the implantation process, affecting a woman’s ability to conceive. However, it’s essential to note that many women with fibroids or polyps do successfully become pregnant.
Anomalies in the uterus present from birth, such as an abnormally shaped uterus, can hinder conception or the maintenance of pregnancy. The uterus’s shape is vital for the successful implantation and development of a fertilized egg. An irregularly shaped uterus may struggle to provide adequate support for a growing embryo, possibly resulting in conception challenges or a higher risk of miscarriage.
The narrowing of the cervix, known as cervical stenosis, can occur due to either an inherited malformation or cervical damage. Inherited factors may lead to a naturally narrower cervix, while damage can result from surgeries, medical procedures, or infections. Cervical stenosis can hinder fertility by restricting sperm passage to the egg or complicating embryo implantation.
Cervical mucus plays a vital role in fertility by creating a conducive environment for sperm transport. Abnormal cervical mucus can affect fertility if the cervix struggle to produce the optimal type of mucus needed for sperm to travel through and reach the uterus. If the mucus is not of the right consistency or lacks the necessary qualities, it can hinder the movement of sperm, making it more challenging for them to reach and fertilize the egg.Â
Unexplained infertility is a situation where, despite thorough medical evaluations, the specific cause of a couple’s fertility challenges cannot be identified. Both partners appear to be physically healthy in these cases, and standard fertility tests do not reveal any apparent issues. Even though it’s frustrating not to have a clear answer, in some cases, the problem may resolve on its own over time.
Certain medicines and drugs can impact fertility through their side effects. Long-term use or high doses of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin may make it more challenging to conceive. Medications used in chemotherapy can occasionally lead to ovarian failure, affecting the proper functioning of the ovaries.Â
Neuroleptic medicines commonly used for psychosis treatment may sometimes cause missed periods or infertility. Spironolactone, used for treating fluid retention, may affect fertility, but typically, fertility should recover around two months after stopping spironolactone.
The age of a woman plays a significant role in fertility. Around 22% of married couples where the woman is aged 30-39 face challenges conceiving their first child, compared to approximately 13% for women younger than 30. Fertility decreases with age, mainly due to a decline in egg quality.Â
As women age, they have fewer eggs remaining and may be more prone to health conditions that can affect fertility. The aging process also raises the likelihood of miscarriage and having a child with a genetic abnormality.
Smoking poses a substantial risk to fertility in women. It not only diminishes the chances of conception but can also undermine the effectiveness of fertility treatments. For women, smoking during pregnancy heightens the risk of pregnancy loss. Importantly, even passive smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, has been associated with reduced fertility.
Obesity can significantly decrease the likelihood of conceiving for both men and women. In women, excess body weight may disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
Engaging in too much exercise, especially intense and prolonged activities, can potentially lead to fertility challenges in women. This is often associated with disruptions in hormonal balance, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles or even the absence of menstruation.Â
Hormonal imbalances and insufficient energy availability due to excessive exercise may adversely impact the reproductive system, affecting ovulation and fertility. Additionally, low body fat, often due to intense workouts, can contribute to hormonal disturbances and menstrual irregularities.
Nutrition plays a critical role in fertility; an unhealthy diet can affect female reproductive health. Insufficient or imbalanced nutrition can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting the menstrual cycle and ovulation. In cases of severe weight loss resulting from eating disorders, fertility problems may arise.
Drastic weight changes, particularly a significant reduction, can lead to hormonal imbalances that impact the regularity of menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on fertility for women. In women, heavy drinking can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and impacting ovulation. It may also contribute to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility.
Furthermore, excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and can interfere with the effectiveness of fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can have serious implications for fertility, particularly in women. If left untreated, these infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes.Â
Damaged fallopian tubes can hinder the passage of eggs, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg for fertilization or for a fertilized egg to travel to the uterus for implantation.
The age of a woman plays a significant role in fertility. Around 22% of married couples where the woman is aged 30-39 face challenges conceiving their first child, compared to approximately 13% for women younger than 30. Fertility decreases with age, mainly due to a decline in egg quality.Â
As women age, they have fewer eggs remaining and may be more prone to health conditions that can affect fertility. The aging process also raises the likelihood of miscarriage and having a child with a genetic abnormality.
Smoking poses a substantial risk to fertility in women. It not only diminishes the chances of conception but can also undermine the effectiveness of fertility treatments. For women, smoking during pregnancy heightens the risk of pregnancy loss. Importantly, even passive smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, has been associated with reduced fertility.
Obesity can significantly decrease the likelihood of conceiving for both men and women. In women, excess body weight may disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of fertility treatments.
Engaging in too much exercise, especially intense and prolonged activities, can potentially lead to fertility challenges in women. This is often associated with disruptions in hormonal balance, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles or even the absence of menstruation.Â
Hormonal imbalances and insufficient energy availability due to excessive exercise may adversely impact the reproductive system, affecting ovulation and fertility. Additionally, low body fat, often due to intense workouts, can contribute to hormonal disturbances and menstrual irregularities.
Nutrition plays a critical role in fertility; an unhealthy diet can affect female reproductive health. Insufficient or imbalanced nutrition can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting the menstrual cycle and ovulation. In cases of severe weight loss resulting from eating disorders, fertility problems may arise.
Drastic weight changes, particularly a significant reduction, can lead to hormonal imbalances that impact the regularity of menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on fertility for women. In women, heavy drinking can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and impacting ovulation. It may also contribute to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility.
Furthermore, excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and can interfere with the effectiveness of fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can have serious implications for fertility, particularly in women. If left untreated, these infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes.Â
Damaged fallopian tubes can hinder the passage of eggs, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg for fertilization or for a fertilized egg to travel to the uterus for implantation.
Female infertility is often unpredictable and cannot be entirely prevented. However, you might be able to manage some risk factors that contribute to infertility by making lifestyle changes.Â
Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for hormonal balance and reproductive health. If your weight is too high or too low, it can mess with the hormones that control your menstrual cycle and ovulation.Â
To support regular periods and improve the chances of getting pregnant, aim for a balanced diet and exercise moderately to maintain a healthy weight. This helps create a favourable environment for reproductive health and increases your odds of successful conception.
Avoiding Smoking: Quitting is vital if you’re trying to get pregnant. Smoking can mess with your hormones, disrupt your menstrual cycles, and cause problems with ovulation. It’s also connected to conditions that affect your chances of getting pregnant.
By quitting smoking, you’re taking a significant step to improve your fertility, increasing the likelihood of regular ovulation and making it more possible to conceive successfully.
Limiting alcohol intake: Keeping alcohol intake in check, especially avoiding heavy drinking, is crucial for protecting reproductive health. Excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt hormonal balance, impact menstrual cycles, and contribute to fertility problems.Â
Practising safe sex: Engaging in safe sex practices, including the use of protection, is essential to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can have significant implications for fertility.Â
STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, if left untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and cause scarring or damage to the reproductive organs, particularly the fallopian tubes. This damage may hinder the normal functioning of the reproductive system, making it challenging to conceive.
Reduce stress: Reducing stress is important when trying to get pregnant. Stress can mess with hormones, affecting the menstrual cycle in women and the quality of sperm in men. To increase your chances of getting pregnant, try incorporating stress-relieving activities into your life, like meditation or exercise, and seek support from loved ones.Â
Several tests are available to diagnose female infertility. These tests identify underlying factors affecting ovulation, egg quality, reproductive organ health, and hormonal balance.Â
Hormone Testing: Blood tests may be conducted to measure hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and thyroid hormones, to assess ovarian function and hormonal balance.
Pelvic Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, to detect structural abnormalities, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG): This is a radiologic procedure where dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to evaluate their structure and identify any blockages or abnormalities that may interfere with conception.
Sonohysterogram: This involves injecting saline solution into the uterus to expand the uterine cavity for better visualization during ultrasound imaging, helping to assess the uterine lining and detect abnormalities.
Ovulation Testing involves tracking ovulation through basal body temperature charting, ovulation predictor kits, and ultrasound monitoring to determine if ovulation occurs regularly.
Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves inserting a thin, lighted instrument through a small incision in the abdomen to examine the pelvic organs directly, diagnose conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic adhesions, and treat any identified abnormalities.
Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus. During the test, a hysteroscope, which is a thin device with a camera attached to it, is inserted into the vagina and through the cervix.Â
This allows the healthcare provider to directly visualize the uterine cavity and identify any abnormalities or conditions that may be contributing to infertility. These could include uterine polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, or abnormalities in the shape or structure of the uterus.
Several treatment options are available for female infertility, depending on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.
Surgery is a viable treatment option for female infertility aimed at addressing structural abnormalities or conditions that may impede conception. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are common surgical procedures used for this purpose.
Laparoscopy involves inserting a small camera through tiny incisions in the abdomen to visualize and correct issues like endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, or tubal blockages.Â
Hysteroscopy, on the other hand, allows direct examination of the uterine cavity to diagnose and treat conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or congenital uterine anomalies that could hinder implantation or pregnancy.
Medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene) and letrozole are commonly prescribed to stimulate ovulation by influencing hormonal levels. However, if these medications are ineffective, gonadotropins such as Gonal-F, Follistim, Humegon, and Pregnyl may be recommended.Â
Gonadotropins directly stimulate the ovaries to release eggs and can be particularly helpful for women who do not respond to Clomid or Serophene. Additionally, gonadotropins can induce the release of multiple eggs, increasing the chances of conception. This approach may be suggested for individuals with unexplained infertility or those who have not responded to other treatments.
Metformin (Glucophage) is another medication that may be used to promote normal ovulation, especially in women with insulin resistance or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
This procedure involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization.
IVF involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus. This procedure is often recommended for women with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility.
Egg donation is a fertility treatment option for individuals who are unable to conceive due to issues with their ovaries or the quality and quantity of their eggs but who have a normal uterus.
In this procedure, eggs are retrieved from a donor who has undergone ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs. Following egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized with sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a laboratory setting. Once fertilization occurs, the resulting embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus for implantation and potential pregnancy.
Hormonal medications may be prescribed to correct hormone imbalances, endometriosis, or a short menstrual cycle. Hormonal therapy aims to regulate and balance hormone levels in the body, which can help regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate symptoms of conditions like endometriosis, and promote optimal reproductive function.
Surgery is a viable treatment option for female infertility aimed at addressing structural abnormalities or conditions that may impede conception. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are common surgical procedures used for this purpose.
Laparoscopy involves inserting a small camera through tiny incisions in the abdomen to visualize and correct issues like endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, or tubal blockages.Â
Hysteroscopy, on the other hand, allows direct examination of the uterine cavity to diagnose and treat conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or congenital uterine anomalies that could hinder implantation or pregnancy.
Medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene) and letrozole are commonly prescribed to stimulate ovulation by influencing hormonal levels. However, if these medications are ineffective, gonadotropins such as Gonal-F, Follistim, Humegon, and Pregnyl may be recommended.Â
Gonadotropins directly stimulate the ovaries to release eggs and can be particularly helpful for women who do not respond to Clomid or Serophene. Additionally, gonadotropins can induce the release of multiple eggs, increasing the chances of conception. This approach may be suggested for individuals with unexplained infertility or those who have not responded to other treatments.
Metformin (Glucophage) is another medication that may be used to promote normal ovulation, especially in women with insulin resistance or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
This procedure involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization.
IVF involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus. This procedure is often recommended for women with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility.
Egg donation is a fertility treatment option for individuals who are unable to conceive due to issues with their ovaries or the quality and quantity of their eggs but who have a normal uterus.
In this procedure, eggs are retrieved from a donor who has undergone ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs. Following egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized with sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a laboratory setting. Once fertilization occurs, the resulting embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus for implantation and potential pregnancy.
Hormonal medications may be prescribed to correct hormone imbalances, endometriosis, or a short menstrual cycle. Hormonal therapy aims to regulate and balance hormone levels in the body, which can help regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate symptoms of conditions like endometriosis, and promote optimal reproductive function.
Fertility treatments, while effective in helping many individuals conceive, can also carry potential risks and complications.Â
Some common complications associated with fertility treatments include the condition known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) which can occur due to ovarian stimulation medications used in treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). It involves the overstimulation of the ovaries, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and fluid retention.
Fertility treatments, particularly IVF, can increase the chances of conceiving twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. Multiple pregnancies pose higher risks of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and pregnancy-related complications for both the mother and babies.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving inserting small, thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to correspond to energy pathways that regulate various bodily functions.
Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and interfere with ovulation. Techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Various vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in promoting fertility and reproductive health. Key nutrients include folate, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron, which can support healthy egg quality and overall reproductive function. Additionally, supplements such as probiotics may enhance digestion and overall wellness.
A fertility-boosting diet focuses on strategic food choices to improve ovulation-related infertility. Key recommendations include prioritizing fibre-rich carbohydrates, avoiding high-sugar refined carbs and trans fats, incorporating vegetarian protein sources, and opting for high-fat dairy products like whole milk.
Women experience peak fertility around ovulation when the ovaries release a mature egg. By tracking ovulation and timing sexual activity accordingly, you can enhance your chances of conceiving.Â
Ovulation typically occurs once a month, during which the released egg travels through the fallopian tubes. If sperm is present during this window, fertilization can occur. While the egg only survives for about 24 hours post-ovulation, sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to five days, extending the fertile window to approximately five to six days per month.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving inserting small, thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to correspond to energy pathways that regulate various bodily functions.
Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and interfere with ovulation. Techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Various vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in promoting fertility and reproductive health. Key nutrients include folate, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron, which can support healthy egg quality and overall reproductive function. Additionally, supplements such as probiotics may enhance digestion and overall wellness.
A fertility-boosting diet focuses on strategic food choices to improve ovulation-related infertility. Key recommendations include prioritizing fibre-rich carbohydrates, avoiding high-sugar refined carbs and trans fats, incorporating vegetarian protein sources, and opting for high-fat dairy products like whole milk.
Women experience peak fertility around ovulation when the ovaries release a mature egg. By tracking ovulation and timing sexual activity accordingly, you can enhance your chances of conceiving.Â
Ovulation typically occurs once a month, during which the released egg travels through the fallopian tubes. If sperm is present during this window, fertilization can occur. While the egg only survives for about 24 hours post-ovulation, sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to five days, extending the fertile window to approximately five to six days per month.
The majority of infertility cases stem from issues related to the production and release of eggs, known as ovulation. This can be attributed to various conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which disrupts hormonal balance and ovulation patterns.Â
Another contributing factor is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), characterized by a significantly reduced egg supply that causes the ovaries to cease functioning before age 40. These conditions can hinder the regular ovulation process, thereby impacting fertility.
As individuals age, their likelihood of conceiving decreases due to several factors. Research indicates that age is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in infertility, particularly as more couples delay parenthood until their 30s or 40s. People over the age of 35 face a heightened risk of encountering fertility challenges.Â
This is attributed to various factors, including fewer eggs for ovulation as individuals age. Additionally, there is an increased likelihood of eggs having abnormal chromosome numbers, which can impact fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage. Furthermore, as individuals age, they are more prone to developing other health conditions affecting fertility.
If you’re having regular intercourse and your menstrual cycles are predictable, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider if you haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying or after six months if you’re over 35. Seeking medical advice can help identify potential reasons for difficulty conceiving and allow for recommendations on appropriate treatments to enhance your chances of conception.
Infertility is not exclusively attributed to women; both men and women can encounter issues contributing to infertility. Approximately one-third of infertility cases stem from problems in women, while another third is attributed to men. The remaining cases result from a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.
During a consultation to diagnose female infertility, your healthcare provider will inquire about the characteristics of your menstrual cycles, as well as any prior pregnancies or instances of miscarriage.Â
Additionally, they’ll ask about any history of pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, past abdominal or pelvic surgeries, and occurrences of uterine or vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Â
These details are crucial for identifying underlying factors contributing to infertility and guiding appropriate diagnostic and treatment approaches.
The majority of infertility cases stem from issues related to the production and release of eggs, known as ovulation. This can be attributed to various conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which disrupts hormonal balance and ovulation patterns.Â
Another contributing factor is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), characterized by a significantly reduced egg supply that causes the ovaries to cease functioning before age 40. These conditions can hinder the regular ovulation process, thereby impacting fertility.
As individuals age, their likelihood of conceiving decreases due to several factors. Research indicates that age is increasingly recognized as a significant factor in infertility, particularly as more couples delay parenthood until their 30s or 40s. People over the age of 35 face a heightened risk of encountering fertility challenges.Â
This is attributed to various factors, including fewer eggs for ovulation as individuals age. Additionally, there is an increased likelihood of eggs having abnormal chromosome numbers, which can impact fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage. Furthermore, as individuals age, they are more prone to developing other health conditions affecting fertility.
If you’re having regular intercourse and your menstrual cycles are predictable, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider if you haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying or after six months if you’re over 35. Seeking medical advice can help identify potential reasons for difficulty conceiving and allow for recommendations on appropriate treatments to enhance your chances of conception.
Infertility is not exclusively attributed to women; both men and women can encounter issues contributing to infertility. Approximately one-third of infertility cases stem from problems in women, while another third is attributed to men. The remaining cases result from a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.
During a consultation to diagnose female infertility, your healthcare provider will inquire about the characteristics of your menstrual cycles, as well as any prior pregnancies or instances of miscarriage.Â
Additionally, they’ll ask about any history of pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, past abdominal or pelvic surgeries, and occurrences of uterine or vaginal infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Â
These details are crucial for identifying underlying factors contributing to infertility and guiding appropriate diagnostic and treatment approaches.
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2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Infertility?
3. Cleveland Clinic. Female Infertility
4. Evenson, K.R. and Hesketh, K.R., 2016. Studying the complex relationships between physical activity and infertility. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 10(4), pp.232-234.
5. Food and Drugs Administration. How Smoking Affects Reproductive Health.
6. Healthline. Everything you Need to Know About Infertility.
7. Mayo Clinic. Female Infertility
8. NHS. Causes of Infertility.
9. Office on Women’s Health. Infertility
10. Silvestris, E., Lovero, D. and Palmirotta, R., 2019. Nutrition and female fertility: an interdependent correlation. Frontiers in endocrinology, p.346.
11. Van Heertum, K. and Rossi, B., 2017. Alcohol and fertility: how much is too much?. Fertility research and practice, 3(1), pp.1-7.
12. WebMD. Your Guide to Female Infertility.
13. Women and Infants Fertility Center. Female FertilityÂ
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