Infertility: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is infertility?
• How does infertility occur?
• Who is prone to infertility?
• Symptoms of infertility
• Diagnosis of infertility
• Complications of infertility
• Treatment for infertility

You can click on any of the links above to navigate to the section of your interest.

What is infertility?

Infertility refers to a woman’s inability to conceive despite having unprotected, well-timed sexual intercourse for over a year. Infertility can be caused by many factors. In many cases, no exact cause may be identified. Depending on the factors causing infertility it may be treated in a number of different ways. Treatment for infertility has a high success rate and, in most cases, the couple is able to conceive within 2 years.

It is important to remember that infertility does not affect women alone. In many cases, a couple may not be able to conceive because of male infertility.

How does infertility occur?

Infertility can be caused by many factors. The most common amongst them is an issue with ovulation. This refers to the release of an egg by the ovaries. This lack of ovulation or irregular ovulation is often caused by hormonal imbalances. Other causes of infertility include:

• Blockages in the fallopian tubes.
• Presence of scar tissue around the ovaries and fallopian tube.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Cervical issues.
• Presence of polyps or fibroids.
• Uterine abnormalities.

Who is prone to infertility?

You could be at risk of developing infertility if:

• You suffer from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• You are above the age of 30 years.
• You smoke regularly.
• You are overweight or significantly underweight.
• You consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
• You suffer from an STD.

What are the symptoms of infertility? How is infertility diagnosed?

There are often no outwardly visible signs of infertility. Most women are diagnosed with infertility only after they are unable to conceive for over a year. In cases of infertility caused by ovulation disorders, the woman may notice an irregular or absent menstrual cycles. An irregular menstrual cycle refers to a cycle that is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.

Diagnosis 

Diagnosis in the case of infertility focuses on finding a cause for the issue. This begins with a physical examination and can include a number of tests such as ovulation testing, a Hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, hormone testing and imaging tests. In some cases, a hysteroscopy, laparoscopic evaluation and genetic testing may also be required. In some cases, even with these tests, doctors may be unable to confirm a cause for infertility.

What are the complications of infertility?

Complications caused by infertility usually have a social and emotional effect. These can include:

• Relationship troubles.
• Depression
• Anxiety.
• Social stigma.
• Stress.

What is the treatment for infertility?

Infertility can be treated in many different ways. The ideal form of treatment depends on the cause of infertility. In the case of ovulation disorders, medication may be prescribed to induce ovulation and help balance hormones. If the infertility is caused by abnormalities in the reproductive organs, surgery may be required. This is often advised in the case of blocked fallopian tubes and endometriosis. Intrauterine insemination is also helpful in many cases. This involves placing the sperm directly in the uterus around the time when the ovaries release an egg.

If no clear cause is visible, IVF or In-vitro Fertilisation may be advised. This involves harvesting the eggs from the woman and collecting a sperm sample from the man. These are then brought together in a lab where the eggs may be fertilized. 3-5 fertilized eggs are then reinserted into the woman’s uterus where the rest of the pregnancy may be continued. In the case of an absolute absence of eggs, donor eggs may be used.