Showing posts with label Infertility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infertility. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Signs and Symptoms of Infertility in Women and its Reason

According to the various researches and studies, it has been concluded that there are few signs and symptoms that can be analyzed to determine the probabilities of infertility in a woman. The basic symptoms of infertility in women are irregularity in menstrual cycle, pelvic pain, vaginal pain and infections. These factors arise due to the imbalance of hormone.
Studies and research shows evident proof that hormone imbalance is the factors that results in most infertility cases. Also, it has been concluded that chances of infertility and hormonal balance are interconnected with each other greatly.
Following are the signs and symptoms that show the possibility of infertility in a woman.

Imbalance of Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Most of the females suffer from infertility due to the imbalance of LH. LH is secreted or produced from the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone is stimulated by the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus gland is located in the brain. LH plays a significant role in ovulation. The deficiency of this hormone could result in no ovulation and ultimately no pregnancy.
Tips & Facts- LH level can be easily tested at home with the help of Ovulation Predictor Kit (LH kit). A color change strip is used to test, which indicates the ovulation timing. Significantly both higher and lower level of LH can cause infertility problems in a woman.  hCG medication is prescribed as a substitute to maintain the receptor, which is responsible for LH secretion.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is responsible for the pubertal maturation and the reproductive processes of the body. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. LH and FSH act synergistically in reproduction. The lack or deficiency of FSH affects the ovarian follicles in the ovary. This deficiency can cause Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome, infertility, obesity and hirsutism.
Tips & Facts- IVF therapy is prescribed to the women who are having such deficiency. This therapy helps in stimulation and follicular development. Check up for FSH is recommended because higher or lower level of this hormone is equally responsible for causing infertility.

Progesterone Imbalance

Progesterone is a hormone, which is responsible for regulating menstrual cycle, embryogenesis and pregnancy. It is secreted or produced by the ovaries. Less secretion of progesterone in ovaries result in less thickened wall of the uterus during conception, and finally results in miscarriage of a fetus. Adequate level of progesterone is crucially required for pregnancy.
Tips & Facts- Secretion or production of progesterone begins from the first day of ovulation. It is recommended to consider blood test to check the levels of progesterone hormone. In case, the progesterone level is not adequate then your doctor will prescribe progesterone supplements.

If you are planning to have a baby then you must go for the complete body and hormonal check up to eradicate the chance of infertility. Also, this process is helpful to understand what should be done before you conceive. In addition, you can ask your doctor for genetic counseling to conclude if there are any chances of genetic disorder. See complete details of pre pregnancy planning on my other article.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle To Avoid or Attain Pregnancy

Often, teenage girls have a doubt regarding the menstrual cycle. Proper knowledge of menstrual cycle is required to avoid unexpected pregnancy risks. Also, it is rightful act to have a proper understanding of a body function to avoid any health risks or confusion.
When the topic of menstrual cycle arises, the very first thing that comes in mind of many people is ‘periods’. This period is a part of the menstruation cycle. It is regulated by the hormones of the body. The menstrual cycle begins during the teenage years (14-15 years) and continues until the menopause. The purpose of this cycle is to prepare the female body for the reproduction.
Normal Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle can vary from woman to woman, for some woman the normal menstrual cycle lasts for 21 days and for others it may take 35 days to complete. The average menstrual cycle takes around 28 days. The ‘period’, a part of menstrual cycle lasts from 1 to 8 days, with the average of around 4-5 days for all women.  It means that the time of ovulation varies, but the average day of ovulation is considered to be on the 14th day of the cycle.
A picture attached with the article will help to understand to get the insight of complete time period of menstrual cycle and ovulation day.
Causes of Irregularity of the periods
As, the menstrual cycle vary in a woman from time to time. This could result in the delay, or irregularity of the periods. The main causes of the irregularity of periods are illness, emotional stress, travel, change in body weight and use of medicines.
Sometimes irregularity of the menstrual periods induces the vaginal infection. Also, this could become the cause of infertility in women. It is recommended that, if a woman is facing irregularities than she must consult a doctor to understand the causes.
Problems Associated with the Menstrual Cycle
Many women experience period pain, premenstrual tension with the heavy periods (more bleeding than usual). These problems arise due to many reasons. If some problems persist than one must consult a doctor.
Pregnancy and Ovulation
A woman is most likely to get pregnant during the 8th and 18th day, which depends on when the ovulation occurs, and how long the male sperm stays active in uterus. According to the experts, the change in the vaginal mucus from jelly to watery fluid represents the ovulations. Intercourse during these days (Approx 2-3 days after this change) is considered to be the most likely days to cause pregnancy.  
If a couple is experiencing infertility problem than the first thing they must do is to conclude the ovulation day, for more chances of pregnancy. Those who want to avoid pregnancy, they should never try intercourse during this time.

Health and Fitness