Ovulation disorders
One of the most common causes of female infertility is ovulatory dysfunction. Ovulation begins in the endocrine (hormone) system of the body, culminating with the release of a mature egg (oocyte) from a follicle at the surface of the ovary.
Schedule an AppointmentWhat is an ovulation disorder?
Ovulatory disorder is a term that describes a group of disorders in which ovulation fails to occur, or occurs on an infrequent or irregular basis. Ovulatory disorders are one of the leading causes of infertility.
There are two primary types of ovulatory disorders:
- Anovulation: A disorder in which eggs do not develop properly, or are not released from the follicles of the ovaries. People who have this disorder may not menstruate for several months. Others may menstruate even though they are not ovulating..
- Oligo-ovulation: A disorder in which ovulation doesn’t occur on a regular basis and your menstrual cycle may be longer than the normal cycle of 21 to 35 days.
What causes ovulation disorders?
If the body does not produce certain hormones in exactly the right way, a hormonal imbalance or deficiency can cause infertility. There are many different causes, these include:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
- Menopause
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Medication usage
- Hormonal imbalance
- Eating disorders
- Obesity
- Genetic disorders
How ovulation disorders affect fertility
Ovulation disorders are a common cause of female infertility, but with the right treatment, many women can successfully conceive. These conditions disrupt the normal release of eggs from the ovaries, making conception more challenging. The impact of ovulatory disorders on fertility may include:
- Irregular or absent ovulation, reducing the chances of fertilization.
- Hormonal imbalances, affecting egg development and menstrual cycle regulation.
- Difficulty predicting fertile windows, making natural conception less reliable.
If you experience irregular cycles or difficulty conceiving, consulting a fertility specialist early can help identify the cause and improve your fertility outcomes.
Diagnosing ovulation disorders
Your medical history is useful in diagnosing ovulatory disorders. However, your physician may require other tests to confirm the diagnosis such as:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A blood test that measures the amount of FSH in your blood to see if you’re approaching menopause.
- Ultrasound: A scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to see if follicles in your ovaries are developing. Your physician may also use an ultrasound to evaluate ovarian function. For example, small ovaries with a few small follicles may be a sign of approaching menopause.
- Progesterone blood level: A blood test that measures the amount of progesterone in your blood to diagnose if ovulation has occurred.
- Endometrial biopsy: A procedure, performed infrequently, in which your physician will obtain a sample of your endometrial tissue to determine if it is developed enough to support a pregnancy.
Fertility treatment options for ovulation disorders
If you aren’t ovulating, your doctor may prescribe a medication to stimulate your ovulation. If you decide to take medication to ovulate, your doctor will want to monitor you carefully to see if and when you are ovulating.
Our specialists will work closely with you to determine the best approach, combining medical expertise with compassionate care.
Take control of your fertility journey
Ovulation disorders don’t have to stand in the way of your dreams of parenthood. At RSC, we’re committed to helping you understand your condition, explore your options, and take confident steps forward.
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