Fertility problems are surprisingly common. In fact, around 1 in 6 couples have to deal with it. Someone can be diagnosed with fertility problems if a couple has been trying to conceive for one year and have either been unsuccessful, or have had problems resulting in the early termination of the pregnancy. These problems can exist in men and women, with the split being around 50/50. Both types are very different, however. Here, we will look at the causes, treatments, and preventing infertility in women.
Infertility Causes:
There are numerous reasons as to why someone may develop such issues, although it is most commonly a result of cervical problems, damage to the uterus or Fallopian tubes, or ovulation problems. Age can be a contributing factor, as fertility in women decreases as they age. Each of these common causes, however, can be the result of various other things. For instance, a problem with ovulation could have been a result of:
– Cysts or tumors
– Hormonal imbalance
– Alcohol or drugs
– Having an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia
– Being overweight
– Having thyroid problems
– Exercising too seriously, leading to extreme weight loss
– Stress
– Very short menstrual cycles
The uterus or the Fallopian tubes, meanwhile can be damaged by issues such as:
– Previous infections
– Pelvic inflammatory disease
– Fibroids or endometriosis
– Polyps in the uterus
– Chronic medical illness
– Adhesion (scar tissue)
– Ectopic pregnancies
– Chronic medical illnesses
– DES syndrome (when mothers were given DES medication to prevent premature birth or miscarriages, this has sometimes resulted in fertility problems in their daughters)
– Birth defects
It is also possible that to have abnormal mucus in the cervix. If the mucus is abnormal, it can stop the sperm from traveling to the egg. It is also possible that it becomes more difficult for the sperm to enter the egg.
Infertility Treatments:
If a woman has fertility problems, a variety of treatment options may be available to her. Often, various methods have to be tried before the correct one is identified. Common methods include:
– Addressing hormone imbalances through hormone treatment. This can also be used in cases of short menstrual cycles and endometriosis.
– Stimulating ovulation through prescription medication
– Enhancing fertility by taking supplements, many of which are available over the counter
– Treating infections with antibiotics
– Repairing scar tissue, blockages, or other physical issues within the pelvic area, uterus, or Fallopian tubes.
If none of these treatments work, a woman may consider in vitro fertilization, or she may be advised to consider adoption instead.
Infertility Prevention:
Often, there is nothing that can be done to stop fertility problems from happening, as they are usually caused by illnesses or genetic problems. However, there are quite a number of things that women can consider in order to lower their chances of having fertility problems, and even boost their normal fertility. These include:
– Practicing safe sex to prevent STDs
– Not taking any illicit drugs
– Not consuming alcohol to excess
– Having excellent health practices, including personal hygiene
– Having regular checkups once they become sexually active
If you need more information about the causes, treatments, and preventing infertility, consult with your doctor.