In this article, we talk about infertility, causes of infertility in males and females, and treatments. 

Content:

• What is infertility?
• What are the causes of infertility?
  
  • What causes male infertility?
  • What causes female infertility?
• Realities of infertility
• Approaches to infertility
• What are the treatments for infertility?
• Treatment of ovulatory disorders

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse, i.e., without using any form of contraception. 

What is the incidence of infertility worldwide?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 8-10% of couples experience some form of infertility. 

What are the causes of infertility?

There are many reasons why a couple is unsuccessful when trying for a baby. Age, lifestyle, biological and medical factors play a role in the fertility of both males and females. 

What causes male infertility?

Some of the male causes of infertility include primary testicular disease, disorders of sperm transport, and defective secretion.

While the cause in some men could be because of sexual dysfunction, in half of the men, the cause may not be identified. 

What causes female infertility?

One of the most common causes of female infertility is ovulatory disorders.

Infrequent or scanty menstruation usually indicates ovulatory disorders and may lead to infertility. Infrequent or scanty menstruation is a common problem in women of reproductive age. 

Ovulatory disorders are characterized by a complete lack of ovulation (anovulation) or by infrequent and/or irregular ovulation. Other causes include fallopian tube damage and endometriosis.

In developing countries like India, the prevalence of infertility due to fallopian tube damage is much higher than that in developed countries. 

Realities of infertility

Infertility can be a frustrating and frightening experience. 

Having knowledge and understanding of the medical aspects as well as the personal issues that surround infertility will help couples cope and find a solution.

Finding a solution may occur with the decision to continue treatment for infertility even after several unsuccessful attempts, while for others the answer may lie in adoption or in the choice to live a life without children.  

Approaches to infertility

An infertile couple should consult a doctor specializing in this area for assessment and counseling.

Advances in fertility management and treatment with assisted conception can help couples who may not be able to conceive successfully by natural methods. 

What are the treatments for infertility?

After assessing the couple, the specialist will be able to advise them on the appropriate choice of treatment. 

1. Artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination (IUI) 
2. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
3. GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer)
4. ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer)
5. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
6. MESA (Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
7. TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)

An infertility specialist should be able to recommend and explain in detail, the advantages and disadvantages of each method and the chances of its success. 

An infertility specialist can help the infertile couple find the most appropriate therapeutic path to overcome barriers to conception; but before treatment is started, patients need to be aware of all its aspects, including its constraints.

Beyond medical expertise, infertile couples also need counseling and support. 

Management of infertility includes both physical and emotional care of the couple.

Therefore, support from the doctor, nurses, and all people involved in treating the infertile couple is essential to help them cope with the various aspects of their condition. 

Treatment of ovulatory disorders

Treatment of ovulatory disorders is based on the administration of drugs to correct hormonal imbalances which then allows ovulation to occur.

But modern treatment modalities using synthetic hormonal preparations, though beneficial, are not without side effects.

The side effects include breakthrough bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, fluid retention, weight gain, increase in blood pressure, nervousness, depression, migraines, and headaches. 

Every culture on earth, through oral or written traditions, has relied on the vast potential of healing herbs to cure illness and restore health. 

Doctors have reposed their faith in herbal remedies for providing uterine care. 

Extensive research and testing on herbal ingredients by Himalaya have resulted in a safe, effective, and natural remedy for complete uterine care. 

Note: Information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat your problem without consulting your doctor.

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