Let’s talk about female infertility

Dr. Shobha Gupta addressing female infertility issues

By Dr. Shobha Gupta  

These days couples plan their pregnancy after 30 years of age but if you are over 35 and have been trying for a baby for more than a year without getting any results, it is best to contact a fertility expert.   

Here are few signs that could help in indicating that there can be problems in conceiving:  

1. Irregular menstrual cycle:  Abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle or periods is one sign that can point towards a woman’s infertility. A menstrual cycle that is too long (35 days or more) or too short (21 days or less) could indicate problems with ovulation. Sometimes a healthy diet, exercise and medication can regularize your periods and help you conceive.  

2. Medical issues:  There are various medical problems or issues like endometriosis, PCOS and tubal blockage that can reduce one’s chances of conception drastically. PCOS is a major cause of infertility for urban Indian women. Tubal blockage or fallopian tube obstruction is again a prime cause of female infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes are unable to deliver the sperm and ova to the uterus for implantation and so conception becomes difficult. While most of these conditions can be rectified with help of a doctor, the sooner you meet a fertility expert, the better.  

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3. Thyroid:  According to Indian Thyroid Society, about 70% of women with PMS have thyroid dysfunction and possibly results in infertility. Since the thyroid hormones regulate cellular functions, abnormal thyroid function affects ovulation and fertility as well.

So get your thyroid checked while you are planning a baby.  

4. Your Age:  Women are born with a specific number of eggs, which declines with age; one reason doctors urge women to plan pregnancy early on. After a certain age, it becomes difficult for one to plan pregnancy naturally and might require the help of a fertility expert to get pregnant.