Women with irregular ovulation might get pregnant, say gynaecologists

Despite the fact that irregular or abnormal ovulation has been associated with infertility, gynecologists have clarified that women who experience ovulation issues can still become pregnant.

However, the doctors pointed out that a change in the pathway for normal reproduction could cause infertility in some women with irregular ovulation.

They estimate that anovulation, or irregular ovulation, affects around 20% of women who are of reproductive age.

Among the medical disorders linked to irregular ovulation, the specialists found thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, excessive weight gain, premature ovarian failure, and the hormonal illness polycystic ovarian syndrome.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, anovulation occurs when a woman's ovary fails to release an egg (ovum) during her monthly cycle.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, almost one in ten individuals of childbearing age who have ovaries will at some point in their lives suffer with anovulation, which is a prevalent disorder that accounts for about 25% of infertility cases.

Solomon Avidime, an Obstetrics and Gynecology professor at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and one of the experts, advised women who experience irregular ovulation to visit the hospital for a proper evaluation by maternal health specialists.

However, according to Avidime, the underlying reason determines how the illness is treated.

"Women with irregular ovulation can nonetheless get pregnant," the gynecologist clarified. However, because the pathway for normal reproduction is altered in women with irregular ovulation, infertility may result.

“This is ovarian factor infertility. Normal reproduction involves an ovulatory cycle mediated via hormones from the brain and the response from the ovaries and the uterus.

“Women with irregular ovulation are to be seen by a gynaecologist for proper evaluation and treatment of the underlying cause. These treatments are targeted at correcting the hormonal disorders and ensuring fertility.”

The maternal health specialist noted that the therapy could be either medical or surgical, and that certain infertile women with the issue might benefit from assisted reproductive methods.

"Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most prevalent cause of irregular ovulation in our environment," the don said, providing insight into the causes of irregular ovulation.

Although the exact etiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome is unknown, a mix of environmental and genetic factors typically contribute to the condition.

PCOS is a hormonal condition that results in enlarged ovaries and the growth of many little cysts around the periphery.

An irregular menstrual cycle and irregular ovulation may be caused by hyperprolactinemia, another hormonal disorder characterized by a high amount of prolactin. The majority of women with this illness have milk or breast fluid discharges.

Avidime, irregular menstruation, heavy bleeding during periods, or even mild bleeding are some indicators of irregular ovulation.

Other symptoms include uneven basal body temperature, male pattern of hair distribution, acne, obesity, longer intervals between menstruation, and absent cervical mucus.

The gynecologist added that women may be more susceptible to irregular ovulation if they consume a diet heavy in fat and poor in fiber, which can result in obesity.

He advised ladies who suffer from the illness to get help instead of self-medicating.

Additionally, the professor counseled them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and engage in frequent exercise.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that irregular menstruation and ovulation can also be caused by eating disorders, excessive exercise, bleeding problems, and sexually transmitted infections.

Furthermore, Susan Holdbrooke, a clinical nutritionist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research's Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition in Yaba, Lagos, told our correspondent that women who starve themselves in an attempt to become thin or pursue careers as models run the risk of developing ovulation issues.

She claims that extreme activity, diets, and lifestyle choices can all cause irregular ovulation.

A woman who is denying herself fat has a very low chance of having a high level of oestrogen, and when this occurs, she will experience difficulties with ovulation.

A woman may also experience amenorrhea, which is a condition in which she is starved and unable to observe her periods. A hormonal imbalance will result from poor dietary habits.

"The follicle-stimulating hormone will be affected by the absence of fatty cells, which will cause a disturbance of the menstrual cycle and particularly ovulation," she stated.