Addressing ovulatory dysfunction paves the way for successful treatment
Before our Nashville fertility doctors can determine the best fertility treatment, they must isolate the reason for any female infertility issues patients may have. With comprehensive testing, your physician can pinpoint any barriers to pregnancy and then develop a detailed plan forward. One common problem we see in our patients is ovulatory dysfunction.
A review of female reproductive basics
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. When a young woman reaches puberty, she begins to have regular cycles, typically every 27 to 30 days. As part of a monthly cycle, the ovaries release an egg for fertilization during ovulation, and the egg travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus to join with the sperm. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining sloughs off, and a menstrual period occurs.
What is ovulatory dysfunction?
Women dealing with ovulation dysfunction often encounter abnormal, irregular or absent ovulation. Menstrual cycles can also fluctuate. With normal cycles, many women will experience some discomfort mid-cycle around ovulation, called mittleschmerz, as well as some breast tenderness and cramping just before a period. Patients with ovulation issues don’t generally go through these symptoms, and their cycles may last 35 days or more.
What causes ovulation problems?
Irregular or absent ovulation is a common female infertility issue, and our team has the medical expertise to treat this condition. Our Nashville fertility doctors will complete a full medical history to look for signs of ovulatory dysfunction, and request blood work to measure hormone levels, which can solidify the diagnosis.
There are several common reasons for this condition.
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypothalamic dysfunction
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Premature ovarian failure
How do you treat this common cause of female infertility?
Your doctor may want to perform additional testing to confirm the specific reasons for your ovulatory dysfunction. Patients dealing with thyroid issues generally respond well to medications that help regulate the thyroid. When we suspect pituitary gland problems or PCOS, we may make a referral to an endocrinologist for further evaluation. Generally, treatment for this cause of female infertility involves medication to induce ovulation, often combined with IUI or IVF.
We don’t want anything to stand in the way of our patients and their dreams for parenthood. At Nashville Fertility Center, we are committed to top-notch treatment of female infertility, including ovulatory dysfunction. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our Nashville fertility doctors.
