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Female Factors

Female infertility affects approximately 12% of women in the United States. The first thing that must be established when a woman has not been able to conceive or carry a baby to term for over a period of a year is if she in fact is the cause of the infertility within the couple.

The process to find out if a woman is having infertility issues is to first of all make sure she is in fact ovulating. Once that has been determined, the doctor must make sure there is a clear passage way from the ovary to the uterus. Lastly, a doctor takes into consideration health, age and medical conditions.

Some of the most common medical and non-medical conditions that might cause infertility are:

  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Hostile Cervical Mucus
  • Irregular Ovulation
  • Structural Issues
  • Endometriosis
  • Blockage of the fallopian tubes
  • Birth defects
  • Turners Syndrome
  • Secondary Infertility
  • Obesity or Being extremely thin
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

In order to determine the diagnosis of infertility, most couples seek the advice of either the women's ob/gyn or an infertility specialist. Generally, both partners are given general physical examinations which will determine basic health of the couple as well as to check for any physical disorders that might be creating an fertility issue. If nothing is found from the general physical then additional tests may be complete on both the of the partners.

For the woman, blood tests may be taken to determine hormone levels as well as check for other medical issues. Some doctors may perform a hysterosalpinogram or HSG which is a procedure which will provide the physical with an idea of how the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes are working and will show if there are any abnormalities.

Most infertility issues in women are treated through drug treatment and/or surgical repair of a reproductive issue. One of the most common fertility medications that women take is Clomiphene Citrate which induces ovulation in women. Another common therapy in infertility is the use of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin which is a hormone which also induces ovulation.

For those women who tried the medication/hormone procedures without success and who have gone through all other fertility tests and procedures there is still hope. Some couples choose Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) or choose the other option of Surrogacy.

Of course one of the most important things to remember is a women's health. A body reacts best when it is healthy. One who exercises eats healthy and takes care of themselves can make a big difference with infertility issues.