Female Infertility Treatment
Infertility is a disease that can affect both men and women. For couples dreaming of starting a family, facing challenges with conception can be an emotionally and physically trying experience. However, it’s important to know that you are not alone; approximately 1 in 6 couples around the world face this challenge. With advances in medical science, an early and accurate diagnosis is the most crucial first step toward finding an effective treatment and realizing your dream of parenthood.
What is Female Infertility?
Female infertility, also known as female factor infertility, is defined as the inability to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over the age of 35, this timeframe is shortened to six months. Infertility is attributed to female factors in about one-third of cases.
Primary vs. Secondary Infertility
It’s helpful to understand the distinction between the two types of infertility diagnoses:
- Primary Infertility is diagnosed when a couple has never been able to conceive a child after trying for the specified timeframe (12 months for women under 35, and 6 months for women over 35).
- Secondary Infertility is diagnosed when a couple is unable to conceive after previously giving birth without aid of fertility treatments.
Types of Female Infertility
Female infertility can be categorized based on the underlying cause:
- Ovulatory Infertility: The most common type, marked by irregular or absent ovulation, often causing irregular periods.
- Tubal Infertility: Occurs when blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent the sperm and egg from meeting or stop an embryo from reaching the uterus.
- Uterine Infertility: A condition where the uterus is absent or unable to function correctly.
Symptoms of Female Infertility
Some common signs that may indicate female fertility issues include:
- Irregular or missed periods: This is a key sign of ovulation disorders, including PCOS.
- Endometriosis: Conditions like endometriosis are often associated with painful periods.
- Pelvic pain: Pelvic adhesions and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can cause pelvic pain.
- Hormonal Symptoms: Beyond changes in your menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalances that affect fertility can sometimes show physical symptoms. You should pay attention to signs such as:
- New or worsening acne in adulthood.
- Unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, or back (hirsutism).
- Thinning hair on the scalp. These can be indicators of underlying conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is a common cause of infertility.
Causes of Female Infertility
Several conditions can lead to female infertility:
- Ovulation disorders:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The most common ovulation disorder, PCOS is marked by hormonal imbalances that cause irregular or absent periods and can prevent mature eggs from being released.
- Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Caused by factors like excess stress or high or low body weight, this condition disrupts the hormone signals from the brain to the ovaries, leading to irregular or absent ovulation.
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage: Problems with the fallopian tubes can stop the sperm and egg from meeting or prevent a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. This can be caused by conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or endometriosis.
- Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can distort pelvic anatomy, cause inflammation, alter egg quality, and impair pregnancy implantation. Up to 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility.
- Uterine Abnormalities: Issues like uterine fibroids (noncancerous tumors) or polyps (small growths) can interfere with an embryo implanting on the uterine wall or can block sperm from reaching the egg.
- Age-related decline in fertility: While not explicitly detailed as a cause, the document notes that for women over 35, the timeframe for diagnosing infertility is shorter.
- Thyroid issues or hormonal imbalances:
- Both an underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid can interfere with ovulation and impair fertility.
- Imbalances in hormones like FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone, and Prolactin can disrupt the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the ability of the uterus to support a pregnancy.
Risk Factors for Female Infertility
Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of infertility:
- Age (35 and above): Women older than 35 are advised to seek help after only six months of trying to conceive.
- Smoking: Unhealthy lifestyle practices such as smoking can lead to ovulation issues.
- Alcohol use: Heavy drinking can also lead to problems with ovulation.
- Being overweight or underweight: High or low body weight can be a contributing factor to hypothalamic amenorrhea, a cause of ovulatory dysfunction.
- Stress: Excess stress can contribute to hypothalamic amenorrhea.
- STIs and reproductive tract infections: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection of the reproductive organs often transmitted through sexual contact, can cause scarring and infertility. PID is a factor for 1 in 10 women with infertility.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
You should consider consulting a fertility specialist if:
- You are younger than 35 and have been trying to conceive for over 12 months with regular, unprotected intercourse.
- You are older than 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months.
- You have irregular or absent periods, which can be a sign of an ovulation disorder.
- You have known reproductive health issues, such as endometriosis, PID, or uterine fibroids.
Tests for Female Infertility
An assessment to diagnose the cause of infertility is a crucial first step. Common tests include:
- Hormonal Blood Tests: To check levels of FSH, AMH, TSH, and Prolactin to assess ovarian reserve and hormonal function.
- Pelvic Ultrasound: A non-invasive scan to assess the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs for issues like fibroids or cysts.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A test to check if the fallopian tubes are open.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing: The AMH hormone test is done specifically to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgery to examine the pelvic organs directly, often used to diagnose endometriosis or scar tissue.
- Hysteroscopy: A procedure to examine the inside of the uterus for polyps, fibroids, or other abnormalities.
Diagnosis of Female Infertility
The diagnostic process is a critical first step in any fertility journey. By performing these tests, our specialists can identify the underlying cause of infertility. Evaluating the results allows us to create highly personalized and effective treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Treatment Options for Female Infertility
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important. Factors like smoking and heavy drinking can lead to ovulation issues.
- Fertility Medications: For many women, especially those with ovulation disorders, fertility medications are often the first line of treatment. These are typically oral pills, such as Clomiphene or Letrozole, that work by stimulating the ovaries to produce and release one or more mature eggs (known as ovulation induction).
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): IUI is a common fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chance of pregnancy. It is often used for issues like cervical mucus problems or unexplained infertility.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): IVF is a process where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus. IVF is recommended for issues like blocked tubes, endometriosis, and ovarian problems.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): ICSI is a specialized form of IVF where a single live sperm is injected directly into an egg in the lab to create an embryo. It is often recommended when male infertility factors are present or when conventional IVF has not been successful.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive surgery can be used to investigate and treat issues in the pelvic area, such as endometriosis or fibroids, that may be causing infertility.
- Donor Eggs: For couples facing infertility due to inadequate egg production or poor egg quality, egg donation is a vital option.
- Surrogacy: It is a compassionate and effective option for individuals or couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy. This involves another woman, known as a surrogate, who agrees to carry the embryo and deliver the baby.
Why Choose Ferty9 for Female Infertility Treatment
At FERTY9, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to give you the best chance of success.
- Advanced Technologies: Our state-of-the-art laboratory features a Class 1000 clean room and advanced K-System incubators to provide the optimal, sterile environment for embryo development.
- Personalized, Compassionate Care: We prioritize your well-being with a supportive approach designed to reduce the emotional stress of treatment.
- High Success Rates: We focus on proven techniques, like exclusively performing blastocyst transfers in our IVF cycles, to select the strongest embryos and significantly improve success rates.
- Experienced Specialists: Our team consists of highly skilled fertility doctors, senior embryologists, and dedicated nursing staff.
- Affordable Packages & Counselling: We offer transparent, affordable treatment packages and counselling to support your financial and emotional well-being.
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HAVE MORE QUERIES ABOUT FEMALE INFERTILITY AND ITS TREATMENTS? ASK OUR EXPERTS
Contact UsFAQ's
What is female infertility?
Female infertility refers to the inability of a woman to conceive a child after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Various factors, including ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs, and age-related decline in fertility, can cause it. Female infertility can be emotionally challenging, but there are a variety of treatment options available to help women conceive and achieve their dream of starting a family.
What are the most common causes of female infertility?
The most common reasons for women's infertility include ovulation conditions, such as premature ovarian failure or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hormonal irregularities, such as thyroid disorders or high levels of prolactin, can also contribute to female infertility. Structural deformities in the reproductive organs, such as fallopian tube blockage or uterine fibroids, can interfere with the fertilisation process. Additionally, age-related decline in fertility is a significant factor, as women's egg quantity and quality decrease as they age. It is essential to consult with a fertility professional to determine the specific causes of female infertility and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What effect does age have on women's infertility?
Age has a significant influence on women's fertility. As women age, the quantity and quality of their ova or eggs decline, making it more difficult to conceive. This decline in fertility starts around the age of 35 and accelerates after the age of 40. Age-related decline in fertility is primarily due to a decrease in the number of ova and an increase in chromosomal abnormalities. Understanding the influence of age on fertility is crucial, particularly if you're over 35 and have been attempting to conceive for six months without success. Seeking medical assistance is advisable in such circumstances.
Are there any signs of female infertility?
In many cases, female infertility does not have obvious signs or symptoms. However, some common signs that may indicate a potential fertility issue include irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, excessive hair growth, or changes in libido. It is important to remember that the absence of these signs does not necessarily mean that you are not experiencing fertility issues. If you have been actively trying to conceive for a year without success, consult with a fertility specialist for a comprehensive evaluation.
What lifestyle habits can lead to female infertility?
Certain lifestyle habits can contribute to female infertility. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, poor nutrition, and excessive exercise. These habits can negatively impact hormonal balance, ovulation, and reproductive health. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits when trying to conceive is essential. These include maintaining a balanced diet, exercising moderately, avoiding excessive alcohol drinking and smoking, and managing stress effectively. Making these lifestyle changes can significantly improve fertility outcomes.
What is ovulation disorder, and how does it lead to female infertility?
Ovulation disorder is a condition where a woman's ovaries do not release eggs regularly or do not release eggs at all. It can lead to female infertility, as without the release of a mature egg, fertilisation and pregnancy cannot occur. Ovulation disorders can occur due to various causes, such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or premature ovarian failure. Therefore, consulting with a fertility specialist to diagnose and treat ovulation disorders effectively is essential.
What are tubal factors in female infertility?
Tubal factors, conditions that affect the fallopian tubes, are a significant aspect of reproductive health. These tubes transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Blockages or damage to these tubes can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and interfere with fertilisation. Common causes of tubal factors include pelvic inflammatory disease, previous pelvic surgeries, or endometriosis. Tubal factors can significantly impact female fertility and may require medical intervention to achieve successful conception.
What are uterine abnormalities and their role in female infertility?
Uterine abnormalities are structural abnormalities in the uterus that can interfere with implantation and pregnancy. These abnormalities can include uterine fibroids, polyps, or a septum in the uterus. Uterine abnormalities can affect the ability of the fertilised egg to get implanted in the uterus and can increase the risk of miscarriage. Diagnosis and treatment of uterine abnormalities are essential for successful conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Is diabetes a cause of infertility in women?
Diabetes can contribute to female infertility, mainly if not correctly managed. Diabetes can affect fertility by causing hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and anovulation. It can also increase the chance of complications during pregnancy. Proper management of diabetes through regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medications can help improve fertility outcomes in women with diabetes.
What is Asherman’s Syndrome, and is it a cause of infertility in women?
Asherman's Syndrome, also known as intrauterine adhesions, is a condition characterised by the formation of scar tissue inside the uterus. This scar tissue can lead to adhesions or fibrous bands that can obstruct the uterine cavity and interfere with implantation and pregnancy. Asherman's Syndrome can develop due to previous uterine surgeries, including dilation and curettage (D&C) or infections. It is a potential cause of infertility in women and requires medical intervention to restore normal uterine function.