FEMALE INFERTILITY
Female Factors :
- Poor cervical mucus.
- Abnormal Post Coital Test - PCT.
- Immunological factors at cervix.
- Anatomical defects of wife.
The ovulation induction is done with the help of tablets or injections to increase the
availability of number of eggs at a proper time. This increases chance of number of embryos formed
resulting in to higher chance of conceiving.
The process of follicle development is monitored with Trans Vaginal Sonography - TVS and color Doppler. When follicles are ready, hCG injection is given for final maturations of oocyte and its release (Rupture of follicle).
Prepared sperm sample (washed semen) is injected in to the uterus with the help of a thin, soft tube (canula). This process of injecting sperm in the uterus is called Intra Uterine Insemination - IUI. The female is advised to rest for 10 minutes and then she can go back to her routine daily activity.
Achieving pregnancy requires that your ovaries produce and release an egg, a process known as ovulation. Your doctor can help evaluate your menstrual cycles and confirm ovulation.
Ovulation Disorders :
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) : In PCOS, complex changes occur in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries, resulting in a hormone imbalance, which affects ovulation. PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and obesity, abnormal hair growth on the face or body, and acne. It's the most common cause of female infertility.
- Hypothalamic dysfunction : The two hormones responsible for stimulating ovulation each month — follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) — are produced by the pituitary gland in a specific pattern during the menstrual cycle. Excess physical or emotional stress, a very high or very low body weight, or a recent substantial weight gain or loss can disrupt this pattern and affect ovulation. The main sign of this problem is irregular or absent periods.
- Premature ovarian insufficiency : This disorder is usually caused by an autoimmune response where your body mistakenly attacks ovarian tissues or by premature loss of eggs from your ovary due to genetic problems or environmental insults such as chemotherapy. It results in the loss of the ability to produce eggs by the ovary, as well as a decreased estrogen production under the age of 40.
- Too much prolactin : Less commonly, the pituitary gland can cause excess production of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia), which reduces estrogen production and may cause infertility. Most commonly this is due to a problem in the pituitary gland, but it can also be related to medications you're taking for another disease.
