Many women spend years trying not to get pregnant. It isn’t until they are ready to conceive, that they realize that getting pregnant isn’t always as easy as many people think. Actually, about one in six couples will have problems getting pregnant naturally. Overall men and women are equally likely to have fertility problems. However, in about 25 % of infertility cases no clear cause can be determined.
Let’s first look at the most common fertility problems for women:
No ovulation
Without ovulation – the production of viable eggs – no pregnancy can occur. Stress, too low or to high weight and hormonal imbalances can all hinder ovulation. Aside of lifestyle changes (for example a better diet), fertility drugs are often prescribed to stimulate ovulation.
Low quality of eggs
If the egg quality isn’t adequate, pregnancy becomes unlikely. In general, the quality of eggs deteriorates with the woman’s age. This is one of the main reasons why older women tend to have more problems getting pregnant than younger ones.
Obstruction of the fallopian tubes
After ovulation the egg has to travel from the ovary through the fallopian tubes where it will hopefully be fertilized by the sperm. If the tubes are blocked, the egg cannot get through. If just one tube is blocked, the likelihood of getting pregnant is about halved (as ovulation will alternate somewhat between the two ovaries). If both tubes are completely blocked there is no chance for a natural pregnancy. In some cases, surgery can reopen the fallopian tubes. More often though, IVF is used to circumvent the fallopian tubes altogether.
Endometriosis
Women with this condition often suffer from various side effects like pelvic pain or heavy periods. However, endometriosis is often also associated with infertility. In this condition endometrial cells, which normally constitute the lining of the uterus, are deposited in areas outside of the uterus. Often surgery is performed to increase the chances for a natural pregnancy. However, in many cases IVF is indicated.
Of course not all fertility problems are related to the woman. However, male fertility issues have one main cause:
Low quality of sperm
A sufficient number of sperm with good motility (to get to where it needs to go) and good morphology (shape and structure) is necessary for a pregnancy to ensue. Low sperm quality can result from many causes: genetics, environment, lifestyle etc. Certain cancer treatments are also known to severely impact sperm quality. In some cases, lifestyle changes can improve the quality of sperm. Various fertility treatments (especially ICSI) can improve the chances for a pregnancy in spite of few viable sperm. However, if there is no sperm at all donor semen is the only alternative.
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Recommended Websites
Blooming Marvellous
The Blooming Marvellous store offers everything you may need during and after your pregnancy. Stylish yet functional maternity clothes, baby clothing, nursery equipment and much much more!
Mothercare
Mothercare provide a full range of products including maternity, nursery furniture, pushchairs, car seats, baby clothes, toys, gifts.
Early Learning Centre
ELC stock a great range of toys and games for babies and children of all ages that make learning fun, stimulate imagination and encourage development.
