Infertility in women

Infertility problems in women include failure to ovulate, blockages in the fallopian tubes and disorders of the uterus such as fibroids and endometriosis. Treatment options include hormone therapy, surgery and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Some cases of infertility have no identifiable cause. The woman’s age is a significant fertility factor.
New life begins when an egg from a woman is fertilised by sperm from a man. Ovulation occurs around 14 days before the start of the menstrual period, when an egg (ovum) is released from one of the ovaries.
The egg is swept into the nearby fallopian tube and ushered towards the uterus (womb). If the egg is fertilised on its journey, it lodges in the womb lining (endometrium). Pregnancy then begins.
The odds of a young fertile couple conceiving by having sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation are approximately one in five every month. A couple isn’t considered to have fertility problems until they have tried and failed to conceive for one year.
Approximately 20 per cent of couples experience fertility difficulties. In most cases, the couple can be helped with assisted reproductive technologies.
Around 30 per cent of fertility problems in couples originate in the woman. Another 30 per cent originate in the man and 30 per cent is found in both partners. No cause is found in around one in 10 couples investigated for infertility. This is called ‘unexplained’ or ‘idiopathic’ infertility.
Causes of female infertility
Female infertility can be
caused by:
Ovulation problems
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Problems with the fallopian tubes
Problems with the uterus
Endometriosis.
Ovulation problems causing female infertility
The menstrual cycle functions by several glands and their hormones working in harmony. For ovulation to occur, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus prompts the nearby pituitary gland to secrete hormones that trigger the ovaries to ripen eggs. Irregular or absent periods indicate that ovulation may be irregular or absent too.
The age of the woman is a significant fertility factor. The chance of pregnancy for a woman aged 40 years and over is only five per cent per menstrual cycle. Ageing eggs are thought to be the cause.
A woman is born with her entire egg supply and, as time passes, these eggs become less viable. Other difficulties for the older woman include increased risk of miscarriage and genetic abnormalities in the unborn baby.
Polycystic ovary syndrome causing female infertility
At ovulation, the ovaries produce small cysts or blisters called follicles. Typically, one follicle ripens to release an egg. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the follicles fail to ripen, forming little cysts at the periphery of the ovary and often releasing male sex hormones.
Problems with the fallopian tubes causing female infertility
The sperm fertilises the egg on its journey down the fallopian tube. A blocked or scarred fallopian tube may impede the egg’s progress, preventing it from meeting up with sperm.
Problems with the uterus causing female infertility
The fertilised egg lodges in the lining of the uterus. Some uterine problems that can hamper implantation include:
Fibroids – non-malignant tumours inside the womb
Polyps – overgrowths of the endometrium, which can be prompted by the presence of fibroids.
Problems with the cervix causing female infertility
At the top of the vagina is the neck or entrance to the uterus, called the cervix. Ejaculated sperm must travel through the cervix to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Cervical mucus around the time of ovulation is normally thin and watery so that sperm can swim through it. However, thick or poor quality cervical mucus can hinder the sperm.
Endometriosis causing female infertility
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) migrate to other parts of the pelvis. It can damage the fallopian tubes and the ovaries, and significantly alter the movement of the egg and sperm.
Even if the fallopian tubes and ovaries are not damaged, endometriosis can affect the movement of sperm, egg pick up by the tube, egg fertilisation, embryo growth and implantation.
Diagnosis of female infertility
Investigating suspected infertility requires tests for both the woman and her partner. Tests for the woman may include:
Physical examination – including medical history
Blood tests – to check for the presence of ovulation hormones
Laparoscopy – a ‘keyhole’ surgical procedure in which an instrument is inserted though a small incision in the abdomen so that the reproductive organs can be examined
Ultrasound scans – to check for the presence of fibroids.
Her male partner’s semen may also be analysed to make sure that he is fertile.
Treatment for female infertility
Treatment options (assisted reproductive technologies, or ART) for female infertility depend on the cause, but may include:
Surgery
Ovulation induction (using hormone therapy)
In vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Surgery for female infertility
Female infertility can be caused by obstructions within the reproductive organs. Some of the problems that can be addressed by surgery include:
Fibroids – non-malignant tumours growing inside the uterus
Polyps – overgrowths of the uterine lining (endometrium)
Endometriosis – the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can block the fallopian tubes
Salpingitis – inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tube due to bacterial infection
Abnormalities of the uterus – such as uterine septums
Ovarian cysts – which can be drained or removed.
These days, most reproductive surgery is performed by ‘keyhole surgery’ using an operative laparoscope (through the abdomen) or an operative hysteroscope (through the cervix and into the uterus). Occasionally, this may not be possible for a variety of reasons and open surgery (a surgical incision in the abdomen) may be necessary.
Ovulation induction for female infertility
Irregular or absent periods may indicate that ovulation is also irregular or absent. However, even women with regular periods may skip ovulation every now and then.
Ovulation can be induced with a range of medications in tablet or injectable forms. Oral medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene) can dull the response of receptors in the brain to naturally occurring oestrogens in the body. This leads to an increase in the release of hormones from the brain which stimulate ovulation.
Injectable forms of synthetic gonadotrophins, the hormones released by the pituitary gland in the brain that prompt the ovaries to release an egg, can also be used to stimulate ovulation. The response to these medications can be unpredictable and close monitoring of the women is necessary while on them.
Sometimes, the response to synthesised gonadotrophins may be excessive, leading to a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The symptoms include oedema (fluid retention), abdominal pain and bloating. Regular blood tests are used to help fine-tune the dosage and minimise the risk of OHSS and multiple pregnancy from occurring.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) for female infertility
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is conception outside of the human body. The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation using a hormonal agent and at the right time, the eggs are collected. This is done through the vagina under light sedation and ultrasound control.
The collected eggs are mixed with sperm previously collected from the woman's partner or a donor, or they may be injected with a single sperm (ICSI). They are then placed in special incubators and allowed to develop into embryos. The embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus using a thin tube that is inserted through the cervix under ultrasound guidance.
Risks of assisted reproductive technologies
Health problems associated with the use of assisted reproductive technologies include:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
An increased incidence of multiple pregnancies
An increased risk of premature labour and low birth weight
An increased risk of caesarean delivery.
Pregnancy isn't always possible
Despite the sophistication of assisted reproductive technologies, they cannot guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on a range of factors, including the reasons for the woman's infertility, her age and the type of technology used.
Where to get help
Your doctor
Family planning clinic
Fertility clinic
Things to remember
Around 30 per cent of fertility problems originate in the woman.
Female fertility problems include failure to ovulate, blockages in the fallopian tubes, and abnormalities of the uterus such as fibroids and endometriosis.
Treatment options include surgery, hormone therapy and IVF.
Source: Better Health Channel

Infertility in women

Infertility problems in women include failure to ovulate, blockages in the fallopian tubes and disorders of the uterus such as fibroids and endometriosis. Treatment options include hormone therapy, surgery and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Some cases of infertility have no identifiable cause. The womans age is a significant fertility factor. New life begins when an egg from a woman is fertilised by sperm from a man. Ovulation occurs around 14 days before the start of the menstrual period, when an egg (ovum) is released from one of the ovaries. The egg is swept into the nearby fallopian tube and ushered towards the uterus (womb). If the egg is fertilised on its journey, it lodges in the womb lining (endometrium). Pregnancy then begins. The odds of a young fertile couple conceiving by having sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation are approximately one in five every month. A couple isnt considered to have fertility problems until they have tried and failed to conceive for one year. Approximately 20 per cent of couples experience fertility difficulties. In most cases, the couple can be helped with assisted reproductive technologies. Around 30 per cent of fertility problems in couples originate in the woman. Another 30 per cent originate in the man and 30 per cent is found in both partners. No cause is found in around one in 10 couples investigated for infertility. This is called unexplained or idiopathic infertility. Causes of female infertility Female infertility can be caused by: Ovulation problems Polycystic ovary syndrome Problems with the fallopian tubes Problems with the uterus Endometriosis. Ovulation problems causing female infertility The menstrual cycle functions by several glands and their hormones working in harmony. For ovulation to occur, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus prompts the nearby pituitary gland to secrete hormones that trigger the ovaries to ripen eggs. Irregular or absent periods indicate that ovulation may be irregular or absent too. The age of the woman is a significant fertility factor. The chance of pregnancy for a woman aged 40 years and over is only five per cent per menstrual cycle. Ageing eggs are thought to be the cause. A woman is born with her entire egg supply and, as time passes, these eggs become less viable. Other difficulties for the older woman include increased risk of miscarriage and genetic abnormalities in the unborn baby. Polycystic ovary syndrome causing female infertility At ovulation, the ovaries produce small cysts or blisters called follicles. Typically, one follicle ripens to release an egg. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the follicles fail to ripen, forming little cysts at the periphery of the ovary and often releasing male sex hormones. Problems with the fallopian tubes causing female infertility The sperm fertilises the egg on its journey down the fallopian tube. A blocked or scarred fallopian tube may impede the eggs progress, preventing it from meeting up with sperm. Problems with the uterus causing female infertility The fertilised egg lodges in the lining of the uterus. Some uterine problems that can hamper implantation include: Fibroids non-malignant tumours inside the womb Polyps overgrowths of the endometrium, which can be prompted by the presence of fibroids. Problems with the cervix causing female infertility At the top of the vagina is the neck or entrance to the uterus, called the cervix. Ejaculated sperm must travel through the cervix to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes. Cervical mucus around the time of ovulation is normally thin and watery so that sperm can swim through it. However, thick or poor quality cervical mucus can hinder the sperm. Endometriosis causing female infertility Endometriosis is a condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) migrate to other parts of the pelvis. It can damage the fallopian tubes and the ovaries, and significantly alter the movement of the egg and sperm. Even if the fallopian tubes and ovaries are not damaged, endometriosis can affect the movement of sperm, egg pick up by the tube, egg fertilisation, embryo growth and implantation. Diagnosis of female infertility Investigating suspected infertility requires tests for both the woman and her partner. Tests for the woman may include: Physical examination including medical history Blood tests to check for the presence of ovulation hormones Laparoscopy a keyhole surgical procedure in which an instrument is inserted though a small incision in the abdomen so that the reproductive organs can be examined Ultrasound scans to check for the presence of fibroids. Her male partners semen may also be analysed to make sure that he is fertile. Treatment for female infertility Treatment options (assisted reproductive technologies, or ART) for female infertility depend on the cause, but may include: Surgery Ovulation induction (using hormone therapy) In vitro fertilisation (IVF). Surgery for female infertility Female infertility can be caused by obstructions within the reproductive organs. Some of the problems that can be addressed by surgery include: Fibroids non-malignant tumours growing inside the uterus Polyps overgrowths of the uterine lining (endometrium) Endometriosis the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can block the fallopian tubes Salpingitis inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tube due to bacterial infection Abnormalities of the uterus such as uterine septums Ovarian cysts which can be drained or removed. These days, most reproductive surgery is performed by keyhole surgery using an operative laparoscope (through the abdomen) or an operative hysteroscope (through the cervix and into the uterus). Occasionally, this may not be possible for a variety of reasons and open surgery (a surgical incision in the abdomen) may be necessary. Ovulation induction for female infertility Irregular or absent periods may indicate that ovulation is also irregular or absent. However, even women with regular periods may skip ovulation every now and then. Ovulation can be induced with a range of medications in tablet or injectable forms. Oral medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene) can dull the response of receptors in the brain to naturally occurring oestrogens in the body. This leads to an increase in the release of hormones from the brain which stimulate ovulation. Injectable forms of synthetic gonadotrophins, the hormones released by the pituitary gland in the brain that prompt the ovaries to release an egg, can also be used to stimulate ovulation. The response to these medications can be unpredictable and close monitoring of the women is necessary while on them. Sometimes, the response to synthesised gonadotrophins may be excessive, leading to a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The symptoms include oedema (fluid retention), abdominal pain and bloating. Regular blood tests are used to help fine-tune the dosage and minimise the risk of OHSS and multiple pregnancy from occurring. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) for female infertility In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is conception outside of the human body. The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation using a hormonal agent and at the right time, the eggs are collected. This is done through the vagina under light sedation and ultrasound control. The collected eggs are mixed with sperm previously collected from the womans partner or a donor, or they may be injected with a single sperm (ICSI). They are then placed in special incubators and allowed to develop into embryos. The embryos are transferred to the womans uterus using a thin tube that is inserted through the cervix under ultrasound guidance. Risks of assisted reproductive technologies Health problems associated with the use of assisted reproductive technologies include: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) An increased incidence of multiple pregnancies An increased risk of premature labour and low birth weight An increased risk of caesarean delivery. Pregnancy isnt always possible Despite the sophistication of assisted reproductive technologies, they cannot guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on a range of factors, including the reasons for the womans infertility, her age and the type of technology used. Where to get help Your doctor Family planning clinic Fertility clinic Things to remember Around 30 per cent of fertility problems originate in the woman. Female fertility problems include failure to ovulate, blockages in the fallopian tubes, and abnormalities of the uterus such as fibroids and endometriosis. Treatment options include surgery, hormone therapy and IVF. Source: Better Health Channel