Is infertility only a woman’s issue ?

Though responsibility of inability of childbearing is usually placed on women, female factors actually contribute to infertility in only about 40% cases. Male factors contribute to another 40% and in about 20% cases, the cause cannot be identified, termed as ‘unexplained infertility’.

What are the common causes and risk factors of infertility ?

Common causes of infertility: Hormonal imbalance leading to low quantity, quality and motility of sperms or poor egg development and release, tubal blockages or problems with the reproductive tract, genetic factors.
Risk factors for infertility: Increasing age; lifestyle – smoking, drinking, unbalanced diet, junk food, not enough vitamins, lack or overdoing of exercise; debilitating habits; steroids and certain medicines; pesticides, pollutants; obesity; stress.

What are the common symptoms of infertility ?

The most obvious symptom is the inability to get pregnant. Other symptoms include irregular or sudden absence of periods, severe pain pre-periods, during periods and sex, abnormally heavy period bleeding, sudden growth of facial hair, acne, putting on weight suddenly in women; reduced libido, no semen on ejaculation, erectile dysfunction in men.

Women with PCOS or endometriosis can never get pregnant, is this true ?

This is an absolute myth ! Yes, the journey may be a little more laden with hurdles but under the right guidance, with patience, treatment and lifestyle modifications, these women can surely have a baby.

If diagnosed with infertility, what are our options to start a family ?

Various natural as well as assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have been developed to help fulfil your childbearing dreams.
Some forms of fertility problems can be treated just by restoring the hormonal balance with medication. Medicines may also be used to stimulate egg and sometimes sperm production for better chances at pregnancy. In case of blockages in the reproductive tract, surgery may be required.
ART is used in cases where the cause is unidentified or uncorrectable or medications are not helping. IUI, IVF with/without ICSI are the most common and successful ART options.
If there is family history of a genetic condition or severe problem in male or female gametes, option of donor eggs, sperms or embryos may be put-forth. Surrogacy is available if the female partner is unable to carry the pregnancy due to medical reasons.
The infertility specialist may customise a treatment plan depending on the cause of infertility and couple’s preferences.

When should we see an infertility specialist ?

It is usually suggested that if a couple is unable to get pregnant even after a year of actively trying, they must visit an infertility specialist. If the female partner’s age is over 35 years, the couple must consult a fertility doctor after 6 months of trying. In case of family history of infertility or known reproductive health problems, it is advisable to see a fertility expert at the earliest when planning a pregnancy.

What will the 1st visit to an infertility clinic be like ?

First appointment is usually meant to be a getting to know, information give-and-take session between the doctor and couple. The main aim is to build trust, rapport and making the patients comfortable with the environment of the clinic.
The fertility specialist will take detailed medical, family, infertility, intercourse, contraception history and lifestyle information. It may also involve physical examination. Further blood tests may be prescribed depending on the initial assessment.
The doctor will then walk you through the science behind pregnancy, infertility, suggest lifestyle modifications, provide overview of the treatment options & their packages. This sets the stage towards a fruitful relationship in this infertility journey.
On the couple’s part, they should carry all their past medical reports, medicines they are/were on and mainly a list of their questions. It is important for the couple to express their concerns without hesitation to reduce their anxieties and start this journey positively. It is advisable for both partners to attend this session.

How to choose the best fertility centre suited for me ?

Choosing a right fertility clinic is a crucial step in your infertility journey as it can make or break your chances of welcoming a baby.
Factors to consider before taking the leap of faith:
Doctor: Qualifications, experience, ability to be there for you, able to counsel you on diagnosis and treatment plans, answer all your queries, tailor management strategies to your needs, make you feel at ease, confident and positive – someone you can wholeheartedly trust with such a great responsibility to help you complete your family.
Team: Presence of an embryologist, lab technicians, admin staff who is polite, helpful and comforting.
Services and technology: Provision of all necessary services under one roof. Employment of the most advanced technology and equipment to improve your chances of pregnancy.
Finances: Infertility treatment is costly, but you need to balance cost to service and quality ratio. Learn about the centre’s various treatment packages – exclusions and inclusions, mode of payment (one-time or partly) and transparency in the costing.
Location: Fertility treatment involves multiple visits to the clinic so it would be convenient to choose a good centre closer to you.
Most importantly, choose a centre which aligns with your preferences and is ready to work with you towards your parenthood goal !
A lot of fertility centres provide free 1st consultation. Do avail those to get an essence of the clinic and what your future with the them could be like.