Wanting to have a child is an intensely private and often powerful. For some, motherhood is an easy journey, for others, a struggle they never anticipated. Infertility — the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over the age of 35) — is not uncommon; about one in six couples struggle with it. If you’re struggling to get pregnant, you’re not alone—and there’s help available. Let’s look at some of those options and what that journey to motherhood might look like if you’re struggling with infertility.
Understanding Infertility
Before exploring treatment options, it is helpful to know some basic information about infertility. Infertility can affect men and women, and in around a third of cases, there’s a problem with the man, in another third with the woman, and in the other cases, it’s a combination of both or an unexplained cause.
Most Common Causes of Female Infertility
There are many reasons which can cause female infertility:
- · Ovulation Disorders: Ovulation issues (for example, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can also block the release of eggs.
- · Fallopian Tube Blockage: The blocked fallopian tubes prevent the egg from going to the uterus or the sperm from reaching the egg.
- · Endometriosis: This condition, in which tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, can impact fertility.
- · Uterine Fibroids or Polyps: Noncancerous growths in the uterus can block implantation.
- · Age: Female fertility begins to decline with age naturally, particularly after age 35.
Some most common causes of infertility in men include:
- · Poor Sperm Count: Having a very low sperm count can lessen the chances of fertilisation occurring.
- · Low Sperm Motility: Sperm that swim poorly may not reach the egg.
- · Abnormal Sperm Morphology: Sperm with an irregular shape could struggle to fertilize an egg.
- · Varicocele: the enlargement of veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm production
Exploring Fertility Options
If you are experiencing infertility you have several options, and the best option depends on the cause of infertility.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of infertility in women and men.
- Quitting Smoking and Limiting Alcohol: These habits are not at all good for your fertility.
- Egg Quality and Timing Intercourse: Regular intercourse during the female fertile time (around ovulation) can help increase the possibility for conception.
Medical Treatments:
- Ovulation Induction Medications: Women with ovulation disorders could be stimulated to ovulate with medications such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole.
- · Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This is when sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the number of sperm that reach the egg.
- · In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): This includes collecting eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in the lab, and transferring the resulting embryos1 to uterus. Call us to know about IVF cost in Hyderabad.
- · Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): This is an advanced type of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. It is commonly used in the context of male factor infertility.
Surgical Procedures:
· Laparoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive surgery helps treat conditions such as endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, or fibroids.
· Surgical Sperm Retrieval: If men have a blockage or issue that prevents them from being able to ejaculate sperm, sperm can be surgically retrieved.
The journey to motherhood can often be an emotionally and physically draining one, especially one transforming your struggles with infertility. It’s important to remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
Consult A Physician:
The first step to identify your options is by consulting a fertility expert. An extensive evaluation may uncover the reason for infertility and the best course of action for a treatment plan.
Support You During the Infertility Journey: Infertility can take an emotional toll. Reaching out to family, friends, support groups, or a therapist can be profoundly beneficial.
Invite Transparency: Transparency with your partner is key during this time.
It’s worth bearing in mind that every couple’s journey is different. There is hope and there are options. Little exploration of this type can go a long way in helping couples through the path to motherhood with better surety and with a shoulder.
Article Written By
Dr. Swapna Chekuri
MBBS, MS – Obstetrics & Gynecology
Clinical Director, Consultant Reproductive medicine
Fertility Specialist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Practicing since 15 years
Hyderabad Women and Fertility Center – Best IVF Centre In Hyderabad
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