Infertility is the term used to describe the difficulty in conceiving despite trying for a year with unprotected intercourse. In certain cases, infertility might even manifest as a pattern of miscarriages. A combination of factors, including age, physical conditions, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle or environmental elements, can influence female infertility.
For couples struggling to conceive for over a year without success, seeking treatment for female infertility becomes imperative. Access to appropriate medical care is essential to address the underlying causes and enhance the chances of successful conception.
Beyond the age of 30, research indicates that the probability of pregnancy declines by approximately 3 to 5% each year.
Unveiling Potential Indicators Of Female Infertility
- Abnormal cycles: Unusual fluctuations in bleeding, either excessive or reduced.
- Irregular time frames: The number of days between menstruation varies monthly.
- Painful periods: Experiencing cramps, pelvic pain, and back pain during menstruation.
- Changes in sexual desire and drive.
- Hair loss or thinning hair.
- Weight gain.
When to Consult a Medical Professional? The timing for seeking assistance can be influenced by age:
- For individuals under 35, most medical experts advise attempting conception for a minimum of one year before considering testing or intervention.
- If you fall within the 35 to 40 age bracket, it is recommended to engage in a dialogue with your doctor after six months of trying.
- Beyond the age of 40, your doctor may propose immediate testing or treatment.
In cases where you or your partner have known fertility issues, a history of irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, recurrent miscarriages, cancer treatments, or endometriosis, your doctor might opt for expedited testing or treatment.
Causes of Female Infertility To achieve pregnancy, every step of the human reproduction process must occur flawlessly.
The process involves:
- Release of a mature egg from one of the ovaries.
- Pick-up of the egg by the fallopian tube.
- Sperm travels through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tube to fertilizer the egg.
- The fertilized egg journeys to the uterus and attaches (implanting) to its lining.
Factors disrupting this process in women can lead to infertility.
The following are some key causes:
- Ovulation disorders: Irregular or absent ovulation, often associated with conditions like PCOS, hypothalamic dysfunction, and primary ovarian insufficiency.
- Damage to fallopian tubes (tubal infertility): Resulting from pelvic inflammatory disease, previous surgeries, or endometriosis.
- Uterine or cervical issues: Including benign polyps or tumors, congenital abnormalities, cervical stenosis, and difficulties in producing adequate mucus for sperm passage.
- Unexplained infertility: Cases where the exact cause remains unidentified, potentially arising from a combination of minor factors in both partners.
Identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment, even in cases of unexplained infertility. Prompt action can lead to successful outcomes.
Other Factors That Impact Fertility Both male and female infertility share several common risk factors, comprising:
Age: As women age, their fertility gradually diminishes, especially after the mid-30s, and declines rapidly after 37. Older women may have a lower quantity and quality of eggs, leading to infertility. Men over 40 might also experience reduced fertility compared to younger men.
Tobacco use: Smoking tobacco or marijuana by either partner can reduce pregnancy chances and hinder fertility treatments’ effectiveness. Smoking is linked to higher miscarriage rates and may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and low sperm count in men.
Alcohol use: Women should avoid alcohol during conception or pregnancy, as it can contribute to infertility. Heavy alcohol use in men can decrease sperm count and motility.
Weight: In women, an inactive lifestyle and being overweight may raise infertility risks. For men, being overweight can also affect sperm count.
Underweight: Women at risk of fertility issues include those with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia or those following very low-calorie or restrictive diets.
Exercise: A lack of exercise can lead to obesity, which is associated with a higher risk of infertility. In some cases, ovulation issues might be linked to intense, frequent exercise in non-overweight women.
Preventing Infertility: Helpful Tips for Women
For women contemplating pregnancy, whether in the near future or later on, these suggestions could prove beneficial:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being either overweight or underweight increases the risk of ovulation disorders. If weight loss is necessary, opt for moderate exercise. Intense exercise exceeding five hours a week has been linked to decreased ovulation.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco’s negative impact on fertility, overall health, and fetal health is well-established. If you smoke and have pregnancy plans, it’s essential to quit now.
- Avoid alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption can reduce fertility, and even moderate alcohol use can affect the developing fetus. If pregnancy is on the horizon, it’s best to abstain from alcohol during conception and pregnancy.
- Reduce stress: Studies suggest that stress might negatively affect infertility treatment outcomes. Priorities stress reduction in your life before attempting pregnancy.
Why should you choose Medi-Gyn?
Consider choosing Medi-Gyn for several compelling reasons. We provide specialized care and expertise to address various aspects of infertility. Our team excels in genetic counselling, offering valuable insights for individuals with karyotypic abnormalities. We take pride in our comprehensive prenatal genetic studies, including chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. At Medi-Gyn, we also offer surgical solutions for uterine abnormalities and administer effective medications for conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome. With a commitment to support you throughout your journey, we ensure personalized attention and care to optimize your chances of successful conception. Put your trust in Medi-Gyn for exceptional care and comprehensive solutions in your pursuit of parenthood.
