Infertility Decoded: An Insight into Causes, Symptoms, and Types

Dr. Richika Sahay | 12 Oct 2023 | 180588 Views |

Introduction

Have you been hearing the term “infertility” a lot recently? Or perhaps you’ve stumbled upon it while exploring options for starting a family? Well, it’s quite the talk of the town, and not without reason! As common as it is mysterious, infertility is a topic that often comes with more questions than answers. Fear not, for we’re here to unwrap this enigma, straight from the experts at India IVF Fertility clinics located in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon.

What is Infertility?

Ah, the million-dollar question! In its simplest definition, infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Surprising, right? Let’s dive deeper.

Symptoms

• Absence of menstrual periods or irregular cycles.
• Painful periods.
• Difficulty getting pregnant.
• Hair growth on face and chest (indicative of hormonal imbalance).
• Low libido or sexual dysfunction.

Causes of Infertility

Fertilization and Implantation

Here’s the deal: for a pregnancy to occur, many things need to align just right. From fertilization – the joining of an egg and a sperm, to implantation – the embedding of this union into the uterus. If there’s a hiccup anywhere, it may lead to infertility.

Male Reproductive System

Gentlemen, it’s not just about the ladies! The male reproductive system, comprising the testes (produces sperm) and the vas deferens (transports sperm), plays a pivotal role. An issue here can be a big culprit.

Female Reproductive System

From ovaries to the fallopian tubes, the female system is no less intricate. A glitch anywhere – hormonal imbalance, blocked tubes, or conditions like PCOS – can hinder conception.

Causes of Male Infertility

For a baby to be conceived, a man’s sperm has to meet a woman’s egg. Sounds simple, right? But a lot happens behind the scenes:

• Low sperm count: Imagine trying to hit a bullseye with just a handful of darts. Tough, isn’t it? The fewer the sperm, the lesser the chances of one reaching the egg.
• Abnormal sperm function: Some sperm might swim in circles, others might not swim at all. Like a misfiring engine, they don’t always work as expected.
• Blockages: These prevent sperm from getting out. It’s like a traffic jam on the highway; no one’s going anywhere!
• Causes: Apart from medical conditions, things like drug use, alcohol, and even certain medications can be the culprits.

Types of Infertility

When you think of infertility, it’s not just a one-size-fits-all kind of situation. There are nuances:

Primary Infertility

This type of infertility pertains to couples who have never managed to conceive.

Secondary Infertility

Now, this one’s a bit tricky. Picture this: a couple has had a child before, maybe even without a hitch. Yet, when they try for another, they’re met with challenges. That, in essence, is secondary infertility.

What might increase my risk of infertility?

Life’s not always a bed of roses. Sometimes, our choices or circumstances might unwittingly increase our risk of infertility.

Prevention for Couples

For duos looking to keep the stork visiting:

Avoiding the “no-nos”: This includes tobacco, excessive alcohol, and even recreational drugs.

Eat, sleep, exercise, repeat: A healthy lifestyle can make all the difference!

For Men

Lads, listen up!

• Mind the heat: High temperatures, especially in the nether regions (think: saunas and tight undies), can spell trouble.
• Be wary of toxins: Some professions expose you to chemicals that might reduce sperm count. If you’re in such a job, take precautions.
• Check-ups: Regular visits to the doc ensure everything’s in tip-top shape.

For Women

Ladies, here’s the lowdown for you:

• Age matters: The biological clock is real. Fertility generally starts to drop as one hits the big 3-0 and declines more rapidly post-35.
• Steer clear of STIs: Conditions like chlamydia and gonorrhea can damage the fallopian tubes.
• Watch the weight: Being too under or overweight can affect ovulation.

Prevention for Couples

• Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
• Managing stress.
• Maintaining an ideal weight.

For Men

• Avoiding high temperatures (think: hot tubs).
• Steering clear of toxins.
• Regular health check-ups.

For Women

• Staying updated on vaccinations.
• Not delaying parenthood excessively.
• Regular pelvic examinations.

Conclusion

Life can be unpredictable, throwing curveballs like infertility our way. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining. With cutting-edge solutions from clinics like [India IVF Fertility](www.indiaivf.in) in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon, hope is just around the corner.

About The Author

Dr. Richika Sahay

MBBS (Gold Medalist), DNB (Obst & Gyne), MNAMS, MRCOG (London-UK), Fellow IVF, Fellow MAS, Infertility (IVF) Specialist & Gynae Laparoscopic surgeon,[Ex AIIMS & Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi]. Read more about me