Take Alan and Brittany; a young couple with their heart set on having a family. They’ve been been married for 18 months and decide the time is nigh to bring their first child into the world. Fast forward 12 months and still no pregnancy. This is when the alarm bells start to sound. Infertility starts to enter their thoughts.
They set up an appointment with their physician and and go through all the usual tests. Each using their own strength and resolve to support each other through this complex and very difficult time. Eventually, it’s confirmed that Brittany is infertile. The news is devastating to a couple very much in the mould of budding parents who had their hearts set on extending their happy family; not once, not twice but three-fold.
The cause of infertility has torn at the heart strings of many couples and Alan and Brittany are about to embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride that has been endured by so many couples striving for their first child. Alan and Brittany are friends of mine, who five years after deciding to try for their first baby are still childless. I wanted to mention their situation because it’s a familiar scenario; one in which is hard to comprehend unless you’ve been there.
So, what is the cause of female infertility? There are several reasons why a woman can be infertile. A woman’s reproductive system can be a very complex structure and can malfunction from any side. Here are some of the better known reasons:
Structural Complications: structural issues are the cause of female infertility in about 15%-20% of cases. Factors such as fallopian tube blockage, fibroid uterus and cervix opening problems are three of the main isues. Former medication or past surgery may have caused these factors. Surgical intervention may be possible in some of these cases.
Ovulation factors account for almost 30% of infertility issues. Ovarian failure can be due to hormonal issues or it could be a case of the timing of ovulation.
Scar tissue blockage of the fallopian tubes or uterus are a common cause of female infertility. In fact, this accounts for up 40% of infertility cases.
The good news in a lot of cases is that many of the factors can be corrected with either surgery or medication. Anatomical defects once cleared, can open up the way for natural reproduction to take place. However, the scariest fact about the cause of female infertility is when no cause is known. This is what Alan and Brittany have had to face up to. Brittany is one of about 10% of women in the world who are infertile but have no concrete reason why.
So where to now for Alan and Brittany. Adoption is an option. They are giving this serious consideration. My admiration for them grows every day. Their ability to get over “this hump in their lives” by tackling it together. However, in many instances an emotional situation like this can destroy relationships.
I thought you might want to know about Alan and Brittany if you are experiencing an infertility crisis now. I hope you can show the same resolve as they have.
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster with an interest in a wide range of topics. For reviews and newson the world of infertility visit infertilitylinedotcom