Experiencing Anovulation Or Irregular Periods

Ovulation is critical for a woman to be able to conceive. A disturbance in ovulation or irregular periods makes fertility difficult. Anovulation accounts for about 30% of fertility problems and doctors work to find the best fertility treatment. In some cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to become pregnant.

Reasons for an abnormal period

There are common medical conditions that can cause anovulation. Some conditions include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, premature ovarian insufficiency, pituitary gland disorders, and adrenal gland problems. Obesity, low body weight, diminished ovarian reserve, and certain medications can also play a factor in causing irregular periods.

First steps in solving anovulation

The healthcare specialist will work together with the patient to find the cause of irregular periods. If a medical condition is diagnosed, medications will be prescribed. Otherwise, the doctor will prescribe fertility drugs to promote ovulation. Hormonal injections are given if a low level of a certain hormone is present. Besides medical treatments, doctors may recommend making lifestyle changes such as reducing weight and stress and limiting physical activity.

Considering fertility treatments

The doctor recommends Fertility treatments such as IVF if all initial treatments fail to successfully work. IVF is performed in the lab where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the woman’s body. Once fertilized, the embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus. Another option is also using intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is a fertility treatment where the sperm is transferred directly into the uterus, using a thin tube.

IVF or IUI

The choice depends on the patient and what treatments haved been tried and failed. Although these treatments come with some risks, most women have achieved success using fertility treatments. Inquire about all possible fertility treatments and ask about the consequences and success rate.

Being aware of IVF consequences

Sometimes IVF can pose a risk to the mother or baby or both. The mother may be at risk of multiple births, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The baby may be premature, have a low birth weight, or experience congenital disabilities. Discuss these potential risks with the doctor.

The hope to have a baby

Anovulation or irregular periods can be challenging and trying out various conservative treatments may help some women. However, when circumstances are unfavorable, healthcare specialists turn to fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI. These treatments give hope to couples to become parents.