The 7 Signs of Infertility
If you have been unable to fall pregnant naturally although you have been trying for a while, there may be underlying fertility issues that need to be addressed and treated. However, please rest assured that many problems can be rectified, which can increase your chances of successfully conceiving a child.
Infertility itself is formally categorised as the inability to conceive naturally, after having tried for at least a year. The underlying infertility issues may lie with either you or your partner. Or it may be down to a combination of issues. But as with any other medical matter, it is important to figure out the cause before the problem can be solved.
There are many explanations as to why a couple may be struggling with infertility – Research has shown that:
- 30% of the cause of infertility, is found to be the woman
- 30% of the cause of infertility, is found to be the man
- 30% of the cause of infertility is found to be both male and female
- The final 10% is believed to be that the underlying cause cannot be determined by diagnostic methods used today
The first step is to find out whether there is a chance you, your partner or both of you may be infertile. But what would the doctor need to determine?
Whether you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
This is the most common cause of female infertility, where a hormone imbalance interferes with normal ovulation, and you do not ovulate
You have Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI):
- This is not quite the same as early menopause. POI occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before age 40, although this isn’t quite the same as early Menopause
You have blocked fallopian tubes:
- This can be as a result of inflammatory disease or surgery for an ectopic pregnancy
You have Endometriosis:
- Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue similar to that which lines the interior of the uterus but in a location outside of the uterus
You have physical problems with the uterus:
- These can range from pelvic inflammatory disease, a previous infection, polyps in the uterus, endometriosis or fibroids, scar tissue or adhesions
You have uterine fibroids:
- Clumps of tissue and muscle on the walls of the uterus, which are non-cancerous
Sperm does not fertilise the egg:
- It could be that the sperm quality is poor, or there could be damage to the fallopian tubes, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg
So if you believe you could be suffering from any of the above, we urge you to book an appointment with a fertility clinic to undergo tests, so as to determine the cause of infertility.
Many problems can be solved which could increase your chances of successfully conceiving a child, including finding the perfect egg and or sperm donor should that be your only option after diagnosis.
Remember to stay positive and be kind to yourself through the journey, no matter how hard. We are here, right by your side, every step of the way!
Love EDSA x
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