Why some women can’t get pregnant

Many factors are said to be responsible for infertility.
Endometriosis, a female health disorder that occurs when cells from the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other areas of the body, has been identified as a major cause.
According to the Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, endometriosis affects fertility by 20 per cent.
He said it could lead to pain, irregular bleeding and problems getting pregnant.
“It is a common condition that occurs in about five to 10 per cent of women within reproductive age group of 15 to 44 years worldwide, “he added.
 Ajayi said most women with the condition do not know because the condition has been either misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. “Even in developed countries, a woman may have suffered from the condition for up to eight years before proper diagnosis is done.
On the symptoms, he said, they are severe period pains or menstrual cramping, which are caused by contracting of uterine muscle initiated by prostaglandins which have been released from endometrial tissue.
“Endometriosis can also cause pain during intercourse, a condition known as dyspareunia. It may not be curable, but fortunately, many effective treatments for managing the condition and maximising the chances of conception are now available.
“Endometriosis may affect the ovaries, resulting in blood filled cysts called endometriosis. In some cases, bands of fibrous scar tissue called adhesions may bind the uterus, tubes, ovaries and nearby intestines together. Adhesions and scarring are responsible for tubal damage,” he said.
Highlighting some of the ways it can be managed, Dr Abayomi said: “Surgical excision of endometriosis cysts or tissue may be recommended. Adhesion may also be surgically removed, in an attempt to clean up the pelvis. All surgeries can be carried out by operative laparascopy/laparotomy.
“Hormonal treatment is also available to suppress the chronic irritation and cysts caused by endometriosis. Danazol, progesterone, oral pills and GnRH analogues are some useful drugs. In mild endometriosis, ovulation induction and intra uterine insemination may be considered, otherwise IVF treatment is usually indicated.”