0,62 CME

Female Infertility and its cause

Pembicara: Dr Shruti Mane

Obstetrician,Cosmetic Gynecologist,Fertility and IVF specialist, Motherhood Hospitals

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Keterangan

Female infertility refers to the inability of a woman to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term despite regular and unprotected sexual intercourse for a considerable period. It is a complex and emotionally challenging condition that affects a significant number of women worldwide. Various factors can contribute to female infertility, including hormonal imbalances, ovulatory disorders, structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs, and age-related decline in ovarian function. Other potential causes may include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, and previous pelvic surgeries. Lifestyle factors such as excessive stress, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can also impact fertility

Ringkasan

  • Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse (2-3 times/week) for women under 35, and 6 months for those over 35. It can be primary (never conceived) or secondary (conceived previously). The incidence affects 1 in 7 couples and is rising globally. Unexplained infertility occurs when no cause can be identified in either partner.
  • Several factors influence fertility, including intercourse frequency and timing. Two to three times per week is recommended, timed around ovulation. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to tubal infertility. General health factors such as age, nutrition, smoking, alcohol intake, and occupation also play a role.
  • For a female to be fertile, requisites include a normal vagina, cervical mucus, ovulatory cycles, patent fallopian tubes, and a healthy uterus. Common causes of female infertility include pelvic issues (endometriosis, adhesions), uterine issues (unfavorable endometrium, fibroids, malformations), cervical issues (mucus hostility), tubal pathology (infections), and ovarian issues (PCOS, premature failure).
  • Basic infertility workup involves a detailed history and physical examination of both partners, semen analysis, and ovulation evaluation. Tubal patency can be assessed via hysterosalpingography (HSG) or saline infusion sonography (SIS). Interviewing partners together and separately can reveal confidential information.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. There are different types of PCOS, including insulin-resistant, post-pill, inflammatory, and adrenal PCOS, each with distinct underlying mechanisms.
  • Other causes of infertility include fertilization problems due to anti-sperm antibodies or oocyte membrane protein issues. Developmental problems, such as a hard zona pellucida, can also hinder fertilization or hatching of the embryo. Treatment options include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

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