Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for female infertility. Our experts at AFIC are here to support your journey to parenthood.
Understanding the complex system that enables fertility and pregnancy
The reproductive function in Females is a complex system. It comprises a number of organs which have different roles to play in the process. Since the birth of the child in her mother's womb, till the point when she gives birth, and even afterwards, the reproductive system of a woman is continuously functioning to take care of different aspects to her fertility.
The system runs a number of different mechanisms that work in co-ordination with one another to maintain fertility, sustain pregnancy and accomplish childbirth. If any of these mechanisms are disturbed in some way, the ability of the woman to give birth to healthy children, might be critically compromised.
Understanding the medical definition and prevalence
In medical practice, when a woman has been struggling with pregnancy for more than 12 months, even after engaging in unprotected penetrative intercourse with a healthy man, for at least a few times during each menstrual cycle, the condition is called Female Infertility.
Female Infertility is a common occurrence among women in their 20s and 30s. Young women who belong to the 20-30 age groups are more likely to have a healthy reproductive health. However, with increasing age, infertility becomes more prevalent in women. Especially after 40-45, most women hit menopause.
Female Infertility can happen due to multiple reasons like age or leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Sometimes, people are born with some physical or genetic conditions which lead to infertility later in life. Underlying health conditions like autoimmune can also be factors causing infertility.
Visualizing the hormonal changes and ovarian function throughout the cycle
This animation demonstrates the changes in the ovary and uterus throughout the menstrual cycle, showing follicle development and endometrial changes.
Recognizing the signs that may indicate fertility issues
While occasional irregularities in periods are normal, persistent or frequent irregularities in addition to difficulties with getting pregnant indicate possible infertility.
While every woman is familiar with cramps during periods, excessive or lasting pain that hinders daily life, could hint at infertility, especially if she struggles with pregnancy.
During periods, the endometrial tissue breaks down and is discharged with blood. However, sometimes patients struggling to get pregnant notice excessive bleeding during periods.
Pain in the region surrounding the abdomen and lower back can be caused by fertility conditions. Such conditions may also trigger pain during intercourse, urination and bowel movements.
Some women facing infertility experience problems with dermal health. Issues like excessive hair growth, hair thinning, oily skin with acne are common in patients.
Loss of sexual desire and general fatigue is commonly seen in older women. Such symptoms are possible in younger women too, especially if they suffer from infertility.
If you're experiencing problems in getting pregnant or you're encountering miscarriages repeatedly especially before the 12-14th week of pregnancy, you should visit an expert.
Various biological, genetic, and lifestyle factors that can contribute to female infertility
Most women reach their menopause in their 50s. With age their fertility reduces drastically owing to lowered hormones, ovarian function and uterine health.
Sometimes, women are born with defects in their reproductive system. Cases like missing fallopian tubes or abnormal uterus structure causes infertility.
If the patient carries congenital diseases like Turner's Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Kallmann Syndrome she may suffer infertility later in life.
Autoimmune conditions are one of the leading causes of female infertility, since they damage reproductive tissues, hinder hormone balance and impede pregnancy.
Among the patients coming to our clinic, a significant majority is observed with poor health. Obesity and low body weight can cause ovulation disorders.
Lifestyle factors can increase fertility in young women. It's important to maintain a healthy weight and involve in moderate exercise and a nutritious diet.
Sexually Transmitted Infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, AIDS can cause ovulation problems and pelvic inflammatory disorders leading to infertility.
Underlying health conditions like Thyroid disorders, PCOS, Endometriosis, Cysts and Fibroids are among the most common causes of infertility in women.
Cancers of ovaries, cervix and uterus can cause infertility directly. Also if that patient has taken Chemotherapy Or Radiotherapy for cancer, she may be rendered infertile.
Advanced methods to identify and understand female fertility issues
A typical venous blood sample is taken from the patient for testing levels of many hormones such as Estrogen, LH, Estradiol, Prolactin, TSH, Insulin etc.
Hysteroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical technique that is used to diagnose fibroids and polyps and also many structural disorders of the uterus and tubes.
Urinalysis is an important diagnosis test for females. The test reveals the presence of UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) and helps trace the LH levels during ovulation.
Transvaginal Ultrasound is a common method in female infertility diagnosis. The test allows doctors to visualize the female reproductive system through sound wave imaging.
Ovarian Reserve is an important parameter deciding female fertility. The test makes an evaluation of the number of healthy oocyte follicles remaining in the ovaries.
This is a radiology test that is performed to make an assessment of the shape and space of the fallopian tubes and uterus core, using a contrast material.
Call us to schedule an appointment and start on your infertility treatment journey.
Schedule Your Consultation TodayExpand your knowledge about female infertility
FOR MORE DETAILS, PLEASE CHECK OUR BLOG at resources.andamanfertilityandivfcenter.com
YOU CAN ALSO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER TO RECEIVE CURATED KNOWLEDGE ABOUT INFERTILITY.