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We understand that for the many single women and couples dealing with infertility, receiving a diagnosis and understanding the treatment can be a long, lonely and frustrating process. Below are guides to some of the most common fertility problems and treatments.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common female hormone imbalance that may affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiovascular system and physical appearance. The term describes the appearance of cysts in the ovaries on an ultrasound scan. This imbalance in hormone production means that egg ovulation may occur irregularly or not at all, making it difficult to get pregnant naturally.
How do I know if I have PCOS?
Women with PCOS may experience at least two of the following criteria:
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissues lining the uterus starts growing elsewhere in the body such as on the ovaries, bowel, bladder and other areas of the pelvic region. Endometriosis is typically diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 to 35 and commonly first presents itself with pelvic pain, along with menstrual period. Although cramping is common during menstrual period, the menstrual pain associated with endometriosis is far more than usual and the pain increases over time. This can cause physical discomfort, irregular bleeding and infertility.
Tubal Factor Infertility is a common cause of female infertility and is caused by blocked fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes which connect the ovary to the uterus, pick up an egg each month during ovulation from the ovary and transport it to meet a man’s sperm. This is also where fertilisation takes place. A blockage in the fallopian tubes will not allow the egg and sperm to meet or the embryo may implant in the tube, resulting in ectopic pregnancy.
Are there any symptoms of tubal blockage?
Most women with tubal infertility do not show symptoms and are unaware that their fallopian tubes are blocked until they consult a doctor for infertility, although women with extensive tubal damage may experience chronic pelvic pain.
The fallopian tubes may be blocked due to a number of reasons including:
It is advisable to consult your physician who can test for the presence of blocks, scars or any damage to the fallopian tubes. Surgery and IVF treatment are common and successful treatment options to improve the couple’s chances of conception.
Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant, or to carry a pregnancy to term, following the birth of one or more biological children, when the birth of the first child did not involve any assisted reproductive technologies or fertility medications.
Are we experiencing Secondary Infertility?
Secondary Infertility is common and often not talked about. The ease with which the first child was conceived results in many couples being caught off guard by a diagnosis of secondary infertility when trying to get pregnant again. Most doctors advise the couple to not be concerned unless they have been trying to conceive for at least one year and the female partner is under the age of 35. If the female partner is over 35 and have been trying for 6 months, the couple should consult a physician. Women over 30 with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular cycles, etc., and men with known low sperm count are advised to not wait one year to seek medical advice.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve is a condition in which the ovaries lose their normal reproductive potential, resulting in infertility. Although this is most commonly caused by aging, it can also be caused by disease, endometriosis, pelvic infection, chemotherapy or injuries caused by previous surgery.
What can I do about my diminishing ovarian reserves?
Once the physician has identified that the ovarian reserves are diminished the couple is advised to promptly plan to reproduce before fertility is further compromised.
Irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by hormonal imbalances and can affect a woman’s fertility. If menstrual cycles are irregular, the chances of ovulation are lower as the ovaries are releasing eggs less frequently than normal.
What can I do about my irregular menstrual cycle?
Having irregular periods indicates that ovulation may not be happening which makes it a challenge to plan a pregnancy. Although in most cases irregular menstrual cycles are treatable, it is important to be evaluated for other conditions that could interfere with ovulation, such as thyroid conditions or abnormalities of the adrenal or pituitary glands.
Infertility can be caused by uterine growths which are tissue enlargements of the uterus. These are benign (non-cancerous) growths which include uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and uterine polyps which interfere with the normal functioning of the uterus.
Do these growths cause any symptoms?
Spotting during sexual intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding or irregular periods, are all symptoms of adenomyosis, uterine polyps and fibroids. Some fibroids may interfere with pregnancy and cause infertility, while adenomyosis, although benign, can enlarge the uterus and appear to be a growth.
A physician can diagnose the presence of such growths through ultrasound, hysteroscopy or examination under a microscope of a uterine tissue sample.
Low Sperm Count or Oligospermia is one of the main causes of male infertility and refers to a lower concentration than normal of sperm in the semen. A man’s fertility depends on the quantity and quality of his sperm. If the sperm is of low or poor quality, it will be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for him to cause a pregnancy.
Why is my sperm count low?
A low sperm count can be caused by many factors including ageing, testicular trauma, poor health, varicocele, chemotherapy and radiation. An amount of less than 15 million sperm/ml is known to be a low sperm concentration or count and could also indicate reduced sperm morphology or motility. Your physician will determine the root cause of the low count and recommend treatment options including a supplemental hormone regime to help improve the quality of sperm
How can I increase my sperm count?
Lifestyle and nutrition improvements have been shown to make a remarkable difference in men whose habits affect their fertility and sperm count. At Orchid Fertility clinic, our Holistic approach to fertility care offers lifestyle support to improve the health and quality of life of couples. To discuss your symptoms and medical history, book an appointment with Midlands Fertility clinic today
How can we help you?
The male body requires a wide variety of nutrients to produce balanced hormones and healthy sperm which includes a whole food diet to nourish the body. Midlands Fertility Centre provides a holistic approach to fertility care that encompasses nutrition and lifestyle support.
Obstructive Azoospermia refers to a condition where the man produces sperm normally, but the reproductive tract for both testicles are blocked. In such a case no measurable amount of sperm can get into the semen. Thus, sperm is produced but not ejaculated.
How is it diagnosed?
Our doctors are specialized in the treatments of obstructive azoospermia beginning with a thorough physical examination and assessment of past medical history to diagnose the condition. They may recommend surgery to fix the blocked tubes or to establish connections that may not have developed as a result of congenital defects. This can help to safely and effectively restore the flow of your sperm. Should you not opt for surgery, our specialists can help extract sperm from the testicles, epididymis and the vas deferens. The extracted sperm is then used to attempt pregnancy via IVF
Retrograde Ejaculation happens when the semen enters the bladder instead of going out via the urethra. Healthy and normally produced sperm is not ejaculated as a result. While the condition is harmless, infertility is a consequence.
Can this be reversed?
Retrograde is quite uncommon and the presence of semen in the bladder is harmless. The semen, mixed with the urine, will exit the body through normal urination. Retrograde ejaculation does not affect a man’s ability to get an erection or have an orgasm.
Unless the couple is attempting to start a family with no success, retrograde ejaculation does not require treatment. In such instances, the doctor will recommend a treatment based on the underlying cause which could be nerve damage caused by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, certain surgeries, and other conditions or treatments.
How can we help you?
Stress, depression, and other lifestyle factors may often be associated with retrograde ejaculation. A holistic treating plan is very beneficial in reducing stress and aid in improving overall health. Midlands Fertility Centre provides a holistic approach to fertility care that encompasses nutrition and lifestyle support.
Please reach out to us if you have any queries. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible and answer any questions you may have.
Kilminchy Court, Kilminchy, Portlaoise, Ireland, R32 CP30.
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