Subfertility impacts many couples, with 37% of infertility cases linked to issues in the female reproductive system. It means having trouble conceiving after a year or more of regular, unprotected intercourse. Unlike infertility, where no conception happens, subfertility is when it takes longer to conceive.
Causes of subfertility in women include issues like ovulation disorders, problems in the uterus or fallopian tubes, and hormonal imbalances. Men may face subfertility due to low sperm count, issues with sperm movement, or sperm production problems.
To diagnose subfertility, doctors look into the medical history, perform physical exams, and test hormone levels. They also use imaging methods like ultrasound to check the reproductive organs. These steps help find the root of subfertility, which guides the treatment.
Traditionally, subfertility is treated with drugs or advanced fertility procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, stem cell therapy is now seen as a new hope. Stem cells from places like bone marrow might help by tackling the main causes of subfertility and triggering repair in the reproductive organs.
Key Takeaways:
- Subfertility affects a significant number of couples, with 37% of infertility cases attributed to female reproductive issues.
- Common causes of subfertility in women include ovulation disorders, abnormalities in the uterus or fallopian tubes, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, age, and genetic anomalies.
- Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, physical examination, hormone level testing, and imaging techniques such as ultrasound and hysterosalpingography.
- Stem cell therapy is an emerging approach for subfertility management, with the potential to address underlying causes and promote tissue regeneration in the ovaries and uterus.
- Ongoing research aims to further explore the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in subfertility treatment.
Understanding Female Infertility: Causes and Diagnosis
Female infertility has two main types: primary and secondary. Primary infertility happens when a woman can’t get pregnant after trying for a year. Secondary infertility is when a woman, who did get pregnant before, can’t get pregnant again.
Many things can cause female infertility. Issues with ovulation, like no regular periods, can stop a woman from releasing eggs. Problems with the uterus, such as fibroids, or abnormal formations, can make pregnancy difficult. Obstructions or injuries to the fallopian tubes can also lead to infertility. Endometriosis, hormonal problems, autoimmune diseases, getting older, and genetic issues are other common reasons.
Diagnosing female infertility requires checking medical history, having an exam, and doing tests. Testing hormone levels shows if hormones are affecting fertility. Ultrasounds can show the organs inside, like the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. With hysterosalpingography, doctors inject dye to see if there are blockages. Sometimes, more tests like laparoscopy or biopsies are needed. Genetic tests can also pinpoint genetic problems.
Diagnostic Tests for Female Infertility
Diagnostic tests are key in figuring out why a woman can’t get pregnant. They help choose the right treatment too. Tests include:
- Hormone level testing: This checks hormone levels that are key for periods and ovulation. Ex: FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone.
- Ultrasound imaging: Sounds waves create images of the reproductive organs, looking for issues.
- Hysterosalpingography: Dye is injected to outline the uterus and tubes, checking for blockages.
- Laparoscopy: A small camera is used to look at the organs in the pelvis through a tiny cut in the belly.
- Endometrial biopsy: A sample is taken from the uterus to examine the lining.
- Genetic testing: Identifies any genetic issues that might cause infertility.
These tests help doctors understand what’s causing infertility. They’re crucial for making a plan to treat it.
| Causes of Female Infertility | Diagnostic Tests for Female Infertility |
|---|---|
| Primary infertility | Ovulation disorders Uterine abnormalities Fallopian tube pathology Endometriosis Hormonal disorders Autoimmune disorders Age-related infertility Genetic anomalies |
| Secondary infertility | Ovulation disorders Uterine abnormalities Fallopian tube pathology Endometriosis Hormonal disorders Autoimmune disorders Age-related infertility Genetic anomalies |
Stem Cell Therapy for Female Infertility: A Promising Approach
Stem cell therapy is a new and exciting way to treat female infertility. It’s especially promising for issues like premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometrial diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) come from places like bone marrow and fat. They show great promise in dealing with infertility’s main issues.
MSCs can move to the ovaries’ damaged parts. They then help repair and boost the ovaries’ function. These cells are also good at controlling the immune system. They can stop bad immune reactions that might cause infertility.
When it comes to endometrial diseases and intrauterine adhesions, stem cell therapy works well. It can help the endometrium – the womb’s lining – grow back, look better, and get thicker. These improvements are making a big difference for women with these problems. They could also make fertility treatments work better.
Research and clinical trials are still looking into the potential of stem cell therapy for infertility. The goal is to make this treatment even better and help more couples have children.