What you should know about Female Infertility
Infertility can be understood as the inability of a couple to get pregnant after at least 12 months of frequent intercourse. This problem affects about one in every six couples. When the course of infertility is within the female partners, it is known as female infertility. About 50 percent of infertility cases have to do with female infertility factors. If you have unsuccessfully tried to conceive for one year, then you may have a fertility problem that ought to be addressed by a reliable OB/GYN. Contemporary Women’s Care has a team of highly-trained specialists that you can count on for accurate diagnosis and treatment of infertility in Winter Park, FL. Below is a discussion of critical things that you should know about female infertility.
Causes of Female Infertility
The most prevalent causes of female infertility have to do with damaged uterus or fallopian tubes, problems with ovulation, or issues with the cervix. Age is another factor that can potentially contribute to female infertility since fertility tends to decrease with age.
Ovulation problems may result from:
- Hormone imbalances
- Cyst or tumor
- Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia
- Obesity
- Stress
- Problems with thyroid glands
- Alcohol and substance abuse
Damage to the uterus or fallopian tubes can result from:
- Infections
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- A birth defect
- Chronic medical illnesses
- Uterine polyps
- Fibroids or endometriosis
- DES syndrome
Female Infertility Diagnosis
Potential female infertility is diagnosed through a thorough physical exam. The exam can include assessment of medical history about potential issues that could influence fertility. Some commonly used tests in female fertility evaluation include:
- Blood or urine tests
- Pelvic exam
- Examination of ovaries and uterus through ultrasound scans
- Hysteroscopy: use of a tiny telescope to search for uterine abnormalities
- Sonohystogram: combines the use of ultrasound scans and saline injection into the uterus to look for potential uterine problems.
- HSG: colored liquid is inserted into the fallopian tubes, and X-rays used to check for any blockages.
Can Female infertility be Prevented?
Where female infertility is caused by genetics or illnesses, there is little that can be done to prevent it. However, there are several general things that women can do to minimize the chances of infertility:
- Prevent sexually transmitted illnesses
- Avoid abusing drugs
- Avoid frequent and heavy alcohol drinking
- Adopt personal hygiene
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Have regular OB/GYN checkups
Treatment
Depending on the underlying cause, female infertility can be treated in one of the following ways:
- Taking hormones
- Taking ovulation stimulating medication
- Using supplements
- Taking antibiotics to fight infections
- Minor surgeries to remove scars or blockages from fallopian tubes, pelvic area, or uterus
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that female infertility is quite a common problem. However, it is an issue that can be treated. If you are looking for a reliable diagnosis and treatment of infertility, Contemporary Women’s Care is the best place to visit. They have highly trained fertility experts, and you can count on them to help you conceive and have a baby.