Females contribute about 60% of the couple infertility cases, according to statistics by WHO. This does not rule out significant males involvement, but due to the fact that females harbour about 80% of the human reproductive circuitary. 

Infertility is divided into two broad categories viz: Primary and Secondary infertility.

Primary infertility entails a couple or in this context, a woman who has never conceived. 

Secondary infertility entails a ceasation in conception in a woman of reproductive age after having previously conceived.

Primary infertility can be caused by a number of factors ranging from: Hormonal or  physiological issues to gynaecological or anatomical issues.

The female reproductive cycle is controlled by a number of biological chemicals called hormones, most important of which include: estrogen, progesterol, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, human chorionic gonadotropin, follicle stimulating hormone etc.

Over or under secretion of any of or all of the above mentioned can have significant impact on the victims fertility. 

Gynecological structues are production centers as well as conduits for fertilization and movements of products of fertilization and conception. These organs include: The ovaries, the oviducts, the uterus and the vaginal canal. 

Any distortion, occlusion or  loss of function of any or all of the above organs can ruin the chances of conception. 

SOME USEFUL INVESTIGATIONS

A. To check for the functional status and level of the hormones, you may need to do a hormonal assay.

B. To check for the functinality of your ovaries, you may need to undergo a hormonal assay and ultrasound scan.

C. To assess the patency of your oviducts or fallopian tubes and the endometrial cavity, you may need to do a hysterosalpingography (HSG)

D. To check for pressence of masses in your uterus or womb, and its overall state, you may need an ultrasound scan.

E. To check for or monitor your ovulation, you may also do so via ultrasound scan. I have also been successful in assisting  couples select their dream or preferred genders of their babies via this ovulation tracking, In about ten out of twelve occassions. 

This will be all for the first part of this serries. Next serries will delve into deeper issues of the discourse. 

I am Nwele John Ifeanyichukwu. (B. Rad, PGC CT, PGD USS)