Female infertility is defined as not being able to become pregnant despite trying for one year, in women under age 35, or despite trying for six months in women 35 and over.
What causes Female Infertility?
Most women are not aware of the fact that they are unable to naturally reproduce until they try to become pregnant. The most common reason for infertility with women is a tubal blockage which can be the effect of an infection. The egg needs to travel through the tubes to reach the uterus, but if there is a blockage this is being prevented.
While 55 percent of infertility problems couples face are the result of female infertility factors, there are a numerous causes for this other than tubal blockage.
Female Infertility Factors
Blocked fallopian tubes– Unfertilized eggs released after ovulation travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus where fertilization occurs. A blockage in the fallopian tubes prevents released eggs reaching the uterus making conception difficult. Women with blocked fallopian tubes are also at increased risk of ectopic pregnancies. Obstructions in the fallopian tubes are commonly caused by scarring as a result of endometriosis, infection or pelvic inflammatory disease. Often only one fallopian tube is blocked. In a procedure called a salpingectomy, IVF specialists in Mexico can seal this tube completely to force all unfertilized, released eggs to travel through the healthy tube. Blockages can often be removed through re-canalization, or the removal of the blockage through the uterus using a small instrument. If the blockage in the tubes is larger, a laparoscopy is performed to allow surgeons in Mexico to clearly see the blocked tubes. An incision is made in the abdomen and a small camera is passed into the tubes to guide the procedure.
Ovulation issues– Another factor is irregular menstrual cycles leading to irregular ovulation. Irregular ovulation is commonly caused by hormonal changes and can be regulated by drugs. Ovulation, the release of an unfertilized egg, occurs after the menstrual cycle. If a woman’s’ cycle changes, ovulation can be affected. Polycystic ovaries, premature menopause and serious infection are factors that may affect ovulation and cause fertility problems. Irregular ovulation caused by contraceptive use or dramatic changes in weight, may be referred to as temporary infertility and can usually be re-regulated through hormone tablets and time. IVF treatment is an effective treatment for ovulation issues, including fertility drugs which stimulate ovulation.
Polycystic Ovaries (PCOS)– As one of the most communal causes of infertility, polycystic ovaries is a disease that affects one in five women. PCOS is a disease where one or both ovaries are covered in multiple cysts. Affecting pre-menopause women, cysts prevent the ovaries producing enough hormones to stimulate egg production. Treatment for infertility caused by PCOS is ovulation stimulating fertility drugs followed by infertility treatment such as IVF in Mexico.
Endometriosis– Endometriosis is a serious illness that can leave women with severe internal scarring ultimately causing fertility issues. While causing tissue builds up on the walls of the uterus, the ovaries and inside the fallopian tubes, endometriosis is one of the most common infertility factors in women up to age 35.
Infertility problems caused by endometriosis frequently require egg harvesting and in vitro treatment.
Miscarriage– Women who are able to get pregnant but are unable to carry a pregnancy to term are defined as infertile and are able to seek infertility treatment. Recurrent miscarriages can be caused by the body generating too much of the natural hormones that prevent embryos implanting.
In effect, the body views the embryo as an antibody and fights the pregnancy. IVF specialists in Mexico can use a combination of antibodies derived from donor blood to prevent your body repelling the pregnancy and allow the embryo to successfully implant into the uterus and the placenta to develop naturally.
Age– Age is a factor in male and female infertility. Women are able to conceive children from the time of the first menstrual cycle until menopause. The age these processes occur varies, however women between the ages of 19-35 are more likely to become pregnant without help. After age 35 the chances of getting pregnant decrease and this demographic of women is most likely to require infertility treatment. The risk of miscarriage increases as women age, with consecutive miscarriages common in women over the age of 40.