Infertility is often defined as the inability to bear or conceive a child after sexual efforts, usually after one year. For women older than 35 years, infertility may be diagnosed as a condition after half a year. For some women, infertility may be associated with getting pregnant but losing the baby before birth.
With at least 6% of women in marriages currently infertile, the need to create awareness and pass the information on this issue is important as ever. While generally infertility may affect anyone, they are certain risk factors that may increase fertility problems risks.
-As a woman grows older, her fertility potency reduces due to varying factors. In between 33-37 years, women may have lower fertility.
-Weight, or simply put, the body mass index, can also affect female fertility. For women with a body mass index of 18 or lower may have difficulties conceiving
-Being unhealthy or suffering from certain conditions such as STIs, endometriosis, or thyroid may impact fertility.
-Too much smoking or intake of alcohol can also lowers fertility potency
-Stressful environments or conditions also impact ovulation and as such may cause difficulties in conceiving or affect sex between partners
Types of Infertility
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Fertility problems generally occur in two main ways, primary or secondary infertility. Primary infertility is the inability to conceive, while secondary infertility is when a woman is unable to conceive after previously giving birth.
What Are the Causes of Fertility Problems
They are no direct cause for infertility, and reasons may range from one woman to another. Women trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully should visit a healthcare professional to evaluate possible reasons. Below are some reasons that may cause fertility problems.
Complications with the Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes house one’s eggs after fertilization. If a woman suffers from fallopian tube problems such as endometriosis, the fallopian tubes may not allow in sperms for egg fertilization.
Uterus Complications
The lining of the uterus is sensitive and liable to fibroids or the growth of more than required cells that affect fertility. A thick uterus lining lowers the ability to conceive.
Ovulating Disorders
Without ovulation, the possibility of pregnancy is nil. Ovulation problems are the primary cause of fertility problems. Hormonal imbalance is responsible for causing ovulation problems and thickens the uterus.
They are also other conditions and causes of ovulation disorders. Getting to the root cause of ovulation issues may help in regaining fertility potency.
Endometriosis
As mentioned a couple of times above, endometriosis is a huge problem for fertility in women. It occurs when the growth of uterus lining in other areas such as the fallopian tubes. Treating endometriosis can heal the condition but not heal fertility. The reason is that the treatment may cause scars to the tubes that limit sperms from reaching the eggs.
Can One Get Infertility Treatment
With technological advancements, it is possible for women experiencing fertility problems to get treated. Treatment starts with tests to certify that someone is infertile. Some of these tests include a blood test, pelvic test, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or transvaginal ultrasound.
After establishing the fertility problem and its causes, a healthcare professional may offer patients medication, intrauterine insemination, growth removal, or recommend surgery. The treatment plan depends on the reason one is experiencing fertility problems. You can also take a polycystic ovary system quiz.
There are also other options for some couples to help partners conceive a child if treatment is not an option. In vitro fertilization, sperm injection, or intrafallopian transfer techniques can help couples get a child.
Despite the stigma, societal expectations, and negativity shown to infertile women, many may go through mental issues such as depression. Infertility is a health condition like any other, and it is best to try treatment plans before giving up on trying to conceive.
