Fertility problems can be the cause of considerable strain within a relationship. If a woman is not able to get pregnant after trying for a full year (or six months if she is 35 or older), she may be experiencing issues related to female infertility. The same can be true for women who have the ability to become pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant. Our gynecological health providers understand that this is a serious subject for many women, so we wanted to share some questions and answers we have received regarding female infertility and how it can be treated.
Question #1: How common is infertility for women?
Although it may not be very common to hear women discuss fertility issues due to the intimate nature of this concern, female infertility is actually very common and nothing to be ashamed of. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of women in the US between the ages of 15 – 44 experience difficulties getting or staying pregnant.
Question #2: What is ovulation induction and how can it help women with fertility problems?
Since many cases of female infertility (roughly 25%) occur due to issues related to ovulation, one of the most common treatment methods for female infertility involves the use of medication designed to induce ovulation. Ovulation induction can be used to help women facilitate natural conception or to increase the number of eggs that can be used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Some of the more common ART methods include in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Ovulation induction is administered by delivering a series of injections during specific times in a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Question #3: Are there things women can do at home to reduce their risk of experiencing female infertility?
Although some fertility problems result from gynecological conditions like endometriosis or hereditary factors that are out of a woman’s control, certain lifestyle habits can increase a woman’s chances of experiencing infertility. We recommend maintaining a stable, normal bodyweight, as woman who are underweight or overweight are statistically more likely to deal with infertility. Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and limiting caffeine consumption can all help as well.
Although gaining knowledge on the subject can help women achieve a better understanding of fertility issues and how they can be prevented, regular appointments with a board-certified gynecologist are still the best way to make sure a woman is in the best-possible reproductive health. At Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett, we specialize in detecting and treating reproductive health conditions that can lead to infertility before they become an issue. For more information on female infertility or to request an appointment, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional news, tips, and more from the world of women’s health and wellness.
