Many factors cause female infertility. To determine your diagnosis and why you may not be able to conceive, Dr. Blotner will focus on the functioning of your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Ovulation disorders
25% of infertility problems are due to problems with ovulation, which is the regular release of eggs from a woman’s ovaries. Women can have irregular/infrequent ovulation and menstruation or even a complete absence of ovulation and a menstrual period, called amenorrhea. Some reasons for this disorder include exercise-induced stress, extreme weight loss, low thyroid levels, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or an excess of prolactin, the breastfeeding hormone.
If you are diagnosed with an ovulation problem, we typically prescribe oral fertility medications, such as Clomid or Serophene, to stimulate follicle growth, egg development, and ovulation. Though Clomid is very effective, if it does not jumpstart ovulation, we may recommend injectable gonadotropins as the next step.
Low ovarian reserve
A woman is born with all the eggs or oocytes she may ovulate or release each month until she reaches menopause. Some women, however, are born with a lower amount or reserve of eggs and prematurely are at risk of not being able to become pregnant with their eggs.
Low ovarian reserve is a common cause of female infertility when women attempt pregnancy in their late 30s and early 40s, but it occasionally happens to much younger women.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of ovulatory dysfunction in reproductive-age women, affecting about 8% of that population. Signs and symptoms include the absence of or irregular menses, with accompanying infertility due to lack of ovulation; obesity; and hirsutism, characterized by dark, coarse hair located on the face, chest, abdomen, and inner thighs.
Doctors can treat PCOS with diet, lifestyle changes, medications, and in vitro fertilization.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a complex, though common, disease process that frequently results in pelvic pain and infertility. It most likely starts with a normal menstrual flow that spills back through the tubes and into the pelvis. It can spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and body parts, leading to a growth and inflammation cycle. Experts estimate that 10% of women have endometriosis, with 50% of infertility patients having it.
Uterine issues
Fibroids, polyps, and structural abnormalities in the uterus can interfere with implantation.
Fallopian tubes
Infection, endometriosis, or scar tissue that forms after surgery can block one or more fallopian tubes. In addition, a previous ectopic pregnancy can cause damage to one of the tubes.
Many factors cause female infertility. To determine your diagnosis and why you may not be able to conceive, Dr. Blotner will focus on the functioning of your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.