Infertility—defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular and unprotected intercourse—impacts numerous couples globally. About one-third of infertility cases are due to female factors. The causes of female infertility vary widely and can sometimes be elusive, making accurate diagnosis absolutely essential.
When should you seek treatment for female infertility?
The appropriate time to seek medical assistance is significantly influenced by age.
- Women under 35 years are generally advised to attempt conception for a year before seeking help.
- For those aged between 35 and 40, a period of six months of trying is recommended.
- Women over 40 are advised to seek immediate consultation with a healthcare provider.
Additionally, anyone experiencing known fertility problems, irregular or painful menstrual periods, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, multiple miscarriages, past cancer treatments, or conditions like endometriosis should consider seeking medical advice promptly.
Exploring the causes of female infertility
Conception requires several biological processes to function correctly, and various issues can disrupt these in women. Common causes of female infertility include:
- Ovulation disorders – These are leading factors in female infertility and can stem from hormonal imbalances caused by conditions such as PCOS, hypothalamus dysfunction, primary ovarian insufficiency, and excessive prolactin production.
- Tubal infertility – Fallopian tube damage or blockage—often due to pelvic inflammatory disease, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, or ectopic pregnancies—can prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.
- Endometriosis – This condition, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, can lead to scarring that blocks the fallopian tubes and disrupts egg and sperm union, as well as affecting implantation.
- Uterine or cervical issues – Conditions like benign tumours in the uterus, congenital uterine anomalies, cervical stenosis, or suboptimal cervical mucus can interfere with implantation or increase miscarriage risk.
- Unexplained infertility – Sometimes, despite thorough evaluations, the specific cause of infertility remains unknown, possibly due to minor issues in both partners.
Diagnosing female infertility
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history review and physical examination, along with tests such as ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, hormone assessments, and pelvic ultrasounds. In some cases, more invasive procedures like laparoscopy or genetic testing may be necessary.
Approaches to the treatment of female infertility
The treatment of female infertility varies based on the underlying cause, the woman’s age, the duration of infertility, and personal preferences. Treatment approaches are designed either to restore fertility or to assist with conception.
- Medications to restore fertility – Fertility drugs, mimicking natural hormones, are commonly used to regulate or stimulate ovulation.
- Surgery to restore fertility – While less common due to the success of other treatments, surgical procedures can correct certain fertility issues. Laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgeries may be employed to rectify uterine structural anomalies, eliminate endometrial polyps or certain fibroids distorting the uterine cavity, and clear pelvic or uterine adhesions. In cases of fallopian tube blockages or fluid accumulation, laparoscopic surgery may be recommended to eliminate adhesions, widen the tubes, or create new openings.
Reproductive assistance techniques
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – This technique involves placing healthy sperm inside the uterus around the time of ovulation. Our expert team at Advance Fertility is focused on enhancing the chances of success in each IUI cycle. While the average success rate for IUI is around 20% per cycle, our aim is to elevate this success rate to 30% by meticulously preparing both sperm and egg and ensuring an optimal uterine environment. It’s typically recommended to undergo three to four IUI cycles before considering other fertility treatment methods.
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF) – This process entails retrieving mature eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab setting, and then transferring the embryos back into the uterus.
The success rate of IVF can be quite promising. In the best scenarios, it may reach 50-60% on the initial attempt and can increase to as high as 90% over two to three attempts. However, factors like sperm count, egg quality, and uterine condition can affect these rates. At Advanced Fertility Clinic, we dedicate ourselves to providing comprehensive solutions that enhance the likelihood of success in IVF treatments.
Advance Fertility is known for its effective treatment of female infertility. Our team’s extensive experience in various reproductive health care methods addresses the causes of female infertility, guiding women towards realizing their dreams of becoming mothers. Contact us at +91-9871250235 to schedule a consultation.