Infertility
Infertility is defined as when a couple cannot conceive even after one year of having regular unprotected sex. Both the partners can contribute to infertility. And in most cases, treatment is
often available for these factors
At Pathankot Kidney Hospital, both the partners are assessed, examined and investigated in detail and appropriate line of management decided
Treatment
Treatment will depend on many factors, including the age of the person who wishes to conceive, how long the infertility has lasted, personal preferences, and their general state of health.
The following methods are currently available for assisted conception.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): At the time of ovulation, a fine catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to place a sperm sample directly into the uterus. The sperm is washed in a fluid and the best specimens are selected.
The woman may be given a low dose of ovary stimulating hormones.
IUI is more commonly done when the man has a low sperm count, decreased sperm motility, or when infertility does not have an identifiable cause. It can also help if a man has severe erectile dysfunction.
Causes in Men
Sperm or semen abnormality:
- -Low sperm count:
- -Low sperm mobility (motility):
- -Abnormal sperm:
- • A medical condition: This could be a testicular infection, cancer or surgery.
- • Overheated testicles: Causes include an undescended testicle, a varicocele, or varicose vein, in the scrotum, wearing tight clothes, and working in hot environments.
- • Ejaculation disorders: If the ejaculatory ducts are blocked, semen may be ejaculated into the bladder.
- • Hormonal imbalance.
- • Exposure to chemicals: Pesticides, for example, may increase the risk.
- • Excess alcohol consumption: This may lower male fertility. Moderate alcohol consumption has not been shown to lower fertility in most men, but it may affect those who already have a low sperm count.
- • Overweight or obesity: This may reduce the chance of conceiving.
- • Mental stress: Stress can be a factor, especially if it leads to reduced sexual activity.
Causes in Women
Infertility in women can also have a range of causes.
Risk factors
- • Risk factors that increase the risk include: Age: The ability to conceive starts to fall around the age of 35 years.
- • Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of infertility in both men and women, and it may undermine the effects of fertility treatment. Passive smoking has also been linked to lower fertility.
- • Alcohol: Any amount of alcohol consumption can affect the chances of conceiving.
- • Being obese or overweight: This can increase the risk of infertility in women as well as men.
- • Diet: A lack of folic acid, iron, zinc, and Vit B-12 can affect fertility. Exercise: Both too much and too little exercise can lead to fertility problems.
- • Mental stress: This may affect female ovulation and male sperm production and can lead to reduced sexual activity.
