Author name: Diane

“Why can’t I get pregnant?” is a question asked by many women in their attempts to become a mother. However, medical conditions are often the reason for infertility. Although these conditions can be difficult to diagnose, treatment options are available. Infertility in women is defined as trying to get pregnant for over a year without success. After a year of unprotected and frequent sex, a woman should seek treatment by an OB/GYN. An OB/GYN can determine if there is a physical problem causing infertility. Likewise, a woman’s male partner should also be tested by a specialist to rule out if he has a medical condition attributing to the infertility. In women, several factors can disrupt the process of human reproduction at any step in the process. Infertility Reasons Include: 1. Ovulation Disorders Infrequent ovulation is the most common cause of infertility. Problems with the regulation of reproductive hormones can cause ovulation disorders. 2. Damage to Fallopian Tubes Blocked fallopian tubes or damaged tubes keep sperm from getting to the egg. This can block the passage of the fertilized egg into the uterus. Causes of fallopian tube damage or blockage can include: 3. Endometriosis Endometriosis occurs when tissue that typically grows in the uterus implants and grows in other places. This extra tissue growth and removing it in surgery can cause scarring. This can block fallopian tubes and keep an egg and sperm from coming together. Endometriosis can also disrupt implantation of the fertilized egg. This condition also affects fertility in less-direct ways, such as damage to the sperm or egg. 4. Uterine or Cervical Causes Several uterine or cervical causes can interfere with the egg implanting or increase the risk of miscarriage: Infertility Risk Factors Certain factors may put you at a higher risk of infertility, including: Tips to Prevent Infertility For women thinking about getting pregnant, these tips might help prevent infertility: When to Seek Infertility Treatment by an OB/GYN Women should seek help with infertility, depending on their age: Depending on your medical history, your OB/GYN might want to begin testing or treatment right away. Seek an OB/GYN if you have recognized fertility problems, or if you have a history of painful or irregular periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), miscarriages, endometriosis or cancer. Seeking early treatment from an experienced OB/GYN can often be key in finding the root problem. Occasionally, the reason for infertility is not found as it can be a combination of a few factors from both partners. However, in most cases, the sooner treatment is sought, the greater the chances are for a successful pregnancy.