Is infertility curable? This is the most common question that is asked by the couples who are not able to conceive a baby. But with advanced technology, there is no reason for Infertile couples to abandon their hope. There are various treatments available that help couples to fulfill their dream of parenthood.
What is infertility?
- Infertility can be defined as the inability to conceive after trying for twelve months of regular intercourse without any contraception.
Infertility is of two types –
Primary infertility – When the couple has never conceived despite of trying for a long time.
Secondary infertility – In secondary infertility, at least 1 previous conception has been documented irrespective of outcome. Worldwide, most of the infertile couples suffer from primary infertility.
Why do some couples suffer from infertility?
Infertility can be caused due to female factor, male factor or both. Female infertility can be caused by various reasons including older age, hormonal issue that prevents ovulation, abnormal menstrual cycle, obesity, being underweight, having a low body fat content from extreme exercise, endometriosis, PCOD, structural problems (problems with fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries). Male infertility can be caused by a number of reasons such as low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm, genetic defects etc. Health problems such as thyroid, diabetes etc and lifestyle choices such as smoking drinking alcohol can also cause fertility problems in both male and female. Couples can suffer from unexplained infertility in which diagnosis is inconclusive even after standard investigation.
How to diagnose infertility?
As both male and female factors can contribute to infertility, detailed medical history, physical examination and investigations are needed to assess the cause of infertility. Read these blogs to know more about fertility tests in both males and females.
Management of Infertility:
Management of infertility ranges from counseling and advice to medications and surgery. Counseling of the couple is the most important aspect in the management of infertility with medical and psychological support. Counseling includes advice for healthy lifestyle measures such as balanced diet, exercising regularly etc.
Prevention is better than cure:
Just as the saying goes Prevention is better than cure, adopting a healthier lifestyle through simple lifestyle changes may help to improve the chances of fertility which includes :
a. Obesity is one of the important factors contributing to infertility. Weight management is important in preventing and treating infertility. Overweight or underweight females ovulate less regularly compared to women of a healthy weight. Similarly overweight men are likely to have reduced fertility. Therefore, maintain a healthy weight with a healthy diet and exercise.
b. Eat a balanced diet which should include whole grains, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat milk products. Limiting consumption of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, no smoking including passive smoking can have a beneficial impact on a couple’s ability to conceive.
c. Overall health and menstrual irregularities can be improved by moderate exercise , whereas sometimes excessive exercise can disturb menstrual cycle as seen in competitive athletes practicing intense training sessions.
d. Make time for some leisure activity or hobby and try to lower stress levels which improves physical and emotional health.
e. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking as it can affect fertility.
f. Practice safe sex – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to blockage of fallopian tubes, prostatitis and other problems that reduce fertility.
g. Age and fertility – It’s completely personal choice of a couple to decide the right time to start a family and have a baby. But, women need to understand that their biological clock is an issue, the older the female partner the more difficulty a couple can face when trying to get pregnant.
h. Regular sexual activity – helps maintain good sperm quality.
Conclusively, Infertility can happen due to many reasons, of which few can be avoided/prevented all together; while majority of them can be treated with medicines, IUI and assisted reproductive techniques. Consult with our fertility specialist, Dr Gouri Sultane, today for all your pregnancy and fertility related inquiries.