Female Infertility

What Are The Causes Of Female Infertility?

A range of factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural problems with the reproductive system, and lifestyle factors can be the female infertility cause. Some common causes of female infertility include:

Ovulation Disorders

Ovulation is the process by which a woman’s ovaries release an egg each month. Ovulation disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can prevent the release of an egg or cause irregular ovulation, making it difficult to conceive.

Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities

Structural problems with the uterus or cervix, such as uterine fibroids, adhesions, or cervical stenosis, can prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg or block the passage of sperm to the egg.

Fallopian Tube Problems

Fallopian tube blockage or damage, caused by pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis, can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Endocrine Disorders

Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders or adrenal gland problems, can impact ovulation and lead to infertility.

Lifestyle Changes That Affect

Smoking, alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity can all contribute to infertility. Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can also cause female infertility.

Effects of Age for Infertility

Female fertility declines with age and women over the age of 35 are at increased risk for infertility.

What Are The Types Of Infertility In Females?

Female infertility can be classified into two main categories: primary infertility and secondary infertility.

Primary Infertility

Primary infertility refers to the inability of a woman who has never been pregnant to conceive, even after one year of unprotected sex. This can be due to a range of factors, including ovulation disorders, fallopian tube problems, uterine or cervical abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors.

Secondary Infertility

Secondary infertility refers to the inability of a woman who has been pregnant before to conceive again. This can be due to a range of factors, including age, endocrine disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, and lifestyle factors.

What Are Some Of The Female Infertility Treatment Options?

The underlying reason for female infertility affects how the condition is treated. These common remedies for female infertility are listed below.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF Treatment is a process in which eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs are then implanted into the uterus.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI Treatment is a procedure in which sperm is directly inserted into the uterus, increasing the chances of fertilization. This can be done with or without the use of medications to stimulate ovulation.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI Treatment is a variation of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. This is typically used for men with low sperm counts or poor sperm motility.

IVF with Donor Egg

IVF with a donor egg involves the use of eggs from a donor, instead of the woman's eggs. This is often used for women who have experienced menopause, have ovary damage, or have genetic conditions.

Surrogacy

Surrogacy involves carrying a pregnancy for another individual or couple. This can be done with either the surrogate's eggs or with donor eggs, and with either the surrogate's sperm or donor sperm.

ICSI Treatment Process

STEP 1 : Fertility Consultation

The fertility consultation at Medicover includes a discussion with the fertility specialist, followed by a thorough medical examination. An embryologist will explain them the options available to address issues related to sperm.

STEP 2 : Stimulation

The female partner needs to visit on day two or three of her menstrual cycle, when hormonal investigations are done along with an ultrasound. The ovaries are stimulated with medication to promote the growth of follicles containing the eggs; this process can last for eight to 12 days. The response of the ovaries (quantity and quality of follicles recruited) is monitored through ultrasounds and blood investigations at regular intervals.

STEP 3 : Egg Collection

After eight to 12 days of taking the medicine, an injection (trigger) is administered to assist with the final maturation of the egg and loosening of the egg from the follicular wall. The patient must visit the clinic for the egg retrieval process, which will be performed 34-36 hours after the trigger administration. Egg retrieval is performed with ultrasound guidance under mild sedation to make it painless.

STEP 4 : Sperm Collection

On the day of egg collection, the male partner provides a fresh semen sample, which is analyzed and processed by an embryologist in the ART lab. In this procedure, sperm processing (post ejaculation) is different. If required, sperm can be extracted from a testicle or epididymis in a separate procedure.

STEP 5 : Embryo Transfer

After evaluation in the laboratory, the finest embryos are selected for transfer and depending upon their quality a preferable day is decided for embryo transfer.

STEP 6 : After Transfer

Supportive medicines are prescribed after the embryo transfer that help the embryo to implant in the uterus. After the stipulated period, pregnancy tests are conducted to confirm pregnancy.