WHAT IS INFERTILITY
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after a year of actively trying. If there’s been no success within this timeframe, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals for assistance.
OVER
25 MILLION
couples suffer from infertility
Approximately 25 -30% of cases result from male factor infertility, while 30-35 % are attributed to female infertility. Combined factors account for 10-15 %, leaving the rest classified as unexplained infertility.
Dr. Pallavi Lale
MBBS MD Infertility Specialist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Cosmetic Gynaecologist, Regenerative Gynaecology Consultant
WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY
There are diverse factors that can lead to infertility, ranging from genetic or inborn factors to organ pathology, hormonal factor stress, and age. Both men and women can be affected. For men, low sperm count and quality play crucial roles. In women, factors such as age, egg quality, and conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, as well as tubal and uterine issues, are significant causes.
WHEN IS The right TIME TO MEET AN EXPERT?
- If attempts to conceive have been unsuccessful for a year.
- If the female partner is approaching the age of 35.
- In cases where the female partner has experienced recurrent miscarriages/repeated implantation failure.
- When the female partner receives a diagnosis of conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis painful.painful & irregular menses
- If the male partner's semen analysis shows abnormalities or if there are issues related to ejaculation.
TESTING BEFORE TREATMENT
Tests For Men
Physical Evaluation
Semen Analysis
Hormones Analysis
Infection & signs of Obstruction /Retrograde Ejaculation
Tests For WoMen
Blood Test that detects Hormones
PAP Smear
Transvaginal altrasound
advanced tests
HSG (Test to examine the female reproductive tract), Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT?
A counsellor will engage with you to gather essential information and discuss your situation, emotional state, and concerns.
A consultant will review any available reports, collect your menstrual and medical history, document medications, and note lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption. They will also inquire about exposure to radiation, toxins, chemicals, and any challenges related to menstrual cycles and sexual activity.
THE CONSULTANT WILL ANALYZE YOUR CASE, CONDUCT AN EXAMINATION, SUGGEST DIAGNOSTICTESTS, AND CLARIFY THE TREATMENT PROCESS.
A FINANCIAL COUNSELOR WILL ASSIST YOU IN COMPREHENDING THE ASSOCIATED COSTS.
ULTIMATELY, SPECIFIC DATES FOR YOUR TESTING AND TREATMENT WILL BE ESTABLISHED.
FERTILITY TREATMENT : WHAT & WHY
The goal of any fertility treatment is to help you and your partner achieve parenthood. However, before reaching that milestone, there are various hurdles to navigate—medical, emotional, and financial. Each faces unique challenges, leading to a multitude of treatment options.
Medical management
Sometimes, fertility-related concerns can be addressed solely through medication.
Administering at the right time and ensuring the correct dosage.
IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination)
Fertility medications are given to encourage the development of 1 to 3 eggs to maturity, which may come in the form of pills or injections.
The progress is meticulously tracked through ultrasound scans to observe follicle development, and blood tests are conducted to measure estrogen levels when necessary. The objective is to produce mature follicles.
ADVANCED FERTILITY TREATMENT
ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
The progression is meticulously monitored using ultrasound scans to observe follicle development, and blood tests are conducted, particularly when necessary, to measure estrogen levels. The objective is to produce as many as the follicle.
MACS (Magnetically Activated Cell Sorting)
MACS is magnetically activated cell sorting which helps to filter out damaged sperms( with high DNA fragmentation) and get better quality sperms with less DNA fragmentation. This helps to improve embryo quality and pregnancy chances.
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing – Aneuploidy)
This is a test conducted on embryos to detect numerical chromosomal abnormalities.
PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing – Monogenic)
This test recognizes particular genetic disorders such as thalassemia, hemophilia, and specific forms of muscular dystrophy.
MALE ADVANCED FERTILITY TREATMENT
Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (micro-TESE)
This test is done to retrieve sperm from the testicles, specifically from the testicular tissue. It is often performed in cases of male infertility where the production or release of sperm is impaired.
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
This is a medical procedure used to collect sperm from the epididymis, a coiled tube located at the back of the testicles where sperm mature and are stored. PESA is typically performed in cases where there is a blockage in the reproductive tract, preventing the normal release of sperm during ejaculation.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
This is a medical procedure in which a thin, hollow needle is used to extract cells or tissue from a suspicious or abnormal mass for diagnostic purposes
CRYOPRESERVATION OF EGGS, SPERM AND EMBRYOS
Also known as vitrification, it ensures no damage to the egg, sperm or embryo during freezing.
In case the embryo transfer fails – or if the couple decides to have another child, thawed embryos can be used for transfer.
Egg freezing can be done when the woman decides to delay pregnancy (late marriage, career advancement) or for fertility preservation if she has to undergo radiation or chemotherapy as part of cancer treatment.
PREGNANCY RATE: SIMILAR TO IVF USING FRESH EGGS.
