What makes a person infertile? - Infertility Message Board

EddieDean · 05-23-2003, 08:42 PM

Hello,

I have lurked on this board for awhile, reading with great interest all of the support and information but unable to understand most of the acronyms and medical terminology.

If anyone has the time, can someone please tell me what are the main causes of infertility? I have never menstruated on my own and may have PCOS, but I'm wondering about other causes, as well.

Also, what do these acronyms mean? What are the basic procedures if you want to get pregnant and can't? What factors make it absolutely impossible to have a child? I have always had doctors tell me that it should be no problem, but I have NEVER ovulated and am extremely worried that this will plague my adult life.

To top it off, my partner (we've been together four years, hope to be married in another two) is talking a lot about adopting. I would like to have a child of our own, or at least know that is possible.

Any information you can provide would be very insightful to me, especially as I read the posts on this board. I sincerely wish you all the best....you are all nice, supportive people that will make fantastic parents someday!

tmerone · 05-23-2003, 09:18 PM

The best advice I can give you is to go to the library and check out some books on infertility. There are so many things that can cause infertility. Some of the most common are Endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid problems, ovarian cysts, scarring from abortions, any past or present sexually transmitted disease (especially chlamdyia) and the list goes on and on. It isn't always the woman. It can also be the man's sperm or both of you combined. Most doctors will start with basic bloodwork and move on from there. A simple dye test (HSG) to a laparoscopy (go thru your belly button and search your uterine cavity). Age is also a major factor. You are considered old if you are over 35 trying to conceive (scary huh?). Well, I hope I have answered some of your questions. I read a ton of books and read every post on this board. The more you know the better informed you will be when you go to the dr. and you will know what to ask. Also do tons of searches on the internet. You will be amazed at what you learn and how many women are like you. You might try "no ovulation" and see what happens. Good luck!!

Mindoo · 05-23-2003, 09:40 PM

Please see post called Abbr for a list of our abbreviations. I'll bump it to the top.

cathyw · 05-24-2003, 07:23 AM

Eddie
Welcome to the board! So sorry about your problems. We understand the frustration and the curiosity that comes along with it.
In addition to all the stuff Tmer said I recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It is SO informative, I had no idea of half that stuff. I started charting and within 2 months my doctor and I pinpointed myproblem. I don't know if it will help you, but it certainly is the most definitive guide into the world of infertility, as well as just becoming familiar with yourself as a woman. I'm going to make my daughter read it, once I have her that is.
Good luck!
Cathy

EddieDean · 05-24-2003, 07:55 AM

Thank you!!!!

I am going to head out the door in a minute and see if I can track that book down!

I had an ultrasound last summer and doctor seemed to think that everything is in the right place, except he mentioned that my ovaries are very small because they have never been used. I also was born without a sense of smell, and the doctors have tried to come up with a reason why I'm not ovulating and why I can't smell anything. The best possible answer is Kallmann's Syndrome, which involves a lack of puberty, male characteristics, etc. I have none of that...my breasts and pubic hair developed when I was 13. It's just the period that I've been waiting for.

Anyway, thanks so much for your help....I will read all the abbrs. and become as informed as I can!