Female infertility

It used to be considered that when a couple had trouble conceiving a child, that the problem would always be due to infertility in the female. Since this time it has been discovered that female infertility is the reason for around 40% of cases, whereas male infertility accounts for between 40 - 50%. In about 15-20% of cases it isn't possible to find a clear reason for the problem and a unexplained infertility is the diagnosis.

Usually the reason for infertility will be due to blockage in the fallopian tubes, irregular menstruation and endometriosis.

A laparoscopy may be carried out to discover whether the problem is a blockage of the fallopian tubes. A false diagnosis can be given if too much dye is inserted during the HSG process so this is a process that must be carried out with utmost care. The most common cause of blocked fallopian tubes is Chlamydia, accounting for around 70% of cases. However, because the infection is silent and often symptomless, many women are unaware that they are infected. This accounts for such a high rate of infertility caused by the infection. If the blockage looks normal and is close to the uterus it is possible to do tubal surgery.

If a woman isn't ovulating regularly this can mean that an egg isn't being released every month. There are many treatments that can be used when this is the case including the drug Clomid, as well as ovarian stimulation and drilling.

Where the cause for infertility in not known a course of IVF may be indicated. This is usually given in 6 cycles.