Do you also dream of becoming a mother? Shall we talk about female infertility?

Becoming a mother is the biggest and most beautiful dream of every woman. But sometimes, making that dream come true is not as easy as you think. Maybe you are also facing this problem and are suffering from it. So today, let's talk about this female infertility, that is, the reduced ability to have children, in a little more detail ? Don't worry, you are not alone in facing this.

What is Female Infertility?

Simply put, infertility is the inability or difficulty in conceiving a child. In the case of a woman, this is how doctors diagnose this condition:

• If you are under 35 years old, have had regular sex for a year without using any form of birth control and have not conceived.
• If you are over 35 years old, this period is considered six months .

"Regular sexual intercourse" means that you and your partner have sex without any interruptions, without using birth control. However, some people may experience infertility earlier if they have another medical condition or a problem with their uterus.

Another thing is that infertility is not just a woman's problem. To be precise, this condition can be caused by both male and female problems.

Infertility in women can be caused by age, hormonal changes, other medical conditions, and lifestyle or environmental factors. This is sometimes called "female factor" infertility.

Are there main types of infertility?

Yes, there are two main types of infertility:

1. Primary infertility: This means that you have never been pregnant before and have been unable to conceive after trying for a year if you are under 35 or six months if you are over 35. Just think, there are some couples who have been married for years and still haven't had the luck of conceiving a child. That's a similar situation.

2. Secondary infertility: This is when you have already had one child successfully, but are unable to conceive again. For example, if you try to have a second child a few years after having your first child, you may not be able to conceive, no matter how hard you try.

How common is this condition?

Infertility is not as random as you might think. At least 10% of women suffer from this problem. Also, the risk of infertility increases with age. So, if you are worried about this, remember that you are not alone.

What are the signs that a woman may be infertile?

The main symptom is often the inability to conceive despite regular, unprotected sex. This is the first thing that most people experience.

In addition, there may be these symptoms:

• Missing or irregular periods: Some people may not have their periods for months at a time, or their periods may be irregular.
• Sometimes other symptoms may also appear, depending on the underlying medical condition causing infertility.

Why does this female infertility occur? What are the causes?

In fact, there can be many causes of infertility. In fact, sometimes it's hard to find the cause, which is what we call "unexplained infertility." However, there are a few main causes that doctors can identify:

Problems with your uterus

This may include:

• Uterine polyps: These are small growths that form on the inner wall of the uterus.
• Fibroids: These are also a type of tumor that develops in the uterus.
• Adhesions (scarring) in the uterus: Sometimes, after a uterine surgery, such as a D&C (Dilation and Curettage) , tiny adhesions can form inside the uterus. These make it difficult for the embryo to implant in the uterus. For example, like Niluka, some people may develop small growths (polyps or fibroids) in the uterus, which can unknowingly delay conception.

Problems with your fallopian tubes

The fallopian tubes are the tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus, and are where the sperm meets the egg. If there are problems with these tubes, we call it "tubal factor infertility."

• The main cause of this is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) . PID is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections such as untreated Chlamydia and Gonorrhea .
• Endometriosis can also cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes. Now, look, the fallopian tubes are like the road that the egg and sperm need to meet. If there is any blockage or blockage in this road, then problems will arise.

Problems with ovulation

A major cause of infertility is when a woman's ovaries do not release an egg properly. There can be many reasons for this:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorder
• Thyroid conditions
• Severe stress
• Pituitary tumors

Things like this can cause irregular ovulation and release.

Problems with egg count and quality

We are all born with a certain number of eggs. These eggs gradually decrease and run out as we age. This usually happens around menopause (around age 51). But for some people, this egg reserve can run out earlier.

• Also, some eggs may have abnormalities in their chromosomes . Such an egg cannot unite with a sperm to form a healthy embryo.

What is the main cause of female infertility?

In most cases, the main cause of female infertility is problems with egg production and release (ovulation) .

• You may have heard of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) . That's one of the main reasons for this. PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries malfunction due to a hormonal imbalance.
• There is also a condition called Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) . This is when the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40 due to very low egg reserves.

What are the risk factors for infertility?

There are many factors that increase your risk of infertility. These include general health conditions, genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and age. See if these apply to you:

• Age: Fertility usually begins to decline after the age of 30.
• Hormonal problems that prevent ovulation.
• Irregular monthly menstrual cycle.
• Obesity.
• Having underweight.
• Overexercise or intense exercise.
• Endometriosis.
• Structural problems: Physical problems with the fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Ovarian cysts.
• Non-cancerous tumors.
• Autoimmune disorders: Examples include `(Lupus)`, `(Rheumatoid Arthritis)`, `(Hashimoto's disease)`.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) .
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).
• Excessive drug and alcohol use.
• Smoking.
• Having had a previous ectopic pregnancy .

How does age affect infertility?

We all know that fertility declines with age. Research has shown that age is a major factor in infertility, as many couples postpone having children until their 30s and 40s. People over the age of 35 are particularly at risk of developing fertility problems. The reasons for this are:

• Decreased total egg count.
• Having a higher number of eggs with chromosomal abnormalities.
• Increased risk of other health conditions (the risk of developing other diseases increases as you age).

How do you know for sure whether you are fertile or not?

This cannot be diagnosed at home. Only a doctor can diagnose this. If you have been trying to conceive and are still having trouble, or if you have any doubts, you should definitely see a fertility specialist. They can do tests to diagnose this condition. Don't be afraid or panic. Many people have had successful results with treatment.

What kind of questions do you ask when you go to see a doctor?

The doctor will ask you about your complete medical history. This includes:

• About your monthly period (how long it lasts, how much bleeding there is, etc.).
• Regarding previous pregnancies , whether there have been any miscarriages.
• Do you have pelvic pain ?
• Do you have unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge ?
• Have you had any previous abdominal or pelvic surgeries ?
• Have you had any previous uterine or vaginal infections , including sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

It is by asking questions like these that the doctor gains a basic understanding of your condition.

What tests are done to diagnose infertility?

Many tests can be done in the doctor's office. These may include:

• A physical exam.
• A pelvic exam.
• A pelvic ultrasound.

Some other tests need to be done in a laboratory. Examples include:

• Blood tests: The type of blood test you will have will depend on your medical history and the condition your doctor suspects. For example, thyroid function tests, tests to check hormone levels related to ovulation and menstruation, and ovarian reserve (egg supply) tests may be done. Diminished ovarian reserve is when you have fewer eggs in your ovaries than other people your age.

• X-ray hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This involves inserting a special dye (contrast dye) through your cervix into your uterus and using an X-ray to see how it travels through your fallopian tubes. This can help check for any blockages in the tubes .

• Laparoscopy: This is a minor surgery. A small camera-equipped instrument called a ``laparoscope'' is inserted into the abdomen to look at the internal organs. This can help diagnose conditions such as endometriosis and blocked fallopian tubes.

• Transvaginal ultrasound: This is also an ultrasound. However, instead of placing the probe on the surface of the abdomen, it is inserted through the vagina to view the uterus and ovaries. This allows the condition of the uterus and ovaries to be seen more clearly.

• Saline sonohysterogram (SIS): This involves filling the uterus with saline and using a transvaginal ultrasound to view the lining of the uterus. It can clearly show any structural abnormalities, such as polyps and fibroids. It can also sometimes check to see if the fallopian tubes are open.

• Hysteroscopy: Again, a thin instrument with a small camera (hysteroscope) is inserted through the vagina and cervix to look inside the uterus. This allows for direct visualization of the inside of the uterus, such as polyps, fibroids, or scars.

All these tests are done to find out exactly what your problem is.

How is female infertility treated?

Once your doctor diagnoses your infertility and finds the cause, they will suggest treatment options that are right for you. Treatment options vary depending on the cause. Here's what's available:

• Surgery: If infertility is caused by a structural problem, blockage, or scar, your doctor may perform surgery to correct it. For example, removing fibroids or repairing blockages in the fallopian tubes.
• Fertility medication: If you have hormonal imbalances or ovulation problems, fertility medications may be used. Some hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to mature and help release an egg.
• Antibiotics: If you have an infection in your reproductive system, you may be given antibiotics to treat it.
• Fertility awareness: Sometimes it helps to know exactly when you ovulate. This can be done by checking your cervical mucus, measuring your basal body temperature, or using ovulation predictor kits available at the pharmacy. Many people also use smartphone apps to track their menstrual cycle and ovulation days.

Some people need more specialized treatments.

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): In this procedure, sperm obtained from the male partner is cleaned and placed directly into the uterus using a special method.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): You may have heard of test tube babies (IVF - In Vitro Fertilization) . IVF is one of these ART methods. In this, the woman's eggs and the man's sperm are combined in a laboratory, and after an embryo is formed, it is implanted in the uterus.

Apart from this, adoption and gestational surrogacy are also options for those with infertility to start a family.

Are there any complications of treatment?

Treatments, especially medications used to stimulate ovulation, can sometimes cause minor complications:

• The chance of conceiving multiples (twins, triplets) increases.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In this condition, fertility drugs can cause the ovaries to swell and become painful. However, doctors will inform you about this in advance.

Can female infertility be prevented?

To be honest, most of the time, it's difficult for us to predict and prevent this condition. However, we can reduce the risk to some extent by making some changes in our lifestyle.

• Reducing alcohol consumption.
• Quitting smoking completely.
• Maintain a healthy weight that suits you.
• Establish a good exercise routine. (Not excessive exercise, but moderate.)
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.

Apart from this, it is very important to see a gynecologist regularly for check-ups . Once you become sexually active, having a medical check-up at least once a year can help identify conditions that could affect future fertility.

What can you expect if you have infertility? (Outlook)

This really varies from person to person, depending on the cause. If ovulation problems are structural and can be treated, the results are generally good. That means the chances of conceiving a child are higher. However, some conditions related to the uterus, such as ``uterine factor infertility'', can be a little more difficult to treat.

Talk to your doctor about your family medical history, your risk factors, and any underlying medical conditions to learn more about your chances of a successful pregnancy.

When should you see a doctor about infertility?

If you've been having regular sex, have regular menstrual cycles, and haven't had a baby after trying for about a year (or six months if you're over 35), it's best to see a doctor. They can find out why you're having trouble getting pregnant and recommend appropriate treatment.

What can be done to increase a woman's fertility?

Some things, such as certain conditions we are born with, we cannot control. However, we can do things in our lifestyle that can help with fertility:

• Use condoms during sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Get tested regularly for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants.

Also, it's very important to see a doctor at least once a year after you become sexually active. Regular checkups and preventive checkups are the best way to maintain your sexual health.

Infertility is a very stressful and distressing experience. We understand that. But stay strong. You are not alone. With proper medical advice and treatment, many people have been able to make this dream come true.

The most important things you need to remember from this article (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so, let's remind you of some of the main points we've talked about that you need to keep in mind?

• Infertility is a common condition: you are not alone in facing this.
• Don't panic, seek medical advice: If you haven't tried for a year (6 months if you're over 35), definitely see a doctor.
• There can be many causes, and there are treatments: Infertility can have many causes, and appropriate treatments have also been developed today.
• Lifestyle is important: You can control some risk factors. Living a healthy lifestyle is very important.
• Think positively: Many people have had successful results with treatment. Don't give up hope.

If you have any further questions or concerns about this, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor. They will help you.

` Infertility, Female Infertility, Child Loss, Pregnancy Difficulties, PCOS, Endometriosis, IVF, IUI, Fallopian Tubes, Ovulation