Infertility is defined as inability to successfully get pregnant despite having regular sex on fertile days, when not using birth control methods.

There is no specific time period to say that a couple is infertile as it can take from several months up to an year to conceive successfully. Statistics point that; about 1 in 7 couples are unsuccessful in getting pregnant within a year of trying. Though, more than half of these couples will conceive in the year, without any fertility treatment.
I advise my patients to undergo some preliminary tests if they have failed to conceive after one year. If the woman is over 35 years of age, I suggest, meeting a fertility specialist soon after six moths of active trying, as age impacts fertility.

There are various factors in a woman that can lead to unsuccessful pregnancy. One of the first most to check is, if ovulation is happening successfully, that is, if ovaries are producing eggs and producing them regularly, every month. One of the reasons in women aged over 40 years could be Menopause. Menopause usually occurs after 40 years of age but it may even start, as early as, after 35 years in some cases.

A woman’s reproductive system is a more complex process compared to men.

LET US LOOK AT KNOWN FACTORS THAT IMPACT FERTILITY IN WOMAN:

1. One of the most common factors leading to infertility is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Small cyst(s) grow in ovaries, which cause hormonal imbalance leading to unsuccessful pregnancy. Irregular and painful periods, acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain are some symptoms associated with PCOS. Its timely detection and medication can avert long-term damage.
2. Stress and age are two factors that lead to hormonal imbalance, which could be a culprit when it comes to conceiving successfully. Excessive or inadequate production of hormones like Thyroxin produced by Thyroid gland and Prolactin produced by Pituitary gland can also be a hindrance when trying to get pregnant. Both of these are easily detected by blood tests and can be treated with oral medication.
3. Almost up to 40% women suffer with tubal infertility. This occurs when one or both fallopian tubes, one connecting to each side of the uterus, which helps the egg from the ovaries to reach the uterus, are obstructed. The blockage can be in one of both the tubes, therefore diminishing or completely zeroing the chances to conceive naturally. A x-ray test, called HCG, using dyes is performed to see if there is a tubal blockage. In case of a blockage is detected, laparoscopic surgery is performed to treat the scared tissue, or the surgeon may need to completely remove the affected fallopian tube. If one or both tubes are removed, there is small to no chance of a normal conception and the couple may need to go ahead with assisted conception methods like IVF. Tubal infertility is an extensive topic and I would take it up separately in another post later.
4. Endometriosis is another anomaly that occurs in 1 out of 20 patients I see. In this case the endometrium tissues, a tissue that line the uterus (womb), grows outside of the uterus affecting ovaries, fallopian tubes and scars the tissue lining your pelvis. This tissue sheds in every period cycle and reforms leading to painful and abnormal periods. This unwanted tissue growth prevents a successful pregnancy in many ways.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is another common cause of infertility. It can be caused by an infection in the uterus and fallopian tubes causing scarring and damage, which in turn may block the passage for egg to travel down to uterus through fallopian tubes.
6. Occurrence of fibroids in uterus is also attributed towards infertility. This can be treated through medicines or invasive surgical procedures.
7. Any long-term chronic illness like diabetes, cancer or a genetic disorder can affect ovulation. Chemotherapy medication can interfere with fertility in women.
8. Obesity and anorexia can trigger hormonal imbalance, affecting ovulation and thus overall fertility.

Successful conception is a multifaceted process that involves both man and woman. And both partners must be able to successfully carry out their parts to result in a successful pregnancy. In my next blog I will talk about the factors that impact fertility in males. Till then, I will leave you with the wisdom to take notice of the small signs your body shows you from time to time and take action by consulting a doctor to find out if you need any medical help!