The couples with regular unprotected sex can become pregnant in a year. But there are many other couples who find it quite difficult to conceive naturally. Remember, several lifestyle factors affect female fertility. But in this blog, we will shed some light on 9 health causes of female infertility. Read on to know them and seek treatment at correct time for enjoying your natural pregnancy soon.
- Unexplained infertility
Sometimes, everything seems perfect about the health yet you are not able to conceive naturally. In case you are trying to become pregnant for over a year or above 35 and trying for about 6 months then go to your doctor. They will carry out infertility evaluation to detect the reason behind your infertility.
Sometimes, you may just have unexplained infertility and doctor cannot detect the cause of infertility. You may get frustrated as nothing can help you yet you can have baby through other options. However, sometimes fertility treatment can help in successful conception too.
- Thyroid conditions
Thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones which allow the body to convert the nutrients into energy. As it is quite common, any person can have either overactive or underactive thyroid. You may find it tough to become pregnant naturally because of disruption in the hormonal level that interferes with ovulation and period.
Symptoms for underactive thyroid are:
- Hair loss
- Dry hair and skin
- Slow metabolism
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Low libido
- Recurrent miscarriage or infertility
- Disturbances in menstrual cycle- no period, heavy period or long period
- Goitre
- Slow pulse rate
- Weight gain
- Tiredness
- Low temperature of body
Symptoms for overactive thyroid are:
- Weight loss
- Trembling or twitching
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Swollen neck (goitre)
- Heat sensitivity
- Infertility
- Menstrual disturbances- irregular or lighter periods
- Weakness and tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings
- Irritability, anxiety and nervousness
When you experience any of the said symptoms discuss with the gynaecologist right away. With diagnose and treatment you can plan to expand your family successfully and healthily.
- PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
This hormonal condition is quite common in women during childbearing age. In such instances, eggs won’t develop at normal rate with PCOS. It forms tiny cysts which replace by multiple other small cysts. Although chronic, it is not dangerous at all.
Hence you don’t need surgical removal or it doesn’t form ovarian cancer either. But it affects pregnancy because of immature eggs. You will also start getting irregular periods. Talk to the fertility specialist to have successful natural pregnancies.
- Blocked fallopian tubes
Fallopian tubes have vital role for fertilisation as sperm meets egg here. Then embryo travels to uterus for implantation. Due to blockage in the fallopian tubes, the embryo cannot implant in womb. Without any symptoms, the risk of this condition increases because of STI or from scarring due to Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia.
Other aspects which heighten the risk of block in fallopian tubes:
- Abdominal surgery
- Pelvic infection in past
- Burst appendix
- Endometriosis
Discuss with the doctor in case you are more likely to get this condition. Investigative surgery and ultrasound scan can diagnose and treat the abnormalities perfectly.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis can consume 7 years to get detected as most of its symptoms are identical to that of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It refers to the condition in which tissue develops in fallopian tubes and ovaries.
As a result, you are more likely to experience chronic inflammatory reaction. It is hereditary causing pain and affecting your life significantly. Women with severe infection can experience the following whereas it varies from a person to another:
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Infertility
- Diarrhoea, constipation, nausea and blood in urine
- Bowel opening or painful urination
- Painful sex
- Painful periods
- Pain in chest and legs
- Back or abdominal pain
Fortunately, with correct treatment on time you can become pregnant naturally. However, doctor consultation is must.
- Uterine abnormalities
Women within 30-50 years of age can develop uterine abnormality. There are several conditions which affect fertility. You won’t be able to know about them unless you are not succeeding to conceive naturally.
- Fibroids
Fibroids are quite common that involve non-cancerous growth in uterus. It takes place of fibrous muscle tissue and differs in size. Most women cannot come to know that they have it unless they experience the following symptoms:
- Discomfort and pain at the time of sex
- Constipation
- Frequent urge for urination
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal (tummy) pain
- Painful and heavy periods
Although it is not a problem always for fertility yet surgery is recommended to remove fibroids in case it is there where embryo implants. Even medication can shrink the large fibroids.
- Septate uterus
It refers to muscle walls in the uterus centre splits into two. Sometimes it goes part-way down womb (sub-septate) and full (septate). It increases the probability of preterm birth and miscarriage.
- Uterine abnormalities
Uterine anatomical abnormalities like didelphic uterus, arcuate, unicornuate and bircornate can heighten the risk of premature birth and miscarriage and affect conception too.
- POI (premature ovarian insufficiency)
It refers to early or premature menopause when the ovaries stop functioning properly at all. Diagnose can consume some time and often misdiagnosed as PCOS. If you have high FSH level then it is clear that the ovaries are not functioning at all.
However, it can become erratic in early stages making diagnose difficult. Female hormone blood test checks the level of FSH and thyroid hormone that regulate energy, mood and fertility.
Other POI symptoms are:
- Depression
- Urinary tract infections and vaginal dryness
- Muscle/joint pain
- Low energy level/fatigue
- Memory lapses and difficult in concentration
- Lowered libido
- Low self-esteem
- Panic attacks/anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Hair and skin changes (thinning and dryness)
- Weight gain (around abdomen and waist)
- Palpitations
- Disturbed sleep and insomnia
- Night sweats and hot flushes
- Infertility
In case you develop POI then conceive with IVF or donor egg. Otherwise consult the healthcare provider.
- Drugs and medication
Several drugs and medications come with side effects which badly affect the fertility. If you are under medication then consult with the doctor before your stop taking it.
The drugs and medications affecting the fertility are:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- High doses or long-term use of aspirin and ibuprofen can make pregnancy difficult.
- Chemotherapy- It results in ovarian failure sometimes. Egg freezing is another option for women who want to have the family before treatment.
- Neuroleptic medication- This helps in treating psychosis causing difficulty to conceive.
- Spironolactone- It is helpful for conditions like resistant hypertension, heart failure and oedema. Apart from affecting the fertility, it can reverse if you stop taking the medication. Women who want a family must avoid this condition as it can put bad effects on the growing baby inside.
- Illegal drugs- Cocaine and marijuana will make conception and ovulation difficult than ever.
- Infrequent sex
Infrequent sex can become a reason you are not able to become pregnant. For that you must have regular sex for 2-3 days during the cycle then only you can become pregnant within 12 months. For more information to conceive naturally consult with the gynaecologist.
Conclusion
When you are planning for a baby and becoming pregnant seems difficult consult with the doctor. There are several other couples like you who find it’s stressful to get pregnant. Find a reliable London gynaecology clinic to make the appointment and seek help to conceive naturally. The gynaecologist will check both of your fertility status and provide treatment and advice accordingly.
