WHAT IS INFERTILITY?
By definition, infertility is described as the inability to conceive after one year of trying to have a child. Additionally, infertility is defined as the inability to carry a pregnancy to full term.
TYPES OF INFERTILITY
Primarily, there are two types of infertility, namely primary and secondary infertility. For primary infertility, the couple in question have tried to conceive a child but have failed. In secondary infertility, the couple had previously conceived a child, and the female could carry it to full term, but currently, they cannot conceive.
The age bracket for definitive infertility varies. For women who are 35 years and below, infertility is described as the inability to conceive even after 52 weeks of unprotected sexual intercourse. For women above 35 years, the period is reduced to six months. As women age, their ability to conceive reduces due to a reduction in the production of sexual hormones and the early onset of menopause.
CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
The etiology of infertility is quite diverse, and it ranges from dietary, hormonal, medical, or pathological reasons. Additionally, infertility could be due to lifestyle, environmental, or intrinsic factors. Mental disorders like depression and anxiety also play a role in infertility.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INFERTILITY IN WOMEN?
As earlier stated, females contribute to about a third of infertility cases. This could be due to:
1. AGE
As women age, it becomes more challenging for them to conceive. According to WHO, the ideal age of menopausal onset is about 35 years of age. However, recent studies have revealed that menopause can begin from as early as 25 years; this is known as premature menopause.
2. OBESITY AND LIFESTYLE
Obesity is linked to infertility in women. On average, obesity is one of the causes of infertility in about 6% of women. The American Society For Reproductive Medicine (AMSRM) states that obesity causes infertility in women by:
- Changing the metabolism and storage of the female sex hormones.
- Facilitates production of testosterone.
- Impacting hormonal imbalance.
Concurrently, excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse, particularly with cocaine or marijuana, predispose an individual to infertility. Furthermore, smoking is associated with vasoconstriction that discourages implantation and facilitates miscarriages.
3. DIET
Diet plays an indispensable role in maintaining the body’s overall physiological functions. Likewise, a healthy diet is essential in maintaining a healthy reproductive life. Recent studies show that folic acid deficiencies, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron deficiencies cause anemia and infertility in women.
4. GENETICS
Some genetic mutations are associated with infertility in women. The genetic mutations could be single genetic mutations leading to no or inadequate production of gonadotropic hormones or chromosomal mutations. An example is Turner’s Syndrome, where a female is born with only one X chromosome, consequently causing failed ovarian development rendering the female infertile.
5. DAMAGE TO THE FALLOPIAN TUBES
Inflammation, obstruction, or blockage of the fallopian tube hinders the ovum’s movement that is to be fertilized. Inflammation could be due to infection in the pelvic region or due to a sexually transmitted disease. The obstruction could also arise due to tumors, cysts, or fibroids.
6. OVARIAN DISORDERS
The ovary is the primary female sexual organ. It is responsible for the storage and release of the female egg. Additionally, it is a gland responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone. Any disease or disorder affecting the ovary will inevitably cause infertility. Examples of such conditions include:
PREMATURE OVARIAN SYNDROME
Also known as early menopause. Its a condition characterized by a premature drastic reduction in the production of female sex hormones. Women diagnosed with early onset of menopause are given hormone replacement therapy.
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)
PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the following:
- Oligoovulation and Anovulation
- Excess androgen activity
- Polycystic ovaries (characterized by cysts which form on the ovaries of some people with this condition, though it is not a universal symptom, and not the underlying cause of the disorder).
Additionally, women with PCOS present with irregular menstruation, acne, obesity, and premature hair loss.
ANOVULATION AND OLIGO OVULATION
Anovulation is a medical term describing failure in releasing an ovum from the ovary for a period exceeding three months. In comparison, oligo ovulation describes infrequent or irregular menstruation. The causes of anovulation and oligo ovulation are primarily hormonal imbalance, stress, obesity, and some ovarian diseases.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
Endometriosis is a medical ailment Characterized by the presence of endometrial like tissue outside the uterus. Endometriosis is among the leading causes of female infertility. It is associated with painful cramps and excessive menstrual bleeding.
7. HYPERPROLACTINEMIA
Prolactin is a hormone that facilitates milk production in nursing mothers. The hormone also inhibits ovulation hence rendering nursing mothers infertile for a certain period. However, women with constant high prolactin levels tend to have irregular or no menses. Antagonist medication is given to such women to reduce prolactin levels and increase their chances of conception.
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