Being a mother is something many women dream of but some women find it extremely difficult to live this dream. infertility is the inability to conceive a child in 12 months or more of well-timed unprotected intercourse. The risk of infertility increases with age. Infertility can affect both men and women and can be triggered by a number of factors. The risks of infertility increase with age. Obesity or being extremely underweight, smoking and alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of infertility. In addition, a diet that is deficient in zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 can aggravate problems with conception. Ovulation and sperm production may also be affected by stress and exposure to chemicals, pesticides, etc. Thankfully, in most cases, infertility is not a condition one has to live with. Treatment for infertility depends on the factors triggering infertility. Hence, the first step to deal with infertility is to understand the factors that cause this condition. Two of the most common causes of infertility include:
Anovulation: Anovulation refers to the absence of ovulation. This condition is often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome. If an egg is not released by the ovaries, it cannot be fertilized by sperm and hence causes difficulties with conception.
Tubal infertility: A blocked fallopian tube or scarring on the fallopian tube can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, STDS or endometriosis.
Fertility treatment includes
Ovulation induction: This involves stimulating ovaries in women suffering from anovulation and infertility with the help of medication. This can also be used to treat infertility caused by the polycystic ovarian syndrome. Ovulation can be induced with oral and injectable medication. The success of this form of treatment depends on the age of the woman, cause and the type of medication used.
Artificial insemination: Intrauterine insemination can be used to treat unexplained infertility, early stages of Endometriosis, hostile cervical condition, including cervical mucus problems and ejaculation dysfunction in males. The age of the woman plays a significant role in determining the success of this form of treatment. Intrauterine insemination may be accompanied by the use of oral or injectable medication to stimulate ovaries.
Invitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): the Main indication of IVF is damaged or bilateral blockage of Fallopian tubes. This process involves stimulating Ovaries for developing multiple eggs which are then retrieved and fertilized in a laboratory and then embryos are transferred back into the uterus. IVF can be used to treat almost all forms of infertility except those caused by severe anatomic problems with the uterus and has a high success rate.