An inhospitable uterus is a hormonal imbalance that affects the woman, making the environment unfavorable for sperm and reducing the chances of getting pregnant.
The term inhospitable womb refers to a situation in which the uterus finds it difficult to carry the fetus. In this circumstance, becoming pregnant or maintaining the pregnancy is challenging because the lining of the uterus is not compatible with sperm fertilization or egg implantation in the uterine wall. Even if a woman is able to conceive despite this condition, she may still experience additional problems in the womb. Increased hormone levels, particularly progesterone, can produce this unfavorable uterine environment for embryo implantation. Dr. Nivedita Mishra, fertility consultant at Nova IVF Fertility East, Ranchi shares what causes an inhospitable uterus and how to treat it.
WHAT CAUSES AN UNHOOSPITABLE UTERUS?
- Hormone imbalance: There may be different reasons for the inhospitality of the uterus, but hormones are the most common cause behind it. Low levels of the hormone estrogen can negatively affect. These imbalances can be caused by gonadotropin hormone medications that are taken by women with ovarian failure or anorexia.
- Reduced PH of cervical mucus: It is another condition that can be caused by certain infections like bacterial vaginosis that can change the acidity of the reproductive system. It is known that sperm will respond better to an alkaline environment and therefore will not fertilize in an acidic environment. These infections should not be avoided as they can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system if left untreated.
- Presence of inflammatory cells: The presence of inflammatory cells in the cervix is another reason for a hostile uterus, as it causes the mucus to thicken. They can even produce an immune protein, or antibody, that coats the mucus and directly attacks sperm, obviously not allowing pregnancy to occur.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE AN INHOSPITAL UTERUS?
If a couple is unable to conceive even after several attempts, it is recommended to seek medical attention for it. The fertility expert may ask you to undergo some tests, as the condition can only be diagnosed with a medical exam.
HOW TO TREAT AN UNHOSPITABLE UTERUS?
An inhospitable uterus can be efficiently treated with two different methods. The best treatment options for this are intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This procedure helps in most cases if the uterus is irritable. A doctor places the sperm directly into the uterus during this procedure. Therefore, mucus does not play any important role here. The sperm meets the egg at the destination.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is a comparatively more complicated process. It is used in cases where a hostile uterus is not the only factor causing the couple’s fertility problem. During the procedure, the mature eggs are removed directly from the ovaries and meet the sperm in the laboratory. They are then transferred back to the uterus when the embryos are ready.
It can be challenging to know that your womb is inhospitable, but you can still become a parent with the right medical advice and assistance.
