Does Infertility Have a Cure?

Infertility is the inability to conceive due to a problem with the reproductive system of either partner. It can occur in both sexes. You may have primary infertility in which you are not able to conceive at all or secondary infertility when you have had pregnancies earlier but are no longer able to conceive.

The main causes of male infertility are low sperm count, motility, structural problem, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation, while in females, the reason for infertility may be ovulation disorders, damage to fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or other uterine or cervical causes.

Factors That Affect Male and Female Fertility

The common risk factors for infertility are:

• Obesity
• Heavy smoking and drinking
• Contact with toxins
• Sexually transmitted infections

The risk factors for females that affect their fertility are:

• Age
• Hormonal imbalance
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, lupus, and hypertension
• Fibroids
• Multiple miscarriages
• Abnormalities in the fallopian tube and uterus

For men, the factors that affect their fertility are:

• Congenital problem
• Genetic problem
• Exposure to extreme heat, toxins, and other chemicals
• Mumps as adults
• Genital infection or surgery
• Medicines that affect the nervous system

Treatments Available for Infertility

For men, the infertility treatments are:

• Antibiotics to treat reproductive organ-related infections
• Surgery to rectify any structural abnormalities of the genitals
• Hormone treatments
• Medication and counselling for erection and ejaculation-related problems

The infertility treatments for women include:

• Surgery to remove blockages and scar tissues in the uterus and fallopian tube.
• Fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation
• Hormone treatment for hormone imbalance, endometriosis, or menstrual cycle issues

Infertility treatment can also be done with assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

If you are considering IVF, you must select the IVF clinic near you for optimum results.

Can Infertility Be Prevented?

Awareness of certain risk factors can help in the prevention of infertility in men and women.

• Age

The biological clock is an important factor. A woman's ability to conceive and carry the pregnancy to full term decreases with age. Also, younger patients have a better rate of conceiving with the help of infertility treatments.

• Healthy weight and diet

Women who are of average weight and exercise regularly have better overall health and menstrual cycle and have better chances of getting pregnant. Both partners must not be obese.

• Caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes

They can negatively impact your chances of conceiving by creating fertility problems. This factor applies to both partners.

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

They are the leading causes of infertility among men and women. Practicing safe sex and adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent it.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

When a woman is unable to conceive after having unprotected sex for more than a year, it becomes necessary to consult an infertility specialist. However, both partners must undergo tests as the infertility issue can be with either of them.

If you are seeking infertility treatment in Mumbai, you may want to consult an infertility doctor for appropriate treatment. This is where Dr. Nandita P. Palshetkar can help you.

With 39 years of experience IVF in India, Dr. Palshetkar has earned the reputation of being an infertility specialist in Mumbai and India. Her clinic has been awarded as the right IVF centre in Mumbai on numerous occasions, and she continues to commit her life to serving people for many more years to come. For further details and queries related to infertility, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nandita. P. Palshetkar today.

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About the author: Dr Nandita P. Palshetkar, MD, FCPS, FICOG, FRCOG (UK), IVF and fertility specialist. Maharashtra Medical Council Registration No. 58125.