Shalvi Mangaokar speaks to Dr. Suman Bijlani to find out what steps infertile couples can take
Infertility is fast rising in society. Couples today are facing problems in conceiving which prevents them from starting a family. However, thanks to new inventions in science, the cases of infertile couples remaining childless are decreasing. Read on to find out more.
What causes infertility
Dr. Suman Bijlani says, “Infertility may be the result of male or female factors or both. In women, the cause may be failure to produce eggs, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, fibroids and much more. In men, sperm could be of poor quality or less in number, due to many reasons.”
Avoiding it
Today, these problems can be solved. Firstly, it’s essential to avoid it. Dr. Suman says that there are some tips that could help. She says, “Men should avoid very hot environments (such as welders, miners, bike riders over long distance) as heat can damage sperm. Men with poor sperm counts or motility are advised to wear loose undergarments. Women mustn’t delay pregnancy beyond the age of 35. Also safe sex is very important as the infections that could be transferred also lead to infertility.” Dr. Suman also advises visiting a gynecologist or infertility specialist in case of infertility.
Options available
“Today, laparoscopy (direct visualisation of the pelvic organs through a telescope) and hysteroscopy (internal visualisation of the uterus) have greatly improved our diagnosis of the cause of infertility.”
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Is the instillation of selected highly motile sperms directly into the uterus. This is usually the first line of treatment in women with open tubes and sperm counts above 15 million.
In vitro fertilization: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) a woman’s eggs are taken out and fertilised with the husband’s sperms under controlled conditions. Then the embryos are introduced back into the uterus. IVF is best suited to cases of blocked fallopian tubes.
Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection: (ICSI) is an advanced form of the IVF procedure, wherein the sperm is physically injected into an egg to cause fertilisation, leaving almost nothing to chance! It is very useful in cases where sperm count is very low or sperms are of poor quality.
With the progress in science and the various ways of treatments, infertility doesn’t have to be so disheartening anymore.