Fertility Problems

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There are various fertility conditions and fertility problems that can affect your chances of becoming pregnant. Below are some of the most common.

Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which tiny patches of the same tissue as the lining your uterus develop in other areas of the pelvis, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Having endometriosis can reduce your odds of getting pregnant.

During your menstrual cycle, these patches, just like the uterine lining, thicken, and also discharge blood during menstruation. Ovarian endometriosis takes the form of blood-filled pockets on the ovaries sometimes referred to as "chocolate cysts".

Symptoms Common symptoms of endometriosis include extremely painful periods, as well as pain during intercourse and constant aching pain in the pelvic region, lower back, abdomen and buttocks. Endometriosis affects fertility because it can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, although it has been linked to hormone levels.

Treatments A laparoscopy is the only form of fertility testing that can definitively diagnose this condition, and it is also allows for the most effective way to treat endometriosis. During a laparoscopy, your specialist will identify and remove as many endometriotic spots as possible. While this does not prevent new spots from developing, it can improve your chances of getting pregnant. Studies have found that in cases of mild to moderate endometriosis, removing endometriotic spots improved the chances of conceiving for women under 40 years of age by up to 75% in the first 36 weeks after treatment

Hormonal Imbalance A hormonal imbalance is in fact an allergic reaction to the normal functioning of hormones in the body. Each month, the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, vary in the amount that they are produced, depending on such factors such as diet, nutrition, stress and above all, ovulation.

A hormonal imbalance can be diagnosed using a hormonal imbalance test, which can include either a blood test or a saliva test.

Treatment options for hormonal imbalances depend on the type of imbalance and the resulting infertility condition.

Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in the uterus, generally during a woman’s childbearing years. They are not linked to an increased risk of cancer and generally do not develop into cancerous growths.

Only a small percentage of cases of uterine fibroids requires treatment. Treatment is usually taken in cases of persistent symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy periods, pain during intercourse, spotting or bleeding between periods and urinary problems.

However, when treatment is required, there are a variety of options available to women.

Medications can help to minimize the size of uterine fibroids, but cannot remove them altogether. Examples of some effective medications in the treatment of uterine fibroids include androgens and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists.

There are also surgical treatment options available. A myomectomy can remove fibroids, however there is a risk of recurrence associated with this type of surgery.

On the other hand, a hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire uterus is removed. It is the only procedure that permanently eliminates the risk of uterine fibroids; however, it is a major surgical procedure and women who have performed and ends your ability to get pregnant.