A Brief On Fertility
The necessities to become fertile include a regular menstrual cycle, sperm, regular sexual intercourse, and well-functioning fallopian tubes and uterus. Male or female infertility occurs when there is no pregnancy success after a year of sexual intercourse. One reason for female infertility is premature menopause which is the cessation of periods before 40 years old. This occurs due to the ovaries not making enough hormones and thus, menstruation does not happen anymore.
The reason behind periods fading early
Premature menopause can occur due to an unknown reason, medical condition, or surgical/medical treatment. The following are reasons for premature menopause to happen:
- A family history of early menopause
- Smoking
- Genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome, trisomy 18 and 13, ataxia-telangiectasia, and galactosemia
- Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and parathyroid disease
- Infections such as mumps and pelvic tuberculosis
- Medications such as GnRH
- Chemotherapy and radiation
- Surgery such as the removal of the uterus
The sooner a woman recognizes experiencing irregular menses, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment. This will help in finding out the reason of infertility.
Dangers of early period cessation
When menses stop early, this also means estrogen levels have dropped. This may lead to serious health consequences such as heart disease, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, mood disorders, and even early death. With possible medical issues arising after premature menopause, coping and preventive mechanisms must be considered. For example, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements is a well-informed decision to prevent osteoporosis.
Other possible reasons for female infertility
Female infertility is not only due to premature menopause. Other medical conditions cause female infertility such as:
- Ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothalamic dysfunction, and hyperprolactinemia
- Causes of damaged or blocked fallopian tubes such as pelvic tuberculosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and pelvis or abdomen surgery
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities such as tumors, polyps, endometriosis, and cervical stenosis
- Unexplained infertility
Various factors are responsible for the above reasons such as genetics, radiation, infection, and nutrition. Sometimes the reason behind these conditions is unknown but consistent tests and follow-ups are important regardless of the cause.
Alternative ways of manufacturing babies
When couples struggle to conceive, doctors offer alternative solutions to help. Each case is individual and selecting the right therapy is entirely dependent on the couple’s choice. Medicines such as ovulatory stimulants, nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors, gonadotropins, human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and dopamine receptor agonists are one option. Intrauterine insemination and assisted reproductive technology are other options that couples can choose. Female infertility is psychologically, emotionally, and physically strenuous. However, available therapies can positively change a couple’s life.
