The lowdown on infertility
We take a look at some of the causes of infertility and possible solutions.
Dr Klaus Wiswedel from the Cape Fertility Clinic says that endometriosis, irregular periods and polycysticovarian
syndrome are some of the commonest causes of infertility in women who come to them for help.
Endometriosis
is occurring more frequently and is referred to as the career woman's disease, because it is linked to a run-down immune system caused by stress and a rushed lifestyle. It involves the presence of growths in the pelvis resulting in very heavy and painful periods. Dr Wiswedel says the growths can be removed using laser technology, which is successful in 80% of cases, but if you fail to manage your stress, it can return within months.
Problems with ovulation occur when the ovaries fail to release mature eggs, usually because of a hormone imbalance. Symptoms include heavy periods, or irregular or very light periods. The problem can be treated with medication, which is successful in 70% of cases.
Blocked Fallopian tubes can result from an infection or sexually transmitted disease that is not diagnosed and treated quickly enough. The man's sperm cells cannot reach the woman's egg or, if fertilisation does take place, the fertilised egg cannot reach the uterus. The tubes can be unblocked surgically, but this can leave scar tissue, which could reduce your ability to fall pregnant.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome occurs when the follicles fail to ovulate and cysts form on the ovaries. It is also caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms include irregular periods, excess hair on the face and body, being overweight and acne. It can be treated with medication and surgery, but in some cases losing weight can offer a solution.
Male infertility or a low sperm count is genetic, but it can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol and too much stress), exposure to heat or toxins over an extended period of time, chemotherapy, or having viral infections such as German measles or mumps as a child, says Dr Wiswedel. He recommends that couples who have trouble falling pregnant first have the man's sperm count tested.
Unexplained infertility Sometimes there is no clear reason why a woman cannot fall pregnant. Possible causes include being overweight, strenuous exercise over an extended period of time, and environmental pollution. Female fertility also declines with age, especially
after 40. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol and anaemia could also be contributing factors.
If treatment doesn't help
The most generally recommended procedures if you are unable to conceive naturally are likely to include the
following:
Artificial insemination The man's sperm or that of a donor is injected into the uterus. Your doctor will use ultrasound to determine your date of ovulation, with
insemination taking place on the day of ovulation and the day thereafter.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection A single sperm cell is injected into an egg cell. The procedure gives hope to men with a low sperm count because just one healthy sperm cell is necessary.
In-vitro fertilisation An egg cell is removed under anaesthetic and fertilised in a laboratory. Once fertilisation has occurred, the fertilised egg is transferred back to the uterus.
Did you know?
Fertile couples who have sex regularly have a 25% chance each month of falling pregnant.
You are at your most fertile 14 days before your period.
Don't use vaginal gel if you're trying to fall pregnant, because it could harm sperm cells.
Also try to remain flat on your back for half an hour after having sex.
Are you battling to fall pregnant? Why not ask our fertility expert, Dr Wiswedel for advice.
- Ideas