Ovulation is one of the main factors that determine fertility.
Ovulation releases eggs. If not fertilized, they flush out of the body along with menstrual blood. Therefore, timely ovulation is a prerequisite for a successful pregnancy.
If a woman experiences irregular menstrual cycles or has PCOS (Polycystic Ovulation Syndrome), it may cause ovulation problems.
Anovulation is a condition where a woman does not ovulate. Various factors such as being over or underweight or indulging in heavy physical exercise may trigger this. Certain medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunctions, hyperprolactinemia, primary ovarian insufficiency may also cause Anovulation.
But what if I’m ovulating but still unable to get pregnant?
Getting your periods regularly may not be an indication that you are ovulating.
It is always wise to get yourself checked if you are unable to conceive even though you have been trying for 6 months to a year.
Fertility treatments differ from case to case and hence one must see a gynecologist to decide on the further course of action.
I’m older than 30 years, what should I do?
Studies show that, on average, the number of eggs which are released every month during ovulation tends to reduce as the years go by.
This number drops significantly at the age of 30 and goes further down as a woman turns 35.
Hence, it is recommended that one starts planning when one is in one’s 20s. However, being over 30, 35 or even 40 does not mean that one cannot get pregnant.
Several women start planning only after 35 and have perfectly normal and healthy babies.
It is not only the number but also the quality of eggs that matters. Rising age seems to have an impact on that as well.
Should my partner get himself checked too?
Just as the quantity and the quality of the eggs matter, the number, health and motility of the sperms also matter.
It is always wise for both partners to see a doctor and do a sperm analysis. Age also affects the quality of sperms too. Similarly, other lifestyle habits such as smoking, use of tobacco, hormonal imbalances, over-exercising, excessive heat and certain infections like Mumps, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea can affect sperm health.
The doctor will usually prescribe certain medications if the quality of sperms are found to be unhealthy.
What is the role of my Fallopian tubes?
The Fallopian tubes transport the eggs during ovulation from the ovary to the uterus.
Under normal conditions, a woman has two Fallopian tubes.
These tubes have tiny follicles which push the egg down to the uterus and the sperms up to the womb. Hence, Fallopian tubes play an important role in pregnancy.
At times, a woman may have blocked Fallopian tubes. This may not show any symptoms other than difficulty in conceiving.
Sometimes it may cause an ectopic pregnancy, which means the fertilized egg gets stuck in the tube. This may require one to terminate the pregnancy.
The exact cause of a blocked tube is not certain, but a few conditions may trigger it-
- Certain infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
- Endometriosis, a condition that causes the lining of the womb to grow outside of the uterus.
Do I have Endometriosis?
Some signs of endometriosis are painful periods, pain during sex or painful bowel movements.
A simple laparoscopy treatment can help relieve the condition. Doctors usually recommend an IUI or IVF in such cases.
I’ve heard about unexplained Infertility. What’s that?
At times there might not be a medical reason for your infertility.
It could be due to stress or depression or any other environmental conditions. Although, doctors stress that there is always a reason for infertility.
In such cases one can try a Home IUI (insert landing page). It’s cheaper and more comfortable. There is also no requirement of taking fertility drugs in such procedures.
Finally, whatever the reason for your delay in pregnancy, remember that there is always a solution out there.
And that could be the answer to you getting to meet your baby and an opportunity to get to hold your little one in your arms, a joy beyond everything else!
