Overview of Infertility Infertility is inability of a couple to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. Inability to conceive often leads to feelings of frustration, anger, guiIt, resentment , and inadequacy. With adequate knowledge however, this should not be the case. We will start by explaining the normal anatomy and functions of the female reproductive system. We will proceed to point out where problems could arise and how they could be detected. We will end by stating how solutions could be gotten insha Allah.
FUNCTION OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVESYSTEM
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the female egg cells (ova or oocytes) necessary for reproduction. The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. The fertilized egg thenimplants (attaches) to the walls of the uterus (the womb), beginning the initial stages of pregnancy. If fertilization and/or implantation does not take place, the system is designed to, menstruate (the monthly shedding of the uterine lining). In addition, the female reproductive system produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle.
THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY
The female reproductive anatomy includes parts inside and outside the body The function of the external female reproductive structures (the genitals) is two fold: To enable sperm to enter the body and to protect the internal genital organs from infectious organisms. The main external structures of the female reproductive system include: Labia majora: LiteraIIy translated as "large lips" enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs. Labia minora: LiteraIly translated as "small lips," the labia minora can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the vagina. Bartholins glands: are located beside the vaginal opening and produce a fluid (mucus) secretion. Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is comparable to the penis in males.
The internal reproductive ,organs in thefemale include-: Vagina (birth canal): is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. Uterus (womb): is a hollow, pearshaped organ that houses a developinq foetus. The uterus is divided into two parts; (1) the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and (2) the main body of the uterus, called the corpus.
A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit. Ovarfes: are small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones. Fallopian tubes: are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.
Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited