Infertility is the failure of a couple to become pregnant after a year or regular and unprotected intercourse. The fertility process in both the men and women are complex. Infertility affects about 10 percent of all the couples in the country. The probability of a woman becoming pregnant during a single menstrual cycle is only little, 30 percent or so, and this is despite of the ideal circumstances. A third of the infertility problems are due to the infertility of the woman.

More about Infertility in Women

In the country, about a tenth of the woman in the population from ages 15 to 44 have problems in getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term. This infertility is due to many risks factors that are equally important. These factors are age, weight, and smoking problems. A woman's fertility declines with age especially when a woman is already in her mid-30s. Extreme weight levels also have an effect on women's fertility. Having low or high weight levels can contribute to infertility. Having a history of smoking affects fertility also. It has been concluded that women who smokes cigarettes are more likely to be infertile than those who don't.

There are two types of infertility. These are:

1. Primary infertility occurs if the couple has never been able to produce a child or has never been pregnant.

2. Secondary infertility happens if the couple has been able to conceive at least once but have not been able to achieve another pregnancy since then.

The Causes of Infertility in Women

There are many causes of infertility. Infertility may be caused by medical conditions that provided damage to the fallopian tubes, conditions that interfere with ovulation, and conditions that cause hormonal complications. Some of these medical conditions includes the following:

* Pelvic inflammatory disease

* Endometriosis

* Polycystic ovary syndrome

* Premature ovarian failure

* Uterine fibroids

The Diagnosis of Infertility and Some Treatment

If after having one year of unprotected sex and you still are unable to conceive a baby, you must talk to your doctors to have an evaluation of your fertility. Testing the fertility of a woman should be performed especially if the woman is over 35 years old and if the partner has no known risks of infertility. The medical history should be evaluated too and some specific diagnostic tests like the following can be performed:

* Blood test to examine hormonal levels

* Urine test to assess and evaluate hormonal levels

* Ultrasound and imaging tests to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes

Treating infertility is quite complex. Treatment for infertility should address first and foremost any underlying medical condition that may have played a contribution to the fertility problem. If this step or process does not restore the fertility, then there are several treatments that are available in order for a couple to become fertile again and conceive a child, and they are mentioned below:

* Lifestyle measures like living a healthy lifestyle and planning sexual activities with ovulation cycles and managing stress and emotions.

* Intake of drugs and medications that would help induce ovulation such as gonadotrophins and clomiphene.

* Use of assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization.