A female reproductive system consists of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, cervix, external genitals and each of these parts is susceptible to diseases that can affect fertility.
- PCOS, endometriosis, etc are some of the most common disorders of the female reproductive tract. The reasons for infertility are varied and can be caused by other female reproductive system diseases. Ovulation disorders owing to the irregular production of hormones or problems in the ovary account for 25% of infertility cases. Endometriosis, damage to the fallopian tubes, the uterine tubes or cervix can also cause infertility.
- PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility among American women and is associated with menstrual difficulties, chronic health conditions and unwanted changes in appearance.
- Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue grows large enough to occupy other parts of the reproductive system like the outside of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. If the growth occurs into the muscles surrounding the uterus, it is called adenomyosis. Since all endometrial tissue is released out of the body with the completion of the menstrual cycle, abnormal growth can lead to cyclic pain in the abdomen or pelvis.
What’s New?
There’s new hope for women suffering from infertility. Scientists have now 3D printed ovaries using liquid gelatin made from broken-down collagen, as reported in the journal Nature Communications. Although the procedure has only been tested on animals so far, the eventual aim is to help restore fertility and hormone production in women who have undergone chemotherapy or suffer from conditions like PCOS.
The walls of these prosthetic ovaries were engineered into a lattice-like structure so that they could interact with bodily tissues and trigger the production of eggs, while also being strong enough to get implanted. The sac also allows room for the ova to grow, as well as blood vessels to form within the implant, enabling the hormones to circulate in the bloodstream and trigger lactation after birth.
Some Inspiration
Jaime King endured five miscarriages, five rounds of IVF and 26 rounds of intrauterine insemination owing to her PCOS and endometriosis, before conceiving her son, James Knight, naturally in October 2013. Later, she conceived in February 2015 again.
Image Source: Wikipedia.Because #HerHealthMatters
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