Female Infertility Symptoms and Treatment Options

 

Over the years, infertility has become more than just a truth that couples accept for the rest of their lives. Infertility is a condition defined by science as the failure of a couple to conceive naturally, despite having tried for at least one year. Science has progressed far enough to help such scientifically deemed infertile couples have a chance at successful conception eventually.

In India, almost ten to fifteen percent of couples are infertile. The likelihood of an infertile female partner is the same as that of an infertile male partner. Being unable to conceive is as mentally and emotionally taxing as it is physically. As a woman finding it difficult to conceive, you must have several questions running through your mind:

1.      What if I’m infertile?

2.      How do I check if I’m infertile?

3.      What causes infertility in women?

4.      Can female infertility be treated?

5.      What are my treatment options for infertility?

And so on.

In this article, you will find the answer to all of the above questions. So let’s get started.

        I.     Symptoms Of Infertility In Females

You should consult a doctor immediately if you observe or experience any of the below.

a)      The first and most important symptom of female infertility is the inability to conceive.

If you are under the age of 35 years and have been trying to conceive naturally for at least one year with no success, you should visit your fertility doctor.   

If you are above the age of 35 years and have been trying to conceive naturally for at least six months with no success, you should visit your fertility doctor. 

b)      If your menstrual cycle is irregular, then you should consult your fertility specialist and get yourself checked. You’re probably not ovulating.

c)      If your menstrual cycle lasts for too long or too short, or are not menstruating at all, then you should consult your gynecologist and get yourself checked.

d)      If you have been experiencing painful periods or have undergone repeated miscarriages, or you should consult a fertility specialist and get yourself checked.
 

      II.    Causes Of Infertility In Females

There are several natural causes as well as lifestyle choices that can have a direct impact on female fertility.

You are pushing your body towards a risk of infertility by adopting any of these activities in your daily life:

-          Smoking cigarettes

-          Excessive consumption of alcohol

-          Obesity, lack of exercise, and proper nutrition

-          Being underweight or malnourished

-          Exposing yourself to risks of STDs (sexually-transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections)

Other natural causes of infertility in females include:

-   Abnormal Ovulation
About 25 percent of infertile females face abnormal ovulation or ovulation disorders, meaning they either have irregular cycles or do not ovulate at all. Ovulation disorders could result from issues in the pituitary glands or the ovaries. The factors that can cause ovulation disorders include:

1.    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
When the body develops insulin resistance, leading to a hormonal imbalance in the body. The ovaries increase in size due to the formation of small cysts around them. 

2.    Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
When the ovary cannot produce any more eggs due to genetics, age, or chemotherapy, the female becomes infertile. The condition is known as a premature ovarian failure. 

3.    High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia)
Sometimes, the pituitary gland secretes an excess of prolactin, which leads to a drop in estrogen levels in females. This causes infertility. A malfunction in the pituitary glands may be a side effect of medication taken for some other problem.

4.    Pituitary Gland Dysfunction
The pituitary glands are responsible for the secretion of two essential hormones - FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone, and LH or luteinizing hormone. If there is an overproduction or underproduction of any of the two, ovulation can be severely affected. Excess body weight or too much emotional stress can lead to fluctuations in these hormones. 

-   Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where abnormal scar tissues start forming in and around the normal tissues on the lining of the uterus. The scar tissues may also spread into the fallopian tubes and the ovaries, blocking them and prohibiting the egg and the sperm from meeting for fertilization.

In rare cases, these tissues may also cause damage to the egg or the sperm.

-   Tubal Infertility
Tubal infertility, or fallopian tube blockage, is another commonly occurring factor in female infertility. Any kind of damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes may either:

a.    Block the passage of the fertilized egg, disallowing it to enter the uterus, 

                                       or

b.    Not allow the sperm to swim up the tubes and fertilize the egg.

-   Uterine/ Cervical Defects & Damages
Defects and damages in the pelvis region can interfere with the fertilization and implantation process. These include:

a.      An abnormally shaped uterus since birth.

b.      The formation of benign tumors in the uterus or fallopian tubes.  

c.       A damage or birth disorder in the cervix region can cause the narrowing of the cervix and disallow proper passage of the sperms.

d.      When the cervix cannot produce enough mucus for the sperm to travel from the cervix to the uterus. 

e.      Scarring from endometriosis may not allow successful implantation of the embryo onto the uterus wall.

-   Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained infertility is when there is no scientific reasoning or proof for infertility. However, there have been cases where the problem corrects itself, and the couple finally conceives. That being said, it is not advisable to sit and wait for if and when that will happen to you. 

    III.     Treatment Options Available For Female Infertility
For females experiencing infertility, there are three types of treatment options possible:

-          Surgery

-          Medication

-          Assisted Reproductive Treatment like IUI, IVF, etc.

Surgery is becoming a less popular treatment option amongst doctors and fertility specialists because of the growth and progress of other fertility treatment techniques.

Surgery is an option for cases like:

-          To correct an abnormally shaped uterus.

-          Remove the blockage in your fallopian tubes.

-          For removal of any tumors or fibroids from the uterus.

ART is the more advanced and preferred treatment of all. With techniques like intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization, several infertile couples have found success.

The field of fertility science in India has experienced tremendous advancement. Archish IVF is not only one of the best IVF centers in Bangalore but all over India. Their extensive knowledge and skill in adopting the appropriate ART and line of treatment. Be it IUI, IVF, or even surrogacy, walk into one of the fastest-growing IVF centers in Bangalore, Archish IVF,  to make your dream of starting a family a step closer to reality.