An inability to get pregnant and have a child despite having well-timed sexual intercourse for an year is known as infertility. Many factors that trigger infertility including hormonal, related to the structure of the ovaries and other reproductive organs, ovulation disorders, etc. The top 9 causes for infertility are:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the most common conditions behind infertility. This condition is caused by hormonal imbalances and leads to the development of small cysts in the ovaries. The cysts cause irregularities with the menstrual pattern and thus make it hard to time sexual intercourse during ovulation.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is another underlying condition that can cause female infertility. This can be described as the growth of uterine tissue outside the ovaries. It leads to the development of scar tissue and may block the fallopian tubes thereby causing infertility.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause infections in the fallopian tubes. These infections could cause the buildup of scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes and disrupts implantation. In some cases, these infections can be treated.
- Premature Ovarian Failure/ Insufficiency
Every woman is born with a finite number of eggs. This disorder is characterized by a premature loss of eggs in the ovaries. If the ovaries do not have sufficient eggs, getting pregnant becomes very hard. The condition may be caused by an autoimmune response, chemotherapy or genetics.
- Hypothalamic Dysfunction
There are 2 hormones responsible for stimulating ovulation. These are the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones are produced by the pituitary gland. Stressful conditions, very low or high body weight or a drastic change in weight can affect the production of these hormones and, in turn, the release of eggs by the ovaries.
- Previous Abdominal Surgery
Surgery in the abdominal region can result in the development of scar tissue. This may cause an ectopic pregnancy or one wherein the fertilized egg is implanted in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy cannot be carried to full term and may even be dangerous for the mother.
- Uterine Abnormalities
Physical abnormalities in the reproductive organs can also cause infertility. There are many types of abnormalities that might occur- an abnormally shaped uterus, cervical stenosis or narrowing of the cervix, etc.
- Hyperprolactinemia
This is another hormonal issue that could disrupt the release of eggs from the ovaries. Hyperprolactinemia refers to excessive production of prolactin. This is the hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk. When breast milk is being produced, ovulation may get disrupted.
- Unexplained Infertility
In some cases, doctors may be unable to determine the exact cause of infertility such infertility is called unexplained infertility.
Being diagnosed with infertility can be stressful but it does not mean that you cannot have a family. Identifying the cause for infertility is key to determining the best way to treat the condition so that women can have a healthy pregnancy.
For enquiries and online appointments for Infertility treatment options, send a message to www.KJKHospital.com/contact
