It’s the time of the month again. You look in trepidation as the urine line on the pregnancy test kit reveals its final result. Once again, only a single line appears. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. In Singapore, about 15% of couples are unable to conceive within 12 months of trying for a baby. While the cause can lie in both parties, female infertility issues take up a bulk of these cases.
What causes infertility in women, and how can you overcome this stressful situation? In this blog, we will share more about the causes and possible solutions you can take.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is a medical condition that affects both men and women. It is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sex. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, health problems, and lifestyle choices. Depending on the cause, infertility may be treated with medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology.
Signs of Infertility in Women
If you’re concerned about your fertility, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infertility. While some women experience no obvious signs, others may have one or more signs that something is not quite right.
The most common sign of infertility in women is difficulty getting pregnant. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year or longer without success, it’s worth talking to your doctor or an IVF specialist. Other signs can include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Painful periods
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Pelvic pain
- Ovulation pain
- Dark brown or black vaginal discharge
- Weight gain or loss
- Changes in hair growth or texture
- Changes in libido
Today, the rates of infertility have increased – not just in Singapore, but all over the world. It is a global health issue which can have a negative impact on individual lives.
Common Causes of Infertility
One of the most common causes of infertility in women is ovulation disorders. These disorders can prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs or cause irregular ovulation. PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is one type of ovulation disorder that affects approximately 5% of women of childbearing age.
Age is another factor that can contribute to fertility problems. As a woman ages, her chance of conceiving decreases and she is more likely to experience miscarriages. By the time a woman reaches her early 40s, her chance of conceiving is only about 5%. Other common causes of infertility in women include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). All of these conditions can interfere with fertility by affecting the shape or function of the uterus or fallopian tubes.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a number of treatment options available that can help you conceive. One of the most common treatments is in-vitro fertilisation, commonly known as IVF. This procedure involves extracting eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a lab setting. The resulting embryos are then implanted into the uterus.
Other common treatments include intrauterine insemination (IUI), which involves placing sperm directly into the uterus; fertility drugs, which can help to stimulate ovulation; and surgery, which can be used to treat conditions like endometriosis and blocked fallopian tubes.
Seek Help for Your Infertility Issues Today
There are many myths and misconceptions about female infertility. Some people believe that infertility is a woman’s problem, but in reality, it can be caused by factors affecting either partner. Infertility is not a sign of weakness or failure, and it is not something that can be cured with willpower or positive thinking. With proper treatment, however, the vast majority of couples with infertility can conceive and have a healthy baby.
Today, there are tests and procedures your doctor can do to get the right diagnosis. If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving, it may be time to get a fertility check up. As a fertility clinic in Singapore, The O&G Specialist Clinic will be able to help you identify the causes of infertility and provide the right management plan for you. Book a viFind out more by booking a virtual consultation with us today.
