Ovulation Problems Among Women. Explanation by Dr Rama Sofat

Ovulation Problems Among Women. Explanation by Dr Rama Sofat

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the release of an egg from your ovaries.Inside ovaries lie many ovarian follicles. These follicles are tiny sacs that contain eggs. Keep that picture in mind as Dr Rama Sofat explains how ovulation works:

1. On day 1 of your menstrual cycle, several follicles and eggs begin to mature and develop.
2. About 2 weeks later, the dominant (most mature) egg bursts out of its follicle and out of the ovary.
3. The egg travels out of the ovary and into the fallopian tube.
4. When waiting sperm penetrate the egg in the fallopian tube, fertilization occurs.
5. The fertilized egg travels along into your uterus where it may implant into the uterine wall.

When ovulation, fertilization and implantation are healthy and successful, pregnancy begins! If problems with ovulation, fertilization, or implantation occur, you may have fertility problems. If you suspect that you have irregular cycles, and do not ovulate on or around day 14, ask your doctor for help. 

Possible symptoms: Absent or infrequent periods, unusually light or heavy menstrual bleeding, or lack of such premenstrual symptoms as bloating or breast tenderness.

Possible solutions: Managing body weight if it's too low or too high, taking fertility drugs (with or without artificial insemination), and having in-vitro fertilization (IVF) as explained by Dr Rama Sofat.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue normally found in the lining of the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows outside the uterus, usually in the abdomen or pelvis.

Possible symptoms: Some women have no symptoms, while others have painful periods or intercourse, heavy bleeding or unusual spotting, and general pelvic pain.

Possible solutions: Surgery to remove endometrial tissue or open blocked fallopian tubes, fertility drugs (with or without artificial insemination) and IVF.

Poor egg quality

The quality and number of eggs the ovaries produce naturally or with fertility treatment  declines significantly after age 35.

Possible symptoms: None.

Possible solutions: Fertility drugs, IVF using your own eggs, IVF with donor eggs or donor embryos.

Tubal factors

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from getting to your egg and also prevent the fertilized egg from getting to your uterus. Leading causes of tube problems include pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections and previous sterilization surgery.

Possible symptoms: None.

Possible solutions: Surgery to open the tubes. If surgery fails, or if the tubes are too damaged to repair, they may be removed before having IVF in order to improve your chances of pregnancy.

Unexplained fertility problems

Some experts believe subtle differences in the way the reproductive system works may cause this type of infertility. This can include differences in follicle development, sperm function, or the fertilization process.

Experts also theorize that lifestyle factors such as being significantly underweight or overweight, regularly consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, and smoking may be contributing factors as well.

Possible symptoms: None.

Possible solutions: Fertility drugs (with or without artificial insemination) or IVF.