top of page
Search

Infertility

  • Aspiring Doctors
  • Oct 12, 2020
  • 2 min read

Written By: Bianca Vildor

Edited By: Hasti Hedayatiparsa


What is infertility?


Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year or longer of unprotected sex. A woman’s fertility declines with age. Women 35 or older can be diagnosed as infertile after 6 months of unprotected sex. For a women to get pregnant, these are the steps:

  • Ovulation, which is when a woman releases an egg from one of her ovaries.

  • The egg must go through a fallopian tube towards the ovaries.

  • A man's sperm must join with the egg along the way.

  • Implantation, which is when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the inside of the uterus.

Infertility can occur if these steps are compromised.


Causes of infertility


There are many causes of infertility and they vary in women. Some of the common causes of infertility in women can include the following:

  • An imbalance of the thyroid hormone can interfere with the menstrual cycle.

  • Hormonal disorders may include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

  • Structural issues such as benign growths (polyps and fibroids) in the uterus, blocked fallopian tubes, abnormal anatomy of the cervix or uterus, endometriosis, and scar tissue

  • Fallopian tube damage can include scarring from prior surgery and/or pelvic infections. These include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) due to chlamydia or gonorrhea.

  • Problems with transportation of the egg(s) can occur due to damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.

  • Diminished ovarian reserve, premature menopause or cessation of ovulation (primary ovarian insufficiency); changes in egg quality or quantity can affect fertility

  • Additional factors:

    • Poor malnutrition diet

    • Over-exercising

    • Extreme stress

    • Overexposure to chemicals and toxins, including tobacco smoke, alcohol, marijuana, pesticides, radiation, and chemotherapy

    • Certain medications (the effect usually is temporary)

Treatment Methods

  • In Vitro Fertilization- the process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body

  • Egg donor

  • Surrogate mother

  • Checking for Blocked fallopian tube

  • Artificial insemination

  • Tubal Ligation Reversal is a surgical method that reopens, unties, or reconnects a woman's fallopian tubes so she can become pregnant.

  • Tubal Cannulation-procedure to help clear any blockage.


 

Souces



Infertility Causes: Diagnosis, Tests, and Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility-causes


Infertility. (2019, April 01). Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/infertility


Infertility. (2019, January 16). Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm




 
 
 

Comentários

© 2023 Aspiring Doctors

  • Spotify
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
bottom of page