Infertility & fertility problems
Infertility is the medical term for infertility. In recent years, much research has been done on infertility, which shows that an increasing group of the population is confronted with (unwanted) infertility.
- 16% of couples who want a child experience fertility problems
- In 30% of cases the cause lies with the woman
- In 30% of cases the cause lies with the man and in another 30% with both
- In 10% of cases no cause for infertility is found
If no cause can be found for the infertility, medical terms often refer to it as idiopathic subfertility, or: unexplained infertility.
Age of woman important in infertility
An important factor in infertility of women is their age. For a young woman, 20-35 years old, the chance of getting pregnant is about 80% with regular unprotected intercourse. Every year that a woman gets older, the chance of pregnancy gradually decreases. In addition, with unprotected intercourse for a longer period of time, the chance of pregnancy also decreases.
Other possible causes of infertility
Besides the age of the woman, there are of course many other possible causes why a woman can be infertile. Below is a short list of possible causes for infertility:
- Irregular day and/or night rhythm due to, for example, alternating shifts.
- Caffeine. Drinking caffeine (more than four cups containing 300+ grams of caffeine) reduces the chance of pregnancy by about 25%.
- Underweight and overweight. Both underweight and overweight can lead to a reduced chance of pregnancy. Underweight is often accompanied by a disrupted menstrual cycle, because ovulation is inhibited. In case of overweight, the irregular menstrual cycle has a negative effect on the chance of pregnancy.
- STDs. Certain STDs can cause the fallopian tubes to become blocked, making the chance of pregnancy virtually zero.
- Alcohol and smoking. The chance of pregnancy is reduced by a quarter when women consume more than three glasses of alcohol. In addition, the chance is reduced by a third when a woman smokes more than 1 cigarette per day.
- Medication and drugs can also have a significant impact on infertility or sterility by (for example) inhibiting ovulation.
Research into female infertility
During an infertility investigation, various tests are performed. For example, to gain more insight, questions are asked about the use of medication and any hereditary diseases within the family. In addition, the menstrual cycle (and its course) is mapped out, as well as any abdominal operations, STDs or gynaecological problems.
After discussion and a consultation about the answers given, a further picture is sketched of the possible medical causes. For example, it is checked whether ovulation occurs by means of blood tests and an ultrasound. In addition, the mucus of the cervix is tested and the fallopian tubes are checked.
Treatment for female infertility
Female fertility can be promoted in various ways. These include IVF, IUI, ICSI and ovulation induction.
The choice of one of the methods below depends on the cause of the (reduced) infertility and the wishes of the patient.
Ovulation induction
Ovulation induction uses fertility drugs to promote or initiate ovulation.
In addition, the cycle is mapped out through medium cycle monitoring
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
In Vitro Fertilization, often referred to as IVF, is a treatment in which fertilization takes place outside the body. A brief analysis of the name already gives an idea of how IVF works. In Vitro means in glass, while fertilization means fertilization. In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, literally means fertilization in glass. In practice, this means a glass dish on which, in a laboratory, a female egg cell is combined with a number of male sperm cells, in an attempt to have fertilization take place.
IUI
IUI uses manipulated (processed) sperm from the partner's own sperm, which is then placed in the uterine cavity.
ICSI
ICSI, or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is often seen as a follow-up step to IVF. If it turns out that the sperm quality is not sufficient, ICSI is often chosen. With ICSI, one sperm cell is injected into an egg cell, so that fertilization occurs artificially.
What can we do for you?
Women's Healthcare Center provides expert care and support for women. Our team of specialisten will do everything they can to help you get the right diagnosis and find the best treatment options.
