The fallopian tubes are located on either side of the uterus. They continue outwards towards the ovaries. At the end of each fallopian tube is a fimbria, or finger-like structure that reaches out towards the ovary to catch eggs when they are released. The fimbria stimulates the ovary when it is time for ovulation. The cilia of the fimbria direct the egg down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
This section of the fallopian tube, which contains the fimbria, is called the infundibulum. The infundibulum opens into a dilated part of the fallopian tube called the ampulla. The ampulla is where fertilization of the egg generally takes place. Once the egg is fertilized, it will travel down the isthmus, a more narrow part of the fallopian tube. Then it enters the intramural oviduct, which is basically the entrance to the uterus.
The fallopian tubes are made up of three primary layers. The first and innermost layer of the fallopian tubes is called the mucosa. This layer secretes mucus and protects the fallopian tubes. The mucosa has a distinct appearance and can help differentiate between the portions of the fallopian tubes described above. The second layer of the fallopian tubes is called the muscularis externa. This layer is basically a layer of muscle tissue capable of contracting. These contractions help move fluid and eggs through the fallopian tubes. The third layer is the serosa. This is a smooth outer lining.
Problems with the fallopian tubes can lead to infertility. Blockages, inflammation and dysfunction of the fallopian tubes are common causes of infertility. Pelvic inflammatory disease affects the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. Inflammation inside the fallopian tube can prevent the passage of an egg and inhibit the chances of a successful pregnancy. This inflammation can eventually cause tissues to stick together and turn into a scar. Scar tissue and adhesions are common causes of blockage in the fallopian tubes. Pelvic inflammatory disease is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases or bacterial infections, although other causes are also possible.
Tubal occlusion or blockage can be tested by x-ray. A dye is injected into the cervix. It travels up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. If the dye spills out into the abdominal cavity, then there isn't a complete blockage in the tube. This procedure is called a hysterosalpingogram. There may be a partial blockage still present, or the tube itself may not be functional enough to transport an egg all the way to the uterus.
If there isn't a complete blockage of the fallopian tube, then a laparoscopy can be performed to assess the tubal damage. Sometimes surgery can correct tubal damage, or in vitro fertilization may be recommended by your doctor or infertility specialist.
About the Author
About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.
Showing posts with label Infertility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infertility. Show all posts
12/29/2008
Female Infertility Treatment - Causes And Symptoms
Infertility is usually defined as not being able to get pregnant despite trying for one year. A broader view of infertility includes not being able to carry a pregnancy to term.
Problems with ovulation account for most infertility in women. Signs of problems with ovulation include irregular menstrual periods or no periods. Simple lifestyle factors, including stress, diet, or athletic training can affect a woman's hormonal balance.
Many women trying to conceive for the first time panic if their periods continue for even three or four months. But the standard definition of infertility is unsuccessful conception after an entire year of unprotected intercourse
What is the cause of female infertility?
Infertility is a situation faced by many couples worldwide when they are unable to conceive. According to a survey in America, around 10% of couples bear the brunt of infertility. Usually when a couple is not able to conceive, the female partner is generally blamed, but the reality is that both the partners are equally responsible.
The most common cause of female infertility is an ovulation disorder.Other causes of female infertility include blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Repeated miscarriages may be caused by congenital anomalies (birth defects) involving the structure of the uterus and uterine fibroids.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom of infertility is the inability for a couple to get pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms of infertility.
In some cases, an infertile woman may have abnormal menstrual periods. An infertile man may have some signs of hormonal problems such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
Diagnosis methods
Investigating suspected infertility requires a number of tests for both the woman and her partner. Tests for the woman may include:
* Blood tests - to check for the presence of ovulation hormones. * Laparoscopy - a 'keyhole' surgical procedure in which an instrument is inserted though a small incision in the abdomen so that the reproductive organs can be examined. * Ultrasound tests - to check for the presence of fibroids.
Treatment
The treatment of infertility has made enormous progress in the last decade as a result of advances in assisted reproductive technology, or ART. This technology combines the use of fertility drugs - hormonal therapy - with artificial insemination using any of a group of techniques: intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), or oocyte (egg) donation.
Acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of some cases of female infertility due to problems with ovarian function. In a preliminary trial, women who did not ovulate were treated with acupuncture 30 times over three months. Effectiveness was determined by a combination of measures indicating ovulation was returning to normal.
How can I help prevent infertility?
You may not be able to prevent infertility resulting from genetic problems or an illness. However, you can do the following to reduce the risk of infertility:
* Prevent sexually transmitted diseases by using latex or polyurethane condoms. Also, have just 1 sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else. * Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 1 or 2 drinks a week. * Avoid the use of street drugs (such as heroin) and overuse of prescription and nonprescription drugs. * Do not smoke. * Maintain good personal hygiene and health practices.
Infertility is a tough situation for women. Many of them conclude that they can't conceive, but that is not true. At times it takes long to conceive and even if then one is not able to, and then these medical aids are there to help one out of these difficult situations.
About the Author
Read out Acne home remedies. Also check out for pregnancy nutrition and beauty tips.
Problems with ovulation account for most infertility in women. Signs of problems with ovulation include irregular menstrual periods or no periods. Simple lifestyle factors, including stress, diet, or athletic training can affect a woman's hormonal balance.
Many women trying to conceive for the first time panic if their periods continue for even three or four months. But the standard definition of infertility is unsuccessful conception after an entire year of unprotected intercourse
What is the cause of female infertility?
Infertility is a situation faced by many couples worldwide when they are unable to conceive. According to a survey in America, around 10% of couples bear the brunt of infertility. Usually when a couple is not able to conceive, the female partner is generally blamed, but the reality is that both the partners are equally responsible.
The most common cause of female infertility is an ovulation disorder.Other causes of female infertility include blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Repeated miscarriages may be caused by congenital anomalies (birth defects) involving the structure of the uterus and uterine fibroids.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom of infertility is the inability for a couple to get pregnant. There may be no other obvious symptoms of infertility.
In some cases, an infertile woman may have abnormal menstrual periods. An infertile man may have some signs of hormonal problems such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
Diagnosis methods
Investigating suspected infertility requires a number of tests for both the woman and her partner. Tests for the woman may include:
* Blood tests - to check for the presence of ovulation hormones. * Laparoscopy - a 'keyhole' surgical procedure in which an instrument is inserted though a small incision in the abdomen so that the reproductive organs can be examined. * Ultrasound tests - to check for the presence of fibroids.
Treatment
The treatment of infertility has made enormous progress in the last decade as a result of advances in assisted reproductive technology, or ART. This technology combines the use of fertility drugs - hormonal therapy - with artificial insemination using any of a group of techniques: intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), or oocyte (egg) donation.
Acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of some cases of female infertility due to problems with ovarian function. In a preliminary trial, women who did not ovulate were treated with acupuncture 30 times over three months. Effectiveness was determined by a combination of measures indicating ovulation was returning to normal.
How can I help prevent infertility?
You may not be able to prevent infertility resulting from genetic problems or an illness. However, you can do the following to reduce the risk of infertility:
* Prevent sexually transmitted diseases by using latex or polyurethane condoms. Also, have just 1 sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else. * Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 1 or 2 drinks a week. * Avoid the use of street drugs (such as heroin) and overuse of prescription and nonprescription drugs. * Do not smoke. * Maintain good personal hygiene and health practices.
Infertility is a tough situation for women. Many of them conclude that they can't conceive, but that is not true. At times it takes long to conceive and even if then one is not able to, and then these medical aids are there to help one out of these difficult situations.
About the Author
Read out Acne home remedies. Also check out for pregnancy nutrition and beauty tips.
Label：
Infertility,
ovulation,
PCOS,
symptom of infertility
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