If you and your partner are experiencing difficulties having a child, you are not alone. A significant percentage of couples in the United States experience infertility issues. So, what might be causing your infertility?
For starters, there is not a single health concern that primarily causes infertility. Rather, Fort Worth infertility can stem from a combination of various causes. Nonetheless, here are the most common.
- Age
For women, fertility declines naturally as they age. From 35 years, it starts declining at a faster rate. From 40 years, there is a very slight chance of experiencing a healthy pregnancy, and it continually declines until one reaches menopause.
Advanced maternal age is one of the leading causes of infertility, resulting in poorer egg quality and a reduced ovarian reserve. For this reason, the likelihood of a miscarriage is significantly higher.
- Ovulation Disorders
Conditions that disrupt or stop ovulation (the release of an egg every month from the ovaries), like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can render it hard to get pregnant. PCOS is a prevalent ovulation disorder wherein there is a hormonal imbalance that disrupts the reproductive cycle, resulting in irregular or sometimes entirely absent periods.
One of the primary characteristics of PCOS is the existence of several immature ovarian follicles. A huge number of women live with PCOS. Unfortunately, most of these conditions go undiagnosed because they are asymptomatic, besides causing pregnancy problems.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic health condition wherein the tissue that typically lines the uterus develops outside the womb. This condition can lead to varying levels of infertility based on its severity.
Endometriosis could cause anatomical distortions that may affect the functionality of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. Often, women with endometriosis have poorer egg quality, which is likely to cause infertility. Nevertheless, it is still possible to have endometriosis and still enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
- Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that could happen within the uterus. Fibroids are common, affecting a huge percentage of women of reproductive age. However, larger fibroids could affect fertility by resulting in anatomical distortions and blockages.
There are several ways to address fibroids, including oral contraceptive pills and surgical procedures to eliminate the growths, also known as a myomectomy. Your infertility specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on the position, number, and size of the fibroids.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia can directly or indirectly lead to female infertility. If left untreated, these bacterial infections spread to the reproductive system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, causing inflammation, damage, and scarring.
The two main complications caused by STDs likely to cause infertility are damage to the fallopian tubes and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Luckily, if identified and treated early, most STDs hardly have any lasting effects on fertility.
There is nothing as disappointing as unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant. It can be both physically and psychologically overwhelming. Understanding what might be causing your infertility is a great way to ensure you make an informed decision about your reproductive health.
Discuss your concerns with your infertility specialist to explore what solutions can help you fulfill your dream of parenthood. However, it is important to note that men can also experience fertility problems. Therefore, when arranging your appointment, have your partner accompany you.
