female infertility

Even though there is a clear-cut demarcation between problems in conceiving a baby and infertility, the twin issues are often referred to as one and the same. However, know that problems in conceiving can be branded infertility only when a couple has waited for a specific time period while actively trying to conceive.

Infertility: The official definition

The World Health Organization describes infertility as a “disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse”.

Infertility may occur because one of the partners — male or female— is not able to contribute to the conception. Infertility can also be caused by the female partner’s inability to carry the pregnancy for the full term.

Infertility in India: The rising numbers

Even though infertility is a world-wide phenomenon, fertility-related issues have also been on the rise in India due to social-economic and lifestyle changes in the past three decades. While official estimates peg infertility issues affecting nearly 15% of couples in the reproductive age-group, the actual number can be much higher.

Infertility treatment

Thanks to the great advancements made in the world of medical science, infertility can be treated through medical treatment as well as interventions. Aside from medication, break-through technologies that have made headway in the field have made it possible for couples to deal with infertility.

How is male infertility treated?

• Treatment of infection
•  Counselling
• Surgery
• Hormonal therapy
• Use of Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IVF & ICSI

How is female infertility treated?

•  Fertility medications
•  Counseling
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Tubal surgeries
• Use of Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IVF

What infertility? IVF to the rescue!

Today, various forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) are used to help a couple have their own biological offspring through procedures like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Treatments like IVF help a couple achieve pregnancy, irrespective of the cause of infertility. Even in cases of structural deformities in the reproductive organs, IVF treatments are known to be successful. With a high success rate, IVF, the most popular of all the available ART options, is, in fact, becoming the go-to option for most couples facing infertility issues.

Lifestyle changes affecting fertility

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Diet consisting primarily of high junk food
• Lack or complete absence of work-out
• Obesity

Social changes affecting fertility

• Late marriages
• Stressful jobs & daily lives
• Excessive use of technology