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Causes of Female Infertility
While diagnosing and treating male infertility
is often relatively straightforward, the causes of female
infertility vary widely and can be complex. Keep in mind that
in many cases there are multiple causes for infertility. The
most commons ones are described here.
Blockage of
fallopian tubes:
When a fallopian tube is blocked it prevents eggs from
traveling from the ovary to the uterus. A blocked or damaged
fallopian tube can be caused by scarring, endometriosis, prior
surgery, pelvic adhesions, or tubal pregnancy. Pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID) is a common cause of
tube damage and a major contributor to infertility.
Fortunately, blocked fallopian tubes can often be treated
surgically, or bypassed with IVF. Endometriosis: Another common cause of
infertility, endometriosis, is where a woman has endometrial
tissue (normal uterus lining tissue) outside the uterine
cavity.
This can cause scarring around the fallopian tubes
and ovaries, making conception less likely. However, not all women with endometriosis have
problems getting pregnant. Endometriosis may be diagnosed and treated with
laparoscopic surgery. Polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder that causes
irregular menstrual cycles and less frequent ovulation. PCOS may
be treated with fertility drugs.
Article:
Update on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Premature ovarian failure
(POF): This is the loss of ovarian function in women under
the age of forty. POF is diagnosed by testing certain hormone
levels in the blood. POF may be treated with medications intended
to stimulate the ovaries to produce and release
eggs. Luteal
phase defect: Thought to result from problems with the
secretion of progesterone, luteal phase defect causes the
endometrium to be inadequately prepared for implantation of a
fertilized egg. This can cause infertility or early
miscarriage. Luteal phase defect may be treated with
medications. Uterine
and cervical abnormalities: Uterine fibroids, scar tissue
inside the uterus from previous infection or surgery, an
unusual position or contour of the uterus, narrowing of the
cervix, thick cervical mucous, or antibodies in the cervical
mucus can all contribute to or cause infertility. Some of
these problems can be treated surgically, others with
medications. Cancer
treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation, especially
radiation administered close to the reproductive organs, can
cause infertility. Chemotherapy sometimes causes ovarian
function to diminish or puts a women a woman into early
menopause. Women who are faced with cancer treatment may
wish to use cryopreservation of embryos if they
desire a baby in the future.
Medications: Some
medications can cause temporary infertility. These may include
hormones, antibiotics, antidepressants, pain pills, and some
other drugs used to treat chronic conditions. Often,
when the medication is discontinued pregnancy occurs.
Other Conditions: Other chronic medical conditions that may cause
infertility include thyroid disorders, kidney disease,
diabetes, Cushing's disease, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell
disease, and being significantly overweight or
underweight.
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