By Dr. Aastha Gupta , IVF Speciality
Female infertility is characterized by an inability to get pregnant, in spite of having unprotected sexual intercourse for over a year. The cause of this condition may be difficult to determine; but once it is diagnosed, there are many treatment options available.
Causes-
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
This syndrome causes hormonal imbalances in the ovaries, pituitary gland and the hypothalamus which negatively affect the ovulation process. It may also occur as a result of being overweight and insulin related disorders.
2. Fallopian Tube Damage:
If the fallopian tubes are damaged, then the sperm will not be able to reach the egg. This may result from infections in the pelvic region or a complication from a previous surgery of the pelvis.
3. Endometriosis:
This disorder occurs when tissues that usually grow in the uterus, start growing outside it. This may create obstructions for the sperm in reaching the egg.
4. Tumors and polyps in the uterus can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes. An irregular shaped uterus may also cause problems in conceiving a baby.
Treatments-
The treatments for female infertility are:
- Medications/Antibiotics to treat infections
- You may have to undergo hormone therapy to treat hormone imbalance
- Surgery, in cases, where specific blockages need to be eliminated
- Stimulate the ovulation process by taking medications
- IVF- where the fertilization of the egg and the sperm takes place in the laboratory.
