Treatment Methods in Female Infertility

What is Infertility?

Infertility is the inability of a couple to have a child one year after regularly trying to have a baby through unprotected sex. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive system disorders, lifestyle factors, and genetic factors.

In women, infertility can be caused by problems such as ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or age-related fertility decline. In men, infertility can be caused by problems such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility or morphology, or blocked sperm ducts.

Infertility can be a frustrating and emotionally challenging experience for couples trying to conceive. However, with the help of medical treatments such as fertility drugs, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and lifestyle changes, many couples can overcome infertility and successfully start a family.

What Are the Symptoms of Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive despite regular and unprotected sexual intercourse for one year. Some couples can get pregnant naturally after this period, while others may need medical attention. Here are some signs of infertility that may indicate the need for medical attention:

• - Irregular menstrual cycles: Women with irregular menstrual cycles or experiencing heavy or painful periods may have trouble getting pregnant.
• - Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances can cause a range of symptoms such as irregular menstruation, acne, weight gain or loss, and hair growth in unusual places. These imbalances can interfere with ovulation, making it harder to get pregnant.
• - Pain during sexual intercourse: Pain during sexual intercourse may be a sign of an underlying condition such as endometriosis that can affect fertility.
• - Abnormal semen analysis: Men with abnormal semen analysis results, such as low sperm count or poor motility, may have trouble conceiving their partner.
• - Age: As women get older, their fertility decreases and the risk of infertility increases. Women over the age of 35 may have difficulty conceiving naturally and may need medical attention.
• - Previous medical conditions or treatments: Some medical conditions or treatments, such as cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can affect fertility in both men and women.

It's important to note that some couples may not experience any infertility symptoms and the only indication may be the inability to get pregnant after a year of trying. If you have concerns about your fertility, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider.

What are the Treatment Methods in Female Infertility?

Various treatment methods are available, depending on the underlying cause of female infertility. Some of the common treatment methods are:

• - Fertility drugs: Fertility drugs are drugs that stimulate ovulation, which increase the chances of getting pregnant. Clomiphene citrate is a commonly used fertility drug that is taken by mouth. It works by stimulating the release of hormones that trigger ovulation. Other fertility drugs include gonadotropins and letrozole.
• - Intrauterine insemination (IUI): IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This can help improve the chances of fertilization by bypassing any cervical mucus or other barriers that may prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. IUI can be used with fertility drugs to increase the chances of pregnancy.
• - In Vitro Fertilization Treatment (IVF): In vitro fertilization is the process of collecting eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them outside the body in a laboratory environment. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus. IVF is usually used when other treatments have failed or when there are problems such as blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes.
• - Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): ICSI is a type of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. This technique can be used when there are problems with sperm count, motility or morphology.
• - Surgery: Surgery may be needed to correct any physical abnormality that can cause infertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. In some cases, surgery may be used to remove cysts or other growths that may affect fertility.
• - Assisted screening: Assisted screening is a technique used during IVF to help the embryo emerge from its protective outer layer and facilitate implantation into the uterus. This technique can be used when there are problems with the embryo's ability to hatch.
• - Donor eggs: Donor eggs can be used when the woman's eggs are not viable or when there are problems with egg quality or quantity. Donor eggs are fertilized with the partner's or donor's sperm and the resulting embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus.
• - Surrogacy: Surrogacy may be an option when a woman's uterus cannot support the pregnancy. In this case, a surrogate carries the pregnancy on behalf of the couple using the couple's own embryos or embryos created using donor eggs and sperm. In addition, it should be known that surrogacy is prohibited in our country, as in many countries.

It is important to remember that the appropriate course of treatment for female infertility will depend on the underlying cause and consultation with a fertility specialist is recommended to determine the best course of action.

What are the Causes of Infertility?

Infertility can have a variety of causes, which may be due to one or more factors. Some of the most common causes of infertility include:

• - Age: As women get older, the number and quality of eggs in their ovaries decrease, making it difficult to conceive.
• -Ovulation disorders: Problems with ovulation can make it difficult for the ovaries to release healthy eggs, which can lead to infertility. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or other medical conditions.
• - Tubal obstruction or damage: Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from meeting with the sperm and fertilizing it.
• - Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the tissue surrounding the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing scarring and damage to the reproductive organs.
• - Male factors: Male infertility can be caused by problems such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility or abnormal sperm shape.
• - Genetic factors: In some cases, genetic factors can contribute to infertility.
• - Lifestyle factors: Some lifestyle factors can also affect fertility, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use or obesity.
• - Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or diabetes, can affect fertility in both men and women.
• - Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins such as pesticides or chemicals can also affect fertility.

It is important to note that infertility can have multiple causes and it may be necessary to undergo diagnostic tests and medical evaluations to determine the root cause of infertility.

Op. Dr. Şükran Esra KAYKI

Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist

IVF Treatment Specialist