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Before we talk about infertility, let’s look at the factors that are necessary for pregnancy. Remember, these factors are necessary but may not be sufficient to achieve the breakthrough. First of all, your ovaries should produce and release a healthy egg. Yes, ovulation, what doctors call it; is the first and foremost condition. Your partner must be able to ejaculate an adequate number of sperms at the time of intercourse. Remember, the quality and quantity; both are critical from the pregnancy point of view. You need to indulge in physical relations quite often, particularly when the woman is most fertile. It is possible to determine this time by seeking consultation with the expert. The physiological conditions should be supportive for conception i.e. open fallopian tubes and healthy conditions in the uterus. When do you need the help of a specialist? According to obstetricians (experts who deal with fertility, conception and infertility issues), a couple should meet an expert for further investigation if conception doesn’t happen in spite of all the conditioned mentioned earlier is fine. Typically, up to the age of 35, couples should wait for at least one year. As the age progresses, the waiting time reduces. Women between 35 and 40 should wait for six months, and women over 40 should seek the treatment immediately. Based on the diagnostic tests, doctors will determine the reason behind female fertility and prescribe suitable treatment. Primary causes of infertility in women Ovulation troubles When a woman doesn’t ovulate at all or ovulate infrequently, it causes infertility. As a matter of fact, around 25 percent cases of infertility are contributed by ovulation troubles. Irregularity in the female reproductive hormones is responsible for this, and the fundamental reasons are; problems in the ovary, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland related issues. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) PCOS creates disturbance in hormone secretion and eventually causes infertility. PCOS also triggers other issues such as obesity, insulin resistance, the growth of hair on the body and face. It is also a culprit for female infertility. Hypothalamic dysfunction FSH and LH are two hormones that stimulate ovulation every month. They are secreted by the pituitary gland. Any disruption in the secretion due to excess weight loss, weight gain, emotional or physical stress will cause absent periods or irregular periods. Premature Ovarian Failure When a woman suffers from Premature Ovarian Failure, infertility is the outcome. There are two reasons behind this condition; a premature loss of eggs from the ovaries or an autoimmune response. Genetics or chemotherapy is the probable reason. Since the ovaries don’t produce eggs, the level of estrogen hormone comes down before the age of 40. Excess Prolactin Again, it is a type of hormonal imbalance. When the Pituitary Gland produces excess prolactin (technically known as hyperprolactinemia), the estrogen level drops and conception becomes difficult. Abnormal functioning of the pituitary gland or a side-effect of certain medication may cause the trouble. Damaged Fallopian Tubes When Fallopian Tubes are blocked, the sperms can’t fertilize the egg as they get blocked in between. Sometimes, the passage that carries the fertilized egg into the uterus is blocked. In such cases, fertilized egg can’t attach t the wall of the uterus. There are several causes of this problem. Pelvic inflammatory disease, the infection in the uterus or fallopian tube, STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) such as Gonorrhea or Chlamydia are to name a few. Pelvic Tuberculosis is also one of the main causes of tubal infertility. Endometriosis Endometriosis is the abnormal growth in the uterus implants or other locations. This growth causes scarring and blocks fallopian tubes. Cervical Causes Uterine or cervical causes are responsible for infertility. It interfaces with implantation, and increases miscarriages. • Benign polyps: Polyps or fibroids or tumors are common in the uterus. Most of the times they remain there without causing much trouble. However, when they block Fallopian Tubes or cause a hindrance to the implantation process; infertility is the result. • The structural abnormality in the uterus: Sometimes the uterus has abnormalities by birth. It causes trouble in getting conceived. If the abnormality is reversible, then doctors try their level best to resolve the issue. In some cases, it is impossible to reverse it, and alternate methods are to be sought. • Narrowing of the cervix: Stenosis or narrowing of the cervix is a condition when the cervix is either damaged, or it has an inherited malformation. It is accompanied by another problem the cervix doesn’t produce the best type of mucus. Thus, the sperms get a hindrance to travel through the cervix to the uterus. Lifestyle factors Not only physiological problems but lifestyle aspects also play a major role in female infertility. Age is the obvious factor. When childbirth is delayed due to career aspirations, it becomes difficult to conceive after the age of 30. Due to speeding up follicle loss, there are lesser eggs with poor quality. It results in difficulty in pregnancy and risk of miscarriage. Smoking and consumption of alcohol are other lifestyle hazards that cause great harm to the female reproductive system. Not only it damages fallopian tubes and cervix but also multiplies the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Smoking and Alcohol age the ovaries faster and causes premature depletion of eggs. Another culprit for female infertility is overweight. It affects ovulation adversely making pregnancy difficult. STD such as Gonorrhea or Chalmydia damages the fallopian tubes and cause major fertility issues. Having unprotected sex with multiple partners increases the risk of getting infected manifold. Unexplained infertility Apart from all the known cases of infertility, there are several cases where there is no apparent cause of infertility yet conception doesn’t take place. It is called Unexplained Infertility. Around 20 percent cases are contributed by it which is a big number. Since the specific reason is unknown, doctors need to take a lot of efforts to get success. Still, in many cases, conception doesn’t happen, and the couples are required to seek for alternate measures. Conclusion Infertility is indeed a traumatic condition that affects the mind and body both. In the case of female infertility, since the causes are many, it is always better to see a specialist as soon as possible. It takes a considerable time in isolating the exact issue before the specialists prescribe treatment. When all other factors are favorable i.e. age of the couple, physical and psychological health, absence of lifestyle infertility aspects; it is much easier for the experts to deal with the issue. Every risk factor drops the chances of getting conceived. Hence, doctors eliminate the risk factors one by one. Still, there is no breakthrough in many of the cases. Dealing with infertility is a matter of immense patience, hard work, and dedication. The wholehearted contribution of doctor and patient can do miracles! Dr Lohith’sAyur Clinic is one of the most reckoned sexual health clinic in Bangalore for male and female sexual health issues.
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