What Does Infertility Mean?
Infertility is the condition in which a couple does not get pregnant despite having regular sexual intercourse for at least one year. That is, if the couple is suitable for pregnancy but pregnancy does not occur, this is called infertility. Infertility can occur separately in men or women, or in both partners. Infertility is a problem that affects approximately 10-15% of couples.
What are the Causes of Infertility in Women?
There are many factors that cause infertility in women. Some common causes are:
- * Ovarian dysfunction: Failure of the ovaries to function properly can cause infertility in women. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances.
- * Tubal blockage: Women's tubes can become blocked with a blockage that prevents the eggs from moving towards the uterus. This can occur for reasons such as infection, inflammation, or post-operative scarring of the tubes.
- * Endometriosis: Endometriosis is the growth of the inner layer of the uterus outside the uterus. This can cause women to experience infertility problems because endometriosis can interfere with ovulation and fertilization.
- * Polycystic ovary syndrome: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that causes small cysts to form on the ovaries of women. This can cause hormonal imbalances and damage to ovarian function, leading to infertility problems.
- * Age: As the age of women increases, their fertility decreases. Women usually experience their fertility peaks in their 30s and then fertility rates start to decline.
- * Other factors: Other factors such as inflammatory pelvic disease, thyroid diseases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, excess or lack of weight, smoking and stress can also cause female infertility.
What are the Treatment Methods of Female Infertility?
Treatment methods for female infertility can vary, depending on the underlying causes and the person's age, health status, and other factors. Some common treatment methods are:
- * Ovulation-promoting drugs: Ovulation-promoting drugs encourage the development of follicles in women's ovaries and regulate the ovulation process. This treatment method is used in cases of infertility due to hormonal reasons such as ovulation disorders. With this treatment method, the success rate is about 60% to 80%.
- * Laparoscopic surgery: Laparoscopic surgery can be used to resolve underlying causes such as endometriosis, tube obstruction or cysts. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is done through small incisions and uses a thin device called a laparoscope. The success rate varies depending on the underlying causes and the age of the person.
- * In vitro fertilization: In vitro fertilization is a reproductive technology used to solve women's infertility problems. In this method, women's eggs are fertilized in a laboratory environment and then placed in the uterus. The success rate may vary depending on the method used, the age of the woman and the duration of infertility. In general, the success rate in one cycle is about 20% to 40%.
- * Egg donation: Egg donation is an option for couples who cannot use their own eggs due to fertility problems. In this method, eggs from a donor are fertilized in a laboratory environment and then placed in the woman's uterus.
- * Intrauterine insemination: Intrauterine insemination is another reproductive technology used to solve female fertility problems. In this method, sperms are prepared in a laboratory environment and placed in the uterus.
What is the Success Rate of Treatment Methods for Female Infertility?
The success rate of treatment methods for female infertility may vary depending on the type of treatment, the age of the woman, her health status, and other factors. Success rates can also be affected by factors such as the experience of the treating physician or center, the time of initiation of treatment, and the duration of infertility.
For example, the success rates of ovulation-promoting drugs vary between 20% and 60% of patients. The success rate of laparoscopic surgery may vary depending on the underlying problem. Laparoscopic surgical procedures for the treatment of endometriosis can increase fertility rates by 30-60%. However, in the case of tube obstruction, success rates may be lower.
The success rate of IVF may also vary depending on factors such as the age of the woman, egg quality, quality and number of sperm. In general, the success rate of IVF treatment can vary between 40-50% chance of pregnancy at one time. However, the time to start the treatment, the problems experienced by the woman, the state of health and compliance with the treatment may also affect the results.
Egg donation treatment is also a very high treatment method in terms of success rates. Generally, the chance of pregnancy at one time ranges from 60-80%.
As a result, the success rates of female infertility treatment methods can vary and depend on the person's characteristics and underlying problems. Therefore, making a customized treatment plan for each patient and following the doctor's recommendations can increase the success of the treatment.
Assoc. Prof. Pervin Karli
Gynecology and Obstetrics
