Coping with Infertility

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Coping with Infertility

Are you disturbed by societal repercussions and personal suffering inflicted by Infertility?

We understand your grave alarm about not getting pregnant, despite having carefully timed and unprotected union for one year!

Infertility - What it is!

Infertility is the incapacity to become pregnant after one year of trying. It is a common problem that can disturb 1 in 7 couples. On an ideal note, 80% of couples having regular sex should conceive within one year.

To become expectant, there are several processes that must shape up. The woman’s body is expected to release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation). This egg must pass through a fallopian tube toward the womb. The man’s sperm should travel through the vagina, womb and go through the fallopian tube to join with (fertilize) the egg. Then, the fertilized egg (embryo) is required to attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation). Anything that may impede or interfere with any of these steps may step in infertility. In about 30 percent of couples, no obvious causes of infertility can be found.

Infertility - How to prevent?

For women, attempt to conceive when you are still young. Fertility decreases at age 34 and diminishes further at age 37, tumbling quite drastically after 40. Fibroids and endometriosis can occur at any age but incline to be more common in older women.

Damaged tubes in the female and blocked vas in the males may befall as a result of sexually transmitted infections (STI). The use of condom can protect against STI. If you have an infection, seek treatment at once.

Certain infections, such as mumps can source inflammation of the testis and impair sperm production. That is why most children are vaccinated against mumps. Problems associated with ovulation may be owing to hormonal imbalance. If you experience irregular infrequent periods, visit your doctor to see if these hormonal imbalances, for example thyroid dysfunction, can be corrected.

If you are suffering from period pains and painful sex, consult your doctor so that, if necessary, treatment can be instituted for endometriosis and fibroids. Certain lifestyle issues, such as smoking and being under or overweight can also affect fertility.

Infertility - Causes and Risk Factors

Common causes of Infertility

• In Females

• Damaged or blocked tubes thus, preventing the sperm and egg from meeting.
• Problems along side ovulation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) where few or no eggs are released.
• Endometriosis, a condition which causes distortion to the female anatomy that can distress the fallopian tube function or may cause anunreceptive environment that may interfere with fertilization.
• Fibroids and polyps that can distort the cavity of the womb and impair implantation.
• Premature ovarian failure such that eggs are no longer released. This can happen naturally or as a result of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Age as the number and quality of eggs diminish with progressive age.

• In Males

• Low sperm count or poor sperm motility which may own a genetic cause. This means fewer sperm succeed to get to the fallopian tubes to meet the egg.
• Absent or no sperm. This may result from obstruction in the vas, the tube that transports the sperm from the testis to the penis, or due to impaired sperm production in the testis.
• Erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation resulting in failure of delivery of sperm in the vagina.

Infertility - Diagnosis

If you have not conceived after one year of regular intercourse without the use of any contraception, it is recommended that you outright consult a doctor. The age of a woman is a prime consideration as both, number and quality of eggs decline with progressive age. Hence, it is important to seek medical attention early, especially if the woman is post 35 years old.

Your doctor will be able to guide you with some tests to identify where the problem may be.

For the female partner, hormonal tests are performed to investigate for ovarian reserve and to assess for ovulation.

For women who have irregular cycles, PCOS & PCOD, hormone tests for thyroid and prolactin levels are also carried out.

An ultrasound scan can effortlessly identify any fibroids or cysts. A hysterosal pingogram or ultrasound saline infusion may be offered to evaluate tubal patency.

Infertility is a common problem. There are countless types of treatments tailored for every couple, depending on what the cause may be. Seek your treatment early as success depends on the age of the female partner.

If you are having any of the above cited conditions, consult your doctor at once, without making allowances for any further delay!