Are you and your partner unable to conceive a child after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse? If so, this condition is called infertility.

Globally, around 48 million couples face infertility. 

But, in 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle changes, medication, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), or surgery can effectively treat infertility and help couples conceive a baby.

When we talk about female infertility, it refers to a woman’s inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy.

While many believe infertility only affects females, this isn’t true. Both partners can experience fertility issues. In fact, a study found that female infertility was the primary cause in 35% of infertile couples. In 30% of cases, both male and female factors were involved. In 35% of cases, infertility was due to male factors.

This data highlights that infertility can result from issues with either partner or both. In this article, we will provide an overview of Infertility in women. We will examine the causes, diagnosis, and available female infertility treatment options. 

Read on to find hope and guidance that may bring you closer to the joy of parenthood. 

Female Infertility Symptoms and Causes

Female Infertility Symptoms

The clear sign of female infertility is not being able to get pregnant after trying for one year with regular, unprotected intercourse.

Along with infertility a woman may experience following symptoms which tell about underline issues.

• Abnormal periods: Your bleeding is either heavier or lighter than usual.
• Irregular periods: The number of days between periods changes each month.
• No periods: You’ve never had a period, or they suddenly stop.
• Painful periods: You experience back pain, pelvic pain, or cramping.

Hormone problems can also affect fertility. If that’s the case, you might experience:

• Skin changes – acne, oily skin, coarse skin
• Changes in Sex drive
• Thinning hair, losing more hair than normal, unwanted hair growth
• Unexpected weight gain

 

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Other signs that may indicate infertility include:

• Milky white discharge from the nipples (not related to breastfeeding)
• Discomfort or pain during sex

 Many factors can affect fertility, and symptoms can vary from person to person. If you notice any of these signs, it’s good to consult a professional obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Female Infertility Causes

Here are some common causes of female infertility:

• Ovulation Problems

Sometimes, the ovaries don’t release eggs properly. This can happen due to hormonal issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or high levels of a hormone called prolactin. Problems with thyroid hormones, whether too much or too little, can also affect ovulation. Other possible causes include too much exercise, eating disorders, or tumors.

• Uterus Conditions

Problems in the uterus can include growths called polyps or fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors. These can block the fallopian tubes or control a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Other conditions include uterine septum and adenomyosis.

• Fallopian Tube Damage

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, often caused by infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can prevent eggs and sperm from meeting.

• Endometriosis

This condition occurs when tissue like the uterine lining grows outside it. This can interfere with the ovarian, fallopian tube functions, and alter pelvic anatomy.

• Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

This happens when the ovaries stop working before age 40. The cause can be linked to genetic conditions, cancer treatments, and ovarian cyst surgery.

• Pelvic Adhesions

Adhesions are scar tissue bands that link organs together. They can form after a pelvic infection, endometriosis, appendicitis, or abdominal or pelvic surgery. These adhesions can affect fertility.

• Cancer and Its Treatment

Cancers, especially those affecting reproductive organs, and treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can reduce fertility.

Risk Factors That Affect Female Infertility

Infertility can be a challenging experience for many women. Various factors can influence a woman’s ability to conceive. Understanding these risk factors can help you prevent infertility or find the proper treatment.

• Age

As females get older, their fertility naturally decreases. Women over 35 may face more challenges in getting pregnant compared to younger women. Older women likely face infertility because they have fewer eggs and lower-quality eggs.

• Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle choices can impact fertility:

• Smoking: Smoking harms the cervix and fallopian tubes and can also reduce the number of eggs.
• Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can cause ovulation problems.
• Weight: Being either underweight or overweight can lead to fertility issues. Keeping a healthy weight is important for regular ovulation.
• Exercise issues: Not getting enough exercise can lead to obesity, which increases the chances of infertility. On the other hand, women who exercise intensely and are not overweight may also experience ovulation problems.

When is Infertility Diagnosed in a Female?

Infertility is diagnosed after a period of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. The specific time frame varies based on a woman’s age:

• Women under 35: Infertility is typically diagnosed after one year of trying to conceive.
• Women over 35: Due to the natural decline in fertility with age, infertility is often diagnosed after six months of trying to conceive.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines. It’s advisable to consult with a fertility specialist.

Remember: Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of successful outcomes.

Female Infertility Diagnosis and Tests

Remember, only a professional doctor can diagnose infertility. If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. They will perform tests to determine your diagnosis.

These fertility tests for women can help diagnose and assess fertility problems.

1.Pelvic Exam

Why it’s performed:

• To assess the overall health of the reproductive organs.
• To check for any abnormalities, infections, or signs of disease.
• To evaluate the size, shape, and position of the uterus and any pathology is present in the pelvis.

2. Blood Tests

Why it’s performed:

• To measure hormone levels (AMH, FSH, LH, thyroid hormones) to assess ovarian function, and overall hormonal balance.
• To check for underlying medical conditions that can affect fertility, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes and hyperprolactinemia.

3. X-ray Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

Why it’s performed:

• To visualize the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• To check for blockages, abnormalities, or scarring in the fallopian tubes that may prevent fertilization or implantation.
• To assess the shape and size of the uterine cavity

Disadvantages: Painful , false tubal blockage rate is high

4. Laparoscopy

Why it’s performed:

• Gold standard Standard for tubal ovulation.
• To directly visualize the pelvic organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
• To diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic adhesions, or blocked fallopian tubes in the same sitting.
• To assess the overall health of the reproductive system.

5. Transvaginal Ultrasound

Why it’s performed:

• To obtain detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
• To assess the thickness of the uterine lining, check for ovarian cysts, and evaluate the size and number of follicles.
• To monitor ovulation and track the development of follicles.

6. Saline Sonohysterogram (SIS)

Why it’s performed:

• To examine the uterine cavity for abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids, submucosa
• To check for fallopian tube patency, although this is not its primary purpose.
• less painful than hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
• Chances of false cornual block is less.

7. Hysteroscopy

Why it’s performed:

• To directly visualize the inside of the uterus.
• To diagnose and treat conditions such as uterine polyps, fibroids, submucosa, uterine septae and adhesion bands.
• To evaluate the uterine cavity for implantation issues.

Remember: These tests are often used in combination to provide a comprehensive evaluation of female infertility. The specific fertility tests recommended will depend on the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and age. It’s essential to discuss any concerns or questions with your fertility specialist.

Female Infertility Treatment Options

After diagnosing the cause of infertility, your doctor will suggest treatments. These treatments may include:

1.Fertility Drugs

Fertility drugs are often the first line of treatment for women experiencing ovulation issues. These medications mimic or enhance the body’s natural hormones, stimulating ovulation and increasing the chances of conception.

• How they work: Fertility drugs primarily target the pituitary gland, which controls hormone production. By influencing hormone levels, these drugs encourage the ovaries to release one or more mature eggs.

2. Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical procedures can address underlying physical factors contributing to infertility.

• Fallopian tube surgery: If a blockage is preventing the egg from reaching the uterus, surgery can be performed to clear the obstruction.
• Uterine surgery: Conditions like uterine fibroids, submucosa, polyps, septum, adhesion band can be treated through hysteroscopic surgery. A hysteroscopy is a gynecological procedure that lets a doctor look inside the uterus and cervix. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a hysteroscope is gently inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The hysteroscope has a light and camera at the end, which sends images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to see inside the uterus.
• Laparoscopic surgery: For larger fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic adhesions, laparoscopic surgery has proven to be successful. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen. A laparoscope, a thin metal tube with a camera, is inserted through a cut near the belly button to minimize visible scarring. The surgeon then opens blocked tubes, removes cysts ovarian, and works to restore pelvis anatomy & hence fertility.

3. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Techniques

When medical or surgical treatments fail, assisted reproductive techniques may be considered. These procedures involve handling eggs and sperm outside the body.

1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

• Process: IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus using a thin catheter, typically around the time of ovulation. This procedure is often combined with fertility drugs to increase the number of eggs available for fertilization.
• Suitable for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or cervical mucus issues or where sexual intercourse is not possible, for example cases of erectile dysfunction or vaginismus.
• Success rate: If you have open fallopian tubes, a healthy uterus, a good egg count, and a healthy sperm count, your success rate with IUI is typically between 7% and 10% per cycle. Adding fertility drugs to the treatment can increase success rates from 15% up to.

2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

• Process: IVF involves several steps:

1. Ovulation stimulation: Fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg retrieval: Mature eggs are extracted from the ovaries using a needle guided by ultrasound.
3. Fertilization: Eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory dish to allow fertilization.
4. Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the uterus, where they can implant and develop.

• Suitable for women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, people with unexplained fertility issues, or those who have tried other treatments without success. It is also suitable for men with low sperm counts or a high number of sperm with abnormal shape or movement.

3. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

• Process: ICSI is a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This technique is used when male factor infertility is severe, such as a low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
• Suitable for couples with severe male factor infertility.
• Success rate: Similar to IVF, but often higher success rates for couples with severe male factor infertility. The fertilization success rate with ICSI is around 75%

4. Egg Donation

• Process: Egg donation is a process where a woman (the donor) provides her eggs to help another woman (the recipient) conceive. The donor undergoes a procedure to retrieve her eggs after taking fertility medications. These eggs are then fertilized with the recipient’s sperm or donor sperm in a lab. Once fertilized, the embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus.
• Suitable for women with low or poor-quality eggs.                                                                                  

5. Assisted Hatching

• Process: Assisted hatching involves creating a small opening in the outer layer of the embryo to help it implant in the uterus. 
• Suitable for women with recurrent implantation failure or embryos with thick outer layers.

6. Gestational Surrogacy

• Process: In gestational carrier embryos created through IVF using the eggs of the intended mother or an egg donor are implanted into the gestational carrier. She carries the pregnancy to term but has no genetic link to the baby. The surrogate then carries and delivers the baby to the intended parents.

• Suitable for women with uterine factors preventing pregnancy, and women with medical conditions that make pregnancy risky.

A Note from Motherhood Hospital

Infertility can be a tough journey, especially when you’ve started dreaming of having a baby or growing your family. We know it can deeply affect your relationships and emotions. If you’ve been trying for 12 months without success—or six months if you’re over 35— reach out to our experienced fertility doctor.  We will find out if there’s a cause and talk to you about the best possible treatments for you.

Infertility can bring a lot of stress, but there is hope with Motherhood Hospital. No wonder we’re known as the best fertility center in Ahmedabad.

Your dream of a family is closer than you think. Take the first step towards parenthood with us.

 FAQs

How long should I try to conceive naturally before seeking medical help?

Generally, if you’re under 35, it’s recommended to try for a year without success before consulting a fertility specialist. If you’re over 35, seeking help after six months of unsuccessful attempts is advisable. However, if you have known fertility issues or irregular periods, it’s best to consult a doctor earlier.

When should I consider involving a male fertility doctor?

You should consider involving a male fertility doctor if you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success. Other signs include problems with sexual function (like difficulty ejaculating or reduced sexual desire), pain or swelling in the testicles, changes in semen color or texture, or issues with sperm count or quality.

Where can I find a fertility specialist near me?

If you’re looking for a fertility clinic, Motherhood Hospital is your go-to fertility center in Ahmedabad. Our IVF doctors in Ahmedabad have an impressive track record and high success rates, ensuring top-quality treatment for your fertility needs.

What is the success rate of IVF treatment in India?

The success rate of IVF treatment in India varies by age:

• Women under 35: 55%
• Women aged 35 to 38: 40%
• Women aged 38 to 40: 26%
• Women above 40: 7%

Different clinics and regions can have very different success rates due to variations in technology, expertise, and patient groups.