Female Infertility

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Female infertility is a condition where a woman has trouble getting pregnant. The best way to get pregnant is to have sexual intercourse (sex) regularly, without using birth control. If you have done this for one year but have not become pregnant, you may be infertile (unable to conceive). Both women who have never been pregnant and those that have may become infertile. Common causes of this condition include problems in the reproductive system, or problems with female hormones. The cause may also be unknown. Signs and symptoms of infertility may vary depending on the cause.
  
  
• A pelvic exam, blood and urine tests, or an ultrasound may be used to diagnose this condition. Treatment may include medicines, surgery, or certain procedures. With treatment, you may have a greater chance of getting pregnant.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• If you are taking medicine as a shot or in an IV, your family should learn how to give it. Ask your caregiver to show you how to do this. If you are taking pain medicine after having surgery or a procedure, do not worry about becoming hooked on them. Follow your caregivers instructions on how to take the medicine.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This family of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). Some NSAIDs may also be used to decrease a high body temperature (fever). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

Stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.
  
  

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have foul-smelling discharge coming out of your vagina or incision (cut).
  
  
• You have heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding.
  
  
• You have pain in your abdomen (stomach) or lower back that does not go away.
  
  
• Your symptoms get worse or come back even after treatment.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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