A couple can be considered infertile when they fail to conceive after at least a year of frequent unprotected sex. In about a third of the cases, infertility stems from female factors and a combination of male and female factors another third of the time. While it can be difficult to diagnose, there are many Newport Beach infertility treatments available today. This post reviews some causes of infertility in women and tells you how these treatments can help.
1. Ovulation Disorders
Overall, infrequent or missed ovulation cycles are the leading cause of infertility among women. They usually arise from problems in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus that cause irregularities in the regulation of reproductive hormones. Common ovulation disorders include:
- Hypothalamic Dysfunction- Happens when the two hormones responsible for ovulation are disputed, usually due to being over or underweight or physical or emotional stress.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)- This condition causes hormone imbalances, affecting ovulation, and is the most common cause of female infertility.
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency- Caused by a premature loss of eggs or an autoimmune response.
2. Uterine or Cervical Problems
Uterine or cervical problems can impede implantation, increasing the risk of a miscarriage. Common conditions behind this include:
- Cervical stenosis or narrowing is caused by damage or genetic malformation.
- Benign fibroids or tumors that block the fallopian tubes, preventing implantation.
- A failure of the cervix to produce the ideal mucus for sperm travel.
- Congenital disabilities like an unusually shaped uterus that cause later problems.
3. Tubal Infertility
Tubal infertility arises from damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes that prevents sperm from traveling to the ovum or the ovum from getting to the uterus. Common causes include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, resulting from STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Previous abdomen or pelvic surgeries.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of uterine tissues in places outside the uterus. This tissue growth or its surgical removal can cause scarring and block the fallopian tubes, impeding implantation of fertilization from occurring.
5. Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes, no causes can be found for infertility. These cases can usually resolve themselves if you get early treatment, but they can be frustrating because they are not specific. The problem could be a combination of female and male factors, so you and your partner should see a specialist together.
How Is Infertility in Women Treated?
As you can see, there is a wide range of female infertility causes. This means that there are also several treatment options, provided depending on the cause of your infertility. Common methods include:
- Artificial insemination.
- Ovulation induction.
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Mini stim IVF.
- Preservation services like egg, sperm, or embryo freezing.
The last option is ideal for women that are going through treatments like chemo or radiotherapy that might affect their fertility in the future.
Conclusion
Over 6.1 million women in the U.S. are dealing with infertility, so if you are too, you are not alone. More good news, the office of Fangyin Meng, MD, Ph.D., offers a wide range of infertility treatment options and advanced testing methods. Dr. Meng can diagnose your infertility and help you find the best course of treatment for you. She can also determine whether interventions like IVF are ideal for you. To learn more, call her office today or schedule a consultation online.