When Do We Talk About Female Infertility

Information

We talk about infertility when a young couple has been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for at least one year. For a couple over 38 years old, only 6 months of unsuccessful attempts are sufficient. Infertility can be due to various factors on the part of either the woman or the man, or a combination of both. Often the cause of infertility remains unknown.

What are the most common reproductive problems on the woman's side?

There can be many causes, but there are a few that stand out as the most common.

• Ovulation disorders - ovulation disorders are associated with irregular or absent ovulation and are the cause of infertility in about 25% of couples who have such problems. They can be caused by a change in the normal levels of reproductive hormones of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, or by problems in the ovary itself. These disorders can be due to various conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, hypothalamic dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, or increased prolactin production.
• Fallopian tube blockage - when the integrity of the fallopian tubes is impaired or they are blocked, this prevents the sperm from reaching the egg, or stops the movement of the already fertilized egg from the tube to the uterus. The causes of this can be:
  • Pelvic infection, infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes as a result of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other sexually transmitted infections
  • Previous surgery in the abdominal or pelvic area, including surgery for ectopic pregnancy
  • Pelvic tuberculosis
• Endometriosis - endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally develops in the uterus implants and develops in other areas. This development of additional tissue and its surgical removal can disrupt the integrity of the fallopian tube and interfere with the fertilization process. Endometriosis can also affect the uterus and interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg. This condition can also indirectly damage the sperm or egg.
• Unexplained infertility - sometimes the cause of infertility cannot be established. It may be due to a combination of minor problems in both partners. Although it is extremely frustrating not to get a specific answer to what is wrong, don't be discouraged, because very often problems resolve themselves over time.

What tests should we do to find out if one of the above problems is involved?

Standard tests usually include:

• Ovulation test - the test is performed at home and detects the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels before ovulation. If the home test is negative, it can be verified with a blood test.
• Hysterosalpingography - during hysterosalpingography, a contrast agent is injected into the uterus and an X-ray is taken to see whether the uterine cavity is normal and whether the contrast agent passes freely from it into the fallopian tubes. If abnormalities are present, additional tests are performed.
• Ovarian reserve testing - through testing of Anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicles, we assess the quality and quantity of the eggs produced.
• Other hormonal tests
• Imaging diagnostics - abdominal ultrasound is a means of diagnosing problems in the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Depending on the patient's condition, additional tests may be required, such as:

• Other imaging tests - depending on the symptoms, hysteroscopy may be required to examine the inside of the uterus for possible diseases and adhesions.
• Laparoscopy - laparoscopic (bloodless) operations are performed to correct the relevant gynecological problem that is preventing successful conception.

A semen analysis of the man is also mandatory, in order to assess the quantity and quality of the sperm.

Is female infertility treatable?

In most cases yes, but it still depends on exactly what the problem is. What treatment will be prescribed depends on the diagnosis made, the patient's age, the duration of the period of unsuccessful attempts to conceive, and other factors.

Since infertility is a complex problem, treatment requires a significant financial, physical, psychological and time investment. For some women, only one or two procedures are needed to achieve pregnancy, but for others a combination of different types of treatment is needed.

What are your impressions from the last year? Is the number of couples with reproductive problems visiting "Vita In Vitro Center" increasing?

Unfortunately, we notice a considerable increase in couples with serious reproductive problems who turn to us for help. The good news is that we are increasingly enjoying successful pregnancies among our patients, and this gives us the incentive to work even harder. We give our best to help more people achieve the child they dream of.