Fertility issues often go undiagnosed because, unless a couple is trying to conceive, the underlying causes can go unnoticed. Most couples find success within the first 6 months of trying to conceive. An estimated 85% of couples will conceive after twelve months of unprotected intercourse. Approximately 50% of the remaining couples will conceive within the next 36 months. For the ones that have not conceived, this may be the only sign of infertility.
There can be other indicators of an underlying problem when the female experiences any abnormal menstrual patterns. This can include pain and abnormal bleeding as well as cycle irregularities. This could be indicating hormonal imbalances or a physical blockage or barrier. A male may experience and show signs of sexual dysfunction and abnormal hair growth patterns that may signal hormonal imbalances that could possibly be contributing to the couple's inability to conceive. There are also potential physical blockages in the male that may influence the couple's fertility issues. So how do we figure out the causes??
The first step is to review a complete medical history on the couple to find any clues as to what may be causing the problem. This will include questions about the couple's sexual habits. This is to ensure intercourse is happening in a way that is enabling conception to occur. Often the cause of a physical barrier to conception can be found during an ultrasound if a female's history contains any previous STDs, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), endometriosis, PCOS, ectopic pregnancy, abdominal or pelvic surgeries, or any other uterine abnormalities.Physically manifested problems are estimated to cause approximately 35% of female infertility. In the male, Varicocele, a mass of dilated veins in the scrotum, can cause a physical barrier. Other potential male physical complications could be a result of testicular injury, trauma, surgeries or illness.
The next step, if there are no noticeable signs of disease or dysfunction, would be a fertility work up. This would include a series of tests that check the hormone levels at several points in the cycle for the female and a semen analysis for the male. Anovulatory cycles and reduced fertility due to age can be detected in this manner in the female. Levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, and progesterone are checked. Male sperm quality and quantity are observed.
As we move forward with the Natural Fertility Diaries, I will explore options to improve the chances of conception by looking more closely at these and other potential causes and finding alternative treatments for many. I welcome you to join me on this journey.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infertility/DS00310/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/infertility/diagnosis.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.org/infertility/diagnosis.html
http://www.sharedjourney.com/dx.html
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