Is an IUD Right for Me?
For women who want long-lasting protection and little maintenance, IUDs are an excellent birth control choice. Should you consider getting one?
Common Causes of Infertility
Fertility challenges can make it difficult for you to get pregnant. The good news is that modern fertility treatment can improve your chances.
You may need treatment for a specific infertility-causing condition. You may also benefit from fertility medications or treatments. In any case, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Andrea D. Olanescu, MD, can provide the insight and support you need when you’re ready to start a family.
At Medical Care for Women, PC, in Astoria and Jamaica, New York, Dr. Olanescu specializes in fertility care and pregnancy preparation.
Read on to learn about several of the most common causes of female infertility.
Ovulation problems
Trouble ovulating is the number-one cause of infertility in women.
When you ovulate, one of your ovaries releases an egg through your fallopian tube, which connects the ovary to the uterus. When you don’t ovulate, sperm cannot reach the egg.
Several conditions can stop you from ovulating, including the following:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal condition that involves fluid-filled cysts forming on your ovaries. When you have PCOS, you have high levels of androgens — a group of hormones that are typically higher in men.
PCOS causes a variety of symptoms beyond infertility, like facial hair growth, acne, and irregular periods.
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
When you have POI, your ovaries don’t produce many eggs. Your ovaries stop functioning before you turn 40.
Other hormonal imbalances
Other hormone imbalances, including menopause, thyroid conditions, and pituitary conditions, can stop you from ovulating.
Nutrition deficiencies, substance use, or stress
Other reasons for not ovulating include stress, substance use disorders, and nutrient deficiencies.
Blockages in the reproductive tract
If you ovulate but struggle to get pregnant, your infertility may be due to a blockage somewhere along the reproductive tract.
Growths, inflammation, or scar adhesions can block the uterus or fallopian tubes to prevent egg fertilization or implantation.
You might have a blockage because of:
- Polyps
- Fibroids
- Scar adhesions (sometimes from endometriosis)
- Inflammation from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
You may need a pelvic exam or ultrasound to find these blockages.
When infertility is unexplained
Male infertility can prevent pregnancy, too. If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, both male and female infertility are worth exploring.
Sometimes, it’s difficult or impossible to pinpoint the cause of infertility. However, even if you don’t know the cause of your fertility problems, Dr. Olanescu can support you with personalized medical treatment.
Dr. Olanescu may treat the underlying cause directly or provide fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or tubal ligation reversal.
Get in touch
Medical Care for Women, PC is here to support you with fertility treatment. Whether you need help tracking your ovulation cycle, reversing your birth control, or receiving advanced fertility treatment, Dr. Olanescu can improve your chances of getting pregnant when you’re ready.
Call Medical Care for Women, PC, or book an appointment online at either New York City office today.
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