Written by: Neelu Prajapat

When a woman is unable to conceive a child, it can be a heartbreaking experience.  Infertility can be caused by many factors, both male and female. In this blog post, we will discuss the various causes of infertility in women.

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sex. However, women who are over the age of 35 may be diagnosed with infertility if they have been trying to conceive for six months without success.

Causes of infertility in women

There are many possible causes of infertility in women. Some of these causes include:

• Ovulation problems are the most frequent cause of infertility, which is the monthly discharge of an egg from one’s ovaries.
• Age is the most important factor in female fertility. As women age, their chances of getting pregnant decrease. Most women are fertile in their 20s and 30s. Fertility starts to decline in a woman’s early 30s.
• Hormonal imbalances can prevent ovulation from occurring or can make the uterine lining unable to support a pregnancy.
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Premature ovarian failure
• Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can interfere with pregnancy.
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can prevent ovulation from occurring.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs that can damage the fallopian tubes. This infection can make it impossible for an egg to travel down into the uterus.
• Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This can cause pain, inflammation, and fertility problems.
• Some medicines and treatments might have a negative influence on your fertility such as illegal drugs, NSAIDS, chemotherapy drugs.
• If you have a problem with cervical mucous, it will be difficult to get pregnant.

How to identify if you are infertile?

If you are trying to conceive and have been unsuccessful for six months or more, it is worth talking to your doctor. Your doctor can perform several tests to help determine the cause of your infertility and suggest possible treatments.

You may be infertile if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Painful periods
• Pelvic pain
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Multiple miscarriages

Treatment options for infertility

There are several treatment options available for infertility, depending on the cause. Some common treatments include:

Medication:

Hormone therapy or fertility drugs can help stimulate ovulation in women who have difficulty ovulating.

Surgery:

Surgery can be used to correct blocked tubes, remove fibroids, or repair damage to the reproductive organs.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):

In IVF, eggs are removed from the woman’s body and fertilized with sperm in a lab. The embryos are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):

In IUI, sperm is injected directly into the woman’s uterus.

Embryo Donation:

Embryo donation is a process in which embryos that have been created through IVF are donated to another woman or couple.

There are also several alternative treatments available for infertility, including acupuncture and herbal remedies. However, there is not much scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.

When to seek medical help for infertility?

You should seek medical help:

• If you have been trying to conceive for over a year and haven’t been successful.
• If you are over the age of 35, it is recommended that you seek help after six months of unsuccessfully trying to conceive.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of infertility.

How to cope with infertility?

When you find out that you are infertile, it can be a very difficult time. There are many ways to cope with infertility. Some people turn to religion or spirituality for comfort. Others find support in groups or online forums. You can also talk to a therapist about your feelings and emotions.

Stay positive and keep hope alive. There is always a chance that you will conceive, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now. There are many ways to become a parent, whether through adoption, surrogacy, or using donor sperm or eggs.

References:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/causes/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility