General Infertility
Certain medical conditions have been linked to recurrent miscarriages. A few of these include:- An incompetent cervix
- A septate uterus
- Endometrial polyps
- Uterine fibroids
- Hormonal imbalances
- Immune problems
- Older eggs
Certain medical diseases can make a miscarriage more likely to occur, if they are not being monitored. Some of these diseases include:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Thrombophilia
- Lupus
- Insulin resistance syndrome
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Chromosomal defects
- Prior uterine problems
Some questions your doctor may ask you when you are having difficulties conceiving:
- How long have you been trying to get pregnant?
- How often do you have intercourse?
- Do you time your intercourse, (i.e. intercourse on certain days of the month)?
- How long are your menstrual cycles?
- How long does your period usually last?
- Are your periods typically heavy? Are they ever painful?
- Has anyone in your family experienced infertility related issues?
- Are there any genetic disorders in your family that you are aware of?
- A caring doctor will always welcome any and all questions, and will take the time to answer them in a way that you can understand.
When locating a specialist via the internet, make certain the following information is listed:
- Does it list the services they offer?
- Is all of the information easily accessible and clearly written?
- Does it list all of the lab certifications?
- Does it list the certifications of the doctors and when their certifications were completed?
- Does it list ways to contact a doctor or nurse, in case of an emergency?
The Process of Fertilization:
1. Sperm slowly releases enzymes from its acrosome as it travels through the woman's reproductive tract.
2. The cumulus granulose (outermost protective layer) and the zona pellucida (the covering) of the egg are now attacked by the sperm.
3. Although several sperm will fuse with the zona pellucida, only one sperm will successfully penetrate the egg.
4. The head of the sperm will then enter the egg once all of its body has been shed.
5. Once fertilization occurs, the newly fertilized egg will start to grow and develop into an embryo.
6. The embryo is then propelled by the fallopian tube and it begins a three to four day journey to the uterus.
7. About two days after reaching the uterus, the embryo will now have about 100 cells. These cells then implant themselves into the lining of the uterine wall.
8.The embryo will now come into contact with the circulatory system and it begins to form the placenta. This will provide the embryo with a source of growth and nourishment.