INFERTILITY

Difficulty Falling Pregnant

Fertility is the ability to conceive and produce offspring. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse.

Infertility can affect men and women of all ages.

When couples are not able to conceive  after having unprotected sex over a long period of time, it is important for both partners to be checked by their physician.

With the advancements in medical technology, it is now possible to treat the condition of infertility.

Dr Mariud can offer a full range of diagnoses and treatment protocols for most causes of infertility in a safe, supportive and caring environment.

Who is at Risk of Infertility?

Your risk of infertility increases with age. Other factors that can cause infertility are:

  • smoking
  • depression, anxiety
  • obesity
  • hormonal imbalance,
  • consumption of excessive alcohol,
  • certain medications

Infertility can be very stressful and frustrating and can place great strain on a couple’s relationship.

What Can Cause Infertility?

It is a myth that infertility is always a “woman’s problem.” About one third of infertility cases are due to problems with the man (male factors) and one third are due to problems with the woman (female factors). One-third of infertility is due to male and female factors. About 10% of cases of infertility is unexplained.

Some of the causes in women may include:

  • Problems with ovulation: Certain conditions, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (ovaries secrete excessive amounts of male hormone testosterone) and hyperprolactinemia (high amounts of prolactin, a hormone that induces the production of breast milk), can prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.
  • Age related - over 38 years
  • Endometriosis
  • Damaged fallopian tubes: Fallopian tubes carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Any damage to them can affect the fertilization of the egg by the sperm. Pelvic surgeries and infections can cause formation of scar tissue that can damage your fallopian tubes.
  • Abnormalities of the cervix and uterus: Abnormal mucus production in the cervix, problems with the cervical opening, abnormal shape and presence of fibroids and endometrial polyps can all contribute to infertility.
  • Premature menopause: Premature menopause occurs when menstruation stops before the age of 40. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. There is often a strong family history.  Treatments for cancer and abnormalities with the immune system have been known to contribute to it.
  • Adhesions: Bands of scar tissue can form in the pelvis after an infection or surgery.
  • Other medical conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and sickle cell disease or kidney diseases can affect the fertility of a woman.
  • Medications: Certain medications have been known to cause temporary infertility. Cessation of those medications can restore fertility in most of the cases.

When to Get Help for Infertility?

You may have reason to be concerned if you:

  • Have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months
  • Are aged in your late thirties or older

And you have:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
  • Painful periods
  • Known history of fertility problems
  • History of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis
  • Prior multiple miscarriages
  • Have had treatment for cancer with drugs and radiation

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