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Causes of Infertility in Women Research

Couples researching the causes of infertility are often overwhelmed by the amount of new information that keeps coming up with each infertility study. Infertility research involves new terminology, schedules, tests, various organizations, and the common causes of infertility.

While they think of their sex life as ‘making love’, the doctor refers to it as ‘having intercourse’. The things that were so natural about having a baby, which was once so spontaneous and an expression of their love for each other, suddenly becomes clinical and dry.

There are causes of male infertility as well as causes of infertility in women. For a woman doing infertility research, it is a good idea to keep a journal about important information that applies to you. The stress from feeling infertile plus the overwhelming amount of new information will stretch your memory to the breaking point.

If you are consulting a doctor, keep records about appointment dates, test results, plans the doctor has for the next round of medication, or information on infertility studies. Even if you become pregnant on the first round of medications or after the first change the doctor recommends, you will want to record your feelings for the future.

Most reproductive endocrinologists will have new patients fill out a very detailed medical history questionnaire. During the first visit the doctor may very well go over that form with you. The questionnaire will ask about previous pregnancies, how easy was conception, fertility history, about brothers, sisters, and immediate family members.

There will be questions about your current lifestyle, diet, vitamin history and any food supplements. Also you’ll be asked to recall possible exposure to hazardous environments, chemicals, high stress and your sexual history.

Male Causes of Infertlity

A complete history is necessary for the reproductive endocrinologist to determine which infertility studies to initially include in your workup. However, there are also some baseline studies that are done on almost all patients, unless the doctor feels your history warrants a different approach.

The first infertility study will be done on the semen since 40% of all infertility issues are male causes of infertility. The semen analysis will evaluate the size, formation and speed of the sperm. Some doctors also request penetration and sperm function studies.

Baseline infertility studies also include the use of vaginal and cervical viral and bacterial cultures to find any subclinical infections that may interfere with conception. A subclinical infection is one that is in the body but that has no apparent signs or symptoms so that the patient often doesn’t know there is a problem.

Causes of Infertility in Women

The next step is female hormone infertility studies on the third day of the menstrual cycle. These studies usually include thyroid function studies, evaluations of the adrenal gland, ovaries, lactation hormones and the uterus.

Subsequent tests may come in different orders depending upon the point within the current cycle. If any issues are found in the hormone studies, the physician may decide to stop the infertility tests while you try one or two months of specific medications that address those issues.

Most of the infertility studies are timed for a specific period in the woman's cycle. Because of this, it can take months for the infertility studies to be completed, but you should continue to attempt becoming pregnant. Waiting for research results can be time-consuming, frustrating and stressful.

Most reproductive endocrinologists are well aware of the stress this places on the couple and how stress can decrease the chances of conception. For this reason, most doctors will ask you to find a comfortable way that helps you reduce stress. Some patients find that writing down the journey they are taking is helpful. For others, moderate exercise, enough sleep and possible counseling are all options that work for them.

The next infertility studies depend upon the timing of your cycle and which tests will give the best indications of your particular problem. A hysterosalpingogram is an xray to uncover abnormalities in the lining of the uterus and in the fallopian tubes. This test can detect if the tubes are blocked or whether there is scarring around the ovaries and tubes.

Midcycle testing for an LH surge in another of the infertility studies. The LH (luteneizing hormone) is a trigger that causes the ovary to release a mature egg. A patient may be asked to monitor her surge at home based on an at-home urine testing kit. Once she detects the surge, she may have intercourse that morning and then come to the doctor's office later that afternoon for some timed testing.

At the same time a post-coital, or after intercourse, examination may be performed to evaluate the cervical mucus and look for live, active sperm. To continue, midcycle estradiol and ultrasound infertility testing may be done after other studies have shown normal results.

The estradiol tests measure how well the body interprets the release of LH and the release of a mature egg. The ultrasound measures the lining of the uterus and the degree of support it will provide to a new pregnancy.

Another test, the luteal phase progesterone level is done one week after ovulation. The area on the ovary where the egg was released should be producing large quantities of progesterone. The progesterone regulates many crucial functions signaling the uterus that ovulation has happened and that it should prepare for possible implantation. It adds hormonal support to the lining of the uterus and prevents premature breakthrough bleeding.

Women with abnormal progesterone levels may actually be conceiving, but lose the pregnancy before they even know they are pregnant because the uterus doesn’t have enough progesterone to support the pregnancy. This is correctable with careful monitoring and hormone supplementation.

Always consult with your doctor or a certified professional trainer before undertaking any exercises, treatments, or dietary supplements.

Be sure to read our previous article on Artificial Insemination.

Other wiki resources: causes of infertility; conception; how to get pregnant; artifical insemination; infertility studies; fertility after 40