Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Infertility is medically recognized as a problem when couples are unable to conceive a child after trying for one year without success. Unfortunately, about fifteen percent of all couples will experience this problem with many being diagnosed with some form of reproductive disorder. Many couples will choose reproductive endocrinology in Santa Fe to diagnose the problem and apply the appropriate treatments. For women, there are common disorders that can affect fertility, but can be treated for successful pregnancy.

Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are a common disorder, which can affect fertility in women. These fluid-filled sacs can form on an ovary and cause infertility problems if they disrupt ovulation or cause an obstruction for fertilization. Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous in women of childbearing age and can be aspirated using laparoscopy or through the vagina. The woman is then placed on birth control pills for about three to four months to prevent the recurrence of the cyst.

Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop on the wall of the uterus. They can range in size from very small to as large as a grapefruit. These growths usually do not produce symptoms if they are smaller, however if they do grow large, they can press against other organs, causing pain and fertility problems. Fibroids are a common disorder that often affects women between the ages of 30 and 45. This occurs when fibroids grow large inside the uterus, causing difficulties with embryo implantation or causing early miscarriages. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the fibroid.

Endometriosis
A leading cause of infertility in women is endometriosis. This condition affects the lining tissue of the uterus. As the condition progresses, the uterine tissue begins to grow outside of the uterine cavity where it can attach to abdominal organs or other reproductive organs. During menstruation, the tissue will swell with blood, behaving the same as if it were in the uterus. As the blood becomes trapped inside the tissues and is not released through the vagina, scar tissue, cysts or adhesions can form resulting in severe pain. This can affect fertility as these abnormal growths develop on fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs. The reproductive endocrinologist can treat endometriosis surgically or by blocking the menstrual cycle for a few months.

Pelvic Adhesions
Pelvic adhesions are fibrotic tissue or scars that occur around the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes often resulting from previous venereal diseases or pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic adhesions can cause fertility problems when they interfere with ovulation, but can be removed surgically.

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