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Fertility ProblemsA number of fertility problems can occur in both men and women. Fertility doctors can diagnosis a fertility problem and identify causes and treatment options.
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Infertility can happen for many different reasons. Age, health, environment and lifestyle all come into play for women. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common causes of infertility, and symptoms may be confused with symptoms of other medical conditions.
Infertility CausesOnce a woman reaches age 30, it becomes more and more difficult to conceive a baby. In addition, health conditions can come into play. Both temporary and chronic health conditions can affect fertility.
Women who have experienced irregular menses, or periods, throughout their lives are also at higher risk for infertility.
Chemicals and environmental pollution, including pesticide or radiation exposure, can affect a woman’s fertility also.
In addition, smoking or consuming too much alcohol or caffeine can damage fertility. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding these substances, as well as any illegal drugs, is necessary to avoid fertility problems.
It’s important to note that weight gain, acne and hair-growth changes (whether in type or amount) can indicate PCOS. Many women do not recognize the early symptoms of PCOS for what they are, so it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out or identify this condition.
PCOS and InfertilityPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be diagnosed through blood tests, and is one of the leading infertility causes. It causes many symptoms that are often not recognized for what they are, and many women don’t realize they have PCOS.
The cause of PCOS is not known, and there is no cure. However, identifying PCOS can still be useful, as medical professionals can target the symptoms of PCOS to lessen its effects.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
While many of these symptoms may not be immediately recognized as PCOS, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. A pelvic exam can identify any ovary cysts, and blood tests and other tests can verify the presence of PCOS.
Diagnosing and treating PCOS and its symptoms is extremely important for a woman’s health. Aside from infertility, PCOS can lead to many serious health conditions if left unchecked.
Even if a woman with PCOS does become pregnant, due to the presence of excess hormones and the problems with insulin processing, the chance of having a miscarriage is very high. Regulating the symptoms and hormone levels that PCOS creates will lessen the chances of having a miscarriage, and will also promote ovulation, making conception more likely.
Infertility TypesAside from PCOS, infertility can be the result of many different fertility problems in women, including:
Endometriosis occurs mostly in women in their thirties and forties, and means that the lining of the uterus is present outside the uterus instead of inside. Endometriosis can be corrected through surgery, but may not cause infertility in all women.
Luteal phase defect (LPD) is related to progesterone, and may either indicate that not enough progesterone is being produced, or that the body is not responding correctly to the progesterone. Stimulants or hormones can help with LPD.
Miscarriages can happen for a variety of reasons, including fetus genetic defects and problems with the uterus or cervix. Women who have multiple miscarriages should consult a doctor to identify whether or not there are further fertility problems causing the miscarriages.
Depending on the cause of an ovulatory disorder, the treatment will vary. Ovulatory disorders occur when women have irregular periods or do not ovulate at all.
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) occurs when a woman under 40 is no longer ovulating, and can result from a genetic defect, radiation, chemotherapy and other factors. POF can be permanent or intermittent, and in some cases can be corrected with hormones.
Unexplained fertility is just as the name suggests, and can be one of the most frustrating conditions for a woman. Fertility treatments, surrogate mothers and adoption may all be options.
Uterine factors can be any problems associated with the uterus, including uterine fibroids, scar tissue or even the complete lack of a uterus. Different treatments will be recommended for different uterine factors.
Treating and Dealing with InfertilityThe first thing to do if a fertility problem is suspected is to see a fertility doctor. Medical professionals can evaluate and diagnose the problem, and may be able to provide helpful tools, like the fertility monitor, that may enable couples to conceive.
Fertility treatments may also be a possibility, and will be dependent on the type of fertility problem and whether the fertility problem is present in the man or the woman. Surgery may also be an option for certain fertility problems, such as PCOS.
All women can promote fertility by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. A healthy lifestyle can also help women to prevent fertility problems, and to prevent existing fertility problems, like PCOS, from worsening with time.
Resources
Female Infertility (2005). Female Fertility Issues. Retrieved June 29, 2007, from the Female Infertility Web site: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/infertility_female.html.
Female Infertility (2005). Infertility Diagnosis. Retrieved June 29, 2007, from the Female Infertility Web site: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/infertility_types.html.
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Last modified: March 27, 2008 © morefocus group, inc.
This site is designed to provide information, not medical advice. Please consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.
Last modified: March 27, 2008 © morefocus group, inc.
This site is designed to provide information, not medical advice. Please consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns.