What is Female Infertility
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Female infertility is a complex issue that affects many women worldwide. It refers to the inability of a woman to conceive and lead a pregnancy to term, despite having regular and unprotected sexual intercourse with a male partner for a year or more. Various factors, including age, hormonal imbalances, abnormal menstrual cycle, incapability of producing eggs, anatomical issues, and lifestyle choices, can cause infertility in females. Let’s check out what are the general causes, risk factors, and treatments for fertility problems in women.
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Causes of Female Infertility
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Age is one of the most common reasons for female infertility. As women age, their fertility declines, and their chances of getting pregnant decrease. Women are born with a certain number of eggs, and as they age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decrease. Women above age 40, compared to those of age 30, are at an increased risk of infertility due to their reduced ovarian reserve. Hormonal imbalances can also cause female infertility. Issues like polycystic ovary syndrome pcos can lead to irregular periods and prevent ovulation, leading to infertility. Other hormonal imbalances, like thyroid issues and high prolactin levels, can also affect a woman's fertility.
Anatomical issues can also contribute to female infertility. Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and polyps can affect a woman's uterus and fallopian tubes, making it difficult for an egg to implant or for sperm to reach the egg. For example, blocked fallopian tubes can cause infertility, as the egg and sperm cannot meet. Abnormalities in the structure of the uterus, such as a septum or adhesions, can also prevent implantation.
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Causes of female infertility can be summerised as-
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PCOD/PCOS
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Hormonal imbalance
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Anovulation
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Low AMH count
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Fallopian tubes blockage
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Poor quality of eggs
Risk Factors for Female Infertility
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There are several risk factors associated with female infertility. As discussed above, age is a significant factor, as women over the age of 35 or 40 have a higher risk of infertility. Women who smoke are also at an increased risk of infertility, as smoking can damage the reproductive system and reduce the number and quality of eggs. Other lifestyle choices, such as excessive alcohol consumption and drug use, can also affect fertility.
Medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid problems can also increase the risk of female infertility. In addition, women with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are also at an increased risk of infertility, as these conditions can cause scarring and damage to the reproductive system.
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Tests for Female Infertility
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If a woman struggles to conceive, her doctor may recommend various tests to determine the cause of her infertility. Blood tests can be used to check hormone levels and determine if hormonal imbalances could affect fertility. An ultrasound can also check the ovaries and uterus for structural abnormalities or conditions like endometriosis or fibroids. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) can be used to check for blocked fallopian tubes. This involves injecting a dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes and taking an X-ray to see if the dye flows through the tubes properly.
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