Causes of Infertility: Ovulation Disorders

Ovulation disorders are one of the many causes of infertility in females. Unlike the male reproductive system, the female’s is much less frequent and infinitely more delicate. Below is an explanation of a few of the types of ovulation disorders.

Failure to Release Eggs from Ovaries

Many times, due to age or a previous medical condition, the ovaries will not release eggs. This, however, does not mean that the ovaries are not producing eggs, but that they are not releasing them into the fallopian tubes as is typical. Sometimes, medications can be used to stimulate the ovaries into releasing an egg. Some ovaries, however, will be resistant to these drugs and more serious efforts will need to be made in the form of an egg retrieval procedure to gather a woman’s eggs.

Failure to Produce Eggs

An ovary may not always produce eggs. Whether because of a genetic disorder, cysts or because of previous chemotherapy treatments, an ovary may have never produced eggs or have been damaged to the point where its eggs were killed or made non-viable. One or both ovaries may possess this disorder at the same or different times.  

Failure to Produce Viable Eggs

While an ovary may produce eggs, there is no guarantee that those eggs will be viable and able to turn into a baby. Ovaries that have genetic or physical abnormalities that prevent fertilization or implantation will cause a woman to be infertile. Again, this disorder may affect one or both ovaries at the same or different times.

Abnormal Egg Release

Many women’s ovaries produce viable eggs, but do not release those eggs on a regular basis. This is known as oligoovulation. Women who do not have a high percentage of body fat, restrain caloric intake or are on certain medications may experience this disorder. However, many women have never ovulated on a predictable schedule since the onset of menstruation. Fortunately, physicians can stimulate an ovary to release an egg on a schedule and increase the chances of the woman becoming pregnant.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease

In this disorder, a woman has cysts attached to her ovaries that inhibit ovulation. These cysts have been treated successfully with medications and surgical procedures in women of normal weights. Factors causing this disease include genetics and insulin levels. Often, this disease is overlooked until a full reproductive examination is performed.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is caused by uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, possibly inhibiting or blocking ovarian and other reproductive organ function. This tissue bleeds according to the body’s normal ovulation schedule, potentially causing pain. While this disorder can be treated, there is no guarantee of success or a future ability to become pregnant.  

Brain Disorders

It is the pituitary gland that informs the ovaries to prepare an egg for ovulation. Brain damage or chemical disorders of the brain may inhibit or have stopped the pituitary gland’s ability to perform this function. Brain disorders can also cause problems with the body’s production and release of reproductive hormones.

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