Infertility is an emotionally loaded issue, as couples who are trying to have a baby may find it hard to cope with this fact. Contrary to popular perception, infertility in women does not always point towards a problem with their sex organs. Rather, infertility can be caused by many factors including stress, anxiety, emotional problems, and other medicinal side effects.
Since there are so many causes for infertility, you should consult your doctor soon as you note its early signs so that you can zero in on the actual cause and start getting the treatment.
Causes of Infertility
Infertility is caused by mainly due to:
- Endometriosis: This is one of the main causes of infertility. The lining of the uterus has endometrial tissues and sometimes these tissues tend to grow outside the uterus. Such growth may block the egg’s passage through the fallopian tube to the uterus, and result in infertility. This condition can be diagnosed easily.
- Hormone Levels: Infertility also depends on the person’s hormone levels. When hormones are secreted by the respective glands in very high quantities, infertility may occur. This condition is also known as hypothyroidism. Under this condition, in women, the amount of thyroid stimulating hormones and prolactin increases due to high secretion levels and this adversely affects the reproductive system. The pituitary gland controls menstruation, and sometimes this gland may fail, bringing menstruation to a halt. This is primarily caused due to deficiencies in follicle stimulating hormones. This is one of the main reasons behind infertility in females.
- Disorders or Problems: Sexually transmitted diseases and pelvic inflammatory disorders can also cause damage to inner reproductive organs, resulting in infertility. These diseases (like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia) hinder the entire process of fertilization and bring about infertility.
- Luteal Phase Defect: This occurs when the fertilized egg does not attach itself to the uterus in a proper manner. The egg is first fertilized and it then moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus, attaching itself to the wall. When it fails to properly attach itself to the uterus, miscarriages can occur resulting in infertility.
- Ovarian Issues: Infertility can also be caused due to ovarian issues, as polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the main causes of infertility in women. Sometimes, women might experience an increase in androgen in their body. This is a male hormone and it brings facial hair and causes infertility. High levels of this hormone can also affect a woman’s periods. If an ovarian cyst is the reason behind the infertility, it can be removed through surgical methods. Certain infections like tuberculosis and mumps can also cause infertility.
Treatment Measures for Infertility
Infertility in women is treated mostly with the help of oral drugs or injections. Oral drugs are given to women in order to treat any problems with ovulation. Some of the fertility drugs that are used to treat infertility in women are:
- Arimidex and Femara: Doctors prescribe these drugs to women with sexual disorders as they can help in inducing ovulation, increasing their chances of conception in this way.
- Clomid: This is a very well known drug that is used to treat infertility. This drug also has a very good success rate, as 45 to 50% of women who use Clomid get pregnant really soon.
- Gonadotrophins: These drugs are used when the reason behind the infertility lies in the pituitary gland. Hormonal levels in the body are stabilized through such drugs, and they help in effectively countering infertility.
There are surgical measures that can be taken to cure infertility. If there are any problems with the inner linings of the pelvis or abdomen, surgery can be carried out. Surgical measures can also be taken if the problem lies in the fallopian tubes. Laproscopic surgery can help in rectifying infertility, as sometimes all forms of blockages can be removed through such surgery.
If the blockages in the fallopian tube are not repairable, then insemination measures can be taken to get the patient pregnant. This procedure is also called intrauterine insemination. In this process, a sperm is introduced into the uterus so that the egg can be fertilized. This procedure is cheaper than other alternatives, although it is not as effective.
