Fertility

Women's Healthcare Center Amsterdam specializes in the treatment of infertility, also known as sterility, a problem that affects an increasing number of people according to recent research.

16% of couples who want a child experience fertility problems. In 30% of cases the cause lies with the woman, in 30% with the man, and in 30% with both. In 10% of cases no specific cause is found, which is often referred to as idiopathic subfertility, or unexplained infertility.

Age plays a major role in female infertility. The chance of pregnancy for women aged 20-35 with regular unprotected sex is about 80%. This chance gradually decreases as a woman gets older.

Possible causes of infertility

Besides age, there are many other possible causes of female infertility:

• Irregular day and night rhythm due to, for example, alternating shifts.
• Caffeine consumption: More than four cups of coffee containing 300+ grams of caffeine per day can reduce your chances of pregnancy by as much as 25%.
• Underweight and overweight: Both can lead to a reduced chance of pregnancy. Underweight can disrupt the menstrual cycle, while overweight has a negative effect on the cycle.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): These can lead to blocked fallopian tubes, making pregnancy virtually impossible.
• Alcohol and smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy.

Research into female infertility

Infertility testing involves performing several tests to identify possible causes, including analyzing medication use and hereditary diseases in the family, charting the menstrual cycle, and checking for previous abdominal surgery, STDs, or gynecological problems.

Treatment of female infertility

Treatment for female infertility can take place in different ways:

• Ovulation induction: Use of fertility drugs to promote ovulation.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Fertilization occurs outside the body, where an egg is combined with sperm cells in a laboratory.
• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Use of processed sperm from the partner placed directly into the uterine cavity.
• ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A sperm cell is injected directly into an egg to promote fertilization.

The choice of treatment depends on the specific cause of infertility and the patient's preferences.

Specialist in women's care

Would you like to make an appointment with one of our gynecology specialists? Contact us by phone or online, we are ready for you.