Fertility Concerns

There are many health conditions that may result in fertility concerns for expectant parents. If you are trying to conceive or soon plan to it is important you understand fertility concerns and methods of overcoming them. Below you'll find some of the more common fertility concerns among couples.

Annovulation

Annovulation occurs when women do not ovulate regularly. Annovulation typically results when the ovaries do not release eggs every month. There are many reasons a woman may experience an annovulatory cycle. Sometimes annovulation is temporary. It may result from drastic weight changes, stress or illness.

The first sign of annovulation is a lack of regular menstrual bleeding. If you are not menstruating regularly it is important you see your health care provider who can determine the cause of annovulation. Sometimes simple measures are all that is necessary to reverse annovulation. Other times a woman has hormonal conditions that may contribute to annovulation. Some common examples include polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) or a pituitary or thyroid disorder.

Fortunately even if you have a hormonal condition there are many treatment choices available to help you conceive. Clomid is an example of a popular treatment used to induce ovulation in women that have trouble ovulating regularly. Another example of a drug commonly prescribed women is Provera, which helps stimulate menstruation in women who do not bleed regularly.

Some women opt for natural therapies including herbal therapy to bring on more normal ovulation and menstrual bleeding. You should know that herbal medication is not without risk. You should always contact your health care provider if you plan to use herbal therapy to help correct any type of hormonal or ovulatory disorder. The more commonly used herbs to help promote normal menstrual cycles include vitex or chaste tree berry and don quai. Some women find vitamin B6 helps correct a luteal phase defect, another cause of irregular menstrual cycles.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can also result in fertility concerns. This is a condition where the endometrial tissue in a woman's body grows outside of the uterus. The endometrium or lining of the uterus can grow onto the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs, inhibiting conception and at times resulting in infertility.

Endometriosis can also sometimes spread to other locations in the body. Some common signs of this condition including pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods or excessively heavy bleeding, painful intercourse and irregular spotting. If you suspect you might have this condition it is important you seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

There are multiple treatment choices available for women with endometriosis. Pregnancy actually helps treat endometriosis because during this time the endometrium stops growing temporarily.

Other fertility problems may result from poor health, male fertility issues, a woman's age or various other factors. If you are less than 35 you should try to conceive for at least a year before contacting your doctor about fertility treatments. For women over 35 many health care providers recommend you come in after trying for 6 months without success. There are many treatment choices available for women who are trying to conceive. It's a good idea to see your healthcare provider before you try to conceive anyway to rule out any potential problems and to make sure your body is healthy and ready to carry a pregnancy to term.

Your doctor can also recommend a high quality prenatal vitamin and provide you with valuable information regarding pregnancy and delivery. Your doctor will also likely perform a routine pelvic exam to make sure you are healthy and discuss any other health concerns you may have when trying to conceive.