Infertility is a condition that occurs if a woman can't get pregnant during a year of practicing unprotected sex. Many people think that only women can be infertile, but the reality is that both men and women can experience infertility. But before starting any treatment, it is essential to define the exact cause of your issue. This article has gathered five health issues that can cause female infertility.
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium, spreads on the pelvic organs. Many women with endometriosis don't experience any severe symptoms, while others can suffer from:
- Heavy and painful periods
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Spotting (vaginal bleeding between periods)
If the endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries and blocks the Fallopian tubes, a woman can have problems with getting pregnant. Even though endometriosis is incurable, professional endometriosis treatment can help ease its symptoms and even restore fertility.
2. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow on the uterine walls. This condition is extremely common and can affect up to 80 percent of women. However, most cases of fibroids develop asymptomatically or cause mild symptoms. But in some women, fibroids can manifest through pelvic pain, pain during sex, lower back pain, spotting, pelvic pressure, and heavy, prolonged, and painful periods.
If uterine fibroids are large or grow near the Fallopian tubes, they can interfere with egg release and fertilization. If your fibroids don't bother you, watchful waiting may be an option. But fibroids that cause symptoms and infertility should be removed.
3. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that occurs when the pelvic organs become infected and inflamed. In most cases, PID is caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections, but other vaginal infections (if left untreated) can also lead to this condition. PID can cause the following symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Painful periods
- Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell
In the initial stages, PID can be successfully cured with the help of antibiotics. But untreated information can result in scars and adhesions that can block the Fallopian tubes and cause infertility. Unfortunately, such infertility is incurable, but other symptoms can be managed with the help of medications.
4. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman has increased production of male hormones. This condition leads to the development of multiple cysts on the ovaries that interfere with egg production and release.
This means that women with PCOS often experience infertility. Moreover, women with this condition often have acne, increased hair growth, male-pattern baldness, and weight gain. Treatment for PCOS is often aimed at symptom reduction, but some women can also experience fertility improvement.
5. Thyroid issues
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck. It produces hormones that regulate many functions in the body. If the thyroid gland produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) hormones, it can affect your menstrual cycle and even your ability to ovulate. If ovulation doesn't occur, a woman can't get pregnant. So if you have problems with getting pregnant, you should consult an endocrinologist and check your thyroid gland.
The bottom line
Indeed, infertility can be emotionally painful, but there are a lot of treatment options that can help improve your fertility outcomes. However, the earlier you make an appointment with a doctor, the higher your chances of successful treatment. Even though not all causes of infertility can be cured, it is essential to visit a doctor and discuss your issue.