Infertility is the inability of a man or female to conceive due to an issue with either partner’s reproductive system. You can have primary or secondary infertility. When a person is entirely unable to conceive, it is primary infertility. Someone who has previously conceived but can no longer do so with secondary infertility. If a woman under 35 is still not pregnant after a year of trying, she should visit Dr. Susan Wolf Hasbrouck Heights. As a woman ages, her chances of becoming pregnant decline. Moreover, the fertility of a woman in her 30s is half that of a woman in her 20s. Regardless of gender, you should seek care immediately if you have a risk factor affecting fertility.
How to diagnose female infertility
Your clinician might advise you to keep track of ovulation indicators like cervical mucus and basal body temperature. A home ovulation kit is an additional option. A female reproductive issue may also be detected or ruled out with these tests:
1. Pelvic examination: A pelvic exam, including a Pap smear, will be performed by your provider to look for structural issues or symptoms of illness.
2. Blood test: This can assess hormone levels, particularly thyroid hormones.
3. Transvaginal ultrasound: Your doctor puts an ultrasound wand into the vagina to search for abnormalities with the reproductive system.
4. HSG (Hysterosalpingogram): As an injected dye goes via the fallopian tubes, X-rays catch it. This test checks for obstructions.
5. Hysteroscopy: A tiny, illuminated tube (hysteroscope) is inserted into the vagina to inspect the uterus.
6. Laparoscopy: A thin tube with a camera (a laparoscope) is inserted through a minor abdominal incision by your physician. Female pelvic laparoscopy aids in diagnosing conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and scar tissue.
7. Saline sonohysterogram (SIS): Your clinician will flood the uterus with saline (sterile salt water) and do a transvaginal ultrasound. An entire uterus makes it simpler to look within the uterus.
Fertility diet
Fertility-boosting meal recommendations for women are intended to improve infertility caused by ovulation issues. As a result, they will not function for infertility caused by physical problems such as a fallopian tube blockage or uterine fibroids. Some dietary suggestions for increasing fertility include:
- Choose carbohydrates wisely by focusing on fiber-rich meals (such as vegetables and whole grains) and avoiding sugary, processed carbs.
- Avoiding trans fats, which are found in a variety of fried and processed foods.
- Exchanging vegetarian protein sources for some animal protein.
- Choosing high-fat dairy (such as whole milk) over low-fat options.
Complications of infertility
Stress and maybe sadness might result if conception does not occur. Infertility treatment may have specific physical side effects. A female, for example, might develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after taking ovulation stimulant drugs. An ectopic pregnancy is another possibility. Fertility therapy may potentially result in multiple pregnancies. Carrying all of the embryos to term may pose health complications during the pregnancy if there are too many.
Many factors, including age, the reason for your infertility, and your personal preferences, will influence the best therapy for you and your spouse. Similarly, whether or not a particular infertility therapy results in pregnancy depends on various circumstances. A reproductive problem may not be treatable in some instances. Based on the conditions, your specialist may advise you and your spouse to explore donor sperm or eggs, surrogacy, or adoption. Call University Reproductive Associates (URA) to schedule your meeting today to learn more about infertility treatments.
