Conditions that can affect female infertility

Female infertility can be a result of any of the following factors:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility. It results from a hormonal imbalance which is marked by the excess production of male hormones androgen and testosterone in the female body. The problem severely affects ovulation and triggers symptoms like obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal hair growth and acne on the face & body.
• Premature or decreased ovarian reserve- This may be a result of certain diseases and disorders like tubal disease, endometriosis as well as treatments procedures like chemotherapy or prior ovarian surgery.
• Premature ovarian failure- This is usually the result of an autoimmune response or premature depletion of the egg reserves due to a genetic condition or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
• Hyperprolactinemia- The condition is marked by excessive production of prolactin which disrupts the estrogen production and leads to infertility. The condition may also be triggered by certain medication that has been recommended to treat or manage some other health issue.
• Tubal infertility- The condition is marked by severe damage to the fallopian tubes which may be triggered by a chronic disease, obstruction, scarring or congenital malformations, all of which prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
• Endometriosis- The condition is marked by the out-growth of the uterus lining to the surrounding organs and structures which can trigger unhealthy scarring that eventually blocks the reproductive tract. Endometriosis can severely impact the endometrial lining, thereby disrupting the implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Congenital abnormalities- This refers to the structural or functional uterine abnormalities that are present since birth.
• Fibroids and polyps- These can obstruct the reproductive tract as well as disrupt the implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Hypothalamic dysfunction- The condition is marked by the disrupted production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which are responsible for stimulation ovulation every month. This may be a result of excess physical or emotional strain, obesity or a recent substantial weight gain or loss and is recognized by symptoms like irregular periods.

Fertility tests for the female partner

• Sonogram- Also known as ultrasound, Sonogram is a highly specialized imaging technique that resorts to the use of sound waves to thoroughly examine the pelvic area. It helps to diagnose and evaluate structural abnormalities and malformations in the uterus as well as to detect ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids etc.
• Blood tests- Commonly known as blood hormone tests, these are to be performed at various stages of the menstruation cycle to assess the levels of hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone and prolactin in the blood. This also helps to assess the quality of the eggs produced.
• Ovarian reserve test- The test is performed so as to determine the quality and quantity of the eggs present in the ovaries especially in women who are at a higher risk of egg depletion. This includes

• Advanced age (above 35 years)
• Family history of premature menopause
• Personal history of reproductive surgery
• Personal history of chemotherapy

• Laparoscopy- The procedure uses minimally invasive techniques to examine the reproductive tract and associated structures to detect problems like endometriosis, scarring, blockage, structural irregularities etc.
• Sonohysterogram- It is an imaging technique that helps to generate very clear and precise images of the uterus and is carried out using a transvaginal ultrasound technique by filling the uterine cavity with a saline solution.
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - Also known as uterosalpingography, it uses precise x-ray techniques to examine the shape and patency of the reproductive tract.