Author: Athar Anjum

Ovarian Stimulation: Process & Risks

The second step in the IVF fertility process is ovarian stimulation. From the woman’s ovaries, the intention is to remove all mature eggs formed with ovarian stimulation. Collecting many eggs increases the likelihood that one of them will be fertilised, returned to the uterus, and develop into a healthy child.

Ovarian stimulation is difficult since the normal female reproductive cycle is complex. An IVF cycle can be stressful, mainly if it’s your first time.

Related: Top IVF Myths People Need To Stop Believing

How does Ovarian Stimulation work?

During ovarian stimulation, follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) are administered to aid in the development, maturation, and release of more eggs. These hormones are injected to begin the procedure during a two-week period.

FSH is used to boost oestrogen levels and drive follicle growth because some naturally die when the body’s FSH levels fall. It is essential that these levels stay high to encourage higher egg production. Estrogen levels must be high since this hormone aids at the beginning of ovulation. It should be mentioned that the IVF procedure necessitates the retrieval of the eggs before ovulation.

What is the process of Ovarian Stimulation?

The timing of the ovarian stimulation procedure must be exact to coincide with the patient’s body’s normal cycle. To understand how the body is responding to the medicine being administered, it is important to carefully observe each step of ovarian stimulation.

To administer the medication for the subsequent stage, it is also crucial to understand the progression of the follicle maturation as well as what is occurring. The ovarian stimulation that causes the follicles in the ovaries to mature occurs in three stages specifically. The three stages are:

• Stimulate the growth of follicles.
• Prevent the egg release.
• Final maturation.

The medicine, time and dose are decided according to the above stages.

What are the risks of Ovarian Stimulation?

Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a known side effect of ovarian stimulation. However, due to new medicine and protocols of IVF, this is very rarely seen these days. A few days after the eggs have been collected, this complication may occur. A significant amount of hormone therapy is what leads to OHSS. The ovaries become painfully enlarged as a result. Most women with OHSS typically have a moderate disease which is self-limiting, but in rare instances, the raised hormones may have a serious negative impact on the patient and may require hospitalization.

Takeaway

If you’re looking for the best IVF centre to start your parenthood journey or you still have questions regarding this, you can always reach out to us. Pristyn Care Ferticity IVF & Fertility Clinics is one of the best IVF centres in South Delhi. 

 

Azoospermia is the medical term for an ejaculate that contains no sperm at all. According to the presence or absence of obstruction, it is divided into obstructive azoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia.

What are the causes of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia?

Non-obstructive azoospermia can be caused by many things, such as:

• Genetic Causes: Male infertility can have a number of hereditary origins, some of which can lead to non-obstructive azoospermia. They include karyotypic anomalies and Y-chromosome microdeletions. When a male has an extra X chromosome, they have Klinefelter Syndrome, the most prevalent karyotypic anomaly. 

• Varicoceles: Varicoceles, which are enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum, can potentially have an impact on sperm production. Blood pooling in the scrotum brought on by varicoceles has a detrimental effect on sperm production.

• Medications: The generation of sperm may potentially suffer from exposure to some drugs. For instance, taking testosterone supplements can interfere with the reproductive system’s operation.

• Causes of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia by Hormone: The pituitary’s hormones must stimulate the testicles to make sperm. Sperm formation cannot take place if these hormones are lacking or absent. The hormones required for sperm production may have been impacted in men who currently use or have used steroids.
• Radiations and Toxins: The production of sperm can be hampered by harmful chemical exposure, such as that caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For this reason, sperm banking is advised before chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What is the treatment for Non-Obstructive Azoospermia?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) effectively addresses hormone shortages in males with non-obstructive azoospermia. Aromatase inhibitors, which increase sperm concentration and motility, can treat men with an abnormal testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (T/E2). However, HRT works in patients with low hormones. Patients with high hormone values are difficult to treat and often require donor sperm for IVF. 

Data on whether to surgically repair varicoceles are inconclusive. By tying off the afflicted veins and redirecting blood flow through healthy veins, varicocelectomy can help diminish the enlarged varicose veins, but it is often only used in severe cases.

Pregnancy with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

In the past, fertility specialists believed that men with sperm production issues could only start a family via donor sperm or adoption. Testicular biopsies, however, frequently reveal sperm in males with non-obstructive azoospermia. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) can use testicular sperm, which frequently have reduced motility, for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

For men with non-obstructive azoospermia, a method called testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and microscopic testicular sperm extraction ( micro TESE) with ICSI has been used. A local or general anaesthetic may be used during testicular sperm extraction. This method can be used to obtain sperm for IVF treatments.

Genetic testing and counselling are advised before IVF if a man has been diagnosed with a hereditary explanation for his non-obstructive azoospermia.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Symptoms, Causes 

Fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive system attached to the uterus from one side and ovaries on the other. Every month, an egg is transported from an ovary to the uterus by the fallopian tubes during ovulation, which takes place around the middle of a menstrual cycle. The fallopian tube is where conception also takes place. If a sperm fertilises an egg, the fertilised egg travels via the tube to the uterus where it will be implanted.

A blocked fallopian tube prevents sperm from reaching the eggs and the fertilised egg from returning to the uterus. Scar tissue, infections, and pelvic adhesions frequently cause fallopian tube blockages. 

What are the symptoms of a blocked fallopian tube?

Contrary to anovulation, which may be indicated by irregular menstrual periods, obstructed fallopian tubes rarely result in symptoms. Infertility is frequently the first “symptom” of obstructed fallopian tubes. In addition to regular routine fertility testing, your doctor may order a special X-ray to check your fallopian tubes if you haven’t been pregnant after a year of trying (or after six months if you’re age 35 or older).

Lower abdomen pain and unusual vaginal discharge are possible indications of a particular type of obstructed fallopian tube termed a hydrosalpinx. However, not all women may experience these signs. When a blockage causes the tube to expand (grow in diameter) and fill with fluid, the condition is known as hydrosalpinx. Fertilization and pregnancy are prevented because the fluid inhibits the sperm and egg.

Blocked fallopian tubes can have a variety of causes, some of which may also have unique symptoms. For instance, painful menstruation and painful sexual activity may be brought on by endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

What are the causes of a blocked fallopian tube?

PID most frequently brings on fallopian tube blockages. Although not all pelvic infections are associated with STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease results from a sexually transmitted illness. A history of PID or a pelvic infection also raises the chance of blocked tubes, even if PID is no longer present.

Here are some more factors that could result in obstructed fallopian tubes:

• Having chlamydia or gonorrhoea currently or in the past is an STD infection.
• An abortion or miscarriage-related uterine infection history.
• Previous fallopian tube surgery, including tubal ligation.
• History of an appendix rupture.
• History of abdominal surgery.
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Endometriosis

How to diagnose a blocked fallopian tube?

It can be challenging to recognise blocked fallopian tubes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if the tubes are obstructed or closed because they can open and close.

• a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an X-ray examination: Injecting a safe dye into the womb should cause it to flow into the fallopian tubes and the pelvis. On an X-ray, you can see the stain. The fallopian tubes may be blocked if the fluid does not enter them or does not spill put freely into the pelvic cavity.
• a sonosalpingography (SSG), a type of ultrasound examination: Fluid is pushed through the cervix into the uterine cavity to see if it comes out in the pelvic cavity. While doing an ultrasound this fluid can be seen flowing into the cavity and out into the pelvis to determine if the tubes are opened.
• laparoscopy, often known as keyhole surgery: A small incision is made in the body, and a tiny camera is inserted to obtain images of the fallopian tubes from within. Dye is pushed into the uterus to see if it flows out in the pelvic cavity.

How to treat blocked fallopian tubes?

Fallopian tubes that are obstructed may be surgically opened. However, this depends on the degree of scarring and the location of the blockage. 

What are the possible complications caused by a blocked fallopian tube?

The same risks are involved with surgery to open the fallopian tubes. These consist of:

• development of more scar tissue.
• bleeding.
• infection.
• ectopic pregnancy.

Takeaway

Even while blocked fallopian tubes can lead to infertility, it is still possible to become pregnant. Oftentimes, laparoscopic surgery can clear the obstruction and help fertility. IVF can assist you in getting pregnant if surgery is not an option. Pristyn Care Ferticity IVF & Fertility Clinics is one of the best IVF facilities in Delhi which has a cutting-edge laboratory and a competent staff of specialists in both fertility and medicine. Book an appointment with us today!

Conception: What is it and how does it happen?

Menstruation and conception are closely connected processes. The series of events that take place in your body each month as it gets ready for the potential of pregnancy is known as a menstrual cycle. Ovulation occurs during the menstrual cycle in both women.

Your ovary releases an egg for fertilisation during ovulation. Fimbriae, which resemble little fingers, aid in guiding the egg through your fallopian tubes and into your uterus. An egg may become fertilised by a sperm during this passage through your fallopian tubes.

In the testicles of men, sperm production begins. Millions of sperm cells are released during ejaculation with the sole intent of locating an egg to fertilise. Sperm cells swim up through your vagina and into your fallopian tubes during unprotected sex.

Only one sperm manages to fertilise an egg despite millions of sperm competing to reach and enter the egg. Eggs disintegrate if sperm cannot fertilise them.

A fertilised egg, also known as a zygote, continues to travel down your fallopian tube if a sperm is successful in its attempt to fertilise an egg. As it does so, it divides into two cells, then four cells, and then more cells as it travels. The zygote has arrived in your uterus about a week after the sperm and egg were fertilised. It has developed into a blastocyst, a developing collection of roughly 100 cells.

After that, the blastocyst attaches to the uterine lining (the endometrium). Implantation describes this process of attachment. Yet, only because conception takes place does not guarantee implantation. Occasionally, implantation fails, and the fertilised egg is passed during your subsequent menstrual cycle.

If implantation occurs, the cells keep dividing; some become your baby while others become the placenta. You start to exude hormones that alert your body that a child is developing inside your womb. These hormones also instruct the uterus to keep its lining in place as opposed to shedding it. This implies that you won’t get a period, which may be how you find out you are pregnant for the first time.

In a 28-day menstrual cycle, getting pregnant involves the following steps:

Day 1: your first day of menstruation.

Around day 14: Ovulation.

Within 24 hours of ovulation: An egg is fertilised by sperm (conception occurs).

About six days after fertilization: The ovum that has been fertilised grows inside your uterus.

Around day 21: You are pregnant if conception and implantation have been placed during this menstrual cycle. However, it can take a further five to seven days to get a positive pregnancy test.

A fertilised egg moves from conception through your fallopian tubes to your uterus. The fertilised egg, also known as an embryo, implants (attaches) to the uterine wall. The placenta begins to develop as a result. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to be produced by your placenta and released into your urine and blood. Around 11 days following pregnancy, HCG can be seen in a person’s blood. With home pregnancy tests, hCG takes a little longer to appear (that measure hCG in pee).

How does conception work with IVF?

The process of conception still requires the fertilisation of an egg by sperm. However, sperm fertilises an egg in a lab during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). A parent’s or a donor’s sperm is combined with an egg, either from the intended parent or a donor. When the sperm fertilises the egg, conception occurs.

After conception, your healthcare professional implants the embryo into the uterus.

What circumstances make it impossible to conceive?

Your ability to get pregnant may be impacted by specific medical issues. The mere contact of the sperm and egg does not guarantee fertilisation. Among the most typical ones are:

• you are not ovulating (this is anovulation).
• difficulties with sperm motility or low sperm count.
• an obstruction in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or testicles.
• decreasing the supply of high-quality sperm and eggs.
• difficulty in the penetration of sperm into the egg.
• Thin endometrial lining or lining not being receptive.

Takeaway

Sperm fertilising an egg is known as conception. It’s one of several essential processes to becoming pregnant. Conception is a difficult process that is influenced by numerous variables. There are several options available to assist you if you’re having trouble getting pregnant. If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, talk to your doctor. In addition to describing the procedure, they can point out any obstacles to conceiving and becoming pregnant.

Ovarian Endometriomas: What are Chocolate Cysts?

“chocolate cyst,” also known as ovarian endometriomas, are cysts that contain menstrual blood. They are a sign of endometriosis, a disorder in which endometrium (cells from the lining of the uterus) spreads outside the uterus. Your doctor can assist you in managing any uncomfortable symptoms that these cysts may cause. Sometimes getting rid of them is the best course of action.

Must Read: The Vital Role of Psychological Support in the IVF Journey

What are the symptoms of Chocolate Cysts?

Some women may experience symptoms from chocolate cysts. Other ladies might not have any symptoms at all.

Moreover, the existence or intensity of symptoms is not always related to the cyst’s size. In other words, a woman with a little cyst might have symptoms, whereas a woman with a huge cyst might not. Cysts can be anywhere in size between 2 and 20 centimetres (cm).

The symptoms may consist of:

• painful periods
• pelvic pain
• irregular periods
• pain during intercourse
• Feeling the urge to pee more.
• Back pain.
• Vomiting.
• Bloating.
• Nausea.
• infertility 

What causes chocolate cysts?

Endometriosis and ovarian endometriomas have unknown exact causes, according to doctors. The most prevalent explanation contends that endometriosis arises from the backflow  of some endometrial tissue during menstruation from the uterus (retrograde menstruation). Some of the tissue makes its way back into your ovaries through your fallopian tubes rather than exiting your body through your vagina.

When your body releases the hormones that cause your uterine lining to bleed during each menstrual cycle, the abnormal tissue bleeds as well. It starts to swell up. Menstrual blood and the swollen tissue around it have the potential to develop into an ovarian endometrioma over time.

What effect do chocolate cysts have on fertility?

Chocolate cyst can penetrate, harm, and overtake healthy ovarian tissue. This may seriously threaten fertility. These cysts can be challenging to treat, and the pelvic treatments required to manage or remove them can impair fertility and leave ovarian tissue scarring.

Compared to women without chocolate cyst, these are the following problems women with chocolate cysts face:

• Fewer eggs.
• Eggs that are less likely to mature result in decreased fertilization rate
• Higher chances of unruptured follicle leading to anovulation
• The thickened outer shell of the eggs may impair fertilisation
• Higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels may be a sign of ovarian issues.

Even while chocolate cyst harm ovaries, many women who have them can get pregnant naturally. If you struggle to get pregnant and have chocolate cyst, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an additional alternative.

How are chocolate cyst diagnosed?

Physical examinations and imaging tests can reveal signs of ovarian endometrioma. Your healthcare provider might find the cyst during a pelvic exam if it is particularly large. Your doctor can find out if you have a mass thanks to transvaginal ultrasounds, MRIs, and computed tomography scans (CT scans).

Laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis. Your doctor will do this procedure by making very small slits in your belly and inserting a laparoscope, which is a thin tube. Your doctor will be able to see the cyst through this tube and either completely remove it or extract a sample for testing (biopsy). Your doctor will identify endometrial glands and stroma cells in the sample if it is an ovarian endometrioma. Laparoscopy allows for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment. However, surgery for the removal of ovarian endometrioma is done according to symptoms. If a patient is having severe pain not responding to medicine and have completed the family then endometrioma can be removed as its removal will also result in damaging the surrounding healthy ovarian tissue leading to decreased ovarian reserve. That is why in patients with infertility with low ovarian reserve, removal of endometrioma if required, is preferably done after freezing of embryos.

Takeaway

Women with endometriosis frequently have chocolate cysts. Medication can frequently be used to treat symptoms. The cysts may need to be removed in some circumstances.

Unpleasant symptoms from ovarian endometriomas can interfere with your life. If you’re still in your reproductive years, it’s not particularly consoling to know that these symptoms typically improve after menopause. Ask your doctor about your treatment choices if you have an ovarian endometrioma. Based on your health and way of living, your doctor may suggest methods for treating your problems.

How Long Can Sperm Live Inside The Vagina After Intercourse?

A healthy sperm can survive for a few hours to five days following sexual activity. The sperm’s ability to survive inside the vagina is entirely dependent on its surroundings. The sperm’s longevity is influenced by the characteristics of the woman’s uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes.

How Long Does Sperm Live?

Sperm is a crucial component of fertility and pregnancy, and its ability to survive after ejaculation entirely depends on its environment.

Inside the vagina: During three to five days, sperm inside the vagina can survive in cervical mucus or the upper vaginal canal, allowing fert lisation to proceed as long as the sperm is still alive. In order to account for the five days before ovulation and the actual day of ovulation, the fertile window is six days long. An egg has a 24-hour lifespan after being released.

Outside of the body: Sperm can survive in semen for up to a few hours outside the body because they need specific levels of warmth and humidity to survive. When semen is frozen, sperm can be kept for weeks or even years.

What role does sperm motility play in pregnancy?

The sperm enters the vagina during intercourse and travels via the cervix and into the uterus after ejaculation. After that, uterine contractions assist in directing the sperm towards your fallopian tubes.

In just a few minutes, the first sperm may enter your tubes. The sperm’s trip is made simpler the closer you are to ovulation.

Your cervical mucus needs to be favourable for pregnancy to happen. The ideal mucus has the consistency of an egg white. The trip is significantly more difficult if your cervical mucus is thick or dry.

When attempting to get pregnant, sperm count is a concern for many couples, although it only accounts for a portion of male fertility.

The capacity of the sperm to swim correctly is referred to as “sperm motility”. When it comes to getting pregnant, motility can be just as important as sperm count. Pregnancy cannot occur if the sperm cannot reach the egg.

Couples have a number of options to consider if motility is a contributing issue in infertility. IUI decreases the requirement for sperm to swim from the vagina via the cervix as the motility is increased after the semen sample is prepared for IUI and the travelling distance is reduced as the semen sample is placed directly within the woman’s uterus.

With IVF-ICSI, the sperm is injected into the egg and the embryo is grown in the lab before inserting it in the womb.

What’s the role of frozen sperm in IUI and IVF?

Both IUI and IVF are compatible with both fresh and frozen sperm. For these procedures, frozen sperm may be used for a variety of reasons, including the use of donor sperm and the preservation of fertility for a male with cancer.

Even while sperm that has been frozen can last for a very long period, some people think that when it is thawed, its integrity may be damaged. Although, research suggests that at least when utilising IVF and ICSI, frozen sperm may be equally as effective at generating conception as fresh sperm.

What is Hydrosalpinx (Fallopian Tube Blockage)?

When fluid builds up in one or both fallopian tubes, it causes hydrosalpinx, which results in a blockage. Your uterus and ovaries are connected by fallopian tubes. Your ovaries release an egg each month as part of your menstrual cycle, and the egg travels through your fallopian tubes. An open channel is provided by healthy fallopian tubes for the union of an egg and a sperm (fertilisation).

Must Read: The Vital Role of Psychological Support in the IVF Journey

The fertilised egg or embryo passes through the same clear channel to reach your uterus. An embryo can then implant in your uterine wall and grow into a foetus from there. Fluid accumulation obstructs this route in a hydrosalpinx. Sperm may not be able to reach your egg if your fallopian tube is blocked. If fertilisation does take place, the fallopian tube obstruction may stop the embryo from implanting in your uterus. Also, if the embryo reaches to uterine cavity the fluid may harm the embryo leading to implantation failure.

What are the signs and symptoms of a hydrosalpinx?

Rarely does a hydrosalpinx show any symptoms. When your doctor looks into why getting pregnant is challenging, you might not discover your tubes are blocked. When symptoms exist, they consist of the following:

• Pelvic pain that could get worse during or right after your menstruation.
• Sticky or stained vaginal discharge.

What causes a hydrosalpinx?

The most frequent cause of a hydrosalpinx is an untreated infection. Your fallopian tubes might become irritated and damaged by harmful germs. Your fallopian tube’s fimbriae, which are located close to your ovaries, are frequently irritated. Your fallopian tubes’ fimbriae are finger-like extensions that sweep an egg out of your ovaries.

Your fimbriae may fuse together during the healing process, closing your fallopian tubes. Your tubes expand as a result of fluid becoming trapped inside of them. Causes of hydrosalpinx include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, that have previously gone untreated.
• Endometriosis-related tissue growth.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), frequently brought on by untreated STIs.
• Scar tissue that remains after pelvic surgery, particularly after the fallopian tubes were operated on.
• Certain tumours.

How does hydrosalpinx affect your body?

It might be challenging to get pregnant and raise your risk of miscarriage and pregnancy issues if you have an untreated hydrosalpinx. In addition to making it challenging to conceive through sexual activity, a hydrosalpinx can:

• Reduce your likelihood of conceiving via in vitro fertilisation (IVF): You can conceive via IVF even without fallopian tubes. With IVF, your doctor removes your eggs from your body and fertilises them with sperm from your partner or a donor outside of you. Your medical professional will then insert the embryo into your uterus, where it can grow. Once the embryo implants into your uterine wall, a hydrosalpinx may cause issues. According to research, the fluid from a hydrosalpinx can flow backwards into your uterus, creating an unfavourable environment for embryonic development.
• Increase your risk of ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy can occur when an embryo implants in your fallopian tubes after being unable to reach your uterus due to a blockage. Without treatment, these pregnancies can be fatal and are not viable. 

What tests will be done to diagnose a blocked fallopian tube?

Tests to determine whether your fallopian tubes are blocked include:

• Ultrasound: On an ultrasound, your fallopian tubes are typically invisible. However, they will appear as such if they are enlarged due to fluid buildup. They can occasionally have a sausage-like form. To ensure that a hydrosalpinx is indeed the source of the alteration, your doctor may request more tests.

• Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure called laparoscopy enables your doctor to examine your abdominal cavity. To get a better look at your fallopian tubes, they create very small slits in your belly and insert a laparoscope, a small camera. Sometimes, a catheter will be inserted into your cervix and vagina to inject dye into your uterus and fallopian tubes to look for obstructions. A laparoscopy can be utilised to validate the HSG’s findings.
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): A fallopian tube obstruction test using X-ray dye is called an HSG. It is the most typical test for identifying hydrosalpinx. Your doctor will put a dyeing medium within your uterus and use an X-ray to observe how it moves. Your tubes are open if the dye leaks through them and into your pelvic area. Your tubes are obstructed if the dye abruptly ceases.

How is hydrosalpinx treated?

You can increase your chances of getting pregnant by treating a hydrosalpinx. Various variables, including your age and the degree of your obstruction, will affect how you are treated. If you have an illness that is still active, your doctor will recommend medications to treat it. Surgical procedures consist of:

• Salpingectomy: removes either one fallopian tube or both (bilateral salpingectomy).
• Clipping of tubes: To stop the backlog of fluid in the uterine cavity, tubes are clipped with the help of laparoscopy. 

What happens if hydrosalpinx is left untreated?

Your chances of getting pregnant are reduced if you have hydrosalpinx, and your risk of miscarriage and problems like ectopic pregnancy is increased. You have a far better chance of having a safe pregnancy if you receive treatment.

Infertility: Causes & signs in men & women  

Are you trying to get pregnant but it just isn’t working out? You might be concerned about whether you or your partner need to get checked out for a medical issue. Let’s learn what infertility is and the possible causes and symptoms in women and men.

What is infertility?

Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after engaging in frequent, unprotected intercourse for anywhere between six months and a year, depending on your age. Not all cases of infertility result in “sterility”—the inability to ever produce a child. A child can eventually be born to half of couples who receive medical assistance.

Obstacles to conception can affect both men and women. 20% of infertile couples have issues with both partners’ fertility. After conducting all necessary testing, no cause is identified in 15% of couples. We refer to this as unexplained infertility.

What are the causes of infertility in men?

Causes of infertility in men may include:

• Abnormal sperm development or function as a result of undeveloped testicles, genetic flaws, medical conditions like diabetes, or infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, the mumps, or HIV. Varicocele (enlarged veins in the testes) can also lower sperm quality.

• Sperm delivery issues due to sexual problems such as structural issues such as a blockage in the testis, early ejaculation, genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, or damage or injury to the reproductive organs.
• Excessive exposure to radiation and other environmental elements such as pesticides and other chemicals, and radiation.
• Fertility can also be impacted by cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, marijuana use, anabolic steroids, and intake of drugs for depression, high blood pressure, and bacterial infections.

 

What are the causes of infertility in women?

Causes of infertility in women may include:

• Ovulation disorders, which impede the ovaries ability to release eggs. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, hyperprolactinemia that is increased prolactin hormone, abnormal thyroid hormone may impact ovulation. Too much exercise, food disorders, or malignancies may also be underlying factors.

• Abnormalities in structure of uterus or cervix, growth of polyps in uterus or cervix, all such conditions can lead to recurrent miscarriages or implantation failure. Uterine fibroids, which are benign (noncancerous) tumors of the uterine wall, can prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus or block the fallopian tubes, both of which can result in infertility.

• Inflammation of the fallopian tube is frequently the cause of fallopian tube injury or obstruction (salpingitis). This may be the outcome of pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis or any other infection affecting reproductive system.
• The ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes may all be affected by endometriosis, which develops when endometrial tissue spreads outside of the uterus. It may lead to formation of adhesions which may hamper the normal functioning of the fallopian tube. Endometriosis also has adverse effects on the ovarian reserve and on implantation.

What are common signs of infertility in men and women?

Unable to conceive is the only sign for infertility. There may be no sign or symptom of infertility in both males and females.

Takeaway

An estimated 15 to 20 percent of couples who are attempting to get pregnant will experience infertility issues. Infertility due to female factors often accounts for 40% of problems, whilst infertility due to male factors accounts for 30% to 40% of problems. 20 to 30 % of the time, a combination of these variables results in infertility.

You’re not alone if you’ve found out that you’re infertile or think you could have difficulties becoming pregnant in the future. Schedule a consultation with your doctor and discuss your worries there. Even if you have been given an infertility diagnosis, you might still be able to get pregnant if you consult the doctor at earliest.

 

How Does Diabetes Affect Fertility In Men And Women?

Diabetes can impact fertility by compromising reproductive health in both males and females. The primary factor behind the failure or delay of implantation and pregnancy is the hormonal disruption caused o by diabetes. Diabetes damages sperm, eggs, and embryos, causing DNA deletions and genetic mutations. Approximately 1 in 11 Indians are estimated to have diabetes, making India the second-highest prevalence worldwide. Diabetes is a condition that develops slowly and discreetly harms your general health and it also impairs your fertility. 

To improve your reproductive health, you can consult an infertility specialist.

Diabetes and Female Infertility

Diabetes is one of the many factors that can influence a woman’s fertility. Low fertility rates can be caused by autoimmune illnesses, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), problems from uncontrolled diabetes or any chronic illness etc.. Being underweight and overweight both might also contribute to low fertility rates. 

There are two forms of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes the body does not produce insulin to metabolize sugar and the blood sugar levels are increased.  In Type 2 diabetes normal levels of insulin is produced by the body but there is insulin resistance, that is higher level of insulin is required to metabolize sugar. Since, the level of insulin is less than the demand of the body, it gives rise to high blood sugar levels.  In order to conceive naturally, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is essential. Another form of diabetes which develops during pregnancy and blood sugar levels revert to normal after delivery is called Gestational diabetes mellitus.

While it’s true that many women with diabetes can get pregnant easily, diabetes can occasionally make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Doctors advise women with diabetes to take extra care to reduce their risk of complications during pregnancy because of this.

• Women who have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) during in the early stages of pregnancy are five times more likely to experience complications difficulties, such as congenital anomalies, first trimester abortions, missed abortions. In advanced gestation increased blood sugar levels may result in intrauterine growth retardation (low birth weight) and even sudden intrauterine death.
• Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes later in life, and are at higher risk of developing diabetes during the next pregnancy. They are also at a twofold higher risk of acquiring hypertension in late pregnancy.

Doctors claim that women with diabetes typically do get pregnant. However, it frequently leads to miscarriage even before they begin to realise that they are pregnant. The disease compromises egg quality, leading to poor-quality embryos. In some women with diabetes, reduced blood flow to the uterus lowers the chances of implantation.

Related: How To Get Ready For A Healthy Pregnancy After Miscarriage

Diabetes & Male Infertility

Men with diabetes may experience problems conceiving. In actuality, type 2 diabetes affects men more frequently as compared to women. It can cause erectile dysfunction in men, which may be related to infertility

Male fertility can be impacted by diabetes in a number of ways, including decreased sperm quality, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, abnormal or malformed sperm, retrograde ejaculation.

A study compared sperm quality in diabetic and non-diabetic men. It found that non-diabetic men have 25% more sperm than diabetic infertile men. Men with diabetes are also more likely to have DNA damage in their sperm. Evidence shows diabetes increases miscarriage and birth defects in women and hinders conception in men.

Related: How can Male Infertility be treated?

How You Cure Infertility Along With Diabetes?

If diabetes is making it hard to get pregnant, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can help. Your infertility specialist will tailor the treatment for you.

Experts say pregnancy is possible with well-controlled diabetes and a healthy weight. You and your partner can both visit the best IVF centre in India for the right advice and medical assistance. Your IVF specialist may carry out sperm retrieval techniques like TESA or micro TESE for male infertility if required. They can perform assisted laser hatching, in-vitro fertilization, or intrauterine insemination for female infertility based on the diagnosis.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is useful for both male infertility like in cases with decreased sperm count, motility or morphology and in female infertility where the number of eggs are less.

Finally, treatment only works when you and your partner stick to the fundamental rules, such as eating the appropriate foods, exercising frequently, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive stress. 

We have all been in that situation where we said something we aren’t supposed to. And honestly, that’s one of the most embarrassing and awkward moments. But, how would it be when you share something really sensitive with your closed one and they said something hurtful. 

When it comes to a problem, we always share it with our friends. While they may say something insensitive, we must know that they aren’t always meant to be hurtful. Often these hurtful comments are made out of sheer ignorance. All of us just want to be there for our friends and sometimes it hurts. 

When your close family member, a friend or anyone is going through IVF, you have to be very careful about what you say. Your prime focus here is to be there for them and not say something hurtful. 

Things You Should Never Say to Someone Going Through IVF

When it comes to supporting someone going through IVF, you need to be extra careful. One major reason these people opt for IVF is because they are undergoing infertility. It can be very disheartening. Well, here are some things that you must avoid saying:

1. Try to Relax

IVF is going to be a long procedure. Moreover, if you’re trying to conceive through IVF, you need to be extremely patient. One needs to prepare themselves to accept the results whatever may come their way. 

While you may want to make them feel at ease by saying to relax, it does not really help. People battling infertility are always conscious about having a child. Let’s just admit that IVF is a really expensive treatment. Therefore, no one can relax until they’ve received results. 

After all, what would happen if the results aren’t positive? It can lead to a mental breakdown. You must try to be there for people who have undergone IVF but make sure that you aren’t unreasonable about it. 

2. You Have Time

Never, never, never say this to someone going through IVF. Our fertility, especially in women, sees a steep decline after the age of 35 years. The ovarian reserve may vary from woman to woman, but whether it can help in pregnancy or not is still questionable. 

If they are young, don’t try to restrict or restrain them by saying that they have enough time. It is their choice as to when they want a baby. Saying that they have time will not help any individual who has been trying to get pregnant. 

Insurance coverage for IVF will also be limited. Since this is an expensive treatment, they will have to spend a lot. When someone is undergoing IVF, they are already going through a lot. 

No matter how young or old the person is, telling them that they have time doesn’t make sense. Each of them is in the path of their own suffering. There are individuals who may use donor eggs after a certain age. Rather than being opinionated, during these times we should try to be supportive. 

3. You Can Just Adopt

Let’s just say that this is one of the most common things anyone trying IVF has heard. While it is a very legitimate and logical explanation, it does not necessarily help. The path to parenthood is never easy. There are way too many complications that the couple is going through and this just keeps adding to the pain. 

If they wanted to adopt, they would have done that without waiting. It is advisable that you be a little compassionate towards their feelings and let them heal. They are already going through a rough patch, please don’t add more to it. 

4. You’re Lucky that You Don’t Have Kids

This is honestly the worst thing that you can say to someone going through IVF. One of the main reasons why an individual or couple goes through IVF is to conceive and have children of their own. In such a situation, to call them lucky because they don’t have kids is very insensitive.

Rather than telling them things like these, you should consider being supportive. It is advisable to analyze their situation and then say something that will provide assurance to them. 

5. Maybe You’re Not Meant to Be Parents

Nothing hurts a couple more than hearing these words. If this was at all true, why would bad or abusive parents have children in the first place? 

There are many reasons why they aren’t able to conceive. Well, don’t just add to the pain by telling them that they are not meant to be parents. Be compassionate and not rude towards any couple going through IVF. 

6. Why Do You Need a Second Child when You Already Have One?

Secondary infertility can be as painful as primary infertility. Many couples experience this and it can be heart-wrenching. Having a child doesn’t take away the pain when the couple wants to conceive one more child. 

Couples with secondary infertility already feel grateful for having children. However, their desire to have one more child may be due to any other reason. It is advisable that you are polite towards them rather than being rude. 

Winding Up

Going through IVF, wishing to have a child can be an extremely complex procedure. You will need to go through a lot. Moreover, IVF success rate is also an important factor to consider. If you are planning to go through IVF, you need to ensure that you’re following the best practices. 

Reaching out to the professional doctors can be of great help in determining the higher success rates. It is advisable to know your situation and then go for IVF. 

If you want an infertility center with world-class IVF labs, foreign-trained doctors, a promising success rate, and the most complete range of treatments, you should choose Pristyn Care Ferticity Fertility Center.