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Contents 6
Female Infertility
Female infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy within 1 year despite regular sexual intercourse. Worldwide, about 1 in every 10-15 couples experiences infertility. A detailed history and gynecological examination are very important when investigating female infertility. The history includes information such as menstrual pattern, frequency of intercourse, pregnancy history, past illnesses, and medication use. During the gynecological examination, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are evaluated.
Laboratory
Laboratory testing also plays an important role in the evaluation 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 day 3 of the cycle
Other Methods Used in Infertility Investigation
Other methods used in the investigation of infertility include:
Hysterosalpingography
Hysteroscopy
Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography
Laparoscopy
Causes of Female Infertility
Among the causes of female infertility, ovulation disorders, uterine, tubal, and cervical factors take their place in order of frequency.
Ovulation Disorders
The most common cause of female infertility is ovulation disorders. Possible causes of 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 disorders (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), tumors, trauma, or radiotherapy affecting the hypothalamic or pituitary region (e.g. prolactinoma), and the breastfeeding period
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Premature ovarian failure
Chronic liver or kidney disease, Cushing's syndrome
Tubal Factors
The most common tubal cause of infertility is pelvic inflammatory disease. Other frequent causes include endometriosis, adhesions from previous surgeries, tubal polyps, and hydrosalpinx. Demonstrating tubal patency is one of the important steps in the investigation of infertility.
Cervical Factors
Examination of the cervix is an important step in the evaluation of infertility. Any cervical abnormalities or chronic inflammation that are found should be treated. These conditions can cause infertility by narrowing the cervical canal and reducing the mucus produced by the normal cervical glands.
Treatment of female infertility varies depending on the cause. For ovulation disorders, medication or IVF treatment may be applied. For factors related to the uterus, tubes, or cervix, surgical treatment may be required.
Consulting a specialist physician for the treatment of female infertility is very important for monitoring the process and ensuring successful treatment. At our clinic in Antalya, we offer advanced treatment options for female infertility.