Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year or more of unprotected sex. Although fertility in women declines with age, it’s important to note that it’s not just a problem in women.
Men can also have fertility problems.Also, infertility isn’t the same as being sterile. There are couples who have been able to conceive after seeking medical help.
The estimate is that about 30% of infertility corresponds to a problem in the woman’s body. These problems can come from a variety of factors, many of which are treatable.
Therefore, the first and most important step is to determine the cause of problems. A doctor can diagnose the cause of infertility in women several different ways.
These include seeing a fertility doctor, getting blood tests and pelvic ultrasound or X-rays, in women, the most common causes of infertility are:
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries secrete abnormally high amounts of androgens (male hormones) that often cause problems with ovulation. Women with PCOS have enlarged ovaries that contain multiple small cysts.
2.Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial cells (cells inside the uterus) grow outside the uterus. The distorted anatomy due to endometriosis may block or change the function of the fallopian tubes.Then this prevents sperm from reaching the egg to fertilize it.
3. Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous masses that appear in the uterus or cervix . One of every four women between 30 and 40 have uterine fibroids.
Fibroids can cause blockages in the fallopian tubes, preventing the embryo from attaching to the uterine wall and thus causing a miscarriage. The impact of fibroids on fertility depends on their size and location.
4. Early menopause
Early ovarian failure is also called early menopause. It is a condition whereby the ovaries stop ovulating earlier than normal.
The range of average age for menopause is between 45 and 55 years. Other conditions include thyroid disorders and genetic conditions.A woman’s age is an important factor and the most important indicator of her ability to conceive.
Conception rates for normal healthy couples are, at best, 20-25% per menstrual cycle. Once a woman reaches the age of 35, her fertility starts to decline.
At the age of 40, experts estimate that her conception rate is in the range of 8-10% per month. Then at age 43, her pregnancy rate is perhaps as low as 1-3% per month.
5. Irregular menstrual cycles
Irregular cycles may suggest an ovulation problem. The average menstrual cycle length is 28 days, but it can vary between 25 to 35 days.
The cycle depends on a complex interaction of hormones, so any hormonal imbalance can cause irregular periods. Although irregular cycles are not dangerous in most cases, it’s important to determine the cause.
6. Unexplained Infertility
It’s estimated that about 10% of infertility is unexplained, even after a thorough medical evaluation.