Infertility is defined as failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse
All ‘just married’ couples dream of producing a ‘mini-human’ soon after the honeymoon period. But for a few conceiving is a nightmare and they have to visit a gynaecologist or a fertility specialist to find out why conception does not occur.
WOMB Fertility center in Chandanagar is a special clinic which addresses infertility issues for women and men.
Causes
In the female reproductive system infertility is caused by tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes, Uterine disorders such as the septate uterus, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine malformations.
Disorders of ovaries, such as Polycystic ovarian disorders, Ovarian cysts, and low ovarian reserve.
Disorder of the endocrine system causes imbalances of the reproductive hormone.
In the Male reproductive system, infertility is caused by dysfunction in the ejection of semen, absence or low level of sperm or abnormal shape and movement of the sperm.
Infertility can be primary or secondary
Primary is when a pregnancy has never been achieved, secondary is when at least one prior pregnancy has been achieved
A wide variety of people including those with a medical condition such as HIV sero –discordant couples and cancer survivors, may require infertility management
The couple is investigated with preliminary blood tests, semen analysis and 3D USG. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy if required are done.
It is a diagnostic and surgical tool to detect infertility in women. A laparoscope contains a small fiber-optic tube. It is fitted with a light and camera to check the reproductive organs. One incision is made in the navel area and the other is in the lower abdomen. During the procedure, the doctor may take tissues for biopsy. A cyst can be drained or any abdominal issue can be handled. Adhesions and fibroid are removed by this method. Once the surgery is over, the gas is removed and absorbable stitches close the incisions.
WOMB is a specialized clinic based in Hyderabad where this procedure is conducted. Examination of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries make it easy for patients to understand which treatment will be beneficial.
A hysteroscopy utilizes a little telescope-like cylinder called a hysteroscope to give the specialist a chance to see the inside of the uterus
It helps diagnose many problems including
- Endometrial Polyps
- Uterine fibroids, and other structural issues
- Uterine septum
Treatment
Treatments for infertility can range from medications to embryo implantation through assisted reproductive technology (ART). There are treatments that are specifically for men or for women and some that involve both partners.
TREATMENT FOR FEMALE PARTNER
Whether a treatment is successful depends on:
- The underlying cause of the problem
- The woman’s age
- Her history of previous pregnancies
- How long she has had infertility issues
- The presence or absence of male factor infertility
The first step in treating infertility in many cases is to treat the underlying cause of infertility. For example, in cases where thyroid disease causes hormone imbalances, medication for thyroid disease may be able to restore fertility.
Fertility treatments are most likely to benefit women whose infertility is due to problems with ovulation. Treatment with medications is least likely to benefit infertility caused by damage to the fallopian tubes or severe endometriosis, although in vitro fertilization can help women with these conditions to conceive. If the disease of the fallopian tubes is the cause of infertility, surgery can be used to repair the tubes or remove blockages in the tubes. Surgery to remove patches of endometriosis has been found to double the chances of pregnancy. Surgery can also be used to remove uterine fibroids, polyps, or scarring, which can affect fertility.
ART refers to treatments and procedures that aim to achieve pregnancy.
These complex procedures may be an option for people who have already gone through various infertility treatment options but who still have not achieved pregnancy. Those interested in ART should discuss the options with our infertility specialist
Options include
- IUI
- IVF/ICSI
- THIRD-PARTY-ASSISTED ART.
Fertility Treatments for Males
Treatment with Medication
Medication can treat some issues that affect male fertility, including hormone imbalances and erectile dysfunction.
Treatment with Surgery
Surgery can be effective for repairing blockages in the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the penis. Surgery also can be used for the repair of varicocele, or varicose veins, in the testicles. Current research suggests that surgical repair of varicocele can improve the health of sperm, but it has not affected the chances of conception.
If surgery does not restore fertility, ART can be effective.