AssistedConception.org

Approximately one in six couples experience fertility problems while trying to conceive and there are a number of factors, both male and female, that can affect your fertility. In nearly 30% of cases the cause is attributed to the female, 30% male, 30% both and 10% unexplained. Unexplained infertility is probably one of the most difficult to come to terms with, as the not knowing exactly what causes the problems may become exacerbating. In addition to this, there will always be hope that any problem may rectify itself, which may often be the case in what is known as the ‘miracle baby’. Our case studies details some couples experience of this.

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A woman who was minutes away from having a hysterectomy after years of failing to conceive discovered she was pregnant after a routine test.

Natasha Hill-Cannan, 33, had attempted to start a family for eight years, and had tried IVF without success.

The mother from Ebbw Vale suffered from endometriosis, an agonizing condition affecting the womb, and agreed to a hysterectomy to try to end the pain. Her son Henry was born seven months after the cancelled operation.

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Male Factor infertility is the cause in approximately 50% of couples who experience infertility. All couples undergoing infertility investigations should have a semen analysis completed, even in circumstances where an identified female problem has been diagnosed. Causes of infertility amongst men vary, but in general it is the result in failure to produce an ejaculate containing a sufficient quantity of normal functioning sperm, capable of travelling through the female reproductive tracts and fertilising an egg.

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The Term “Unexplained Infertility” is used to describe a couple’s fertility problem, where no clinical abnormalities appear present. For example, investigations of the female partner show a clear and acceptable laparoscopy, apparently normal ovulation and a normal semen analysis.

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects almost 25-30% of women who are experiencing fertility problems. This is the commonest cause of female infertility and it is also the one with the best chance of successful treatment. The symptoms may vary from extremely irregular cycles to almost completely absent cycles (Amenorrhoea). Some women have an excess of body hair, and although this is sighted as one of the most common symptoms of PCOS, it actually only occurs in 40% of cases. In addition to this, an excess of body weight and acne may also be attributed, but again not in all cases. I highlight all of these symptoms and stress that they are not always presents as this was not my experience.

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Endometriosis is thought to affect approximately between 1 and 15% of women. Of the women affected, many go undiagnosed as there are no symptoms present. Of the women unfortunate enough to suffer badly from the disease, most experience fertility related problems. This may be secondary infertility, in that they may have already had a child and experienced difficulty at a second conception, at which time the condition is diagnosed.

The endometrium is otherwise known as the lining of the womb and the disease manifests itself as the same cells are established outside the womb e.g. on the ligament supporting the uterus. in the ovaries, tubes, pelvis, bowels, bladder, etc. In patients with endometriosis, these cells, like the endometrium, respond to the monthly hormonal changes. When a woman with endometriosis menstruates, the endometrium is shed in the form of a period, the endometriosis breaks down in the same way but because these cells are trapped inside, and cannot escape, they form swellings filled with dark blood (known as chocolate cysts) and adhesions which may damage the tubes.

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