OMH Exclusive: Causes Of Infertility, When To Seek Help: Doctor Explains

“Infertility cases are rising worldwide,” said Dr. Prachi Benara, obstetrics & gynaecology consultant at Birla Fertility & IVF. In India, one in six couples face problems in conceiving, she told Onlymyhealth, quoting a study. Infertility, according to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. In a conservative country like ours, fertility and sexual health are taboo topics with a strong reluctance to talk about problems associated with these. As International Women’s Day is around the corner (March 8), Onlymyhealth has launched a campaign called ‘Healthy Nari, Happy Nari’. Under it, we spoke to Dr. Benara on various issues related to female fertility and sexual health.

Infertility: ‘Not Just A Female Issue’

It is often misunderstood that inability in having kids is a women’s problem. Infertility can happen in both males and females. According to Dr. Benara, one-third of cases of infertility are seen because of women, one-third because of men, and the rest because of factors contributed by both of them. Hence, if a couple faces difficulty in conceiving, both the partners should visit the fertility clinic, recommends Dr. Benara. At times, the solution to the problem lies in the mere understanding of male and female reproductive systems.

Causes Of Infertility

(Photo Credit: Genesis Gold)

Infertility is a rising trend worldwide. It is because of the following factors:

• Late marriage & family planning: This is specific for women. They are born with a limited number of eggs, and as they age, the quality and quantity of eggs dip, causing infertility.
• Stress
• Pollution and exposure to insecticides and pesticides
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of physical activity

Reason(s) For Infertility In Women

For understanding infertility in women, you need to understand the female cycle.

• Every woman is born with a fixed number of eggs in her ovaries.
• There are two ovaries, both of which are connected to the uterus by fallopian tubes.
• Every month, an egg matures in one of the ovaries.
• It is released in the fallopian tube where fertilisation takes place.
• The fertilised egg then reaches the uterine cavity where it is implanted when a woman is pregnant.

Any problem in either ovary, fallopian tubes, or uterine cavity can cause infertility in women.

Such problems include:

• Delayed ovulation
• Premature ovarian failure
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Surgery in the pelvic area
• Fleshy uterus
• Sexual disorders

If we talk about both male and female infertility, deficiency of vitamin D is a big factor. This nutrient is crucial for the health of eggs and sperms. Vitamin D deficiency is a huge problem in India. A bigger problem is that you cannot get it through food but only from sunlight. Hence, if planning pregnancy, get your vitamin D levels checked and start supplementation if necessary. Women are also given folic acid supplements for the healthy growth of the brain and spine of the baby.

Symptoms Of Infertility

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of infertility, said Dr. Benara, other than difficulty in conceiving. However, there are some signs that you must not ignore.

• Women: Irregular periods, vaginal discharge that can be a sign of vaginal and pelvic infections
• Men: Erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorders

Unable To Get Pregnant: When To See A Doctor

If your age is less than 32-33, try for a year before seeing a specialist. If you are 35 and above, do not wait for an entire year. Also, if you suffer from any of the following, do not delay and consult an expert as soon as possible.

Females

• Irregular periods
• Thyroid
• Diabetes
• Asthma

Males

• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculatory disorders

Nowadays, many couples see a specialist before planning pregnancy. They try to understand if their bodies are healthy enough for pregnancy. Blood tests are done and supplementation is recommended accordingly. Also, the doctor educates them about a fertile window when they have the highest chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Tests For Infertility

Males and females have different tests for infertility.

• Women undergo an anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test along with an ultrasound.
• Men undergo semen analysis to know the number, quality, and morphology (shape) of their sperm.

Egg Freezing: A ‘Boon’ For Females

(Photo Credit: Unsplash)

Nowadays, many women are delaying marriage and pregnancy. To prevent infertility, a good option for them is egg freezing, in which they save some eggs and use them whenever they plan to have a child. In this, a woman is given injections for 10 to 12 days. Eggs are harvested and are then retrieved outside. These are then frozen in liquid nitrogen at -176°C. Not just those women who deliberately delay pregnancy, it is a useful technique for even those who can face fertility issues due to other reasons. For example, cancer patients.

Also read: Things Every Woman Should Know Before Freezing Her Eggs For Future Pregnancy

According to Dr. Benara, the 20s are the best time to get pregnant as your fertility is at its peak during this time. In the 30s, it starts decreasing. Hence, plan a child as per that, and do not shy away from consulting a specialist if you face any troubles.

(With inputs from Dr. Prachi Benara, obstetrics & gynaecology consultant at Birla Fertility & IVF)

Photo Credit: Unsplash