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Having children is not as easy for some as it is for others. Infertility can be caused by a number of different issues, from blockages to certain gynecological disorders. Getting a diagnosis and the right treatment for you can be an emotional process, but with our expert team at MAIA by your side, you will receive the compassionate care you deserve.
What are Fertility Issues?
Fertility issues relate to difficulty having children. It can be due to a number of different issues, but it can make the excitement of wanting to have children an incredibly stressful experience.
More specifically, infertility is defined as:
- Not getting pregnant after a year of trying if you’re younger than 35 or
- Not getting pregnant after six months of trying if you’re older than 35
Infertility can also be diagnosed if you’ve lost two or more pregnancies to miscarriage or you have tried fertility treatments without results.
There are also two different types of female infertility: primary and secondary.
Primary infertility is when you’ve never been pregnant and haven’t gotten pregnant after six months of trying (if you’re older than 35) or a year of trying (if you’re under 35).
Secondary infertility is when you can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy and birth.
What Causes Female Infertility?
Female Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, hormone conditions, medical conditions, and lifestyle or environmental factors. The causes of infertility can be as different as the women struggling with it. And sometimes, the cause of infertility is never found. Some of the more common causes of female infertility include:
- Problems with ovulation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Age
- Smoking
- Damage to or blockage in the fallopian tubes
- Poor nutrition
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids
- Hypothalamic disorders
- Narrowing of the cervix
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Polyps in the uterus
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Beyond the causes of female infertility, there are also risk factors that can make some women more at risk of infertility than others. These factors include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Abnormal cycles
- Autoimmune disorders
- Blood clotting disorders
- Uterine defects
- Blockage of the cervix
- Eating disorders
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Fertility Issue Treatment Options
Diagnosing infertility can be simple with a few simple tests, or it can take time and patience and require numerous tests.
Once infertility has been diagnosed and a cause has been identified, treatment can begin. Some of the treatment options include:
In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common infertility treatment used when the fallopian tubes are severely damaged. It has a high success rate and is often the first line of treatment for most causes of infertility.
During IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple egg-containing follicles. We then follow the development of the follicle by watching hormone levels and performing ultrasounds. The eggs are then retrieved and transferred to the lab, where they are cultured and fertilized. The pre-embryos are then inserted into the uterus.
Surgery
Surgery can be done to correct problems with the uterus, remove pelvic or uterine adhesions, or remove endometrial polyps. With the advancements in medical technology, this is a relatively simple procedure done laparoscopically.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which washed sperm is deposited into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs.
Egg Donation
In rare cases, the ovaries may no longer be releasing eggs because there are no more eggs available. When this is the case, donor eggs are one option to consider.
Medications
Some medications regulate or stimulate ovulation. Some of the most common medications prescribed include:
- Clomiphene citrate: This drug stimulates ovulation by causing the pituitary gland to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This can promote the growth of a follicle containing an egg. This is often used on women younger than 39 and who don’t have PCOS.
- Gonadotropins: This injectable medicine stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Some gonadotropins include hMG (Menopur) and FSH (Gonal-F).
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (Ovidrel, Pregnyl): This medication is used to mature eggs and trigger their release during ovulation.
- Metformin: This drug is used when insulin resistance is the suspected cause of infertility (usually with a PCOS diagnosis) and improves insulin resistance, improving the likelihood of successful ovulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a man be infertile?
How can I boost my fertility?
How common is infertility?
What are the signs of infertility in females?
Who is at risk for infertility?
At what age does a woman stop being fertile?
How is infertility tested?
How can a man tell if he is infertile?
Can endometriosis cause infertility?
Which STDs can cause infertility?
Schedule A Consultation
Fertility issues can be a stressful and emotional journey, but with the help of Dr. Wolowick, Dr. Mitchell, and our whole team at MAIA, we can ensure you receive the best care possible. To start your journey today, take the first step and schedule a consultation. Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or use our online contact form. We happily serve patients in the Naperville, Chicago, Aurora, and Downers Grove areas.
