General Info about Infertility 

The importance of examining the husband before subjecting the wife to operation will be appreciated when I state that he is, as a rule, at fault in at least one instance in every six.
                              -Samuel Weissell Gross, 1881 

Infertility is a condition or a disease of the reproductive system often diagnosed after a couple fail to achieve pregnancy or if the woman has been unable to carry a pregnancy that results in a live birth.

Primary Infertility is the term used to describe a couple that has never been able to conceive a pregnancy, after a minimum of one year of attempting to do so through unprotected intercourse. 

Secondary Infertility is the term used to describe couples who have previously been pregnant at least once, but have not been able to achieve another pregnancy.


What are the causes of Infertility ? 

Causes of infertility include a wide range of physical, as well as emotional factors. Infertility can be due to a "male" factor such as decreased sperm count or no sperm, retrograde ejaculation, impotence, hormone deficiency, environmental pollutants, scarring from sexually-transmitted disease.

A "female" factor such as scarring from sexually-transmitted disease, ovulation dysfunction, poor nutrition, hormone imbalance, cysts or cancer of the ovaries or uterus, pelvic infection or tumor, or transport system abnormality from the cervix through the Fallopian tubes can also lead to infertility. 

It is important that pregnancy be attempted after an extended period (at least one year);
Sperm is viable for about 48 hours. It is crucial for sperm to be present during the woman's most fertile time. 

Risks for infertility 

Mumps orchitis in men 

Eating disorders in women 

Abnormal menstrual cycles 

Chronic disease such as diabetes 

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the two most frequent causes of sexually transmitted diseases that lead to infertility.

Multiple sexual partners which increase the risk for STDs 

Sexually-transmitted diseases 

Past history of pelvic inflammatory disease 

These diseases are often initially without symptoms until pelvic inflammatory disease or salpingitis develop. These inflammatory processes cause scarring of the Fallopian tubes and subsequently lead to decreased fertility, absolute infertility or and increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy. 


What are the symptoms of Infertility ? 

Inability to become pregnant. 

A range of emotional and social problems and tensions between the couple regarding childlessness.

How can we diagnose Infertility ? 

To assess infertility, some or all the tests mentioned below may be required.

Semen analysis to evaluate volume, viscosity of semen, sperm. count, motility, swimming speed and shape of sperm. 

Monitoring cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. 

Measuring serum progesterone (blood test). 

Endometrial biopsy. 

Testicular biopsy. 

Serum hormonal levels (blood tests) for either or both partners. 

Laparoscopy to allow direct visualization. 

Pelvic examination of women to check if there are cysts or damage to the endometrium. 

How can Infertility be treated ? 

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility for couple. It may range from simple education and counseling, to the use of medicines that treat infections or promote ovulation, to highly sophisticated medical procedures such as in-vitro fertilization.

Although infertility itself does not cause physical illness, the psychological impact of infertility upon individuals or couples affected by it may be severe. Marital problems, including divorce, individual depression and anxiety are common. These problems can be treated with psychiatric counseling. 

Preventive Measures

Practice safe sex. 

Stop drinking alcohol regularly or in excess. 

Avoid stress and tension as these factors too play an important role. 

Avoid over exercise. 

Do not use herbal medicines without knowing its use. 

Practice safe sex if any indulgence takes place outside a relationship. 

More Valuable information about Infertility... 

Infertility is NOT an inconvenience; it is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Most infertility cases -- 85% to 90% -- are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery. 


Frequently asked questions about Infertility... 

Which Specialist should I see if I am infertile?

A woman should consult a Gynaecologist and a man a Urologist or a General Surgeon.

When is the woman most fertile? 

The first day of the period is "Day 1". Around "Day 14" your ovary produces an egg. That egg is viable for about 24 hours; this is the most fertile time. However, not all women ovulate on "Day 14". Some ovulate a little earlier and some later. Some don't ovulate at all. Remember, mensturation period can come even without ovulation. The ability to ovulate can vary from month to month. 

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

Originally developed to help women with irreparable damage to their fallopian tubes, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is now used for many other disorders including endometriosis and low or poor sperm quality. The technique involves removing several eggs from the ovary, fertilizing them in the laboratory with sperm from the male partner, and transferring the resulting embryos to the womb for implantation and pregnancy. 

Is In Vitro Fertilization Expensive? 

Yes. Like other extremely delicate medical procedures,
IVF involves highly trained professionals with sophisticated laboratories and equipment, and the cycle may need to be repeated to be successful. While IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies are not inexpensive, they account for only three hundredths of one percent (0.03%) of the entire community.

Does this infertility occur in women only? 

Infertility can be present in both the sexes. 

Glossary 

In Vitro – Inside a test tube. 
IVF - In Vitro Fertilisation 
Laparoscopy - Examination of the peritoneum through a lighted instrument. 
Ectopic pregnancy - Pregnancy occuring at a place other than inthe uterus. 
Endometrium - This is the mucous membrane comprising the inner layer of the utrine wall. 
Mumps Orchitis - Inflammation of testis