Infertility Basics
Infertility is defined by the Hormone Foundation as the inability of a sexually active couple, not using any birth control, to get pregnant after one year of trying.
Some find that when they are ready to have a baby, they can’t. What could inhibit fertility? More importantly, what needs to happen for a successful pregnancy to occur? First, the woman needs to be able to develop an egg in her ovaries. This enables ovulation, the next step, to occur. Ovulation happens when the egg is released into the fallopian tube. Then, the man must have sperm to meet and fertilize the egg in the fallopian tube. Lastly, the fertilized egg has to be able to travel through the fallopian tube and implant itself into the lining of the uterus. All four factors are must-haves. If anyone of these processes is nonexistent or malfunctioning, there is danger of infertility.
Now, let’s talk about some reasons for infertility. It is important to mention that one quarter of infertility is caused by a problem with ovulation, as reported by the Hormone Foundation. This could mean a hormonal imbalance or an injury to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, both of which produce hormones as well. Other factors that interrupt ovulation could be attributed to body weight (too much or too little), being overstressed, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid conditions, premature ovarian failure and even certain adrenal gland disorders.
Other infertility causes not related to ovulation are:
A women’s age
Damage or blocked fallopian tubes
Benign uterine fibroids
Infection
Sexually transmitted diseases
Certain medications – antidepressants, tranquilizers, or anti-cancer drugs
Narcotics
Exposure to radiation
Timing of intercourse
Chronic diseases – kidney, liver or sickle cell disease; chronic infections (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, C and tuberculosis)
After a couple senses that there is a problem, it is important to seek medical assistance. Doctors will not only run tests and perform examinations, but they will also look at your medical history in order to get the full picture of what’s happening.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Thanks for the article-- there are many women suffering from infertility who I am sure will appreciate your article and find very helpful.
February 4, 2010 - 2:50pmThis Comment
Thanks Rosa.
February 4, 2010 - 3:23pm