Which means not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying (or 6 months if over age 35) or has recurrent miscarriages. The most common cause being hormone disorder.
Nowadays, with the progress in medicine and technology, problems of infertility can be cured much easier than before. Pharmaceutical treatments assisting reproductive technologies have given many men and women the chance of fertility despite their problems. The most common cause of infertility is hormone disorder and considering the existing statistics and conducted studies on the spouses, 60% of the women had infertility and 40% of men had infertility.
There are different options to cure infertility considering the main cause of infertility. Treatments are usually done with the methods which have less aggressive risk and in case these methods don’t get results, other methods shall be used. Physicians will give the patient the necessary information to select the best therapeutic method after checking both spouses' infertility tests.
Female infertility can manifest in various ways, although the primary sign is the inability to get pregnant despite frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for at least a year. Here are common signs and symptoms:
Menstrual Irregularities: A menstrual cycle that's too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular, or absent can indicate problems with ovulation.
Pelvic Pain: Some women experience pelvic or abdominal pain related to reproductive health issues.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or no periods may signal underlying fertility challenges.
Hormonal Changes: Acne, hair changes, and other hormonal shifts might be associated with infertility.
Recurrent Miscarriages: Multiple miscarriages could indicate fertility issues.
Female infertility can have various causes, such as ovulation problems, fallopian tube damage, uterine or cervical abnormalities, age, or lifestyle factors. Depending on the cause and the severity of the infertility, different treatments may be available, such as:
Medicines: These are used to stimulate or regulate ovulation, or to improve the quality of the eggs or the sperm. Some common medicines are clomiphene, metformin, gonadotrophins, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. These are usually taken as tablets or injections and may have side effects such as nausea, headaches, or multiple pregnancy.
The cost of Infertility treatment may vary based on the patient's specific surgical needs, surgeons' fees, and surgery center or hospital fees.
Infertility is generally defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. Since fertility in women is known to decrease with age, a woman over the age of 35, should see a doctor if they haven’t become pregnant after 6 months of unprotected sex.
A most common cause of infertility is caused by problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries). While some problems stop an egg from being released, others prevent an egg from being released during some cycles but not others.
Age / Hormone issues preventing ovulation / Abnormal menstrual cycle / Obesity / Being underweight / Low body-fat content from extreme exercise / Endometriosis / Structural problems (with the Fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries)
Since the causes of female infertility can be difficult to diagnose. Many infertile couples will go on to conceive a child without treatment.
You might want to see your doctor if you’re experiencing: - Abnormal periods: Bleeding is heavier or lighter than usual. - Irregular periods: The number of days in between each period varies each month. - No periods: You have never had a period, or periods suddenly stop. - Painful periods: Back pain, pelvic pain, and cramping may happen.
Depending on the cause, infertility can be cured through various fertility treatments, including therapies, medications, IUI or IVF procedures, and more. Many types of treatment help couples conceive and result in successful delivery.
In short: Yes. It’s certainly possible to struggle with infertility and still have a period every month.
Surgery: This is used to correct or remove any physical problems that may interfere with fertility, such as endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, or blocked fallopian tubes. Surgery may be done by laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or open surgery, and may have risks such as infection, bleeding, or damage to the organs.
Assisted conception: This is when a doctor helps the sperm and the egg to meet outside the body, or inside the body with some assistance. The main types of assisted conception are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). IUI is when the sperm is placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. IVF is when the eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized by the sperm in a laboratory, and then the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus. Assisted conception may have complications such as ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, or multiple pregnancies.
These are some of the common methods of female infertility treatment. However, not all treatments are effective or suitable for every case, and some may have ethical or emotional implications. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and weigh the benefits and risks of each option.
In case there is a disorder in hormonal balance or if hormone reserve reduction causes infertility, pharmaceutical treatment will be used to improve fertility. Intake of fertility medications may improve the performance of the female and male reproductive systems. Even if infertility is diagnosed with an unclear cause, these drug intakes may contribute to a natural pregnancy.
If the man's sperm needs help reaching the ovum, inserting sperm into the uterus at the appropriate time can improve the chance of fertility in the person. This technique is called intrauterine insemination or IUI. In case the sperm cannot reach the ovum, this technique is usually suggested. In this technique, the man's sperm is inserted into the uterus with the instruments through the vagina. This method can be implemented with or without fertility medications for ovarian stimulation.
In case the fallopian tubes are obstructed or the woman suffers from implications of endometriosis, fibroids, anatomic problems of reproductive systems, or ovarian cyst, the physician can diagnose fertility disorder more carefully and solve the problem during surgery by opening the fallopian tube or extracting the tissue.
Yazd is the main pole of infertility treatment in Iran. Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute is known as the main center for the treatment of infertility in Iran and many spouses are referred to this center every year from Iran and neighboring countries, even European countries to treat infertility and get the chance of having a child. 5000 children have been born up to now within Vitro fertilization or IVF techniques in Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute.
Female infertility treatment is the process of helping women who have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. It can involve various methods, such as medicines, surgery, or assisted conception, depending on the cause and the severity of the infertility. The cost of female infertility treatment can vary widely depending on the type of treatment, the country, and the clinic where it is performed.
Iran is one of the countries that offer high-quality and affordable female infertility treatment. Iran has more than 50 fertility centers and many skilled and experienced reproductive endocrinologists who can provide the best medical services for infertile couples.
The cost of female infertility diagnosis in Iran is remarkably affordable. On average, it ranges around 500 USD. Iran is considered one of the very cheapest destinations for international health tourists seeking fertility treatments. The cost of female infertility treatment in Iran depends on several factors, such as the doctor's fee, the facilities and location of the fertility clinic, the fertility medications, the laboratory tests, the number of ultrasounds, the consultation charges, and whether donor sperm or eggs are used, among other factors. However, in general, the cost of female infertility treatment in Iran is much lower than in many other countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Turkey.
Indirect factors affecting female fertility are those that do not directly impair the function of the female reproductive system but may influence the chances of conception or pregnancy by affecting other aspects of health or well-being. Some examples of indirect factors are:
Age: As women get older, their fertility declines due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs, and an increase in the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage.
Stress: Stress can interfere with the hormonal balance, ovulation, implantation, and the overall health of the reproductive system. It can also reduce the frequency and quality of sexual intercourse, and affect the emotional and psychological well-being of the couple.
Lifestyle factors: Being overweight or underweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, or being exposed to environmental toxins can affect the hormonal balance, the quality of the eggs and the sperm, the implantation process, or the overall health of the reproductive system.
Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or infections, can affect the fertility of women by affecting the hormone levels, ovarian function, egg quality, the immune system, or pregnancy outcomes.
Medications and treatments: Some medications and treatments, such as NSAIDs, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, can affect the fertility of women by affecting the hormone levels, the ovarian reserve, the menstrual cycle, or the reproductive organs.
These are some of the indirect factors that can affect female fertility. However, the exact mechanisms and the extent of the effects are not fully understood and may vary depending on the individual susceptibility, the duration and the intensity of the exposure, and the interaction with other factors. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your fertility or your exposure to indirect factors.
Diagnosing female infertility involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential causes. These include:
Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will discuss your menstrual cycles, sexual history, and any relevant health conditions. A thorough physical examination helps assess reproductive organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Ovulation Testing: At-home ovulation prediction kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) before ovulation. Blood tests for hormones like progesterone confirm ovulation.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray procedure where contrast material is injected into the uterus. HSG checks for uterine abnormalities and whether fluid passes through the fallopian tubes.
Ovarian Reserve Testing: Evaluates egg quality and quantity. Recommended for women at risk of diminished egg supply, especially those over 35.
Other Hormone Tests: Assess ovulatory hormones, thyroid function, and pituitary hormones. These play a crucial role in reproductive processes.
Imaging Tests: Pelvic ultrasound examines the uterus and fallopian tubes. Sonohysterogram or hysteroscopy provides detailed views inside the uterus.
Rarely Used Tests: Laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgery to explore fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. Genetic Testing is used for identifying gene changes related to infertility.
Female infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. It can have various causes, some of which are related to the female reproductive system, and some of which are influenced by external factors. Some of the common causes of female infertility are:
Ovulation problems: Ovulation is the process of releasing an egg from the ovaries each month. Some women may have irregular or absent ovulation due to hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, premature ovarian failure, or other conditions. Without ovulation, there is no egg available for fertilization.
Fallopian tube damage or blockage: The fallopian tubes are the pathways that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus. They can be damaged or blocked by infections, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), surgery, or scar tissue. This can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Uterine or cervical abnormalities: The uterus and the cervix are the organs that house and support the developing fetus. They can have structural problems, such as fibroids, polyps, or congenital defects, that can interfere with the implantation or growth of the embryo. They can also have functional problems, such as cervical mucus issues, that can affect the sperm's ability to enter the uterus or survive in the cervical canal.
Age: Age is one of the most important factors affecting female fertility. As women get older, their ovarian reserve (the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries) declines, their ovulation becomes less frequent and regular, and their risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs increases. The chances of conceiving naturally decline significantly after the age of 35.
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle choices and habits can also affect female fertility. These include being overweight or underweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, having too much stress, or being exposed to environmental toxins. These factors can affect the hormonal balance, the quality of the eggs and the sperm, the implantation process, or the overall health of the reproductive system.
Female infertility can be diagnosed by various tests and procedures, such as blood tests, ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy, or genetic testing. Depending on the cause and the severity of infertility, different treatments may be available, such as medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, not all treatments are effective or suitable for every case, and some may have side effects or complications.
