Conditions which may cause fertility problems

The prospect of having a baby is among the most exciting things in any woman’s life. In reality, however, many prospective mothers face uncertainties about their fertility and this is usually caused by female reproductive issues. Other women may have their first child just fine but when they are supposed to have a second child, have problems conceiving.  There are conditions that lead to infertility but with the help of your gynaecologist and a positive mindset, you can fall pregnant and have a healthy bouncing baby.

Barriers to fertility

Fibroids and polyps

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. While some women may experience no symptoms, others will suffer from heavy or painful menstrual bleeding, lower back ache, frequent urination and pain during sexual intercourse.Depending on their size and location, fibroids can cause infertility, for example by distorting the inside of the uterus. Having diagnosed fibroids, your doctor may prescribe medication to shrink them or temporarily stop their growth, or they may recommend surgical removal by a so-called myomectomy. If a large fibroid blocks the opening of the uterus towards the end of a pregnancy, birth via Caesarean section may be required. Polyps, which have similar potential effects as fibroids, have a stalk by which they attach themselves to the membrane lining the uterus or cervix. Symptoms may include a watery, slightly blood discharge after intercourse and between periods.

Endometriosis

When the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in areas outside of the uterus, this is referred to as endometriosis. It occurs in about 6 to 10% of all women and is known to be a common cause of infertility.Many sufferers don’t display any obvious symptoms, but some may complain of diarrhoea, bloating, strong pelvic pain, constipation and chronic fatigue.While the cause is unknown and there is no cure for the condition, treatment options (medication and surgery) are available to help with the pain and to improve fertility.

Ovarian cysts

These small, fluid-filled sacs commonly form around the ovaries. In most cases they are harmless and benign. Abdominal pain, gradually spreading to the lower back and thighs, along with vomiting and queasiness are among the symptoms. On the few occasions on which a cyst turns out to be malignant, it does need to be removed without delay. There are some types of ovarian cysts which can be associated with decreased fertility. These are cysts caused by endometriosis and cysts that are the result of polycystic ovary syndrome, which occurs in women whose ovaries produce elevated amounts of hormones called androgens. Ovarian cysts can also develop during pregnancy and although they seldom cause complications, they should be carefully monitored. Most will naturally shrink in size and only in rare cases where they threaten to interfere with the pregnancy may they have to be removed surgically.