Problems with ovulation account for most infertility in women. Signs of problems with ovulation include irregular menstrual periods or no periods. Simple lifestyle factors, including stress, diet, or athletic training can affect a woman's hormonal balance.

Many women trying to conceive for the first time panic if their periods continue for even three or four months. But the standard definition of infertility is unsuccessful conception after an entire year of unprotected intercourse

What is the cause of female infertility?

Infertility is a situation faced by many couples worldwide when they are unable to conceive. According to a survey in America, around 10% of couples bear the brunt of infertility. Usually when a couple is not able to conceive, the female partner is generally blamed, but the reality is that both the partners are equally responsible.

The most common cause of female infertility is an ovulation disorder. Other causes of female infertility include blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Repeated miscarriages may be caused by congenital anomalies (birth defects) involving the structure of the uterus and uterine fibroids.

Signs and symptoms

The main symptom of infertility is the inability for a couple to get pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms of infertility.

In some cases, an infertile woman may have abnormal menstrual periods. An infertile man may have some signs of hormonal problems such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.

Diagnosis methods

Investigating suspected infertility requires a number of tests for both the woman and her partner. Tests for the woman may include:

* Blood tests - to check for the presence of ovulation hormones.

* Laparoscopy - a 'keyhole' surgical procedure in which an instrument is inserted though a small incision in the abdomen so that the reproductive organs can be examined.

* Ultrasound tests - to check for the presence of fibroids.

Treatment

The treatment of infertility has made enormous progress in the last decade as a result of advances in assisted reproductive technology, or ART. This technology combines the use of fertility drugs - hormonal therapy - with artificial insemination using any of a group of techniques: intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), or oocyte (egg) donation.

Acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of some cases of female infertility due to problems with ovarian function. In a preliminary trial, women who did not ovulate were treated with acupuncture 30 times over three months. Effectiveness was determined by a combination of measures indicating ovulation was returning to normal.

How can I help prevent infertility?

You may not be able to prevent infertility resulting from genetic problems or an illness. However, you can do the following to reduce the risk of infertility:

* Prevent sexually transmitted diseases by using latex or polyurethane condoms. Also, have just 1 sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else.

* Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 1 or 2 drinks a week.

* Avoid the use of street drugs (such as heroin) and overuse of prescription and nonprescription drugs.

* Do not smoke.

* Maintain good personal hygiene and health practices.

Infertility is a tough situation for women. Many of them conclude that they can't conceive, but that is not true. At times it takes long to conceive and even if then one is not able to, and then these medical aids are there to help one out of these difficult situations.