Female Infertility can be termed as the condition in which a woman is not able to conceive even after trying for 12 months. This condition can be categorized into two situations as in the first situation a woman initially gave birth to a child and in the second situation, a woman has never been able to conceive due to infertility issues. Being infertile does not mean that the woman can never conceive. Fertility counseling can cure infertility issues in females.
Understanding Common Causes of Female Infertility
Menstrual Cycle
Irregular periods and menstrual problems are conditions that interrupt the normal menstrual cycle in women, which plays a key role in female fertility treatment. A woman’s menstrual cycle determines how her body prepares for possible pregnancy after ovulation, which is the monthly process to release the mature egg. During the cycle, hormonal changes regulate the release of the egg from the ovary and prepare the uterine lining for receiving a possible fertilized egg i.e. embryo for a pregnancy. Thus if this cycle is disturbed, a woman may face problems in conceiving thus ultimately leading to infertility issues.
Effect of Age
There is a drastic effect of age on a woman who is trying to conceive. It is said that the woman has the best chances to conceive if she is below 35 years of age. Studies show that the older the woman, the lower the chances to conceive and get pregnant. In addition, as the age increases there are also increased chances of pregnancy complications such as pregnancy-induced or gestational diabetes, low lying placenta, premature birth, etc.
Endometriosis
Studies show that around 180 million women are affected due to Endometriosis worldwide. Endometriosis is a disease where tissue, which is similar to the tissue that lines the uterus, can be found throughout the pelvis. Endometriosis is usually considered a reproductive problem in women and while endometriosis can impact the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes, it can also be found on the bowels, bladder, appendix as well as other organs in humans. Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis are discomfort painful intercourse, infertility, pain, or other abnormalities with urination or bowel movements around the time of menses breakthrough bleeding between menses, and fatigue.
Fibroids
Fibroids and Infertility are interlinked to each other. Usually, fibroids are small in size, however, when the fibroids grow large and located on the inside of the uterus, they can lead to fertility issues & miscarriages. Fibroids can be determined by the following symptoms like they usually cause heavy menstrual bleeding that can lead to anemia and tiredness in some women. And other is pressure in the pelvic area. This pressure can be mild, or at times severe. This pressure can cause constipation, abdominal pain, and pains in the back. Fibroids need surgery to be removed and can be treated under proper medical guidance.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian tube blockage is one of the common reasons for female infertility. The fallopian tubes are two thin tubes, one on each side of the uterus, which takes the mature egg from the ovaries to the uterus. They are like a pair of small tubes that link the ovaries to the uterus, and also called uterine tubes. Fallopian tubes can become blocked due to several reasons such as inflammation, infections, scarring, and adhesions. Another reason behind fallopian tube blockage is hydrosalpinx. A hydrosalpinx takes place when the fluid accumulates in them. Blocked tubes can be opened up using medication and in some cases, laparoscopic surgery for uterus removal would help treat blocked fallopian tubes.
Female Infertility Treatment Options
Today, female infertility treatment options include several targeted approaches based on individual needs and diagnosis. Let’s learn about the most popular treatments and fertility tests available for women
- Hormonal Therapy
Corrects hormonal imbalances to support regular ovulation.
- Ovulation Induction
Medications stimulate ovulation, often guided by fertility tests.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Techniques like IVF help with conception when other treatments aren’t effective.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Increases fertilization chances by inserting sperm directly into the uterus.
- Surgery
Corrects structural issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes or endometriosis.
- Lifestyle & Nutrition
Healthier habits support fertility and enhance other treatments.
Fertility Tests for Women
Diagnostic fertility testing is essential to understand the cause of infertility. These tests help identify any underlying cause, allowing for personalized fertility treatment for women.
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Ovulation Testing
Confirms regular ovulation, critical in planning fertility treatment.
- Hormone Testing
Check FSH and LH levels to gauge ovarian reserve.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Evaluates fallopian tube and uterine health for possible blockages.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing
Assesses egg quantity and quality to personalize treatment.
- Ultrasound Scans
Provides an internal view of the ovaries and uterus for detailed assessment.