Have you been having unprotected sexual intercourse for more than 12 months, but haven’t conceived yet? Difficulty getting pregnant is linked to female infertility, and it’s more common than you are told.
Women who struggle to get pregnant see an infertility specialist in Mulund to learn why they are unable to conceive naturally. Understanding the cause of infertility is the first step in addressing the underlying issue that makes conception difficult. Let’s discuss 4 such causes of infertility.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The top on the list is the most common yet treatable cause of infertility in women – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It’s a hormonal imbalance marked by excessive production of the male hormone androgen. This interferes with the egg maturation and release.
Instead of a single egg being produced, matured, and released every month, several small follicles grow, but never mature or are released. As a result, you may have fewer or no ovulation cycles, making pregnancy incredibly challenging. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, medicines to support ovarian induction, and gynecological guidance.
Blocked Tubes
Fallopian tubes are the channels connecting your ovaries to the uterus. The egg released every month travels through these tubes. If fertilized, they travel down to the uterus and get implanted into the uterine wall. If the tubes are blocked, especially both, conception becomes impossible, as there’s no way for the egg and sperm to fuse.
On the other hand, pregnancy is still possible if you have a single tubal blockage. Common causes of this blockage include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery, or untreated sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Treatment depends on the level of blockage. In most cases, a surgical intervention or IVF may be needed.
Endometriosis
Endometrium, the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus, sheds during your menstrual cycle. These tissues can sometimes grow outside the uterus and respond to the hormonal changes in the same way as the endometrium. This causes inflammation and adhesion, affecting the uterine anatomy and egg quality.
Depending on their location, these tissues can also block your fallopian tubes, making conception difficult. Some women have mild symptoms, while others report pelvic pain, painful periods, and pain during sexual intercourse, along with infertility.
Depending on the severity of endometriosis, treatment includes medication, surgery to remove endometrial tissue growth outside the uterus, and, in some cases, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
Uterine Issues
The uterus or womb is home to the zygote. A fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining and starts to grow in the uterine cavity. Any uterine anomalies or problems with the endometrium can make it harder for the egg to implant successfully or thrive in the womb. Normally, your ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone—the two crucial hormones that thicken the uterine lining, creating a perfect environment for implantation. Infertility treatment in Mulund for uterine anomalies depends on the severity of the structural defect. Some issues, such as a septate uterus, respond well to treatment, while others require assisted reproductive techniques.