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What are the Causes and Treatments of Infertility?

What are the Causes of Infertility?

Infertility can arise from various factors, affecting both men and women. Let’s explore them in a way that’s easy to understand:

For Men:

  • Lower sperm count:
Sometimes, men might have a lower sperm count, making it harder to fertilize an egg.
  • Varicocele:
It is a condition that causes overheating in the testicles and can play a role in lowering fertility.
  • Hormonal imbalance:
Imbalances in hormones like testosterone can affect sperm production.  

For Women:

  • PCOS:
PCOS and other conditions like it can create challenges with ovulation.
  • Old age:
As women age, fertility naturally declines, particularly after the mid-30s.
  • Infections:
Infections in their reproductive organs or hormonal imbalances can suffer from infertility.  

Treatments for Infertility:

While infertility is a significant problem, it can be treated. Here’s an overview of some common treatments for infertility:

Lifestyle Modifications:

  • Balanced diet:
Maintain a balanced diet with enough protein and fiber.
  • Regular exercise:
Exercising at regular intervals can make you less susceptible to conditions that create infertility.

Medications:

  • Fertility drugs:
For women, medications like Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or gonadotropins may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation.
  • Hormonal therapy:
Addressing hormonal imbalances through medications can help regulate menstrual cycles and enhance fertility.  

Surgical Interventions:

  • Laparoscopic surgery:
Used to treat conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic adhesions that may be causing infertility.
  • Varicocele repair:
Surgical correction of varicoceles in men to improve sperm production and quality.
  • Tubal surgeries:
Procedures to repair or remove blockages in the fallopian tubes.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):

  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
Process involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization.
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF):
Involves fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body in a laboratory and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus.
  • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
A procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilization, often used in conjunction with IVF.
  • Donor eggs or sperm:
For individuals or couples facing severe infertility issues, using donor eggs or sperm may be an option.  

Alternative Therapies:

  • Acupuncture:
Some studies suggest acupuncture may help improve fertility outcomes by reducing stress and enhancing blood flow to the reproductive organs.
  • Herbal supplements:
Certain herbs like chasteberry or acupuncture may be recommended to support fertility, though evidence for their effectiveness is limited.

How common is Infertility?

Infertility is a relatively common issue worldwide, impacting a significant number of individuals and couples. In India, infertility is a significant health concern, with a considerable number of individuals and couples affected by it. Overall, infertility is a multifaceted issue in India, influenced by various factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, lifestyle choices, and access to healthcare.
If you suffer from infertility, then you should speak to us at Eva IVF & Women’s Centre. We provide many treatments for infertility.