IUI Failure: Symptoms, Reasons & Causes

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Intrauterine Insemination is a promising procedure to fulfill your dreams of pregnancy. But like any other fertility treatment, IUI also can fail. Let’s try to understand the symptoms, reasons, and causes of IUI failure in the simplest way possible.

What is IUI?

Intrauterine means inside the uterus or the womb. Insemination means injecting seminal fluid or semen which contains sperm cells in the uterus. The semen sample contains sperm cells as well as impurities. So the sample is processed and these impurities are removed. In this way, we are left with good quality, healthy, and motile sperm. Then with the help of a catheter, these sperm cells are injected into the uterine cavity. IUI is a painless procedure and it hardly takes around 5-10 minutes to place the sperm cells in the uterus. The success rates lie between 12 to 15% per cycle.

IUI is the Most Suitable option if

  • Both the fallopian tubes are open and are functioning normally.
  • Both the quality and the quantity of the eggs in the ovaries are normal. For this, the AMH should be more than 1.5.
  • The man has mild oligospermia with good sperm motility.

Also, it is a helpful treatment option in cases of unexplained infertility and for single mothers who wish to have a baby of their own.

What happens when you have unprotected sexual intercourse?

The sperm are ejaculated in the vagina. Then they swim forward to enter the uterus through the cervix also known as the mouth of the uterus. Around 90% of the sperm get destroyed naturally during this phase. The remaining 10%, somewhere around 3 million sperm reach the uterus. For natural pregnancy, it is an important parameter that at least 1.5 to 2 million sperm reach the uterus.

But in some men, the sperm count is around 12 to 15 million per semen sample. So in this situation, only 0.5 to 0.7 million sperm can make their way into the vagina. This makes natural conception a difficult dream. IUI procedure helps couples stuck in this situation.

In IUI the motile sperm cells are directly injected into the uterus. In this way, the distance that the sperm needs to cover to reach the fallopian tube is decreased. This helps increase the chances of conception if all the other parameters related to pregnancy go well.

IUI procedure should only be opted for a maximum of 4 to 6 times. Other infertility treatments are available that can help increase your chances of achieving pregnancy.

 Factors Influencing IUI Success Rates

The success rate of IUI is maximum when the following parameters are kept in check:

  • The woman should be of fertile age
  • Good ovarian reserve
  • Healthy and motile sperm
  • Proper drug administration when needed
  • The root cause of infertility is suitably treated
  • Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic

IUI failure symptoms

There are no specific symptoms associated with the failure of the IUI procedure. If pregnancy does not occur, you might witness the following signs:

  • Return of Menstrual Cycle-: If you get your monthly cycle after IUI it is a clear indication of failure of this procedure.
  • Negative Pregnancy Test-: In case your monthly cycle is delayed but the pregnancy test comes out to be negative then the IUI cycle is unsuccessful.
  • Absence of Implantation Bleeding-: If the IUI procedure is successful then after 2 weeks you will have implantation bleeding. You will witness spotting on your underwear. If you don’t it means the IUI cycle failed.

In case you experience severe cramping or have sudden vaginal discharge consult your medical expert without any delay.

 IUI failure reasons

Going back to the IUI procedure we learned that the sperm cells are injected into the uterus so they can reach the eggs lying in the fallopian tubes. However, leaving the sperm in the uterus does not ensure pregnancy. The journey of the sperm got shorter but it has so many hurdles to cross.

 The rest of the things we allow to happen naturally. There can be many things that can go wrong before, during, or after fertilization. There might be some problem with the sperm, egg, or both.

IUI Failure Causes

As already mentioned the success rate of the IUI procedure is 12 to 18%. This means if 100 couples opted for IUI only 12 or 18 of them will end up conceiving. This is a harsh reality of IUI that we have to accept. Experts say the success rate increases with every IUI cycle.

Following is the list of IUI failure causes:

  • Fallopian Tubes are not Working Properly-:

Open fallopian tubes do not guarantee fertilization as these two tubes have multiple roles to play in pregnancy.This includes collecting the egg from the ovaries, providing ground for the fusion of sperm and egg, and carrying the embryo to the uterus for implantation.

If the fallopian tubes fail to perform any of these functions it can result in IUI failure.

  • Poor Egg Quality-:

Imagine wanting a healthy apple tree with poor quality seeds. In the same way, poor-quality eggs will not lead to a successful conception.

Poor egg quality leads to the formation of weak and abnormal embryos, is associated with chromosomal abnormalities, and will lead to problems in implantation or cause frequent miscarriages. This proves how poor egg quality can result in IUI failure.

  • Defective Sperm-:

IUI procedure revolves around sperm motility. IUI can only provide a ladder to reach the eggs. The sperm cells should be healthy and strong enough to reach the eggs waiting in the fallopian tubes.

Also, the sperm can get destroyed in the uterus due to several reasons. These circumstances will lead to IUI failure.

  • Using Frozen Sperm with Impurities-:

Sometimes when using frozen sperm in IUI there is a slight possibility that some impurities are present that can lead to unsuccessful fertilization.

  • Timing of Ovulation-:

For IUI to be successful the sperm should fertilize the egg within the fertile window. But even after injecting the sperm into the uterus with the help of IUI, it may fail to reach the egg. If this happens the egg will disintegrate and will no longer be available for fertilization if the sperm comes later.

Another scenario can be the sperm reaching the fallopian tubes before ovulation. In this situation, pregnancy will not occur. The timing should be perfect for IUI to be successful.

  • Advanced Age of the Woman:

Age plays a vital role in pregnancy. No matter if you are trying naturally or taking the help of a fertility treatment. IUI fails when the woman is of advanced age.

The best age for a woman to have IUI is below 35 years of age. The success rate is witnessed to be maximum in this age group as her reproductive organs are functioning well.

After 35 years of age IUI success rates further fall to 8 to 10% per cycle.

IUI is not the right option for women over 40. The success rate of IUI for this age group is around 2% per cycle. So if a woman decides to choose IUI after 35 the chances of conception are not promising.

  • Ectopic pregnancy-:

The sperm fertilizes the egg and forms an embryo. Now the embryo will take shelter in the fallopian tube for 5 days. Then the fallopian tubes should transfer the egg to the uterus or womb for implantation.

A healthy pregnancy can occur only when the embryo gets implanted in the uterine cavity.

But if the embryo gets stuck in the fallopian tube it will have no source of oxygen and nutrients to grow into a baby. This condition is called ectopic pregnancy. It can be a reason for IUI failure. Also, it can put the woman’s health at risk if not treated timely.

  • Implantation Failure-:

Endometrial lining decides the success or failure of implantation of the embryo. This lining is responsible for supplying oxygen to the embryo, nourishing it with nutrients, and protecting it from any harm in the womb. The thickness of the endometrial lining should be between 8 to 15 mm.

If this lining is not thick enough implantation is not possible. This will result in IUI failure.

  • Deficiency of Pregnancy Hormones-:

The ovaries are responsible for secreting pregnancy hormones namely estrogen and progesterone to support a healthy pregnancy. Various complications can arise if there is a deficiency of these hormones in the body. This can also lead to the failure of the IUI cycle.

Medical Conditions-:

Polycystic Ovarian Symptoms commonly known as PCOS or PCOD, diabetes, endometriosis, and cervical cancer can reduce IUI success rates.

  • Nature-:

Imagine both the egg and the sperm can be healthy. They fused and formed a healthy embryo but still, IUI failed. This can’t be explained with any scientific evidence. All we can say is that nature did not allow the pregnancy to occur.

So what are the alternatives that can bring positive pregnancy results?

  • IVF-:

In-vitro fertilization can be the right option for you if you are over 35 years of age, have poor ovarian reserve, PCOS, fallopian tube failure, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility.

It offers a success rate of 35-40% for women below 35. For women over 35, the success rate lies between 25-30%.

  • ICSI-:

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection can be a suitable treatment for you if the male partner has severe infertility issues. These include low sperm count, poor motility, poor morphology, and PGD.

It offers a success rate of 80 to 85% when performed with zero errors.

The most important step after IUI failure

A good clinic like Imprimis IVF Srinagar ensures the maximum success rate of this ART procedure. Only a good clinic can ensure success with ICSI or IVF. You can look at any success story after multiple failures or ask a medical expert about the importance of the fertility center you choose. It can either turn your dreams into reality or shatter them.

Final Words

Fertility treatments can be mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Please do not decide on the most suitable infertility treatment option by yourself. Acknowledging the importance of an expert is the right thing to do. If you have had multiple IUI failures do extensive research about the best fertility centers and consult with their expert. Then only take the final decision regarding the treatment.

What Is TESE & Its Success Rate

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TESE – Male infertility is common today and can be attributed to various underlying factors. The working of the male reproductive system is highly complex. Any malfunctioning tissue or blood vessel can lead to hurdles in the pregnancy journey. 

Luckily, medical advancements have made it possible to treat the cause of male infertility. One of the most successful procedures is TESE. 

But who is eligible to take help with this procedure? 

In this article, we will talk about TESE and its success rate. We will discuss in detail the procedure of TESE, its side effects, and the complications associated with TESE. 

Semen is not Sperm.

During sexual intercourse or masturbation, when a man has an orgasm, he ejaculates semen. A semen sample contains sperm cells responsible for fertilising the egg. Sperm cells are not visible to the naked eye. There is a possibility that the sperm cells are absent. Another reason can be poor sperm morphology or low sperm count in the semen sample. It is where the TESE procedure comes to your rescue. 

What is TESE?

TESE stands for testicular sperm extraction. It is a medical procedure to collect sperm cells directly from your testicles when, for some reason, they do not come out when you ejaculate. 

Other procedures that fall under the category of sperm retrieval processes are

  • Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
  • TESA with mapping
  • Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
  • Micro Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA)
  • Microdissection TESE (microTESE)

These are also known as sperm harvesting procedures. Each of them helps solve different problems related to infertility. 

But this article focuses on TESE, so let’s understand the need for this sperm retrieval process. 

What is the Need for TESE? 

TESE is needed to solve the problem of both obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia (zero sperm in the semen). These two factors are responsible for a large number of male infertility cases.  

Obstructive Azoospermia

It is a condition in which testicles function normally and produce sperm, but they are absent in the semen due to some blockage. 

Obstructive azoospermia can be caused by primary testicular failure, non-reconstructed vasectomy, or the blockage is there by birth. 

Non-obstructive Azoospermia

This is a condition in which no sperm cells are produced due to the abnormal functioning of the testicles. 

So, we can say that testicular sperm extraction proves to be a boon when

  • The testosterone levels are normal, but the testes cannot produce sperm cells. 
  • An obstruction or blockage in the reproductive tract due to injury or infection prevents sperm from entering the penis.
  • Even after treating azoospermia, the sperm count has not improved significantly.

The sperm cells that are retrieved from the TESE procedure will be frozen. Then, whenever the doctor needs them for fertility treatment, they can use the frozen sperm cells to fertilise the egg. The TESE procedure has significantly reduced the need for donor sperm. 

Using Retrieved Sperm for Normal Conception 

The important thing to note here is that these retrieved sperm cells can’t be used for normal conception. 

When the sperm cells are collected directly from the testes, they can’t swim through the vagina. So, when placed inside the uterus, they won’t be able to reach the fallopian tube to fertilise the egg. 

These sperm cells can only be used in fertility treatment where fertilisation occurs on a petri dish in a laboratory. 

Preparation for TESE 

You may want to know what precautions to take before the TESE procedure. Here are a few suggestions from the doctors: 

  • Don’t take blood-thinning medications 5 days before the TESE procedure. These include Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, etc.
  • Nicely shave your genital area to minimise the chances of infection.
  • Shower with an antibacterial soap on the day of the TESE procedure or the night before.

TESE Procedure 

This delicate procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia so that the patient does not have a painful experience. 

With the help of a biopsy, active areas of sperm will be located. Then, one or two incisions (cuts) will be made in the scrotum. After that, a small portion of tissue is removed from the testes. This sample portion will be dissected to separate the sperm from the sample to store it and be used to fertilise the egg. The incision during the TESE procedure is closed with the help of sutures. 

It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to carry out the TESE procedure. 

Post-TESE Care

After TESE, your doctor will ask you to wear a special type of underwear called scrotal support for 2 weeks. You can also use tight-fitting underwear.

  • Bear in mind that a tissue was collected through incision from your testicles. So, rest is mandatory! 

But how much rest do you need post-TESE?

  • Resting for at least 2 to 3 days at home after the procedure is completed is best.
  • Don’t push yourself if you still feel discomfort or pain while doing something.
  • You are advised to shower the next day after the TESE procedure.
  • But be careful; the wound should not come in contact with water. It is because the wound is closed with the help of absorbable sutures and should not be removed. Also, the chances of testicular infection might increase.
  • A healthy, balanced diet will help fast recover the scrotal wound.
  • Lay an extra focus on consuming fluids during the recovery period.
  • Don’t engage in activities like jogging, swimming, or weight lifting for at least 2 weeks after the TESE procedure.
  • Medications will be prescribed to alleviate pain and prevent infection.
  • It is safe to place ice packs on the scrotum every few hours for the first 2 days.
  • Consider joining back at work after 2 weeks post TESE. Contact your IVF experts immediately if you feel discomfort after 14-15 days.

Rigorous activities can be taken up after 10 to 14 days, depending on your recovery rate. 

Post-TESE Complications

You might face the following complications after the TESE procedure: 

  • Normal bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Slight discolouration of the scrotal skin
  • A thin, clear, and pink-coloured discharge from the incision for the first few days

There is nothing to worry about these post-TESE symptoms. They will gradually fade away as the incision spot heals. 

Risk Factors Associated with TESE 

A highly experienced specialist does this treatment. Even though this procedure is quite safe, you may encounter severe symptoms after the treatment. Some of the risk factors associated with this sperm retrieval process are: 

  • Skin infection
  • Side effects related to anaesthesia
  • Testicle infection following biopsy
  • Damage to testicle
  • No sperm retrieval in the semen
  • Sperm does not react well when stored frozen for the ICSI procedure.

The good news is that risks like testicular damage are rare, but there is always a chance. So, make sure to follow all the post-TESE recovery guidelines religiously. 

Success Rates of TESE

The success rates of the TESE procedure depend on some important factors, namely.

  • Amount of sperm that was retrieved during TESE
  • Whether the retrieved sperm is alive
  • The quality of the sperm in terms of the shape and size of the sperm cell should be optimal.

To fertilise the egg, the shape and size of the head, midpiece, and tail of the sperm should be normal. 

The success rate also depends on the man’s medical history.

Fertility experts claim that the sperm retrieval rate is higher in men with obstructive azoospermia. The retrieval rate is more than 70 to 80%. 

This high success rate means the testes function normally and can produce sperm. There is some obstruction that is preventing the sperm from coming out. 

Once the underlying cause is treated or TESE is carried out, fertilisation can occur successfully. Provided that the sperm is alive and has normal sperm morphology.

However, in men with non-obstructive azoospermia, the retrieval rate is between 20 to 50%. Because the testes are unable to produce sperm or produce less sperm than required, in this situation, the complexities increase, and TESE success rates decrease. 

Another contributing factor is the man’s genetic background. The success rate for men with genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome is 10% to 20%. 

The success rate of the sperm retrieved during TESE in helping couples achieve pregnancy with an ICSI procedure is around 55%. 

Other factors that affect Success Rates 

● TESE success rates also consider the surgical specialists’ skills and expertise.

● Many times, the role of lifestyle is neglected when discussing infertility treatment options. 

But the truth is your diet, managing stress levels, and involvement in physical activities also impact the success of the TESE procedure. 

TESE Costs in Srinagar, India 

The cost of the TESE procedure varies based on the location of the clinic, the complexity of the underlying condition, available facilities, and the expertise of the medical specialists. 

The TESE cost in Srinagar, India, is between 50,000 and 60,000 INR. 

However, some fertility centres like Imprimis IVF and Srinagar offer affordable treatment options. 

Why Choose Imprimis IVF? 

TESE procedure warrants experience and skills. Imprimis IVF Srinagar offers even more than that.

Offering the TESE procedure at an affordable price means we maintain the quality of our services. We at Imprimis IVF are a team of skilled and highly experienced professionals. A round-the-clock support system for our patients in need. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and machinery, we turn dreams into realities. 

Final Words

Infertility among couples is becoming more and more common these days. Fingers are typically pointed at women for not being able to conceive. But now we know that men, too, can be responsible for infertility. All the information on the internet can only give you an overview of the entire process of TESE. For more information, visit a trusted fertility specialist.

What is the HSG Test for Infertility – Procedure, Recovery & Results

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HSG Test – Many delicate organs and tissues are involved in the process of reproduction. Female infertility can be caused by even the slight functioning of the reproductive system. One of them is a blocked fallopian tube. A fallopian tube plays a vital role in pregnancy. It is the location where the sperm meets the egg for fertilisation. If this tube is blocked, the sperm can not reach the egg for fertilisation and form an embryo.

There can be several reasons why your fallopian tubes are blocked. For instance, endometriosis, fibroids, past surgeries, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to blockage of one or both fallopian tubes. 

However, medical advancements have made it possible to overcome this issue of blocked fallopian tubes. A test called the HSG helps with the diagnosis of the underlying condition. 

In this article, we are going to discuss all about the HSG test for infertility. The entire procedure, recovery, and results that follow.

What is the HSG Test for Infertility?

Hysterosalpingography, or HSG, takes the help of a specialised X-ray test to see the internal shape of the uterine cavity and confirm whether one or both of the fallopian tubes are blocked. 

Hysterosalpingography can help identify the root cause behind infertility, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or recurrent miscarriage. It is also known as uterosalpingography and is carried out by a radiologist. 

Uterosalpingography test is also taken in the following cases:

  • Tubal ligation-Tubal ligation is a medical surgery to close the fallopian tubes. HSG is recommended to check whether the fallopian tubes have closed properly.
  • Reversal of Tubal ligation-: HSG test is also recommended to check if the fallopian tubes were reopened successfully.

What is the Need to Take the HSG Test?

The HSG test is often recommended for women with fertility issues as

  • It helps to analyse if both the fallopian tubes are open so that the egg and sperm can meet for fertilisation.
  • This test helps see if the uterus has a normal shape. 
  • Hysterosalpingography helps confirm the presence or absence of polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue in the uterine cavity. 

When is the HSG Test done? 

It is carried out 5-7 days after your periods are over but before ovulation. The ideal time will be during the first half of your menstrual cycle, i.e. between days 1 and 14. 

The reason for this is that after periods, the chances of conceiving are quite low. The first condition for the HSG test is that you should not be pregnant. Also, the risk of infection post-periods is lower.  

Who Should Not Take the HSG Test? 

Hysterosalpingography is a great treatment option to identify the reason behind infertility. However, HSG is not for everyone. 

  • If you are already pregnant, inform the doctor before undergoing HSG treatment, as it can be dangerous for the fetus. 
  • If you have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), avoid having this test. 
  • If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, HSG treatment should be avoided. 

Is the HSG Test Painful?

Yes, HSG can be slightly painful. But you will be given a painkiller like ibuprofen an hour before the procedure. A sedative or narcotic drug will also be prescribed if you are feeling anxious. An antibiotic before and after the HSG procedure helps prevent infection. 

If you were asked to take narcotics, it would be risky to drive home by yourself. So it’ll be better if you ask a loved one to accompany you for your HSG test. 

The nurse will ask you to remove any metal accessories you are wearing before the test. The reason behind this is that metal can interfere with the proper functioning of the X-ray machine.

Procedure for HSG

You will be asked to lie down in a frog leg position with your knees bent and feet spread under an X-ray imager known as a fluoroscope. Instead of creating still pictures, fluoroscopy helps produce a real-time video image. That’s the reason why fluoroscopy is also called live X-ray. It helps the radiologist check the movement of the dye in the reproductive system. 

A speculum will be inserted into your vagina to keep it open, and the cervix will be cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution. You may feel a little discomfort or period-like cramps during this step. 

The cervix is the small canal or passage that connects your vagina with your uterus. 

After this, the speculum will be removed, and a thin tube known as a cannula will be inserted into the cervix. Then, a contrast liquid dye containing iodine is filled into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

What is a Contrast Dye?

Contrast dye is a substance that, when injected into your body, helps to highlight desired organs and tissues on the X-ray imager for examination. This dye will appear white on the machine. 

It will help the fertility specialist see the images of the uterus and the fallopian tube. If your fallopian tubes are blocked, this liquid dye won’t be able to enter inside the tubes. It also helps determine the location of the blockage. But if the tubes are open, then the dye will spill into your pelvis. 

You will be asked to move a little or change positions to capture different sides and angles of the uterus and fallopian tubes. 

After the fertility expert has got clear images, the cannula will be removed, and the procedure will be completed. This contrast dye will come out with your urine. 

The whole procedure of HSG takes about 5 to 10 minutes. 

The X-ray images are produced within a few minutes and highlight the presence of 

  • congenital uterine anomalies
  • polyps
  • tumours
  • fibroids 
  • uterine scar tissue in the uterine cavity. 

Apart from showing whether or not the fallopian tubes are blocked, the HSG also detects pelvic scar tissue in the abdominal region near the fallopian tubes. 

What can’t be analysed during HSG? 

The HSG can’t analyse the ovaries or treat endometriosis. Also, it won’t be able to highlight fibroids present outside the endometrial cavity, i.e. in the muscular or the outer part of the uterus. 

Some common signs of discomfort 

After the procedure is completed, you might feel some discomfort in your abdomen. You might also have the following side effects: 

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Cramps
  • Spotting

Risks involved in HSG test

The HSG test does not have major risk factors. But some risks that can be witnessed after the HSG procedure are: 

  • Allergic response towards the dye 
  • Injury to the uterine cavity, like perforation 
  • Fallopian tube or uterine lining infection

What happens after the HSG procedure

HSG is a relatively safe procedure; however, sometimes, there is a possibility that a woman can have an allergic response towards the dye. In such a situation, you must keep an eye on the following symptoms: 

  • Slight vaginal bleeding-: After HSG, you will have light vaginal discharge or bleeding for a few days. 
  • No tampons-After the HSG procedure, do not use tampons for at least 48 hours. Sanitary pads help prevent infection and will be a comfortable option. 
  • According to some doctors, vaginal intercourse and douching should also be avoided after HSG for 48 hours. 
  • Abdominal cramps or pain- Having cramps for a few hours after HSG is fine, and the pain will go away after some time. 

Visit an IVF Specialist if you have the following symptoms: 

  • Heavy Bleeding-Seek medical guidance if you have heavy bleeding or if it lasts longer than a couple of days.
  • High Fever– If you have a fever that is accompanied by constant pain, then this indicates an early infection. This situation warrants urgent medical attention. 
  • Foul-smelling Vaginal discharge-: Vaginal discharge after HSG is normal, but if your discharge has a foul smell, please pay a visit to the doctor. 
  • Frequent Vomiting– If you are constantly vomiting, connect with your doctor without delay. 
  • Severe Abdominal Cramps– Consult with your doctor if the pain becomes unbearable or doesn’t go away on its own after some time. 
  • Fainting– If you are fainting every time you try to get up, it’s best to visit a doctor. 

Alternatives to HSG 

Sonohysterograms, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy are the alternate procedures for HSG that help gather similar results. However, the HSG test is preferred more as sonohysterograms can’t help determine if the fallopian tubes are blocked. 

Saline contrast ultrasound can also be performed to gather information about the uterus. 

The Results of the HSG Test

Based on your HSG test results, the doctor may advise you to take some other tests and develop a treatment plan for you. 

If scar tissue is present in or around the fallopian tube, the fertility specialist can perform surgery to remove it. 

Depending on the extent and type of blockage in the fallopian tubes, surgery can be performed to open them and improve the chances of fertilisation. 

The doctor will advise a suitable Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment like IVF after thoroughly analysing the test reports. 

Does HSG Increase the Chances of Conception? 

The HSG test is mainly recommended for diagnostic purposes and perform surgery to improve fertility. However, some studies highlight a slight improvement in fertility after HSG. 

Final Word

Conceiving has become challenging for millions of women. However, medical advancements have led to tests like HSG that can help get to the root cause of infertility and assist with diagnosis. These types of improvements help design surgical operations and fertility treatments that best suit the medical condition of the couple. For more information about this test, visit a trusted medical expert. 

If you are looking for medical expertise in Srinagar to help develop the best fertility treatment option for you, then do visit us at Imprimis IVF, Srinagar. A fertility centre where shattered dreams of pregnancy are turned into positive pregnancy test results. Hope to see you soon at Imprimis!

Is ovary size important to get pregnant?

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Ovaries are the backbone of the female reproductive system. You might ask why ovary size matters. We all know that the journey of pregnancy starts with the fertilization of the egg. So, the first condition to get pregnant is that the ovaries should release a mature and healthy egg for fertilization to take place. After fertilization, an embryo is formed. When this embryo gets successfully implanted in the uterine lining, you become pregnant. 

Ovaries are the egg-producing factories. The importance of the production of mature eggs by the ovaries is talked about a lot. For instance, for conception, the eggs should be mature and of good quality. But do you know that the size of the ovaries also has a massive importance in pregnancy? 

In this article, we are going to have a look at why ovary size is important to get pregnant. We will also talk about the various steps you can take to maintain the health of your ovaries. 

What are the Functions of an Ovary? 

The ovaries are tiny oval-shaped organs that are responsible for carrying out multiple functions in reproduction. These functions include: 

  • Producing, storing, and releasing eggs for fertilization. 
  • Producing and releasing female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone.
  • Producing hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy.

These functions have a determining role in a woman’s fertility. 

Size of a Healthy Ovary for High Chances of Conception

The shape and size of an ovary are like that of an almond. Doctors measure the size of an ovary in three dimensions: length, breadth, and height. 

The normal size of an ovary is typically 3 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, and 1.5 cm thick. Normal ovary size in millimetres is 30 mm in length, 25 mm in breadth, and 15 mm in thickness. 

Small Ovaries

If the size of the ovary is small, it means the number of eggs that the ovary will produces will be less. 

Small ovaries impact follicular development, which hinders the process of ovulation. 

Large Ovaries

Large ovaries don’t mean a large number of eggs. If the size of the ovary is large, it implies that there is some underlying condition, like the presence of cysts, tumours, or hormonal imbalance, that is impacting conception. 

Both small and large ovaries impact fertility, so it is important to get in touch with a fertility expert to determine your ovarian size. He will help identify the root cause and will undertake surgery if required. 

Factors Affecting the Size of the Ovary

The size of the ovary changes throughout a woman’s life. Several factors govern and affect the ovary size. Let’s understand these factors one by one. 

1. Age

A woman has a fixed number of eggs in her ovaries, which is known as the ovarian reserve. When a girl child is born, the size of her ovaries is 1 cm in diameter, each weighing somewhere between 250 to 350 mg. 

At the onset of puberty, an egg is released every month for fertilization. When fertilization does not take place, a woman gets her monthly menstrual cycle. As a woman ages, the ovarian reserve decreases, and the ovaries get smaller. 

After menopause, the size of the ovaries becomes less than 2 cm. 

2. Ovarian Stimulation

During certain medical procedures like IVF, some medications are injected into a woman to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This stimulation can affect the size of the ovaries. 

3.Reproductive Issues-

Reproductive issues like PCOS, ie. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and tumours tend to change the size of the ovaries. 

The presence of ovarian cysts can enlarge the size of the ovaries. 

If a woman is having problems conceiving a baby, then these underlying reproductive issues should be identified and treated subsequently with the help of meditation or surgery. 

4. Previous Pregnancies-

During pregnancy, the ovaries attain maximum size. It is because the ovaries secrete pregnancy hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. An imbalance in hormones can affect the size of the ovaries. 

Some other reasons include:
  • Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling
  • Ovarian cyst removal
  • Emergency Laparotomy
  • Emergency removal of the fallopian tube

What is the Procedure to determine the Size of Ovaries?

To determine the size of your ovaries, the doctor will ask you to undertake some laboratory tests and procedures to analyze the overall health, functioning, and size of the ovaries. 

  • Ultrasound Scans– Autrasonography is done to gather important information about ovary size and the presence of cysts or fibroids. 
  • Blood Tests-: Blood tests help determine hormone levels associated with ovaries and pregnancy. One such hormone is anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), which plays a vital role in pregnancy.

How to Take Care of Your Ovaries? 

Certain factors like age and changes in ovarian size due to previous pregnancy can’t be overturned. But it doesn’t mean you can not do anything for your ovarian health. 

Lifestyle is the key to healthy ovaries. Here are certain lifestyle changes that you can stick to and improve the health of your ovaries. 

1. Say no to alcohol and tobacco-: 

It is a non-negotiable measure. A healthy body and healthy ovaries come with putting an end to drinking and smoking. 

2. Healthy BMI

Healthy body weight improves fertility and ovarian health. If you are underweight or overweight, it can affect pregnancy. So please keep your BMI in check. 

3. Balanced Diet

Nutrient-rich diet will nourish your reproductive system and make it ready for conception. Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that can help improve fertility. 

4. Exercising Regularly

Keeping your body active by indulging in a physical activity of your choice is vital for healthy ovaries. 

You can perform simple yoga asanas, go for a morning walk, or swim. 

5. No Stress

If you take a lot of stress, then not only your overall health but your reproductive health is also compromised.

Even if you are following a healthy diet, exercise regularly and do not smoke or drink.  

Sometimes, even sticking to a healthy lifestyle doesn’t seem to help. If you feel like you are stuck in such a situation, then consider consulting with a fertility expert. 

If you happen to live near or in Srinagar, then we invite you to Imprimis IVF, Srinagar. 

Why Imprimis IVF? 

Everything might appear fine on the surface, like you have a healthy BMI and no medical conditions. However, it is not possible to identify the root cause of infertility without medical expertise. 

Our IVF experts at Imprimis IVF will help you thoroughly evaluate the health of your reproductive organs. Then, based on the underlying condition, we will develop a treatment option for you. On top of that, we provide affordable treatment without compromising on the service. 

Final Words about Ovary Size

The reproductive system is highly delicate. Even a small problem with any of the organs can hamper fertility. Ovary size is one such important aspect that goes unnoticed but can affect pregnancy. So, get in touch with a fertility specialist to figure out the cause of infertility. 

Also, it is vital to take care of your reproductive health by following a healthy and stress-free lifestyle.