Pregnancy Complications: Causes, Treatments, and Infertility Factors

This assignment delves into the complexities of pregnancy and potential complications, focusing on endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and infertility. It provides a comprehensive overview of endometriosis, defining it as a disorder where the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, detailing its symptoms, and exploring various theories about its causes, including retrograde menstruation. The assignment also examines PCOS, a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstruation and excess androgen levels, outlining potential contributing factors such as insulin resistance and genetic predisposition. Furthermore, it discusses available treatment options for both conditions, including pain management, hormonal therapies, and surgical interventions. The assignment also addresses the causes of infertility in both men and women, highlighting sperm-related issues in men and ovulation problems in women, and providing statistics on the percentage of infertility cases attributed to male, female, and combined factors. The assignment is a response to a scenario where the student's sister is experiencing complications during pregnancy and requires an emergency cesarean section.

Running head: PREGNANCY AND POTENTIAL COPLICATIONS 1
Pregnancy and Potential Complications
Name
Institution

PREGNACY AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS 2
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder that causes the endometrium, a tissue that lines the inside of the
uterus to grow outside the uterine cavity. It normally occurs when the endometrial tissues grow
on the tissue around the pelvis and the ovaries leading to a very painful experience during the
menstrual cycle. This disorder is characterized by a painful pelvis, heavy bleeding during
menstruation, infertility, and pain during intercourse among others (Evans, 2015). The exact
cause of this disorder is not known and thus there are several theories around it. One of the
theories suggests that it occurs when menstrual blood flows back into the pelvic cavity through
the fallopian tube instead of leaving the body (Giudice, 2010). Another theory also alludes that
hormonal changes may transform the cells outside the uterus to resemble those lining the uterus.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is common among women of reproductive age and is
characterized by long or infrequent periods of menstruation. It is also characterized by excess
androgen levels. As a result, the ovaries develop numerous follicles and do not release ova. The
exact cause of PCOS is no clearly known. However, some factors are believed to play a role.
Excess insulin in the body may lead to an increase in the production of androgen thus making
ovulation difficult (Goodarzi, Dumesic, Chazenbalk & Azziz, 2011). Additionally, hereditary
factors may also play a role in this disorder because certain genes may be linked to PCOS.
Furthermore, if the ovaries produce excessively high levels of androgen, PCOS can occur.
Treatment for Endometriosis and PCOS
There is no cure for endometriosis but the symptoms can be managed to relieve pain. The
treatment options may include pain medications such as ibuprofen but this is not always

PREGNACY AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS 3
effective. Another option may be to use hormone therapy to regulate the hormonal changes that
may be responsible for the growth of endometrial tissues. Hormonal contraceptives may also be
another option. They decrease fertility and prevent the monthly growth of the endometrial tissues
(Giudice, 2010). For women who have used hormonal options with little success, another option
called conservative surgery may be used. This surgery removes the endometrial cells without
affective the reproductive organs (Evans, 2015).
Treatment for PCOS may involve lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes may
involve a recommendation for weight loss. Medication may be aimed at regulating the menstrual
cycle. Some of the available options may be a combination of birth control pills (Goodarzi,
Dumesic, Chazenbalk & Azziz, 2011). These pills contain estrogen and progestin thus reducing
the production of androgen. Another option may be a progestin therapy to regulate the menstrual
cycle and prevent endometrial cancer.
Causes of Infertility
Infertility in men is normally caused by sperm related problems. These problems may include
low sperm count, low sperm motility, blocked sperm ducts, and abnormally formed sperms
(RMA Network, 2019). Additionally, a temporary drop in sperm production may also cause
infertility. This drop may result from an injury to the testicles. Smoking and alcohol intake can
also lower sperm count.
The main cause of infertility in women is the inability to ovulate. The main cause of infertility in
women is polycystic ovary syndrome. Endometriosis may also block the fallopian tubes
preventing the egg from reaching the uterus. Smoking and being overweight may also lead to
fertility issues in women.

PREGNACY AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS 4
Infertility affects both men and women equally. According to studies, around 35% of cases of
infertility are due to male factors and another 35% due to female factors. 20% of the cases are as
a result of a combination between both males and female factors (RMA Network, 2019). The
remaining 10% is due to unexplained causes.

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References
Evans, S. (2015). Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain - 2015. Adelaide, Australia: Dr Susan F Evans
Pty Limited.
Giudice, L. C. (2010). Endometriosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 362(25), 2389-2398.
Goodarzi, M. O., Dumesic, D. A., Chazenbalk, G., & Azziz, R. (2011). Polycystic ovary
syndrome: etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis. Nature reviews endocrinology, 7(4),
219.
RMA Network. (2019). Male Infertility Cases and Statistics | RMA Network. [online] Available
at: https://www.rmapa.com/community/blog/male-infertility-cases-and-statistics/
[Accessed 7 Aug. 2019].