Fertility Process and Testing
Nine out of ten couples with a female partner under the age of 35 who are actively trying to get pregnant succeed within one year. The chance of a pregnancy is about 25% per month. For couples who fail to achieve pregnancy after one year (and for women over the age of 35 after 6 months) fertility testing is recommended to identify any obstacles that could prevent pregnancy.
A full medical history and physical examination can reveal problems related to pelvic surgery, cancer treatment, or menstrual disturbances that cause infertility.
Fertility testing is done to rule out specific problems in four areas:
Sperm Testing
For approximately one out of four couples, the quality or quantity of the male partner's sperm is the underlying cause of infertility. Semenalysis can reveal issues with the sperm count, the motility of sperm (its ability to swim), and the morphology (shape) of the sperm.
Ovulation
For women with a history of irregular menses who do not ovulate regularly, underlying medical conditions may be the cause of low fertility. Common problems include thyroid imbalances, high levels of a hormone called prolactin, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Blood tests and ultrasound exams are used to diagnose these conditions.
Uterus and Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian tubes that are closed can interfere with fertility by making it impossible for an embryo to reach the uterus. Causes of blockage may include previous pelvic surgery or complications from STDs. The uterus may also contain fibroids or polyps that limit the chances of pregnancy. An exam called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is used to detect structural problems with the fallopian tubes and uterus. It involves the injection of a contrast dye into the cervix to make the patient's internal reproductive organs visible in x-rays.
Eggs
The quality and quantity of a woman's eggs plays a vital role in fertility. Egg quality cannot be determined with fertility testing, but it is strongly correlated with age. The quantity of eggs can be estimated using blood tests such as the FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and AMH (anti-mullerian hormone). AFC (antral follicle count) is an ultrasound test that can also assist in estimating the number of eggs available.
- See more at: http://www.pregnancymiracle.com/go.php?offer=shacrbeach&c=1
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is caused by an excess of testosterone and is the most frequent cause of infertility in reproductive-aged women. Conception is difficult for women with PCOS, as most experience irregular menstrual periods, often having only a few per year. High insulin levels are another symptom that can further contribute to menstrual irregularities. Additionally, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may increase the risk of miscarriage because of the hormonal imbalance.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common hormonal abnormality causing infertility in women. It affects fertility by suppressing ovulation. Egg follicles may begin to mature but do not ovulate or release the egg into the fallopian tube. These follicles remain as cysts in the ovaries. In women with PCOS, the ovaries also produce excessive amounts of testosterone (male hormone) that can lead to acne and hair growth. In the fat cells, testosterone is converted to estrogen, leading to excessive buildup of the uterine lining which may contribute to heavy or irregular bleeding.
Like most medical problems that are referred to as €syndromes€, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is made up of a cluster of signs and symptoms. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have some or all of the following features:
Irregular or skipped menstrual periods
Obesity and difficulty controlling weight gain
Male pattern hair growth
Acne and other chronic skin conditions
Dark brown or black patches on the skin
Other symptoms are oily skin, acne, facial hair growth and weight problems.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is diagnosed based on a patient's history, blood testing and ultrasound examination during which doctors may identify multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Diagnosis is made by evaluating the presence of multiple symptoms and ruling out other conditions.
Fertility Treatment for PCOS
High levels of insulin associated with obesity interfere with ovulation and also worsen PCOS symptoms. Minimizing insulin resistance via a healthy, safe weight loss regimen is a common first step for patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome who want to make conception more likely. Insulin regulating medications may also be prescribed. Some women are able to begin ovulating more normally at this point and may be able to conceive naturally.
Fertility enhancing drugs such as Clomid, Metformin and gonadotropins may be used to stimulate ovulation. This approach is tried after other potential causes of infertility have been ruled out. In Vitro Fertilization can also be used for some women with PCOS.
For women who are not trying to get pregnant, birth control pills can regulate the menstrual cycle and control the hormonal imbalance. If necessary, other medications can also be used in combination with oral contraceptives. For women who are trying to conceive, we use medications to induce ovulation and to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Weight loss also plays an important role in treatment, as it can help restore regular menstrual periods.
- See more at: http://www.pregnancymiracle.com/go.php?offer=shacrbeach&c=1
A full medical history and physical examination can reveal problems related to pelvic surgery, cancer treatment, or menstrual disturbances that cause infertility.
Fertility testing is done to rule out specific problems in four areas:
Sperm Testing
For approximately one out of four couples, the quality or quantity of the male partner's sperm is the underlying cause of infertility. Semenalysis can reveal issues with the sperm count, the motility of sperm (its ability to swim), and the morphology (shape) of the sperm.
Ovulation
For women with a history of irregular menses who do not ovulate regularly, underlying medical conditions may be the cause of low fertility. Common problems include thyroid imbalances, high levels of a hormone called prolactin, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Blood tests and ultrasound exams are used to diagnose these conditions.
Uterus and Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian tubes that are closed can interfere with fertility by making it impossible for an embryo to reach the uterus. Causes of blockage may include previous pelvic surgery or complications from STDs. The uterus may also contain fibroids or polyps that limit the chances of pregnancy. An exam called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is used to detect structural problems with the fallopian tubes and uterus. It involves the injection of a contrast dye into the cervix to make the patient's internal reproductive organs visible in x-rays.
Eggs
The quality and quantity of a woman's eggs plays a vital role in fertility. Egg quality cannot be determined with fertility testing, but it is strongly correlated with age. The quantity of eggs can be estimated using blood tests such as the FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and AMH (anti-mullerian hormone). AFC (antral follicle count) is an ultrasound test that can also assist in estimating the number of eggs available.
- See more at: http://www.pregnancymiracle.com/go.php?offer=shacrbeach&c=1
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Infertility
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is caused by an excess of testosterone and is the most frequent cause of infertility in reproductive-aged women. Conception is difficult for women with PCOS, as most experience irregular menstrual periods, often having only a few per year. High insulin levels are another symptom that can further contribute to menstrual irregularities. Additionally, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may increase the risk of miscarriage because of the hormonal imbalance.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most common hormonal abnormality causing infertility in women. It affects fertility by suppressing ovulation. Egg follicles may begin to mature but do not ovulate or release the egg into the fallopian tube. These follicles remain as cysts in the ovaries. In women with PCOS, the ovaries also produce excessive amounts of testosterone (male hormone) that can lead to acne and hair growth. In the fat cells, testosterone is converted to estrogen, leading to excessive buildup of the uterine lining which may contribute to heavy or irregular bleeding.
Like most medical problems that are referred to as €syndromes€, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is made up of a cluster of signs and symptoms. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have some or all of the following features:
Irregular or skipped menstrual periods
Obesity and difficulty controlling weight gain
Male pattern hair growth
Acne and other chronic skin conditions
Dark brown or black patches on the skin
Other symptoms are oily skin, acne, facial hair growth and weight problems.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is diagnosed based on a patient's history, blood testing and ultrasound examination during which doctors may identify multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Diagnosis is made by evaluating the presence of multiple symptoms and ruling out other conditions.
Fertility Treatment for PCOS
High levels of insulin associated with obesity interfere with ovulation and also worsen PCOS symptoms. Minimizing insulin resistance via a healthy, safe weight loss regimen is a common first step for patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome who want to make conception more likely. Insulin regulating medications may also be prescribed. Some women are able to begin ovulating more normally at this point and may be able to conceive naturally.
Fertility enhancing drugs such as Clomid, Metformin and gonadotropins may be used to stimulate ovulation. This approach is tried after other potential causes of infertility have been ruled out. In Vitro Fertilization can also be used for some women with PCOS.
For women who are not trying to get pregnant, birth control pills can regulate the menstrual cycle and control the hormonal imbalance. If necessary, other medications can also be used in combination with oral contraceptives. For women who are trying to conceive, we use medications to induce ovulation and to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Weight loss also plays an important role in treatment, as it can help restore regular menstrual periods.
- See more at: http://www.pregnancymiracle.com/go.php?offer=shacrbeach&c=1