During any given cycle, a healthy woman having regular intercourse has only 20 to 40 percent chance of conceiving. Certain health conditions like endometriosis or being severely over- or underweight can decrease the odds.
Here are the top health issues that affect fertility and what women can do to boost their chances:
- Hormonal Imbalance
Several diseases can cause hormonal imbalance and put your fertility at risk. For example, thyroid and adrenal disease can cause the body to release too much estrogen, testosterone, and stress hormone cortisol which can all interfere with ovulation. The polycystic ovarian disease is yet another condition that affects fertility. Depending on your problem, doctors will suggest treatment that includes fertility drugs that can boost ovulation or block the release of hormones that reduce fertility.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can put your fertility at risk. Gonorrhea can block the fallopian tube and prevent the passage of an egg. Chlamydia rapidly causes pelvic scars that interfere with the ability of fallopian tubes to sweep across the ovary and pick up an egg. If you have been diagnosed with an STD, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat an active infection. Depending on the severity of scarring, your doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove adhesions or IVF in case of irreparable damage.
- Fibroids
Fibroids are a collection of uterine cell tissues that form for unknown reasons. They are most likely to interfere with fertility when they grow inside the uterine cavity, distorting its shape and size. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of women will have at least one of these benign masses in their lifetime. Surgery can often increase fertility by 70 percent once the fibroids are removed.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, creating scar tissues that make fallopian tubes to pick up and propel an egg to the uterus. It causes painful periods and infertility. Endometriosis can also cause pelvic inflammation, making the uterine cavity a less than hospitable place for the fertilized egg to implant. Doctors may recommend surgery to remove scar tissue or IVF as a last resort.
- Being severely under- or over-weight
Studies show that women who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 are considered obese and have decreased fertility, even if their cycles are regular. On the other hand, women with a low BMI of 20 or less don’t ovulate regularly, thus reducing their chances of conceiving. If obese women lose even 10 percent of their body weight, it can help boost their fertility. However, with underweight women, things are not that easy. Even with weight gain, some women may not be able to resume a regular menstrual cycle.
These are some of the more common health issues that can impact fertility. If you are having trouble conceiving, meet our experts at KIMS Cuddles to find the right treatment for you.
*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.
