Female infertility refers to the inability of a female to get pregnant due to various medical conditions and underlying factors, even after trying many times naturally. Factors common for female infertility include ovulation disorders, which account for a significant portion of infertility cases, and involve problems like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances. Other factors such as fallopian tube blockage, and endometriosis can hinder an egg’s journey to the uterus. Female infertility can be treated in various conditions but if it can’t be treated then various assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, IUI, and ICSI can be undergone to get pregnant or have a child. However, treatment options vary depending on the conditions and underlying cause of infertility. Other than this, emotional support is really necessary for females, as stress is one of the factors that can decrease the chances of pregnancy.
What are the Causes of Female Infertility?
There are several factors responsible for infertility in women. Most of them have treatment too, through which women can conceive a child. It is better to get a consultation from doctors and get the fertility status checked so that any severe or minor conditions can be identified and treated. Below are some of the causes of female infertility:
Ovulation Disorders:
Some ovulation disorders hinder in proper ovulation of eggs. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic dysfunction, and premature ovarian insufficiency are some of the disorders.
Fallopian Tube Damage:
This is a condition where fallopian tubes get blocked or damaged due to pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or previous surgeries.
Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities:
This includes uterine fibroids, polyps, or structural abnormalities.
Endometriosis:
This is a condition where tissues similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus, causing infertility.
Hormonal Imbalances:
Thyroid problems, hyperprolactinemia, or other hormonal disorders are included in hormonal imbalances.
Age-Related Infertility:
As the age of women increases their fertility starts decreasing. The quality of eggs or the number of eggs produced also decreases.
Autoimmune Disorders:
Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can impact fertility.
Lifestyle Factors:
Lifestyle factors also somewhere affect women’s fertility. Obesity, smoking, consuming alcohol, no excessive or excessive exercise. etc.
Genetic Factors:
Another reason for infertility in females can be inherited health since it affects reproductive health.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of Female Infertility?
Several symptoms can be a sign of infertility in females. Some of the main symptoms are given below:
- Irregular periods or absent menstrual cycle
- Painful periods or ovulation
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Hormonal changes, such as changes in skin, hair, or weight
- Pain during intercourse
- Age-related changes in fertility
Are There any Diagnoses and Tests Available for Female Infertility?
There are multiple diagnostic tests available that can help in identifying the cause of infertility and then treating it. Below are some of them:
Medical History and Physical Examination:
This is done to understand the underlying health issue.
Ovulation Testing:
This involves tracking ovulation through basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits, or blood tests.
Hormonal Testing:
Measuring hormone level to assess ovarian function.
Ultrasound:
This technology is used for imaging ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
An X-ray to check for blockage in the fallopian tubes.
Laparoscopy:
A surgical procedure to view the reproductive organs directly.
Endometrial Biopsy:
Sampling the uterine lining for abnormalities.
Genetic Testing:
Identifying potential genetic causes of infertility.
What are the Treatment Options Available for Female Infertility?
Medications:
There are various fertility drugs like Clomiphene, Letrozole, or Gonadotropins to stimulate ovulation.
Surgical Interventions:
If infertility is caused by fibroids or endometriosis then surgical interventions are needed to make women fertile or remove these from their bodies.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
This includes In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine insemination (IUI), or egg donation.
Lifestyle Changes:
Lifestyle can also impact the fertility of women, especially when they are indulged in smoking, alcohol consumption, no exercise, or excessive stress.
Hormone Therapy:
Some hormonal conditions affect fertility in women, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Certain therapy is practiced to treat those.
Alternative Therapies:
Not only medications and surgeries, there are some alternative therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies, or dietary changes that help in improving female fertility.
How Infertility in Women Are Tested?
An infertility test is done to identify the root cause of infertility. It involves a general physical exam, blood tests, etc. There is a process that needs to be followed to identify the cause of infertility.
Ovulation Testing:
This is the first step where the patient goes through a blood test which helps in measuring the level of hormones to detect whether a woman is ovulating or not.
Hysterosalpingography:
It is a test that helps in evaluating the situation of a female uterus that includes fallopian tube blockage and other issues. Certain tools are used to perform this test as they let the doctors identify whether the cavity is normal or not.
Ovarian Reserve Testing:
This test is initiated to identify the egg’s quantity for ovulation and is usually done at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian Health Testing:
In this test, a combination of tests are used by doctors that include, Follicle stimulating hormone or FSH, Luteinizing hormone or LH, and Anti-Mullerian hormone or AMH. These tests are performed mainly when a female has crossed 33 years of age and is facing signs of infertility like blocked fallopian tubes, or ovarian cysts.
Imaging Test:
This test includes a pelvic ultrasound test which is done to detect uterine or ovarian illness. This test is used for identifying the conditions of the uterus which cannot be discovered during ultrasound.
Other Hormonal Testing:
The first part of the process includes discovering the specific levels associated with ovulatory hormones, as well as pituitary hormones that play a role in reproductive functions.
Female infertility is a common problem in India today making it difficult for females to conceive a child. But there are various effective methods, and treatments available that can help in treating infertility and allow the female to conceive a child. Ganga Laxmi IVF has seen many cases where the couples had no hope of becoming parents, but after consulting with our specialist and undergoing treatment, they could experience the journey of parenthood.