5 Common Infertility Issues

1. Endometriosis

This condition occurs when endometrial tissue, the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus, starts to grow outside of your uterus blocking the Fallopian tubes and frequently causing pain, excessive bleeding during periods and in between periods, and most often resulting in impaired fertility. The blocked Fallopian tubes prevent the egg and sperm from meeting, resulting in tubal factor infertility which is basically a mechanical barrier that prevents fertilization. Blocked fallopian tubes greatly reduce the possibility of conceiving naturally.

Causes of Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 females in the US and approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of women with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant. For treatment, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy to reduce or eliminate pain and to slow endometrial tissue growth. Surgery is another treatment that your doctor may recommend if you are trying to become pregnant.

For mild to moderate Endometriosis, laparoscopic surgery is recommended to remove a good amount of the endometriosis which should increase your chances of getting pregnant. Unfortunately, the endometrial tissue growth is likely to recur and grow back again over time.

2. Premature Ovarian Failure 

Premature Ovarian Failure is when you lose the normal function of your ovaries, but many think of it simply as early menopause because women will usually experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness and no periods. In this condition, your body will not produce the normal amount of estrogen or you will not release eggs regularly. Due to this, infertility is a common result.

Premature Ovarian Failure will occur in 1 in 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 29 and 1 in 100 women between the ages of 30 and 39, according to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Although there is no specific proven method of curing Premature Ovarian Failure, a specialist may recommend thyroid medication, steroid therapy, or estrogen replacement therapy along with other alternative ways to have children if you are trying to become pregnant. This includes the possible use of donor eggs.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

This is a condition caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the ovaries may not develop a healthy egg or may not release the egg at all. This is due to small follicles in the ovaries that do not develop into larger and more mature follicles that normally release the egg.

The exact cause to PCOS is unknown, but you may experience symptoms such as:

• Irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Excess male hormones (androgen)
• Cysts around ovaries
• Fertility problems

One in 10 women of childbearing age are said to be affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Your doctor may suggest a variety of treatment options depending on the severity and particular symptoms you want to suppress, such as lifestyle changes like losing weight and eating healthier. Birth control pills may be suggested to lower the amount of androgen present and to regulate your period. To help you ovulate, your doctor may offer various fertility medications.

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of your uterus and Fallopian tubes due to chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trauma. It may cause scar tissue or abscesses in your Fallopian tubes that can damage your reproductive organs and cause infertility. You may experience some symptoms such as:

• Pain in lower pelvis area
• Pain or bleeding during intercourse
• Heavy vaginal discharge

PID is very common and affects about 1 million women every year. Your doctor will usually recommend a course of antibiotics which should clear the infection. However, treatment cannot undo any damage that is done to your reproductive system, and it is still possible for you to get Pelvic Inflammatory Disease again.

5. Poor Egg Quality

Poor egg quality can be due to damaged eggs or if you develop eggs with abnormalities that cannot successfully fertilize.  It may also be possible that your eggs are not prepared, healthy enough or have enough energy to develop into an embryo. Poor egg quality usually occurs within women over the age of 35 who have already lost the majority of their healthy eggs.

In fact, women over the age of 40 are said to only have a 5% chance of getting pregnant each month, according to YourFertility.org. If you have poor egg quality, your doctor may suggest taking fertility medications or using other alternative paths to parenthood like by finding an egg donor.

Cryos USA - International Sperm and Egg Bank can gladly provide you assistance with your fertility needs.

Depending on your specific needs, Cryos can provide you the opportunity you have been looking for to create a family. Infertility affects 11% of women in the United States, so don't feel alone when you decide to begin your journey to making your dreams of starting a family come true.

Start your egg donor search today, or give us a call at (407) 203-1175 to talk personally with one of our Customer Care Coordinators. We are always happy to help!