Infertility issues have been emotionally and physically draining for couples aspiring to become parents. From consuming a healthy and balanced diet to tracking the fertile window, the journey becomes dull and worrisome when, despite trying everything, you don’t conceive. According to several studies, infertility rates have risen to ~30% in 2015-16. Several factors, including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, sleep deprivation, stress, PCOS, and low sperm count, have contributed significantly to the rising infertility rate.
In such a scenario, procedures guided under assisted reproductive technologies, such as the IVF process, IUI, using donor eggs, sperm, and gestational carriers, have proven to be a game-changer. These offer an alternative to natural pregnancy and have helped thousands of couples to achieve parenthood.
At Pristyn Care, we believe in educating our patients with all possible avenues available, so they are able to make an informed decision based on their unique needs and circumstances. As you read further, you will find details concerning several options for a failed natural conception.
How Does Fertilization Occur?
For a successful pregnancy or to boost the chances of conception, understanding your body and your fertile window is extremely important. When a healthy sperm successfully encounters and penetrates a mature egg in the fallopian tube, fertilization occurs.
Fertilization is a complex process and is dependent on several factors, including the quality of the egg, regular ovulation, normal sperm motility, healthy sperm morphology, a good sperm count, fertile cervical mucus, and healthy fallopian tubes. The most common fertilization symptoms indicating a successful pregnancy are missed periods, nausea, tender or swollen symptoms, fatigue, and increased urination.
But what if you fail to conceive? What are the reasons behind? And, how to identify a failed pregnancy? Are there any significant signs?
Causes Behind Infertility in Men and Women
- Blocked fallopian tubes, preventing the sperm from reaching the eggs
- History of pelvic infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalances, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, stress, and obesity
- Uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, scar tissue
- Low sperm count and low motility in men
- Azoospermia, oligospermia, and varicocele symptoms in men
- Premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or blockage in the testicles
While a failed natural conception after multiple attempts brings a lot of despair and disappointment, the availability of several alternative options to natural pregnancy comes as a hope to many. Below, we will be discussing a few of the popular alternatives to natural pregnancy.
Understanding Pregnancy Alternatives
In vitro fertilization, Intrauterine insemination, fertility medications, and surrogacy(gestational carriers) are the most common types of fertility treatments available.
- Intra Uterine Insemination(IUI)
During the procedure, a thin catheter is used to introduce sperm directly into the uterus, near the fallopian tubes. It increases the possibility of sperm penetrating the egg successfully. The IUI procedure is timed with the ovulation phase, and either the partner’s or donor’s sperm is used. IUI is usually suggested when the female is struggling with cervical mucus problems, unexplained infertility causes, erectile dysfunction, and other infertility-related issues in men, like low sperm count, sperm impairments, etc.
- In vitro Fertilization(IVF)
In vitro fertilization is the most popular method of fertility treatment. In order to encourage the ovaries to produce more eggs, women are given the hormonal medications. After that, the eggs are collected and fertilized in a lab using the sperm. If the fertilization takes place successfully, the embryos are given two to three days to develop further in the lab. Later, the most viable embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus, hoping for a successful pregnancy.
IVF process is usually suggested when the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, unexplained fertility issues, ovulation difficulties, uterine fibroids, low sperm count, PCOS, low sperm count, abnormal morphology, or when women are above the age of 35 and have fewer chances of a successful pregnancy. Consult the experts at Pristyn Care for understanding the IVF process step by step.
- Hormonal Medications
Fertility medications are a good option for women who have tried and failed to conceive naturally. These medications are mostly used for people with polycystic ovarian syndrome who have trouble getting pregnant and for people who have issues getting pregnant because of hormonal imbalances. Additionally, the doctor may also suggest the medications if you have been diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), have a low sperm count or sperm motility, are battling certain infections or inflammatory conditions, have an irregular menstrual cycle and ovulation, or have fertility-related problems concerning the hormone synthesis of your pituitary gland.
- Surrogacy
A gestational surrogate bears the child for a same-sex couple or another woman in the surrogacy procedure. Depending on the type of surrogacy, either the intended parents or the surrogate is genetically related to the child.
If you want a biological child but are unable to carry a pregnancy, opting for surrogacy is a wonderful option for you. Additionally, same-sex couples or women who are incapable of carrying a pregnancy to term, do not have a uterus, or have a medical condition that would make pregnancy dangerous or challenging, may also opt for surrogacy.
Conclusion
Several factors help in determining the best fertility treatment for each individual. In order to determine the best course of action for you, the fertility specialist should perform a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Pristyn Care has world-renowned fertility specialists who work towards devising personalised fertility treatments specifically for individuals to increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Contact our experts today to learn more about your options for alternative fertility treatments in India.
FAQs
- Can a watery sperm get a woman pregnant?
Watery semen refers to either low sperm count or reduced semen quality. Yes, it can still make a woman pregnant as a single healthy sperm can still reach and fertilise an egg.
- Does sabja seeds cause infertility?
When consumed in moderation, sabja seeds are safe and nutritious. To date, no studies have proven their connection with causing infertility. For more information, connect with our fertility specialists.
- What is test tube baby? Has a test tube baby ever lived?
Traditionally, babies conceived through the IVF process were called test tube babies. Louise Joy Brown is the first test tube baby, born in 1978, and is absolutely healthy and normal.
