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Home > Services > Gynecology > Care Guides > Fertility Resources > Fertility Diagnoses Overview
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Fertility Diagnoses Overview

About This Article

Article Details

Published: Sept. 26, 2008
Updated: Sept. 8, 2010

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Understanding a diagnosis can help you determine the treatment option that will fit you best. Select a diagnosis below to learn more about its effects on your fertility.

Read about medications commonly used in fertility treatments

Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is uterine thickening that occurs when endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, extends into the fibrous and muscular tissue of the uterus.

Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that has occurred outside of the uterine cavity. The fallopian tube is the most common site for ectopic pregnancies to occur.

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue located outside the cavity of the uterus.

Enlarged thyroid
An enlarged thyroid may be an indicator of an underlying thyroid problem involving abnormal production of thyroid hormone. Treatment of thyroid problems often allows the return of normal menstrual cycles and ovulation.

Fibroids
Fibroids are muscle tumors of the uterus that are very common in the general population. They arise from a single smooth muscle cell that has lost the proper signaling to stop growing. Over time the muscle tumors get larger and may start to cause problems.

Galactorrhea
Galactorrhea (release of milk in a non-pregnant woman) will be evaluated by a prolactin level. Prolactin tumors can cause an interruption of cyclic ovulation and thereby interfere with pregnancy.

Hydrosalpinx
Hydrosalpinx is the term used to describe a fallopian tube that has become dilated and fluid-filled. These are usually always caused by some type of pelvic infection including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and polymicrobial (multiple bacteria) infections.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs in approximately 1 to 5 percent of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles. Risk factors that predispose a woman to OHSS include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other ovulatory disorders.

Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are misunderstood and extremely common. There are multiple types of cysts, including ones that are malignant, but by far the most common type of cyst is the functional cyst.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a set of clinical findings and not a disease itself. There are many abnormalities which may collectively produce the findings which characterize PCOS.

Pregnancy loss
Generally this topic is not discussed adequately. Understanding the symptoms and statistics behind the loss of an early pregnancy can better prepare you for the treatment cycle.

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About This Page

Updated: Sept. 8, 2010
Published: Sept. 26, 2008
URL: http://www.dukehealth.org/services/gynecology/care_guides/fertility/overview