Infertility is on the rise and is plaguing young couple across the globe and in India, 10 to 14% of the population suffers from infertility. Especially in the urban areas, one out of six couples is known to be affected as per the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction. Fortunately, it is now being considered more as a public health issue rather than stigmatize the woman.
Reasons for infertility are varied and different among women and men.
Among women:
- Age:- This is one of the key factors! Women beyond the prime reproductive age (19-35 years) are known to have difficulty with conception.
- Other Factors:- This could include genetic, physiological issues with the reproductive system such as ovulation disorders (premature ovarian failure, PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, poor egg quality, thyroid problems etc.)
- General Factors: Problems in the uterus or fallopian tubes, previous medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, high cholesterol levels etc.
Among Men:
- Physiological Factors;- Such as low sperm production, low sperm concentration (less than 15 million sperm per millilitre of sperm)
- General Factors: Poor motility (movement), morphology issues (size and shape), abnormal sperm functioning or blockage in the delivery of the sperm etc.
- Other Factors: Other causes related to the human physiology that affect fertility could be physical illnesses such as diabetes, injuries, erectile dysfunction, endocrine disorder (hormonal), and other chronic health problems.
Factors affecting infertility in a couple:
- Environmental factors: Toxins, pesticides, cosmetics, preservatives, heavy metals, free radicals and industrial by-products are also known to have an effect for both men and women.
- Sedentery lifestyle: Lifestyle that includes abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other recreational drugs, obesity, increased stress levels affect both men and women equally.
The primary step to treating infertility is an investigation that includes a few medical tests such as
- Blood tests
- hormone profiling
- Imaging tests such as ultrasound that is common for men and women.
- Other tests specific to women include ovulation testing, ovarian reservation testing, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy etc.
- Similarly tests specific to men are semen analysis, testicular bioscopy etc.
THE HEALING
Advancement in science and technology has ensured that there is a solution to every problem related to infertility.
Treatment to infertility largely depends on:
- Age
- Years of marriage
- The health of a couple.
Basic treatments include ovulation induction & timed intercourse (hormonal tablets to produce more follicles) when most of the factors are normal and the couple is young. If the fallopian tubes are blocked or scarred, surgical procedures such as laparoscopy are used.
Other assisted reproductive techniques such as IUI, IVF, ICSI, sperm or egg donation, Assisted hatching are used in more complicated cases.
For men, approaches include medication and surgery to remove sperm blockage, retrieve sperm or even restore fertility, treating varicocele etc.
What is most important in all of the above is to be under the care and supervision of an experienced physician. Such care has been experienced by several couples at Janisthaa Fertility Centre and Hospital, located in Basaveshwarnagar, Bengaluru under the able guidance of Dr Swetha Y Baratikkae. Janisthaa is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for a couple struggling with infertility and other endocrinology problems.
We dedicate exclusive time in listening to our eager clients, which solves half the problem of reducing the stress and anxiety levels. We also take special care and efforts in educating the clients about the causes of their infertility and why a certain treatment is being recommended. This adds to the confidence and trust levels in them. Our staff is also trained in being understanding, co-operative and friendly, to provide an overall caring atmosphere. Successful results and smiles on the faces of the people who approach us are our goals.
For more information, book for a free consultation today and open the doors of motherhood to experience the joy of parenthood.
