The Main Fertility Issues Among Women

Doctors only begin to consider infertility as a possibility when a couple has already been trying to conceive for more than a year. From then on, a specialist will begin a series of clinical tests on both partners. This will determine the source of the problem.

Most factors that contribute to infertility are treatable. An estimated 65% of infertility cases are solvable. Currently, the degree of efficiency for fertility treatments is quite high.

The diagnosis of feminine fertility issues

To carry out a proper diagnosis of feminine fertility problems, a doctor must perform a full physical exam. This includes a minuscule evaluation of the woman’s clinical history. He or she will also perform tests and studies to determine what’s going on.

The principle means for diagnosing feminine infertility are:

• Blood and urine testing. These tests detect the presence of hormonal problems, thyroid issues and infections.
• Cervical mucus sample. This exam allows the doctor to determine whether or not ovulation is ocurring.
• Laparoscopy. This is a study that allows medical professionals to observe possible obstructions, adherences or scar tissue. Laparoscopies are a type of X-ray that detect possible anomalies in the uterus. The images determine if there are problems in the uterus or in the ovaries.
• Sonohysterography. This study consists of an ultrasound with contrast, and allows for the detection of problems in the uterus.
• Pelvic and breast exam. Doctors also perform clinical pelvic and breast exams to evaluate their condition

Problems with ovulation

These problems occur when the ovules, or eggs, don’t manage to fully mature. It also includes cases where the ovaries aren’t able to correctly release the eggs. This is one of the most common causes of female infertility.

The most common symptoms are infrequent menstruation, or absence of menstruation altogether. Very light bleeding or excessive bleeding are also symptoms, as is a lack of discomfort while menstruating. Between 30 and 40% of women are able to overcome this issue with treatment.

Endometriosis

This condition occurs when the tissue that is located on the uterine walls grows outside of the uterus. 

In many cases, this occurs without provoking any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they usually include strong pain during menstruation and during sexual intercourse. Other symptoms include abundant or unusual bleeding as well as pelvic pain.

The main method for correcting this problem is surgery. Up to 30% of women with endometriosis are able to conceive after treatment.

Poor quality ovules

This is one of the female fertility issues that affects older women especially. After age 35, the quantity and quality of ovaries decreases visibly. The ovaries produce poor quality eggs which make conception impossible.

Treatment of this issue involves taking fertility medication. Women who undergo this sort of treatment have good chances of conceiving and up to 55% become pregnant.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

This problem occurs when the small follicles of the ovaries don’t mature completely. This causes difficulty when it comes to releasing ovules. The main symptom is very irregular periods. Other symptoms include excessive hair growth and acne.

There are several solutions for this problem, from changes in lifestyle to surgery. Most women who are obese who manage to lose weight also manage to ovulate regularly. Surgeries have an effectivity rate of up to 50%.

Obstruction in the Fallopian tubes

The Fallopian tubes can become obstructed due to sexually transmitted diseases, inflammatory pelvic disease and sterilization diseases. If an obstruction exists, the ovule cannot be fertilized or doesn’t make it to the uterus. The main solution to this issue is surgery. The result depends on the woman’s age and health.

About 30% of feminine fertility issues have an unknown origin. In those cases, there are no symptoms. However, many women manage to overcome their infertility by making lifestyle changes.