Infertility is the term defined for the couples who are unable to conceive after intercourse for a period of one year. Infertility is also associated with women who have continuous miscarriages. This commonly occurs as the result of damage to the fallopian tubes, problem with ovulation, the age of the female or problems with the cervix. There are several treatments that can successfully treat the cause of infertility although many infertile couples can conceive without the need for treatment.
Causes
Fibroids – These are the noncancerous growths that develop on the wall of the uterus which can occur as single lesions or as multiple growths ranging in size. This can be a common condition often causing no symptoms and typically affecting women in the age group of 30 and 45. The fibroids can grow inside the uterus and affect the process of embryo implantation.
Endometriosis – This affects the lining of the uterus developing as cysts or scar tissues. This is one of the common reasons for infertility among women affecting the normal function of the fallopian tube. The endometriosis can also produce materials that can interfere with the interaction of the sperm and the egg by preventing the process of fertilization.
Ovarian cysts – This is the fluid-filled sacs that develop in the ovary that is generally noncancerous. They can also interfere with the process of fertilization and the normal ovulation.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome – This is the condition characterized by the problem with the production of hormones that control the ovulation and infrequent menstrual cycle. These women are at risk of developing endometrial polyps and various other changes of the endometrial lining that can impact the embryo implantation.
Pelvic adhesions – These are the scars or the fibrous tissue that develops around the ovaries, bowel, uterus and the tubes as the result of conditions like chlamydia and gonorrhea that affects the fertility.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the evaluation of a physical examination and the medical history of the individual. The tests can include a urine or blood analysis that determines the presence of any infections or hormone problem, pelvic and breast examination, analyzing the sample of cervical mucus and tissue to identify ovulation and x-ray that checks for obstruction of the fallopian tubes. In addition, an ultrasound looks for abnormality of the uterus or the ovaries and the hysteroscopy can determine problems of the uterine.
Treatment
The treatment is based on the age of the women, the duration of infertility and the personal preference of the couples. Among women who have problems with the ovulation, the fertility medications can regulate the ovulation. Fertility restoration can involve procedures such as laparoscopic surgery that corrects the abnormalities of the uterine shape or by removing the endometrial polyps by increasing the chance of pregnancy. The reproductive assistance involves procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) where healthy sperms are inserted into the uterus and the assisted reproductive technology fertilizes the sperm and the egg in the laboratory and places the embryo into the uterus.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/femaleinfertility.html
http://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/female-infertility/
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/fertility/conditions/female_infertility.html
