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infertility treatment

What is Infertility and can it be Medically Corrected?

June 9, 2022March 28, 2024
by Eva Hospital

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

Eva Hospital

Infertility: Types, Symptoms and Causes

March 22, 2022March 28, 2024
by Eva Hospital

What is Infertility?

>When one cannot get pregnant after having unprotected, regular sex for six months to one year, depending on the person’s age, it is called infertility.

>Infertility doesn’t necessarily mean that the man or the woman is sterile or unable to have a child ever in life, it can mean that either of the partners has a medical problem that needs to be checked out.

> Almost 50% of the couples who get medical help can ultimately have a child, on their own or with medical intervention.

>In some couples, no cause of infertility is found after all tests have been done. This is called unexplained infertility.

What Are the Types of Infertility?

>There are two types of infertility:

Primary Infertility

> A woman who has never conceived and who is not able to get pregnant even after one year of not using any birth control.

Secondary Infertility

>When a woman can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful previous pregnancy in the past.

Symptoms of Infertility

>Ovulation and fertilization need to happen correctly with all steps in a certain order for a woman to get pregnant. Occasionally infertility-causing issues may be present in couples at birth, and sometimes these may develop later.

>Not getting pregnant despite unprotected sex for 6 months or more is the major symptom of infertility.

>One thing that is pertinent to be mentioned is that miscarrying or being unable to carry a baby to childbirth is not a sign of infertility.

Symptoms of Infertility in Women

>The symptoms of infertility in women include:

>Abnormal periods Heavier or lighter bleeding than usual.
>Irregular periods: Variable number of days between each period
>No periods: Never having had periods or sudden stopping of periods
>Painful periods: Unbearable and strong Back pain, pelvic pain, and cramping during the periods.

>Female infertility may sometimes be related to a hormone problem too and the symptoms may include:

>Skin changes like change in texture or more acne
>Changes in sex drive
>Dark and thick hair growth on the lips, chest, and chin
>Thinning of hair
>Unexplained Weight gain

>There may be some other symptoms of infertility causing disorders:

>Milky white discharge from nipples
>Pain during sexual intercourse.

Causes of Fertility Problems in Women

Ovulation disorders:> Lack of ovulation is the main cause of infertility in women. It means that the ovary of the woman doesn’t release an egg. The issues which affect the release of eggs from the ovaries include hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, Hyperprolactinemia, a condition in which women may have too much prolactin, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism. All these can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation causing infertility. Too much exercise, eating disorders, or tumors may be other causes behind this.
Damage to fallopian tubes>: The fallopian tube carries eggs from the ovary to the user and damage can be caused to them due to inflammation resulting from pelvic inflammatory disease, usually as a result of a sexually transmitted infection, endometriosis, scar tissue, or adhesions.
Endometriosis>: The endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus in the condition called endometriosis can affect the function of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
Uterine or cervical abnormalities:> The abnormalities with the cervix, polyps in the uterus, or the shape of the uterus can be one of the reasons behind infertility. Uterine fibroids may also be one of the causes of infertility as they can lead to blocking. the fallopian tubes, stopping a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
Cancer and its treatment:> Cancers especially of reproductive parts can impair female fertility as both radiation and chemotherapy may affect fertility.
>Some other reasons include Smoking, Being overweight or underweight, age and lifestyle problems, etc.

Symptoms of Infertility in Men

>Usually, the infertility symptoms in men are quite vague and may go unnoticed until a man tries to start a family.

>Moreover, the symptoms of infertility in men depend on the cause of infertility and can include:

>Change in hair growth pattern
>Change in sexual desire or drive
>Pain, lump, or any swelling in the testicles
>Problems with erection and ejaculation
>Small and firm testicles

Causes of Fertility Problems in Men

Abnormal sperm production or function:> The most common cause for infertility in men is due to a problem with sperm due to undescended testicles, genetic deformities, health issues like diabetes, or infections such as gonorrhea, mumps, or HIV. The quality of sperm can also be affected by enlarged veins in the testes.
Problems with the delivery of sperm: >A few sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation, certain genetic diseases, structural problems for example a blockage in the testicle, or damage or injury to the reproductive organs can be a hindrance to the traveling of the sperm.
Low sperm count>: Having too few or no sperm in the semen.
Sperm Motility:> The sperm don’t move as desired
Sperm Morphology:> Abnormally formed sperm can be one of the reasons for infertility.
Environmental factors:> Exposure to pesticides, chemicals, excessive heat, and radiation can cause issues with the sperm. Smoking, alcohol, and any other form of drug abuse marijuana, and a few medications to treat bacterial infections, high blood pressure, and depression can also influence fertility.
>Age and weight can also play an important role in men’s fertility.

Cancer and its treatment:> History of cancer and its treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy can also impair sperm production.

What is Infertility Treatment?

>When discussed with Dr. Shivani Bhutani at Eva Hospital Ludhiana, she explains that the best IVF Centre in Ludhiana may result from an issue in either of the partners or a combination of factors.

>Women with infertility may sometimes have irregular or absent menstrual periods or in some men with infertility, there may be signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function. Other symptoms might sometimes not be so obvious.

> Fortunately, many safe and effective treatments are now available that can considerably improve the chances of pregnancy in couples who have been trying for a long time without any success and a couple should immediately seek the consultation of a competent best IVF Centre in Ludhiana if they are facing issues in getting pregnant. Timely medical intervention can go a long way in filling your life with the happiness and giggles of a child.

An appointment with Dr. Shivani Bhutani at Eva Hospital (Best IVF Centre in Ludhiana) book your appointment here.

Eva Hospital

Why & When IVF Should Be Considered?

July 28, 2021March 29, 2024
by Eva Hospital

More successful than intrauterine insemination or IUI, IVF is a very popular assisted reproductive technique (ART). In this l fertility procedure, any type of infertility problem can be solved, both male and female factors.

The process of in vitro fertilization involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs at once, retrieving them from the mother, fertilizing them in-vitro(in the lab) with the father’s sperm, and implanting the resulting embryos into the mother’s or a surrogate’s womb.

Unlike IUI, which relies primarily on the natural process of ovulation and conception, IVF can tackle many issues including genetic screening of sperm and embryos.

Why & When Should You Consider IVF

In vitro fertilization can resolve all the following issues:-

Blocked fallopian tubes
Pelvic inflammatory disease
ovulation disorder
Poor sperm quality
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Advanced age of mother
Unexplained infertility

When Should You Consider IVF?

Is it too soon? Is it too late? What are the right age and stage to go for IVF?

Well when you have tried less invasive treatments and therapies and have not succeeded, IVF is your best shot.
When you are undergoing treatment for a serious disease and want to preserve your fertility.
When you do not want to waste precious time in trying treatments that may not work.

Why Should You Consider IVF?

You should give a test tube baby a thought because it includes fertility treatments that handle the problems in both the female’s egg, uterus, and the male’s sperm.

IVF done once can make future pregnancies less invasive and conception very fast. It is because you can preserve the extra embryos from in vitro fertilization and use them when you are planning your next child.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of IVF

IVF has a very high rate of success compared to the other fertility procedure: IUI- intrauterine insemination. It provides a solution to a wide range of infertility issues and also provides the option of genetic testing of embryos.

In the IVF technique, you can also avoid multiple births by using a single embryo transfer. Furthermore, in the long run, it is a much quicker way of getting pregnant as there is no waiting period involved.

Also, has the advantage of planning more than one pregnancy. For couples who want more babies after the first test-tube baby, it has the advantage of freezing the embryos that remain unused. The frozen embryos can be stored and preserved to get pregnant in the future and have more children.

You may consider it a disadvantage that it requires more commitment from both the parents. While IUI requires only minimal ovarian stimulation, a little amount of monitoring & an in-office procedure of insemination.

IVF, on the other hand, needs very strong stimulation for the ovaries via fertility drugs, everyday monitoring, the egg retrieval process using mild anesthesia, fertilization of eggs, and embryo growth in the embryology laboratory, followed by implantation or Embryo Transfer to the uterus.

There is also the simultaneous process of preserving the extra embryos.

Nevertheless, all the above procedures are followed and taken care of by your doctor and her team. Dr. Shivani Bhutani likes to make sure there is no burden or stress on the intended parents for any of the technicalities involved. The entire cycle is smoothly managed and monitored by her personally.

Which Decisions Do You Need to Make?

After discussions with your infertility specialist, as a couple, you will decide whether or not you want to try IVF. The factors you will consider are age, fertility evaluation & family history.

If the odds are not in your favor, you may consider using donor eggs or sperm. Surrogacy is an option too. The infertility Hospital like Eva aids you in obtaining all of these, including arranging for a surrogate if you do not have someone.

The doctor will help you decide whether you should get:

pre-treatment genetic testing of mother and father
The types of treatment cycles
The number of embryos to implant- multiple births
Whether you should freeze any embryos

Also read: The Importance of IVF and The Possibilities it Offers

When Should You Opt Straight for IVF?

Couples can go straight to IVF when the likelihood of pregnancy with IUI is low but relatively higher with IVF. This is recommended in the cases of fallopian tube damage, severe endometriosis & pelvic adhesions along with the existence of male infertility factors.

Additionally, for women who are past the high fertility age, or have decreased ovarian reserve, a need for genetic testing, or a surrogate, going straight away to IVF is a good idea.

Discuss

The decision for IVF should be made by every patient in consultation with their infertility specialist Ludhiana. An experienced doctor and established clinic can furbish all kinds of treatment.

Eva Hospital

5 Common Signs of Infertility in Men & Women

December 18, 2020March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

When you have been trying to conceive via natural means without any success, it is a “sign” of infertility.

However, it is not a cause for worry. Most issues are treatable, with much advancement in medicine and ART-assisted reproductive technology.

When a woman fails to conceive, one-third of the time the cause is female infertility, one-third it’s a male component and the rest is a combination of male and female factors.

You cannot diagnose it completely on your own but can do a little homework. Look for the following symptoms as indicators & address the problem accordingly.

5 Common Signs of Infertility in Women

1. Not Conceiving

If you are a healthy woman below 35 years and do not conceive within a year of trying, it may be a sign of infertility. In case you are above 35, then the time period comes down to 6 months before you consult a fertility specialist in Ludhiana.

The cause may be a hormonal imbalance. Your doctor can diagnose the issue and give suitable treatment.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

An abnormal quantity of female sex hormones is an underlying cause of infertility which has the following signs:

Severe acne
Loss of libido or interest in sex
facial hair
Baldness or thinning hair on top of the head
Unreasonable weight gain

Watch out for these symptoms, says Dr. Shivani Bhutani. Any of the above symptoms are signs of hormonal imbalance in women.

3. Abnormal Periods

Any major irregularity in periods is a basic sign of infertility. Regular periods are indicators of a healthy reproductive system. The unpredictable period cycle could be PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome, and hormone imbalance.

Extremely painful, extended, and heavy periods can be due to endometriosis- a condition where the tissues found in the uterus lining get inflamed or grow outside the uterus.

4. Pain During Intercourse

Do you know that painful sexual intercourse can be a sign of infertility? Several women might think it normal, but painful sex is an indicator of endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, or other underlying causes that affect the ability to conceive.

Do consult your doctor when you experience pain every time.

Unusual Menstrual Discharge

The color of the blood discharge in periods can provide indicators of infertility issues. A normal discharge is red in the beginning, becoming darker towards the end of the period.

When it is too dark at the start, it may be a sign of endometriosis. Pale yellow discharge is a cause for concern too.

5 Common Signs of Infertility in Men

1. Changes in Libido

Diminished or loss of sexual desire may very well be a sign of infertility in men. Fertility, hormonal health, and libido are interrelated. A shift in virility is an indicator of fertility issues.

2. Small Testicles or Scrotum Swelling

The testicles contain sperm, so their health is important for male fertility. small, hard, swollen, or painful testicles are pointers towards reproductive abnormality.

The causes can be several. It may be due to. Infection, injury, hormonal imbalance, or a side effect of medical treatment undergone in the past.

Your infertility specialist can clinically examine the condition and suggest treatment.

3. Erectile Dysfunction

Issues of having and maintaining an erection by a male are a sign of inadequate hormone levels. Testosterone can impact the production of semen and sexual intercourse both, which eventually may translate into infertility.

However, your doctor can provide good solutions for a healthy erection.

4. Ejaculation Problem

Incapability to ejaculate is a clear sign that you consult an infertility specialist. Problems with ejaculation can prevent semen from entering the vagina.

Ejaculation issues can be varied. The lesser volume of semen, or semen entering the bladder instead of coming out, are some.

Conditions such as spinal injury, diabetes, medications, and surgery of bladder, prostate, or urethra may be a cause.

5. Hormonal Imbalance

There are several signs that a man is experiencing an imbalance of hormones. A multitude of hormones governs the reproductive health in males apart from testosterone.

Infertility may result from a deficiency of LH and FSH, two hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

These two stimulate the testes to produce testosterone and sperm. A fall in LH and FSH levels lowers both, causing infertility.

Eva Hospital

How can you deal with infertility as a couple

July 29, 2020March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

How does Infertility add to Stress in a Couple’s Relationship and Ways to Deal with it?

“Nervous breakdown and depression were just at the doorsteps after three consecutive failed IVFs and prolonged infertility,” shivers Natalie (name changed), thinking about the toughest five years when she had to deal with the marital pressure, infertility, and the agony of not being able to conceive. Each day would bring hope and would end up adding stress to the insurmountable woes. Childbearing and pregnancy are the two most important stepping stones for a happy married life.

Dr. Shivani Bhutani, a leading gynecologist in Punjab at EVA Hospital, addresses her patients asking her the mental and psychological issues they face as they experience the challenging times of infertility. Natalie admits what was once pleasure (sex) had become so timed and mechanical and neither she nor her husband would enjoy it anymore. The zeal to be parents had taken a major chunk of their happiness and was testing their relationship.

Do you Experience Stress and Tension during Infertility?

“A new life, a baby, and the joy of being parents may not be easy for some,” says the infertility expert, Dr. Shivani Bhutani. Infertility or constant failed pregnancy attempts can hover like dark clouds over the couple. While a baby can make your couple bond stronger, infertility can test the relationship to bits and check the strength of the couple bond.

Dr. Shivani says the following are a few reasons why a couple can go through strained relationships during infertility:

Who will take the Onus?

This question as to who is infertile can actually create stress among the couple. Neither the male nor the woman would want the label of being ‘infertile’ and this can delay the procedure of seeking medical help and tests. It takes no time for casual one-to-one talks to become heated arguments, blame-game, and fights which can turn into violent brawls in the worst case. ‘How to bell the cat’ is a stressful question.

Financial Strain

The incessant medical check-ups, the frequent visits to doctors, infertility treatment, expenses on trying various drugs, and hitting the right medical treatment can cause a financial dent in your pocket. Most of the expenses may not be covered under insurance and can further cause a financial burden. Various decisions like how and where to arrange money from, whether to involve family, or whether to utilize old-age savings can further aggravate the financial burden.

Emotional and Mental Stress

Enduring infertility and the effort of trying to conceive is seen as a struggle by many. The relationship of the couple can be on a standstill as they see their beautiful dreams being shattered. You may be on the verge of a breakdown with the continuous litigations and arguments of when to seek medical help, when to step up to next level infertility treatments, and whether or not to disclose the problem to friends and family.

The infertile partner may be embarrassed or maybe feeling ashamed to talk out or reach out for help. This could further add fuel to the fire. Isolation, depression, and self-rejection may become ways of life for you.

Also, read- How many times is IVF possible.

Societal and Family Pressure

The most often asked question or the fact that bothers the couple is what people will think. The judgment or ignorance of the friends and family can add to the agony and worsen it further. Sometimes half-knowledge is dangerous and the myths and tips generated by friends and family can be a bane adding to the delay in pregnancy.

Differences in Opinion

The problem ensues when one of the partners over-reacts while the other partner wants to take it easy. The differences in opinion of the choice of the doctor, when to seek help, and how to proceed with the surrogacy or infertility treatment can become the ‘touchy’ points flagging anger and stress.

How can You Mitigate the Stress of Infertility?

All you need is a baby and some comforting words of assurance from an experienced gynecologist who can guide you to the right path. Dr. Shivani says treating the patients with empathy helps in counseling them and keeping their mental health sane. Infertility can test the strength of marital strands and lead to couples fighting over trivial issues.

The best gynecologist in Punjab, Dr. Bhutani, reiterates that some ways like meditation and communication can help you keep mental health intact during the testing time. The couple must freely communicate with each other and also with the gynecologists. They must open up with any issues in their minds so that a positive solution can be dealt with. Dr. Shivani suggests the couple should ‘cool down’ and find ways to engage themselves in fun activities like dating each other or joining a mutual hobby together. Let the emotions wane off the sleeve so that the couple is relaxed.

Also, read- What are the alternative treatments to cure infertility

“Infertility is not forever and you should not leave onto the hope of having a baby,” says Dr. Shivani. The modern Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), IVF (in-vitro fertilization), donor eggs, and gestational carrier can go a long way in helping the couple achieve pregnancy. IVF is the most common, result-oriented ART technique. One cycle of IVF takes about three weeks and the success rate of IVF depends on the age, health status of the couple, cause of infertility, and the skill of the gynecologist. “IVF not only gave life to the baby but also gave life and spark to our married life!” adds Natalie.

Over to You

Your relationship with your spouse should remain strong under all circumstances. Infertility is not a permanent hiccup. As a couple, you should seek help from the best gynecologist like Dr. Shivani Bhutani, EVA Hospital, and move on to gear up for the new phase of life. Contact Dr. Shivani and get away with the woes and depression syndromes due to infertility. Her expertise in IVF and words infused with positivity are sure to bring rays of hope.