Infertility
What is infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive children. It is a traumatic issue for many women who suffer not only form the physical effects, but also the mental and emotional effects it causes. Infertility can severly impact on the ability to have a healthy relationship between partners.
It is importn to understand that infertility is not always due to the woman but may result from an issue with either the woman or her partner, or a combination of factors that prevent pregnancy. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective therapies that significantly improve your chances of becoming pregnant. Dr Shammas is able to discuss all infertility treatment options with you at your consultation.
What causes infertility in women?
Some common causes of infertility include:
- Ovulation disorders defined as the disturbances in the production of an egg during the menstrual cycle
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities including imperforate hymen, obstructed hemi-vagina and others
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage caused by endometriosis, endo-pelvic inflamatory disease, infections and STIs
- Endometriosis when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside or attaches to the uterus
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause)
- Pelvic adhesions
- Cancer diagnosis and its ongoing treatment via gyaneoncology team involvement
What tests are used to determine the cause of infertility?
There are a number of tests that can be used by Dr Shammas to determine the cause of infertility which allow her to provide more effective treatment. These include:
- Ovulation testing. This is a blood test that measures hormone levels to determine whether you’re ovulating.
- Hystero-Contrast-Sonography (HyCoSy) is an ultrasound procedure intended to diagnose structural defects of the female reproductive system, such as blockage of the Fallopian tubes. It is conducted by forcing an aqueous fluid up the fallopian tube to provide a contrast medium for ultrasound.
- Ovarian reserve testing. This testing helps determine the quantity of the eggs you have available for ovulation. This approach often begins with hormone testing early in the menstrual cycle.
- Other hormone testing. Other hormone tests check levels of ovulatory hormones, as well as pituitary hormones that control reproductive processes.
- Imaging tests. Dr Shammas uses pelvic ultrasounds to look for uterine or ovarian disease.
- Laparoscopy evaluation and further diagnosis of any other cause of infertility such as Endometriosis
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Depending on your symptoms, Dr Shammas may request some rarer tests including a hysteroscopy / laparoscopy to look for uterine disease.
This is a minimally invasive surgery conducted by Dr Shammas and involves making a small incision beneath your navel and inserting a thin viewing device to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus.
In some instances, she may perform a laparoscopy which may identify endometriosis, scarring, blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes, and problems with the ovaries and uterus.
Are you having difficulty becoming pregnant?
If you have been trying to conceive without success Dr Shammas will be able to determine the cause and provide you with an opinion and management plan based on the best treatment options available to you. You can be sure to be treated with empathy and your concerns listened to.
Please call our team to make an appointment at Wetherill Park on (02) 9756 2788 or atGledswood Hills on (02) 8105 0590.
