We, humans, are social animals that often thrive together by becoming a part of distinct communities. This has been the case since the advent of humanity upon the face of the earth. This also means that we live in a family and to expand it one needs offspring. In simple words, children. The ability to reproduce depends upon both male and female reproductive health. When both or one of them is unable to reproduce it is called infertility.
Gradually it has become a major issue around the globe, regardless of gender. Moreover, infertility affects the patient physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially as well. Therefore, it is vital to educate oneself about infertility, its possible treatment, and everything else associated with it.
Banker IVF centre in Ahmedabad, a fertility clinic brings you a complete guide that will help you through the fertility journey. Dr. Manish Banker, an IVF specialist in Ahmedabad is known to successfully treat infertility so every couple can experience the joy of parenthood!
Table of Content
1.0 Meaning of Infertility
2.0 Types of fertility
3.0 Symptoms of Infertility
3.1 Symptoms in women
3.2 Symptoms in men
4.0 Causes of infertility
4.1 Female
4.2 Men
5.0 What is unexplained infertility
6.0 Myths associated with infertility
7.0 Let’s understand fertility
8.0 How to improve fertility
8.1 Reduce Stress
8.2 Quit Smoking
8.3 Maintaining a Healthy Weight
8.4 Increasing Physical Activity
8.5 Reducing Alcohol Use
8.6 Follow a Nutritional Diet
8.7 Reduce Caffeine Intake
9.0 Treatments
9.1 Medicines
9.2 Surgical Procedures
9.2.1 Fallopian Tube Surgery
9.2.2 Laparoscopy
10.0 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
10.1 Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
10.2 In Vitro Fertilisation
10.3 Egg and Sperm Donation
Meaning of Infertility
Infertility is when the couple fails to achieve pregnancy after a year of trying. This includes unprotected intercourse between them for a period of a year. If the woman is older than the age of 35 then the period of a year reduces to 6 months. Likewise, if the woman or both partners are in their 40s then immediate medical help is required. Miscarriage is not a part of infertility.
Around 15% of couples are affected by infertility across the globe. In India alone, 27.5 million couples are battling with infertility which means 1 out of every 6 couples have to deal with it. India is the second most populous nation in the world and soon will be in the first spot. This can further increase the issue of infertility and its prevalence. Infertility is not limited to one gender because men too can suffer from it. Men and women both are equally at risk of suffering from infertility. It is a matter of concern when the men are considered to be the secondary partner when it comes it infertility. In fact, in one-third of infertility cases male partners are suffering from it. On the other one-third of females are the patients, while in many cases both partners are responsible for it.
Types of fertility
Symptoms of Infertility
Not getting pregnant is the main symptom of infertility. However, several more symptoms point toward infertility.
Symptoms in women
- Periods that are abnormal. The bleeding is either heavier or lighter than usual.
- Periods that are irregular. Each month, the amount of days between each menstruation fluctuates.
- There are no periods. You’ve never had a period, or your periods have abruptly stopped.
- Periods of pain. Backache, pelvic discomfort, and cramps are all possibilities.
- Changes in the skin, including increased acne
- Changes in sexual desire and drive
- Growth of dark hair on the lips, chest, and chin
- Hair loss or thinning hair
- Gaining weight
- Sexual discomfort
Symptoms in men
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hair growth changes
- Sexual desire shifts
- Testicular pain, bulge, or swelling
- Erection and ejaculation problems
Causes of infertility
Female
Scarring from surgery
Pelvic surgery has the potential to damage and scar the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the womb. Cervical surgery can potentially induce scarring or shorten the cervix, which is the neck of the womb.
Cervical mucus problems
During ovulation the mucus present in the cervix gets thinner, thus allowing sperm to swim through it easily. Some issues with the mucus can make conceiving harder.
Fibroids
Fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in or around the womb, might interfere with conception. They may prevent a fertilised egg from adhering to the womb in some situations, or they may block a fallopian tube.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder in which little parts of the uterine lining known as the endometrium begin to grow in other locations, such as the ovaries. This can harm the ovaries or fallopian tubes, resulting in infertility.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
The infection of the upper female genital system, which includes the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, is known as a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is frequently blamed for it. PID can harm and scar the fallopian tubes, making it nearly hard for an egg to enter the womb.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation blocks the fallopian tube, which makes it impossible for the egg to travel to the womb. Usually, sterilisation is an individual’s choice when they decide not to have any more children in the future. It is difficult to reverse the sterilisation but even after that, the chances of conceiving are slim.
Medicines and drugs
Some treatments and drugs have adverse effects that can influence your fertility. Illegal drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, can have a negative impact on fertility and make ovulation difficult. If a woman is trying to conceive or is planning to do so in the future then it is best to avoid such harmful drugs and medications as it negatively affects fertility.
Problems with ovulation
Large multinational research conducted by WHO to reveal the causes of infertility in women states that 25% times ovulation disorders were responsible for it. Another study of 2018 published in the International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences showcased that the most common female infertility cause was ovulation disorders (57.5%). The monthly release of an egg is known as ovulation. The eggs may never be released, or they may be released exclusively in certain cycles. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that interferes with ovulation and also delays menstruation. Issues in the uterus or fallopian tubes can also prevent the egg moving to the uterus or womb from the ovary. This can also make it difficult to conceive naturally since the egg does not travel.
Male
Semen and sperm
Poor quality of semen is one of the most common causes of infertility in men. Here are some potential reasons behind it:
- Very low sperm count or no sperm count at all.
- Sperm that are unable to move will find it tough to swim to the egg.
- In some cases the sperms are of abnormal shape, thus it becomes difficult for them to fertilize the egg.
Testicles
- Testicular cancer
- Testicular surgery
- Problem with testicles because of birth defect
- Testicles suffering from an injury
- An infection of the testicles
Sterilisation
A vasectomy is a form of sterilization in men and one opts for it if they do not want children. By cutting or blocking the vas deferens that carry sperm out of testicles one gets sterilized. Men can decide to reverse the vasectomy but the chances of it being successful are limited.
Ejaculation disorders
Another reason behind infertility in men is ejaculation problems. These issues can cause trouble to release semen during sex. Various health conditions can lead to ejaculation problems.
Hypogonadism
A person suffering from hypogonadism will have extremely low levels of testosterone. It is a hormone that is involved in the making of sperm. Hypogonadism can be caused by the intake of illegal drugs, tumors, etc.
Medicines and drugs
Certain medicines can also be a reason for infertility in men. Anti-inflammatory medicines, anabolic steroids, medicines used in chemotherapy, etc. can harm the health of sperm thus causing infertility. Similarly, recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, etc. can affect semen quality. It is best to avoid those medicines and drugs if fertility is at risk. Moreover, consulting a fertility doctor before consuming such substances is a good idea.
Overexposure to toxic environments
Frequent exposure to harmful environments such as heat, harmful chemicals like pesticides, and even radiation can affect fertility in men.
What is unexplained infertility?
In a number of cases even after conducting the needed fertility tests no cause of infertility is found. This is called unexplained infertility. In such cases, the fertility doctor will recommend the same treatments recommended to the couple diagnosed with the probable causes. Imperfect testing can also be a reason behind unexplained infertility. Banker IVF hospital in Ahmedabad offers high-end fertility testing and diagnosis with utmost accuracy to determine the cause of infertility among women and men.
Myths associated with infertility
Let’s understand fertility
Fertility is a person’s natural capacity to conceive a baby. By considering the societal, physical, and emotional aspects having a child has become a must for most couples across the world. Unfortunately, the significance of fertility is poorly understood in our society. Infertility is often treated as a taboo topic which further prevents patients from seeking the required knowledge and treatment. Dr. Manish Banker is the best fertility doctor that operates the Banker IVF hospital in Ahmedabad with an aim to educate and help couples suffering from infertility.
Fertility depends on a number of factors that increases the odds of fertility if you are trying to conceive. It is vital to understand the monthly cycle, ovulation, the most fertile days in the cycle, and more. All these increase the odds of a successful pregnancy. One must also know how to identify the early signs of pregnancy too.
How to improve fertility
It is true that certain infertility problems inevitably require fertility treatment. However, the odds of successfully conceiving can be improved by following these helpful tips by a fertility doctor.
Reduce Stress
At a time stress pushes us to complete our pending tasks as soon as possible. However, most of the time stress is not only harmful to physical health but mental as well. And some studies reveal that stress has a negative effect on fertility. Chronic stress is a problem that must be addressed. Stress raises cortisol levels in the blood, which might interfere with ovulation. Meditation is one of the most effective techniques to manage stress. Incorporating yoga into your regular practice is another viable option to manage stress.
Quit smoking
Tobacco use has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women. Tobacco use can affect hormone balances, causing menopause to occur at a younger age. It can have a negative impact on sperm quality and diminish the odds of successful reproduction. As a result, quitting smoking may boost fertility in both men and women.
Maintaining a healthy weight
A woman who is underweight or overweight is at risk of experiencing reduced fertility. Being overweight can interfere with a variety of reproductive processes. This encompasses the progression and quality of the fertilisation process as well as embryo growth. Reducing weight can help overcome some of these issues. Women who are overweight or obese can improve their reproductive treatment success by decreasing their weight.
Increasing physical activity
Physical activity can also boost fertility in women. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve fertility. Excessive activity without adequate calorie intake, on the other hand, can induce irregular menstrual periods and limit fertility. Exercising also helps men to improve their overall fertility and health. Men who exercise have a better sperm count compared to men who don’t.
Reducing alcohol use
Drinking alcohol can have a harmful impact on a man’s sperm. Excessive alcohol use may result in decreased sperm volume. Reducing alcohol use may thus aid in improving sperm quality. Moreover, alcohol disrupts a woman’s menstrual cycle which can make it difficult to conceive a baby.
Follow a nutritional diet
It is obvious that a pregnant lady must consume a nutritious diet in order to establish a healthy environment for the baby inside her womb. However, there are some meals that can assist to increase fertility. A diet high in calcium, iron, complex carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc – an essential prenatal vitamin – will help you become more fertile and conceive more easily.
Reduce caffeine intake
There are a number of studies that points toward the health benefits of moderate caffeine use. It is, however, a severe no-no for a woman who is attempting to conceive. Caffeine consumption can contribute to recurrent miscarriages. Caffeine can also cause dehydration in some people. Without adequate hydration, there will be less cervical mucus production, making it difficult for sperm to reach the eggs. As a result, it is critical to drink enough water and stay hydrated.
Treatments
Banker IVF centre in Ahmedabad offers a wide range of fertility treatments to both men and women depending upon their cause of infertility and other factors associated with it.
Medicines
In certain fertility treatments, only medications are enough to improve fertility. The medicines may be prescribed by the best fertility doctor Manish Banker for the following reasons.
- To increase the monthly ovulation among women who fail to ovulate regularly.
- Some medications are useful to women who suffer from PCOS.
- To improve fertility in men as well.
Some of the medications can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, etc. Consulting your fertility doctor for further information on the potential adverse effects of specific medications is a good idea.
Surgical procedures
Fallopian tube surgery
If your fallopian tubes have become obstructed or scarred, surgery to repair them may be required. Surgery can be performed to break up scar tissue in your fallopian tubes, allowing eggs to move through more easily. The extent of the damage to your fallopian tubes will determine the success of the surgery.
Laparoscopy
At Banker IVF centre in Ahmedabad, Laparoscopy treatment is offered as a part of fertility treatment. Endometriosis occurs when sections of the womb lining begin to grow outside of the womb. It is frequently treated through laparoscopic surgery, which involves the destruction or removal of fluid-filled sacs known as cysts. Laparoscopy is also used to remove submucosal fibroids, which are tiny uterine growths. If ovulation medicine has not worked for you or if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a modest surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be utilised. This includes destroying a portion of the ovary with either heat or a laser.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI, also known as artificial insemination, involves putting sperm into the womb using a tiny plastic tube passing through the cervix. First, sperm is collected and cleaned in a fluid. The top-quality specimens, those that move the fastest are chosen for it.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of the most common forms of fertility treatment. In this process, an egg is fertilised outside of the body. Fertility medication stimulates the ovaries to generate more eggs than usual. In a laboratory, eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm. The fertilised egg (embryo) is subsequently returned to the womb to develop and expand. Banker IVF hospital offers the most successful IVF in Ahmedabad. Dr. Manish Banker is an IVF specialist in Ahmedabad with years of experience that ensures safe and successful procedures.
Egg and sperm donation
If you or your spouse is having difficulty conceiving, you may be able to get eggs or sperm from a donor. IVF is typically used for donor egg treatment. It is best to consult the IVF specialist Dr. Manish Banker to learn more about this treatment.
A note from Banker IVF Centre in Ahmedabad
Discovering the fact that you or your partner are suffering from infertility is surely depressing news. Being diagnosed with infertility does not rule out the possibility of having a child. IVF specialist Dr. Manish Banker has fulfilled the dream of parenthood for a large number of infertile couples. The IVF hospital in Ahmedabad is blessed with state-of-the-art technology and the expertise of IVF specialists that ensure a high success ratio of complex treatments such as IVF in Ahmedabad.
As discussed earlier, infertility is caused by a number of factors. Due to this fertility treatment too depends on the cause of infertility and varies from patient to patient. The advancement in technology has allowed a greater number of people to seek fertility treatments. Banker IVF hospital in Ahmedabad offers sophisticated fertility treatments that can fulfil your dream of parenthood and the joy that comes along with it.
Fertility problem is not something to be ashamed of or keep a secret. Sharing your infertility-related problem with your family and loved ones will enable you to overcome it with their love and fertility doctor’s expertise!