Infertility in women is a significant health issue that hinders a lot of people’s parenthood plans.
Here’s a closer look at its signs, causes and treatment options.
What is female infertility?
By definition, facing female infertility means you’re experiencing difficulties in becoming pregnant after a year of regular and unprotected sexual activity. This condition affects a significant portion of the female population, and it’s a multifaceted issue that stems from different factors, such as:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Structural issues with the reproductive organs
- Underlying medical conditions
Symptoms
Following its definition, the primary sign of infertility in women is the inability to become pregnant after a year of regular and unprotected sex.
However, other signs could also suggest difficulties with fertility.
These other symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Painful or heavy periods
- Hormonal imbalances
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles can indicate potential problems with ovulation. Meanwhile, hormonal imbalances may manifest as:
- Skin changes
- Weight gain
- Reduced sex drive
- Hair loss
What causes infertility?
From ovulatory disorders to environmental factors, the causes of infertility in women are diverse.
These causes include:
- Issues in the release of eggs from the ovaries
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities
- Polyps
- Fibroids
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Lifestyle and other factors include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Being overweight or underweight
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- A history of sexually transmitted infections
How do you diagnose female infertility?
When you suspect infertility ,the first step is to consult a healthcare provider who can guide you through the diagnosis process. This involves a series of tests and evaluations, starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination.
Next, your doctor may recommend more specific tests like:
- Ovulation testing
- Hysterosalpingography
- Hormone testing
- Laparoscopy or genetic testing
How long will infertility last?
Every woman’s journey is unique, and the duration can vary widely depending on various factors, including underlying health conditions, age and the specific causes of infertility. For some, resolving underlying health issues or adopting lifestyle changes can lead to conception within months.
However, others may require long-term treatment strategies, including assisted reproductive technologies.
Female infertility is challenging. If you’re hoping to have a baby but can never seem to conceive successfully, have realistic expectations and maintain open communication with your doctors about the prognosis and treatment timeline.
How do you prevent infertility?
While not all causes of infertility can be prevented, your lifestyle choices can affect your fertility.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
- Reducing stress
- Managing chronic conditions effectively
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins
- Exercising regularly
Aside from this, schedule regular medical check-ups to discuss your reproductive health with your healthcare provider and address any issues that might affect your fertility.
Lastly, be mindful of your exposure to toxins, both in your environment and at work, as certain chemicals can impact fertility.
How do you treat infertility?
Infertility treatment varies based on the underlying cause. Medications to induce ovulation are often the first line of treatment for ovulatory disorders, such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole to stimulate your ovaries to release eggs.
In cases of hormonal imbalances or issues like PCOS, metformin can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve ovulation.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are common assisted reproductive technologies used when other treatments are unsuccessful. Surgeries to repair any uterine or fallopian tube issues may also be recommended.
Lifestyle adjustments don’t only help in preventing this issue. If you’re already experiencing fertility, changing your lifestyle for the better can help alongside your other treatment plans.
You may also consider alternative therapies like acupuncture, which some find helpful in improving fertility outcomes.
It’s helpful to have open discussions with your healthcare provider to tailor a treatment plan that suits your specific situation and gives you the best chance for success.
Key takeaway
Infertility in women is a complex condition with various signs, symptoms and causes. If you’re dealing with this, don’t be disheartened. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to managing this challenging condition effectively.
