Female Infertility
Female infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy within one year despite regular sexual intercourse. Worldwide, approximately 1 in every 10–15 couples experience infertility. A detailed medical history and gynecological examination are very important in the evaluation of female infertility. The medical history includes information such as menstrual regularity, frequency of sexual intercourse, pregnancy history, past illnesses, and medication use. During the gynecological examination, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are evaluated.
Laboratory
Laboratory evaluation also plays an important role in the assessment of female infertility. Ovarian reserve is a term used to describe a woman’s reproductive potential. The laboratory parameters most commonly used to evaluate ovarian reserve are:
FSH, estradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measured on the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle
Other Methods Used in the Evaluation of Infertility
Other methods used in infertility evaluation include:
Hysterosalpingography
Hysteroscopy
Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography
Laparoscopy
Causes of Female Infertility
The causes of female infertility mainly include ovulation disorders, and factors related to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and cervix.
Ovulation Disorders
The most common cause of female infertility is ovulation disorders. Conditions that may lead to ovulation disorders include:
Hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction due to obesity, excessive exercise, stress, anorexia nervosa and bulimia, use of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications, organic defects of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis (e.g., prolactinoma), thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), tumors of the hypothalamic or pituitary region (e.g., prolactinoma), trauma or radiotherapy to this region, and the breastfeeding period
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Premature ovarian insufficiency
Chronic liver or kidney diseases, Cushing’s syndrome
Tubal Factors
The most common cause of tubal infertility is pelvic inflammatory disease. Other frequent causes include endometriosis, adhesions related to previous surgeries, tubal polyps, and hydrosalpinx. Demonstrating tubal patency is one of the most important steps in infertility evaluation.
Cervical Factors
Examination of the cervix is an important step in infertility assessment. Detected cervical anomalies or chronic infections should be treated. These conditions may lead to cervical stenosis and reduced mucus production from normal cervical glands, thereby causing infertility.
Treatment of female infertility depends on the underlying cause. In ovulation disorders, medical treatment or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be applied. In cases related to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or cervix, surgical treatment may be required.
Consulting a specialist physician in the treatment of female infertility is extremely important for proper follow-up and successful treatment. At our clinic in Antalya, we offer advanced treatment options for female infertility.