At least a year of unprotected, frequent intercourse is required to qualify as infertility.
One-third of the time, infertility is caused by female causes, and one-third of the time, infertility is caused by both female and male factors. In the rest of the instances, the reason is either not known or a mix of male and female elements.
Sometimes, it’s difficult to pinpoint the root causes of infertility in women. Depending on the reason of infertility, there are a variety of treatment options. Many infertile couples are able to conceive naturally.
Symptoms
Inability to conceive a child is the most common sign of infertility. You may not be ovulating if your menstrual cycle is excessively lengthy (more than 35 days), too short (less than 21 days), irregular, or non-existent. There may be no additional indications or symptoms.
When to go to the doctor
How old you are influences when you should seek help:
Until the age of 35, most doctors advise women to attempt for a pregnancy for at least a year before having any tests or treatments.
After six months of trying, if you’re between the ages of 35 and 40, talk to your doctor about your worries.
Tests or therapy may be recommended immediately if you are over 40.
If you or your spouse have a history of infertility issues, irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, multiple miscarriages, cancer treatment, or endometriosis, your doctor may want to begin testing or treatment right immediately.
Causes
Every stage of human reproduction must be completed correctly in order for pregnancy to occur. An egg is released from one of the two ovaries, and the fallopian tube collects it for fertilisation.
• When the sperm reach an egg in the fallopian tube, they fertilise it.
• The fallopian tube carries the fertilised egg to the uterus.
• The foetus develops inside the uterus as the fertilised egg attaches (implants).
• There are a slew of things that can go wrong during menstruation in women. One or more of the following reasons may be to blame for female infertility.
Fertility-related issues
Many women who are unable to become pregnant have irregular or non-existent ovulations. The brain, pituitary gland, or the ovary can all induce ovulation difficulties.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In women with PCOS, ovulation is affected because of a hormonal imbalance. Insulin resistance and obesity, as well as an increase in body hair and acne, are all linked to PCOS. A major cause of female infertility is uterine fibroids
A malfunctioning hypothalamus. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two chemicals secreted by the pituitary gland, are responsible for triggering ovulation every month (LH). The synthesis of these hormones can be disrupted and ovulation affected by high levels of physical or mental stress, an extremely high or very low body weight, or a recent major weight increase or decrease. The most frequent symptom is a lack of or irregular menstruation.
• Primary ovarian failure. One of the most common causes of this is an immunological reaction or an early loss of eggs from your ovary, which can be caused by genetics or chemotherapy. In women under the age of 40, the ovary no longer produces eggs, and this reduces oestrogen production in the body.
• Excessive prolactin levels. Excessive production of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can be caused by the pituitary gland, reducing oestrogen production and increasing the risk of miscarriage. Medications you’re taking for a different disease may potentially be to blame for this issue.
The fallopian tubes are damaged (tubal infertility)
• Fallopian tubes that are damaged or clogged prevent sperm from reaching the egg and preventing the fertilised egg from entering the uterus.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes caused by chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or other sexually transmitted illnesses.
• Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, including ectopic pregnancy surgery, in which a fertilised egg implants and grows outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
Endometriosis
When tissue that normally develops in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere, it is known as endometriosis. It’s possible to get scarring from the surgical removal of this excess tissue development, which can prevent an egg and sperm from meeting and bringing a baby into the world.
A condition known as endometriosis can potentially cause fertilised eggs to fail to implant. Additionally, the illness appears to have a more indirect impact on fertility, such as affecting the sperm or egg.
Cervical or uterine reasons
An increasing number of uterine and cervical reasons can interfere with or raise the chance of miscarriage.
Uterine fibroid tumours and myomas, both benign, are prevalent. Obstructed fallopian tubes or difficulties conceiving can be the result of several of these substances. However, many women with fibroids or polyps are able to conceive despite their condition.
Unusual uterine shape, which might be present from birth, can make it difficult to become pregnant or to keep the pregnancy.
The cervix can be narrowed by a hereditary abnormality or injury to the cervix.
• Cervical stenosis
Sperm may be unable to reach the uterus if mucus produced by the cervix is of an unsuitable consistency.
Infertility that cannot be explained
Infertility can sometimes go undiagnosed for years. If a couple has reproductive issues, it might be due to a combination of small variables in both spouses. It’s discouraging when you can’t obtain a straight response, but don’t give up hope. However, if you are unable to conceive, you should not put off seeking help.
Risk factors
There are a number of variables that might increase your risk for infertility, including your age. A woman’s egg quality and quantity begin to drop as she gets older. There are less and lower-quality eggs in women’s 30s when the rate of follicle loss increases. This raises the chance of miscarriage and makes fertilisation more difficult.
• Smoking. Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to suffer a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. The ovaries and eggs may be prematurely depleted as a result. Don’t start your fertility therapy until you’ve quit smoking.
• Weight. Ovulation may be affected by weight gain or loss. It is possible to enhance the frequency of ovulation and the chance of pregnancy by achieving a healthy BMI.
• Past sexual relationships. Fallopian tubes can be damaged by chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which are sexually transmitted illnesses. Multiple partners and unprotected sex raises the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that might lead to reproductive issues in the future.
• Alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol might have a negative impact on fertility.
Prevention
These suggestions may be helpful to ladies who are planning to become pregnant in the near or distant future:
• Maintain a healthy weight Obese and underweight women are more likely to suffer from ovulation problems. Moderate activity can help you shed pounds. A lack of ovulation has been linked to more than five hours of strenuous, intensive activity each week.
• Make the decision to stop smoking. In addition to affecting your fertility, smoking has a harmful impact on your overall health and that of your unborn child. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant and are a smoker, now is the time to quit.
• Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages. Women who drink excessively may have a lower foetus count. A pregnant woman’s health might be jeopardised if she consumes alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol if you’re planning to get pregnant, and don’t drink while you’re pregnant.
• Take a deep breath. Some studies have indicated that couples who are under a lot of stress during infertility treatment have a lower chance of getting pregnant. Before attempting to get pregnant, you should strive to limit the amount of stress in your life.
People also search
What are the main causes of infertility in females?
• A mismatch between hormones.
• Cyst or tumour.
• Anorexia and bulimia are examples of eating disorders.
• Use of intoxicants or alcoholic beverages.
• Problems with the thyroid gland.
• Excessive body fat.
• Stress.
• An intense workout that burns a lot of fat.
What are the major causes of infertility?
• A person’s chronological age (over age 35 for women or over 40 for men).
• Diabetes.
• Anorexia and bulimia are examples of eating disorders.
• Excessive booze consumption.
• Pesticides and lead poisoning in the environment.
• Overexertion
• Other cancer therapies, such as radiation therapy.
What is the most common cause of infertility overall?
Failing to ovulate is the most prevalent reason of female infertility, affecting 40% of women who are trying to conceive. There are several reasons why a woman may not be ovulating, including: Infertility issues, such as primary ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
What are 5 things that can cause infertility?
• Age. After age 37, a woman’s fertility begins to wane, notably in her mid-30s….
• Use of tobacco If either partner uses cigarettes or marijuana, the chances of getting pregnant are decreased.
• Use of alcoholic beverages.
• Weighing more than you should
• Having a weight problem.
• Exercising concerns
