You get a pregnancy kit for the test. As one clear line appears, you wish another line would show and give you that hurrah feeling of finally conceiving. A minute of waiting and no second line comes in sight.

For some, getting pregnant and carrying that pregnancy to term is complicated. Infertility is the common culprit and it’s definitely not an easy pill to swallow. But who says you have to swallow it, if you know its causes and what to do about it? Before you start trying again, here’s everything you need to know about female fertility.

Infertility Symptoms: The Not So Positive Signs

Infertility does not only refer to the medical condition of not getting pregnant; it also means not being able to carry a pregnancy to full term. If your menstrual cycle takes as long as 35 days or more, or as short as 21 days, and in some cases totally absent, these could also be signs of ovulation failure that could lead to infertility. But know that there are also other red flags for female infertility: pelvic pain, skipped periods, unpredictable bleeding, extreme pain during intercourse, and abnormally heavy periods. These could be hormonal conditions that need to be addressed. In such cases, it’s best to already consult with your gynecologist. 

Really, What Causes Infertility?

• Inability To Ovulate
  
  This is the most common cause of female infertility. It usually happens when a woman has PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), a hormonal disorder characterized by infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. Aging can also be a factor as older women tend to produce fewer eggs in their ovaries as they age.
  
  
• Irregularities in the Reproductive System Structure
  
  Structural problems in the reproductive system have a lot to do with infertility. Endometriosis for instance (a condition where tissues lining the uterus are found blocking the fallopian tubes) makes it difficult for eggs to be fertilized. Uterine  polyps (growths on the inner surface or lining of the uterus) on the other hand makes it difficult for women to conceive or continue their pregnancy after conceiving because it prevents the uterus from functioning properly.
  
  
• Infections
  Untreated sexually transmitted infections can cause scarring that can block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs to get fertilized. Similarly, it can also increase the possibility of a pregnant woman to experience stillbirth. The same goes for cervical infections that can affect the quality of cervical mucus, making it difficult to get pregnant.
  
  

Treating Infertility? Possible.

Infertility may be a challenge, but there are ways to treat this.

• Medication
  
  Women are usually given fertility medications to help them stabilize their hormones and ovulate. Some medications are taken at the beginning of a menstrual cycle to stimulate ovulation. Others are meant to decrease the amount of estrogen that the woman produces, to trigger the ovaries to release more eggs.
  
  
• Surgery
  
  To remove tissues and other abnormal growths blocking the fallopian tubes and the uterus, surgeries are usually recommended. This includes removal of polyps, scarring, myomas, and patches of endometriosis.
  
  
• IVF
  
  Couples can also opt for IVF (in vitro fertilization) wherein sperms and eggs are collected and are brought to a laboratory for the egg to be fertilized. The formed embryo is then implanted in the woman’s uterus to help her conceive and carry her pregnancy.
  
  

It’s essential to note that when preparing for pregnancy, the body has to be in its ideal state or form. Be mindful of your nutrition as this will be your main source of nourishment both for you and your baby. Consider also some lifestyle changes like incorporating light exercises in your daily routine (yoga for pregnant women), avoiding alcohol, and taking all the necessary vitamins for a healthy pregnancy. This includes iron, folic acid, DHA, and EPA.    

Getting pregnant and conceiving a child is both a miracle and a blessing. Infertility may be a hindrance to this, but understanding its causes  and knowing the possible treatments may be your first step to finally getting the much anticipated gift of parenthood.

To learn more about infertility and its complications, visit your ob gyne.

Sources:

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/causes/causes-female

https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/womens-health-articles/signs-of-infertility-symptoms-causes-first-steps

https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/understanding-infertility-treatment