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Female Infertility

 
Over the past twenty years, fertility problems have increased dramatically; more and more couples are turning to infertility treatments to help them build a family.
Many couples wait an average of three years before trying to conceive, and, as a result, very few doctors will consider a diagnosis of infertility until after a year of those conception efforts has passed. With a growing number of women waiting until their careers are established before they try to conceive, conception can be more difficult.

Infertility

Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system, often diagnosed after a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse or if the woman has suffered from multiple miscarriages.

Not only does a woman's condition play a role in infertility, but male factors can exert influence as well. Sometimes doctors can't find a reason for the infertility and name the cause as "unexplained".
 
June 11, 2007
The latest findings of a study indicate that those women who reported infertility attributed to an ovulatory disorder had a significantly lower occurrence (read more)

 

 

Causes of Infertility

Infertility can be caused by different factors, which can be divided into physical and psychological factors. There may be also psychological factors that play a role, but here you can read all about the possible physical causes.

Hormonal causes of infertility:

A proper amount of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, is crucial to a woman who is trying to become pregnant. Progesterone prepares the uterine wall for implantation of the fertilized egg, while estrogen is responsible for the menstrual cycle, for the nutrition of a fertilized egg, and later, for the development of the fetus. Without adequate progesterone, the egg will be expelled, and without estrogen, the placenta itself wouldn't grow and operate properly; subsequently, the organs of the fetus would never be triggered into maturation.

Medicinal causes of infertility:

Medicinal causes include all disorders, failures or diseases. Miscarriage is also a medicinal cause and may positively influence infertility. Read the text below and learn about the most common medicinal causes of infertility.
Endometriosis is a disorder of the female reproductive system in which endometrial tissue (the normal lining of the uterus) is found outside the uterine cavity. So the lining can't receive or nutritionally support a fertilized egg, and later, allow development of a fetus.
 
Inform yourself about the availability of Infertility Treatments and Fertility Drugs, because what is right for one couple may not be right for another.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the ovaries associated with high male hormone levels. PCOS symptoms include, in addition to infertility, irregular or absent periods, lack of ovulation, weight gain, acne, and excessive facial hair.
Premature ovarian failure is defined as the loss of ovarian function at a young age (about 15 to 40) causing infertility. The loss of ovarian function leads to the cessation of regular periods and (menopausal) symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and bladder control problems.
Uterine Factors. Abnormalities of the uterus can have a significant impact on the ability of a woman to conceive and to carry a pregnancy successfully to term. Some women have an abnormally developed uterus from birth (congenital) while others may develop a uterine problem due to infection or surgery (acquired).
The term Poor Responder is used to define women who require large doses of stimulation medications, yet who produce only a small number of eggs. The availability of fewer eggs severely limits chances for fertilization.

Infertility Factors

Infertility is a disease or condition that is preventable in most cases. Some infertility factors (e.g. age) cannot be influenced; however, unbalanced hormonal levels, for example, can be treated easily. Information about how selected factors influence infertility follow below.

Infertility factors:
  • Age. A woman's age can affect her fertility. The likelihood of successful pregnancy diminishes with increasing age, caused by fewer available eggs, and increasing risk of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriages.
  • Unprotected sex. Having multiple sex partners and not using condoms may increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause infertility in men and women.
  • Smoking. Smoking may increase the risk of infertility in women and may reduce sperm production in men.
  • Unbalanced hormone levels. A proper amount of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, is crucial to a woman who is trying to become pregnant. For example, if the body is overloaded with estrogen, the reproductive cycle becomes confused.
  • Being underweight. Body fat levels between 10 and 15 percent below normal can completely shut down the reproductive process.
Many of the risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same.
female infertility

Balancing hormonal levels:
Because the right hormonal level of estrogen and progesterone is one of the most important infertility factors, you should be sure to have the right balance. But, as many women believe, drugs are not the only solution to balance your hormones. Three approaches can be considered for balancing hormonal levels: (1) lifestyle changes, (2) alternative approaches and (3) drugs and invasive surgery. For example: There is a type of alternative medicine that doesn't artificially put hormones in your body, but stimulates your body to produce only the hormones it needs without the harmful side effects associated with riskier treatments. Read all about the three approaches and their risks at www.natural-hormones.net.

Female Infertility FAQ

At what time of the month is a woman most fertile?
The day you start your menstrual period is "Day 1". Around "Day 14" you may ovulate and release an egg. This is your most fertile time; however, not all women ovulate on "Day 14", some ovulate earlier and some later. Your ovulation pattern may vary from month to month.
How can a woman know when she ovulates?
One way of determining when you ovulate is to take your basal body temperature (the temperature of the body at rest, taken immediately after waking up, before any activity) every morning and record it on a chart. Before and during ovulation, the temperature is higher then usual. Three or four months of temperature records should be adequate to share with your doctor. You can also buy an ovulation predictor kit.
How long should we try before we consult a doctor?
Most physicians advise you not to be concerned unless you have been trying to conceive for at least one year. If you are over 35 years old and have been trying for 6 months, you should consult a physician. And if you are over 30 and have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular cycles, or if you know that your partner has a low sperm count, do not wait one year to see your doctor.
female infertility
FEMALE INFERTILITY
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