Fertility
Infertility is a condition when a couple fails to conceive after one year of regular sexual inter-course if woman is less than 35years of age or 6months if a woman is above than 35yeras of age. The reason of infertility can be a problem in Male partner/ Female partner or both.
Infertility In Women
Conditions affecting a woman’s fertility can include:
- Damage to the fallopian tubes
- Ovulatory problems
- Endometriosis
- Conditions affecting the uterus
- A combination of factors
- No identifiable reason or unexplained infertility.
- Age – female fertility declines sharply after the age of 35
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Gynaecological problems such as previous ectopic pregnancy or having had more than one miscarriage
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and thyroid and bowel diseases
- Lifestyle factors such as stress, being overweight or underweight, and smoking.
Infertility In Men
Conditions that may result in infertility include:
- Low sperm count or quality
- Problems with the tubes carrying sperm
- Problems getting an erection
- Problems ejaculating.
- Having had inflamed testes (orchitis)
- A past bacterial infection that caused scarring and blocked tubes within the epididymis as it joins the vas
- Having received medical treatment such as drug treatment, radiotherapy or surgery – for example to correct a hernia, undescended testes or twisted testicles
- Genetic problems
- Diabetes
- Lifestyle factors such as being overweight or having a job that involves contact with chemicals or radiation.
- Male fertility is also thought to decline with age, although to what extent is unclear.
Overview
The initial workup for an infertile couple is done to select the right kind of fertility treatment for such couples based on the reports. The infertile couples must undergo a set of advance tests before the commencement of any treatment. These tests are comprehensive & detailed and are essential to determine the causes of infertility, whether the couples are diagnosed with any other ailment and which technique would be most suitable for a couple.
Female partner must undergo trans-vaginal ultrasound to evaluate ovarian reserve & uterus condition, blood tests and laparoscopy or hysteroscopy in cases where there is indication of such operative requirement after the initial workup. Male partners need to undergo a semen analysis to determine the quality, quantity, mobility and motility of the sperm along with few blood tests.