|
|
A normal uterus is necessary for the successful implantation of the embryo and development of the fetus. The embryo attaches to the endometrial lining (inner lining) which is rich in blood supply in order to supply nutrients to the developing fetus. Rarely, the lining may be too thin to support the embryo. During a normal menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen increase stimulating development of the endometrial lining.
If pregnancy does not occur, this lining is "shed" through menstruation. When an implanted embryo is present, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum (structure that forms on the ovarian follicle after ovulation) to further support the endometrium. Later in the pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the placenta.
The uterus is evaluated by ultrasound, hysteroscopy (direct visualization through a "telescope"), the hysterosalpingogram (dye is injected into the tubes and its progress through the tubes to the uterus is evaluated by X-ray), or by a hydrosonogram (the uterus is filled with serum and examined by ultrasound).
Fibroids can interfere with implantation and development if they are large and located inside the uterine cavity. Polyps are caused by excess tissue growth on the lining of the endometrium and can interfere with pregnancy. Both of these conditions can often be treated successfully with surgery. The uterus can be compromised by infection which can lead to scarring. Antibiotics are used to eliminate infection, which is often caused by Chlamydia.
Some
women have congenital abnormalities of the uterus such
as a bicornate uterus, a uterine septum, or rarely a
T- shaped uterus. In
many cases, these women can successfully carry a pregnancy
to term but the miscarriage rate is higher. Surgical
treatment is sometimes recommended.
When
the uterus is severely damaged or absent (congenital,
result of a hysterectomy, or cancer therapy) a pregnancy
cannot be carried to term. In these cases, a surrogate
mother is often used to carry the fetus. The surrogate
can be inseminated with the father's sperm or she can
receive the embryo produced as a result of an IVF cycle
between the genetic mother and father. See the section
of surrogacy for more information.
Uterine
disease is a cause of infertility in less than 5% of
cases.
- Infertility-Discussion
- Female Infertility
- Overview by Mark Trolice, MD
- Male Factor Infertility
- Cervical Factor Infertility
- Endometriosis
- PCOS
- Ovulatory Dysfunction
- Tubal Factor Infertility
- Unexplained Infertility
- Infertility Overview- Samuel Thatcher, MD
- PRESERVING
REPRODUCTIVE OPTIONS IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS ,
by Bradford Kolb, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.,
Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
- THE
CONTEMPORARY FERTILITY EVALUATION, by Daniel Potter, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.,
Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Huntington Reproductive Center
|
|
|
