PCOD Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment?

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Polycystic ovary disorder (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder that causes irregular menstrual cycles in women. If an ultrasound of a woman’s lower abdomen shows a row of abnormally large pearl-shaped eggs may be visible. Genetics is one of the many possible causes of PCOD. However, the disease became progressively more common in 1721. Antonio Vallisneri, an Italian physician, was the first to identify it. The disease’s original name was Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Get the PCOD treatment done by Imprimis IVF at a very affordable price in Srinagar.

What is PCOD Treatment?

PCOD, a polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal and metabolic disorder. It happens when a woman’s body does not complete the monthly ovulation process. PCOD patients have less than eight menstrual cycles per year. Cysts on the ovary lining are immature eggs trapped in the ovarian walls because they are not mature enough to leave the body. It causes an imbalance in the body’s hormonal levels, which increases androgen levels. These hormones cause unwanted body hair, weight gain, hair loss, and other medical issues.

Most women’s health problems currently affect 2-40% of women worldwide between 12 and 45 years old. The problem is difficult to solve due to its awareness and prevalence, and no one knows exactly why a woman gets PCOD. Although obesity contributes to symptoms, not all obese women have PCOD.

Types of PCOD:

As noted above, PCOD is a relatively new subject of study, so there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding it. In general, there are two forms of PCOD:

Insulin Resistant PCOD

Type 1 PCOD, or insulin resistance, is usually accompanied by all the classic symptoms of PCOD, including obesity, facial hair growth, hair loss, and acne, all caused by high amounts of male hormones in the blood. The inability of the body to absorb sugar from the blood, as a result of which fat is stored, is a sign of this type of PCOD. Type 2 diabetes and heart disease can develop in people with PCOD type 1. The doctor advised these to start a diet and lose a few pounds. However, these patients may have difficulty losing weight. In addition to weight loss, patients may take medicines to control blood sugar.

Non-insulin-resistant PCOD

Non-insulin resistant or type 2 PCOD is a condition in which the patient has no symptoms of insulin resistance but still has PCOD. Other factors, such as adrenal stress, thyroid, vitamin D deficiency, iodine deficiency, and others, can also contribute to non-insulin PCOD. For the body to heal naturally, PCOD type 2 treatment focuses more on rest and rhythmic activities.

PCOD Symptoms:

PCOD Symptoms

Symptoms of PCOD include:

  • Excessive or scanty menstrual flow.
  • Spotting during menstruation.
  • Irregular/late/early periods.
  • Short or long periods.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Abnormal white discharge.

Causes of PCOD:

PCOD Causes

The exact cause of PCOD in women is unknown, but here are some of the important risk factors:

Excess insulin generation

A body with excess insulin can produce more androgens. This male hormone is too low in women and interferes with ovulation.

Excess androgen synthesis

The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen hormones, which can cause acne and hirsutism (excessive growth of body and facial hair).

Minor Swelling

According to a new study, women with PCOD have low levels of inflammation that lead to increased androgen production, which can cause heart or vascular problems.

Heritage

Women with PCOD show a specific genetic correlation.

PCOD Treatment:

PCOD Treatment

Since PCOD is a chronic condition, many ways exist to treat its symptoms. Most women choose to combine several different strategies. Several Female Infertility Treatment methods are listed here:

Allopathy uses a variety of medications and diets. Women may need to use monthly birth control pills to promote regular periods. A woman may receive ovulation-inducing drugs to cure infertility or to help her get pregnant.

Patients can also follow a diet in addition to these to help with weight loss. To achieve the same results, the doctor may also recommend vigorous activities. When a woman loses even 3% of her body weight, her fertility improves.

Lifestyle Changes for PCOD Treatment:

PCOD affects the hormonal balance of most women. The following actions will help women reduce androgen levels in their bodies:

Maintain a healthy weight.

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is optimal and healthy for women, while a number above 30 is considered obese and unhealthy. Losing weight or keeping it off improves overall cholesterol levels in the body, reduces the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, maintains proper insulin and testosterone levels, and regulates the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. Consult a dietitian about a weight loss plan to achieve a healthy BMI.

Limit carbohydrate intake

If you have PCOD, follow a low-carbohydrate diet or a diet high in complex carbohydrates to stabilize your insulin levels. Avoid sugar and starches, and eat fish, meat, eggs, vegetables, and natural fats.

Participate in frequent activities and exercises.

Regular exercise and staying active will help control your weight and blood sugar if you have PCOD.

Can PCOD lead to other chronic diseases?

Yes, PCOD can lead to other chronic diseases. Losing weight can indeed help reverse PCOD. However, PCOD makes weight loss a challenge in itself. Here are some common chronic conditions caused by PCOD:

Diabetes

No one can explain why type 1 PCOD causes type 2 diabetes, but it does, as has already been shown. However, PCOD also causes gestational diabetes, so it doesn’t just cause type II diabetes. We all know that diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that contributes to 50% of deaths worldwide. It was India’s top killer in 2016-17. It is also true that most cases of PCOD go untreated in Indian society. Thus the number of cases of diabetes in women has increased.

Blood Pressure

There is a close relationship between blood pressure and diabetes. No one is sure about the relationship between blood pressure and diabetes. However, the existence of one is a dead sign that the other exists.

Liver Disorders

As we all know, PCOD affects the liver, making it weak and prone to infections. A recent study has highlighted and supported this reality. Hormonal imbalance in the body directly affects the state of the liver. Moreover, it causes obesity, which leads to the development of NAFLD.

Anxiety and Depression

Female sex hormones influence a woman’s psyche. It means mood swings result from any disruption in the delicate balance of hormones. In addition, social isolation and a negative self-image are consequences of obesity. All these, combined with prolonged periods of persistent stress, can cause women to develop anxiety or depression. One study found that postpartum depression is more common in women with PCOD.

Infertility

PCOD is the main contributing factor to female infertility. While PCOD reversal medications can help treat this infertility, some women can only get pregnant after IVF or surgery.

Conclusion

PCOD is a common problem in women. It causes irregular periods and other issues. But it can be prevented by some lifestyle changes and treatments. In the above article, we have talked about PCOD in detail. If you want to know more about PCOD Treatment, this article is for you. If you want medical help in Srinagar, Best IVF Treatment Centre in Srinagar, Imprimis IVF, is always available. You will get the best services and PCOD treatment here.

Things to Consider before IVF Treatment

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IVF Treatment: Infertility is a condition that prevents a couple from conceiving children. It could be due to either male or female factors, but the most common cause is female. The main reason for infertility in women is ovulation disorders such as PCOS and endometriosis, which prevent the egg from entering the uterus. Ovulation disorders can be treated with laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.

Imprimis IVF is a leading IVF clinic in Srinagar. We offer state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary care to patients with diverse conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, fibroids, cervical dysplasia, etc.

The first step in the IVF journey is to get your health good and checked. Many things can go wrong during IVF treatment, so you mustn’t neglect your health.

Things to Consider Before IVF Treatment.

Before beginning your IVF Journey, Check Your Health.

You need to have a healthy body and mind before you start your IVF journey. It’s not just the physical aspects of your body but also the mental aspect. It would help if you were mentally strong before you make important decisions in your life.

There is No Assurance that You will become pregnant following IVF Treatment.

IVF treatment is not 100% guaranteed to result in pregnancy after undergoing the process for one time only, so don’t expect too much from this process. The success rate of IVF treatment depends on many factors like age, fertility levels before starting this procedure or any other factor that may affect the results during treatment like infection etc. Still, if you want a baby, you can try again after some time or schedule another attempt at another clinic/centre nearby if they fail to give results within the given time frame or schedule another attempt.

IVF Is A Pricey Procedure

Infertility treatment in Srinagar can cost anywhere between 80,000 and 250,000 per cycle. The cost depends on how many embryos are transferred and how many are frozen for storage. Various factors affect the price of IVF treatment in Srinagar.

You Must Have Perseverance

It takes time for an embryo to develop into an early-stage pregnancy and then into a full-term pregnancy. During this period, there are many ups and downs — emotional and physical- which can cause stress and anxiety levels, especially for the couple who wants their dream child so badly! However, there is no need to worry because with patience comes success!

Select the Best IVF Center/Clinic

We know that the IVF process can be confusing and overwhelming, so we have developed a list of questions you should ask your doctor before choosing an IVF clinic or centre.

  1. What is my IVF treatment plan?
  2. How many embryos will be transferred to me?
  3. How many embryos will be frozen for future use?
  4. What type of embryos will be used in my cycle?
  5. What are the chances of multiple births (multiple pregnancies)?
  6. Can I choose not to freeze any embryos after my cycle is complete? If so, what are the risks involved with this decision?

Best IVF Treatment Centre In Srinagar – Imprimis IVF

Imprimis IVF is highly qualified and experienced in fertility treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our IVF services if you are looking for an IVF centre in Kashmir.

Imprimis has offered advanced infertility treatments like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg without fertilizing it with another sperm first. We use ICSI for male and female patients to increase the chances of getting pregnant by using a single sperm that fertilizes an egg. It allows doctors to remove one of the two eggs that were not successfully fertilized during ovulation and then use it for ICSI treatment. It reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies or premature birth complications by up to 90%.

Affordable IVF Treatment in Srinagar

Imprimis IVF is the top IVF facility in Kashmir, with cutting-edge facilities and procedures that allow us to help more women. Imprimis IVF is a pioneer in providing patients worldwide with affordable assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures such as In Vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation.

Imprimis IVF has been assisting patients with infertility problems for a decade and a half, and we have a relatively high success rate. Our track record for excellence and commitment to excellence has helped us attract prospective clients from all walks of life, including couples that have previously tried and failed to find success elsewhere.

We offer our patients complete care during pregnancy and postpartum by providing specialized care for mothers with fertility treatments, like IVF or egg donation, and those who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. Our expert physicians use advanced diagnostic techniques, medical imaging, and medical equipment to ensure your health and fertility are fully optimized.

Our team of fertility specialists in Kashmir has the knowledge and experience to treat all types of infertility issues, including:
  • Male Infertility
  • Female Infertility
  • In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Preconception Care
  • Ovulation Induction, Intrauterine Insemination, In Vitro, and Fertilisation (IVF) are all procedures used to induce ovulation.
  • Preconception Care for Women with PCOS, Endometriosis, or Unexplained Infertility

Experience the Joy of Motherhood

IVF is an infertility treatment. It is a medical procedure that uses fertility drugs to help women produce eggs and sperm in their ovaries or testes. The excess fertilized eggs are frozen and stored for future use. This process is called egg freezing, and it is often done after two unsuccessful IVF cycles when more eggs have been used than the woman can safely carry. Eggs are retrieved from the ovary at the time of egg retrieval, or they may be harvested surgically if egg retrieval is not possible.

To increase pregnancy chances, your doctor or clinic may offer ideas after learning more about your sexual habits. The best IVF centre in Srinagar will work with you on infertility issues. When you meet with us at Imprimis IVF, we will conduct a complete evaluation of your situation, including an examination of your health history and family history to determine if any underlying genetic issues might contribute to infertility. To ensure safety during pregnancy, we may perform blood tests for genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease before beginning treatment using our advanced screening process.

Low Sperm Count Treatment

Low sperm count in men is one of the most common causes of infertility. Sperm counts are usually measured in a million per millilitre (ml). If your sperm count is below 20 ml per ml, you may benefit from fertility treatment.

Several options are available if you have had a hysterectomy and want to get pregnant. In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves removing eggs from your ovaries using hormone stimulation and placing them into an egg extraction machine that fertilizes them outside the body. This process enables doctors to place multiple embryos into your uterus to increase the chance of conception.

Our IVF centre in Srinagar offers advanced technology and exceptional care for all patients seeking treatment for infertility issues such as male, female, and unexplained infertility.

Male Infertility Treatment in Srinagar

Infertility is when a couple fails to conceive after one year of trying. It can be either male or female infertility.

Male infertility occurs when the male partner is unable to produce sperm capable of successfully impregnating the female partner. Male infertility can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as inherited conditions, infections, or ageing. Generally, male infertility treatment in Srinagar involves medical and surgical approaches. The most common form of male infertility treatment involves medication, sperm retrieval procedures, and IVF (in vitro fertilization).

Highly Experienced IVF Doctors and Team

We are proud to be one of the best IVF centres in Kashmir. We have been providing high-quality fertility services to patients from all over India. Our doctors and staff are highly experienced, which makes us one of the best IVF clinics in Kashmir.

We realize how important a healthy baby is to you and your partner, so we take every precaution to ensure a successful pregnancy. It includes:
  • Consider all possible fertility treatments that may be appropriate for you and your partner based on your situation, including IVF with donor eggs, ICSI (intrauterine insemination), or IVF with your partner’s sperm or eggs.
  • Using our latest technologies and methods to increase your chances of having a healthy baby through our state-of-the-art facilities, including:
  • IVF with donor eggs (egg donation) – A procedure where an egg from another woman is used to fertilize the egg(s) from you.

Cost of IVF Treatment in Srinagar

IVF centres are divided into two types: private and public. Private clinics enjoy more autonomy, meaning they can choose the most suitable donor and treatment protocols for each patient. In addition, they have more financial resources than public clinics.

The cost of IVF treatment varies depending on the country where you live and your insurance coverage. Private clinics offer lower prices because they only accept patients who have enough money for treatments and medications. Public IVF centres accept people regardless of their financial situation but have fewer resources than private clinics do.

IVF Treatment Cycle Ranges

In Srinagar, the standard cost of a single IVF treatment cycle ranges from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000. For couples who want to have a baby but cannot afford the cost of IVF treatment in Srinagar, other options are available. One option is adoption, which involves placing a child for adoption with another family. The cost of this service depends on the country where the child is being placed and the requirements of the adoptive parents.

Another option available to couples who cannot afford IVF treatment in Srinagar is surrogacy. Surrogacy involves hiring a surrogate mother to carry and deliver your baby. The cost of this service varies depending on factors such as whether you choose a domestic or international surrogate mother, what type of surrogacy arrangement you choose, and whether you require medical assistance during pregnancy or after delivery.

Several factors determine the expense of treatment for IVF in Srinagar. Including:
  • The clinic where you plan to undergo IVF
  • The type of procedure being done.
  • Your age and health condition
  • Any fertility medications that you may be taking

IVF Diet Chart – Foods to Eat During IVF Treatment

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IVF Diet Chart –  In-vitro fertilization treatment offers a 30-40% success rate for women of fertile age. IVF experts have concluded that diet has no significant contribution to deciding the success rate of IVF treatment. However, it affects the quality of the eggs the ovaries produce and the overall reproductive health. It would help if you stuck to a diet chart and a healthy lifestyle to succeed in your IVF treatment. 

Gut health and healthy defection are decisive elements of conception and healthy pregnancy. To ensure the proper upkeep of reproductive health, consuming a diet rich in micronutrients and macronutrients is vital.  

The first step is to increase the number of meals you take and break every meal into smaller ones. So it’s advised to take five meals in a day! Yes, you heard it right. Make sure that you cover all the essential nutrients. 

Some Strict IVF Diet Chart during IVF Treatment.

Before moving ahead to the diet chart to follow during IVF, it is advised that you steer clear of smoking and drinking. Medical evidence has cemented that consumption of alcohol and smoking hampers the process of egg maturation, which results in chromosomal abnormalities. Also, regular and excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco further causes problems in conceiving and carrying the pregnancy to term. 

Apart from smoking and drinking, reproductive specialists also advise limiting caffeine intake to one to two cups or 200 mg daily to stay safer. Also, the female partner should not consume energy drinks containing caffeine during IVF.  

Foods to Eat during IVF Treatment 

IVF Diet Chart

1. Protein-Rich Food-:

Apart from being the body’s building blocks, proteins also help in the ovulation process and the development of eggs in the female. Dairy products, well-boiled eggs, yoghurt, soya, broccoli, lentils, and meat contain numerous proteins. Doctors recommend that a woman, during her IVF treatment, consume 60 grams of protein in her daily diet. 

2. Zinc-Rich Food-:

Zinc plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of hormones and ovulation. A woman should consume around 15 milligrams of zinc-rich food during the day. Dairy products, whole grains, beans, breakfast cereals, sesame seeds, flax seeds, kidney beans, and nuts are excellent sources of zinc that the woman should consume during IVF treatment.

3. Remember Your daily dose of Vitamin D-: 

Vitamin D helps produce good-quality eggs that can be used for IVF. So, a woman needs to consume vitamin D, which is present in cow’s milk, cod liver oil, fortified cereals, soy milk, etc. 

4. Healthy Unsaturated Fat-:

Harvard School of Public Health finds that a diet containing healthy unsaturated fats like avocados and olive oil helps boost live birth rates.

5. Folic Acid during and after IVF Treatment-: 

Folic acid plays a vital role in developing a child’s brain and spinal cord. To ensure their proper formation, 400 mcg of folic acid, found in green leafy vegetables, should be consumed by the female partner during IVF treatment. 

6. Iron-Rich Food-:

Iron plays a significant role in maintaining the health of the eggs and ovulation. Reproductive specialists say that a woman, during her IVF treatment, should consume more than 27 grams of iron in the form of green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds, oysters, spinach, and beans daily. Make sure that your per-day iron intake should not exceed 45 grams. 

Iron deficiency can cause anaemia, reduced libido, oxidative damage to ovulation, and may also lead to premature births or a pretty small baby.  

7. Fresh Fruits Can Be Your True Pregnancy Friend-: 

Fruits like bananas and pineapples are quite beneficial in a woman’s pregnancy journey. Bananas are a great source of vitamin B6, essential for the healthy regulation of periods. Pineapples are rich in manganese, which helps in the nutritious secretion of reproductive hormones. 

8. Hydration is Equally Essential-: 

Any IVF diet chart stands complete with adequate water intake. 6-8 glasses of water a day will help prepare the uterus for embryo implantation by thickening the uterine lining. It’s also crucial to keep your water intake in check to ensure proper digestion and circulation of the above-mentioned essential vitamins and minerals during IVF treatment. 

Summing up the IVF Diet Chart

Imprimis IVF, the best IVF centre in Srinagar, has summed up all the food sources consisting of the nutrients mentioned above that will serve as a boon in your IVF journey-: 

  • Fruits like bananas, pomegranates, and pineapple
  • Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and potatoes 
  • Fresh green leafy vegetables
  • Other fresh citrus fruits and vegetables 
  • Avocados and corn
  • Beetroot and sweet potato 
  • Low-fat dairy products and water 
  • Nuts (a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein) and berries 
  • Whole grains, legumes (chickpea, soybean, pea), beans, and lentils
  • Lean meat and salmon 

Diet alone may not be able to fulfil all your dietary needs during IVF treatment, so the doctors may advise you to take some multivitamin supplements to prepare your body for the journey. 

Foods to Avoid During Your IVF Treatment 

Foods to avoid during IVF Treatment

Now that you have a good idea of the foods you should include in your diet during your IVF journey, it’s equally important to know the foods that must be kept at bay. 

1. Food Containing Artificial Sweeteners and Refined Sugars-:

Artificial sweeteners and refined sugars negatively affect conception. So, it is advised to women undergoing IVF treatment to stick to healthy sugars and avoid bakery products like biscuits and cakes. 

2. Raw Eggs-: 

It is advised to avoid consuming raw eggs, which are present in processed food products like mayonnaise and salad dressing, as it may lead to food poisoning. 

3. Saturated Fats-:

Doctors have found that food containing saturated fats can hamper conception by lowering the number of eggs used for fertilization in IVF. Foods containing high levels of saturated fats include white rice, cheese, butter, and fatty processed meats. 

4. Avoid Seafood-: 

Although seafood is packed with the goodness of essential fatty acids and proteins, it also contains mercury. Mercury present in tuna and mackerel can lead to complications in the growth of the fetus and may also lead to congenital disabilities. 

5 Nicotine and other Drugs-: 

As already mentioned, smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited during IVF. A woman should also stay away from nicotine and other drugs. 

Avoid sodas, spicy junk food, pickles, vinegar, unpasteurized milk, and canned and processed food. 

Is it true that IVF Treatment will be Successful in the first go? 

It is a common misconception that couples have about IVF treatment. But the fact is that no fertility treatment centre can guarantee a 100% success rate. The medical expertise and infrastructure required for IVF treatment vary from clinic to clinic. 

However, reproductive specialists worldwide have advised specific preventive measures that a couple can follow to welcome a healthy baby in a minimum number of IVF cycles. 

The Right IVF Clinic will help Increase Your Success Rate-:

In-vitro fertilization is a highly complicated Assisted Reproductive Technology.

The right clinic will offer you a promise of excellent medical expertise and state-of-the-art lab fertility technology like Imprimis IVF, the best IVF centre in Srinagar can help increase your success rate by a good percentage. So, consider all the necessary things before finalizing your IVF fertility centre. 

Keep Your Dosage and Medication Timing in check-:

Don’t skip your hormonal medications at any cost. Ensure that you take your IVF pills and injectibles at the right time. 

Say No to Strict Bed Rest-:

After any medical treatment, the doctor advises you to rest and give your body time to heal. It would be best if you did the same after embryo transfer. However you must understand that IVF treatment differs entirely from other medical procedures. 

The doctor will not advise strict bed rest for you. The reason behind this is that when your brain is inactive. 

Positivity and Faith in the Process are Equally Important-:

A couple should never forget that positivity and complete confidence in the IVF treatment will serve as a pillar to bring positive pregnancy results. 

Conclusion about IVF Diet Chart

Avoid making any drastic changes in your diet when it comes to food. It’s best to consult a reproductive specialist before IVF treatment to choose the best diet plan that suits your needs. If you are looking for the best yet affordable IVF treatment in Srinagar, we wholeheartedly welcome you at Imprimis IVF, Srinagar. 

IVF vs IUI Which is Better

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IVF vs IUI

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) offers several treatment options for infertile couples to achieve pregnancy. However, it might be overwhelming for a couple to choose the best one for them. In most cases, couples are stuck between In-vitro fertilization and Intrauterine insemination. The answer to this tussle between IVF vs IUI is based on several medical and financial parameters. In this article, Imprimis IVF, the best IVF centre in Srinagar, will help you find your answer. 

Whether a couple should opt for IVF vs IUI depends on a range of essential factors like age, genetic condition, medical condition of the couple, previous ART treatment failures, etc. The fertility expert can only decide which is better after running various tests and examining your situation thoroughly.  

Female fertility revolves around the well-being of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. If these reproductive parts’ natural functioning is compromised for any reason, it may lead to infertility. 

Sperm Morphology-: 

Sperm Morphology considers the shape and size of the sperm ejaculated by the male partner. Semen analysis is conducted. Sperm ejaculated by the man is examined based on three parameters: 

Sperm Motility-: 

The sperm should be able to swim through the female reproductive system to fertilize the egg in the fallopian tube. Typically, the motility of the sperm should be 40% to reach the egg for fertilization. 

Sperm Count-: 

Ideally, the male partner should ejaculate more than 15 million sperm per ml of the semen sample. 

Nature and Cost of IUI and IVF Treatment

Intrauterine insemination is the most basic ART procedure. It is because IUI is a more natural process, as the egg fertilizes inside the female uterus, just like in natural conception. At the same time, In-vitro fertilization is a complicated procedure that involves five steps. In IVF, the egg fertilizes on a petri dish in a state-of-the-art laboratory, i.e., outside the uterus of the woman. The embryo so formed is implanted in the uterus, where it grows into a baby. 

In addition, IUI is an easy, cost-effective, and less time-consuming fertility treatment. In IUI, a couple has fewer appointments with the reproductive specialist than in IVF.

IUI treatment costs in India vary with geographical location and medical history. But on average, the cost lies somewhere between 8,000 to 25,000 INR. The cost of IUI treatment in Srinagar is between 15,000 to 35,000 INR. 

The cost of IVF treatment in India greatly varies with the location of the fertility clinic, the medical condition of the couple, medical expertise, and infrastructure. Considering all these factors, the cost is estimated to be around 1,00,000 to 3,50,000 INR. The average IVF treatment cost in Srinagar is between 1,00,000 to 2,75,000 INR. If you are looking for the best IVF centre in Srinagar that is also affordable, there’s no better option than Imprimis IVF. 

Conditions that Point Toward IUI Treatment 

IUI is generally performed when the female partner is fertile and has no other medical conditions that may cause any issue in achieving pregnancy. But the sperm ejaculated by the male partner cannot fertilize the egg. IUI is also recommended for a male with retrograde ejaculation and unexplained infertility. 

The sperm sample of the male partner is prepared. This process is termed sperm preparation. The semen sample is washed or processed to remove all the impurities. Good quality and motile sperm are separated. Then with the help of a catheter, the selected sperm is injected directly into the uterus of the female partner. The entire IUI process of injecting sperm takes 5-10 minutes and is generally performed without anaesthesia. 

Conditions that Point Toward IVF Treatment

IVF starts with stimulating the ovaries, followed by egg retrieval. Side by side, sperm are also retrieved from the male partner. The 4th step is fertilizing the egg, which gets implanted in the uterus. The entire IVF process ideally takes 6-8 weeks to complete. 

IVF treatment is majorly recommended for women with the following medical conditions.

  • If the IUI procedure fails three consecutive times, it is advised to go for IVF treatment.
  • Genetic disorders.
  • The woman’s age is above 35 years.
  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Recurrent abortions.
  • In case a woman has a poor ovarian reserve.
  • A woman with endometriosis(the proper implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall) can rely on IVF.
  • A couple has been trying to conceive for more than a decade without success.

Medical Conditions in Men

Apart from women-related fertility issues, some severe medical conditions in men might be the root cause of infertility. IVF is found to be the most suitable fertility treatment for the following medical conditions in men-: 

  • If the male partner has severe oligospermia, the sperm concentration is as low as 1-5 million sperm per millilitre of the semen sample. 
  • A man may have azoospermia which is a severe reproductive shortcoming. In azoospermia, zero or no sperms are ejaculated during intercourse.
  • IVF is one of the best treatments for males with genetic conditions like Klinefelter Syndrome.

IVF also unlocks the opportunity for couples to choose donor embryos, donor eggs, and donor sperm to get pregnant. Same-sex couples can also welcome their little ones with IVF. Another boon of IVF treatment is that a couple with medical ailments may seek a surrogate mother. 

In the modern era, people prefer not to marry in their twenties. But because pregnancy is an age-dependent parameter, infertility is rising due to modern choices and lifestyle. However, at the same time, the youth is gaining more awareness about infertility and its treatment options. 

Nowadays, a plethora of young people is taking the help of IVF to freeze their eggs and sperm to stay on the safer side. If natural conception doesn’t bring fruitful results, they can use their frozen eggs and sperm reserve timely and embark on their journey of parenthood. 

Which is more Painful, IVF vs IUI? 

IUI is a painless procedure generally carried out without giving anaesthesia to the woman. You may feel a sense of discomfort when the needle carrying the washed and processed sperm makes its way through the vagina to reach the egg. If a patient is sensitive to a needle, then the patient is given some painkillers before the treatment. 

Moving further to IVF, it is also a painless treatment. However, a woman sensitive to injections can feel a little pain as 15-30 injections are administered to stimulate the ovaries. Apart from this, the entire procedure of IVF doesn’t involve any surgery that may cause pain. 

Success Rates of Intrauterine Insemination and In-vitro Fertilization

The success rates of IUI lie between 12-15% per attempt. In contrast, the success rates of IVF lie between 30-40% per cycle. The success rates of IVF vary significantly with the age of a woman. If a woman is under 35 years of age, then she has a better success rate of getting pregnant with IVF. But if a woman is over 35, success rates fall between 25% and 30% per cycle. 

Once a woman crosses 40, IVF success rates decline to 16% per cycle. And as she reaches 45, the chances of success stand at 7% per cycle. 

Some people have this misconception that IVF will result in pregnancy. But in reality, IVF has its fair share of limitations. Some couples have been through several cycles of IVF but are still struggling to get pregnant. 

It is a fact that IVF offers a higher chance of conceiving a baby. However, it must be remembered that IVF doesn’t provide a 100% guarantee of achieving pregnancy. Medical studies and research are in progress to develop methods that increase the success rate, especially in older women. 

A couple needs to undergo IVF treatment in a laboratory equipped with modern incubators, microscopes, lasers, fertilization media, coda air filters, micromanipulators, workstations, filters, etc. If you are looking for one such laboratory armed with medical expertise for your IVF treatment in Srinagar, we welcome you with open arms at Imprimis IVF. 

Final Words for IVF vs IUI

Articles, videos, and other material help you know and understand medical treatments like IVF vs IUI. However, these sources alone can’t be used to decide the best treatment option. Every couple has specific medical conditions that can not be generalized. Only a reproductive expert can help you choose the best for you and increase your chances of success. Imprimis IVF, the best IVF centre in Srinagar, cordially requests you to visit an experienced fertility expert for consultation. 

The success rate of ART also depends on your lifestyle, stress levels, and mindset. So, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude so that you will be a parent very soon!

What is Recurrent Abortion – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Recurrent Abortion: A miscarriage is a common mishappening. Around 15 to 20% of couples have had a miscarriage in their journey to parenthood. However, if you have a miscarriage every time you try to carry your pregnancy to term, you may need to seek timely medical guidance from an obstetrician.

Miscarriage is an age-dependent event. The risk of miscarriage in women below 30 is lower than in women over 35.

What is Recurrent Abortion?

Suppose a woman has two or more consecutive miscarriages before 20 weeks of pregnancy or the first trimester due to some complications. In that case, it is termed recurrent abortion or recurrent pregnancy loss.

Around 2-5% of couples around the globe are affected by recurrent pregnancy loss.

Recurrent Abortion Causes

Recurrent Abortion Causes

The root cause of recurrent abortion is complications in the embryo, the uterus, or the environment. Some of the recurrent abortion causes are stated below:

Genetic Abnormalities-:

The most common cause of recurrent abortion or recurrent miscarriage is genetic dysfunction. Twenty-three pairs of chromosomes are found in both men and women. 22 of the chromosomes are the same, but the last one decides the gender of the embryo.

The embryo takes half of the chromosomes from both parents. But sometimes, the chromosomes inherited by the embryo are abnormal. Due to these abnormal chromosomes, the woman has a recurrent abortion. The inheritance of abnormal chromosomes takes place naturally. However, this problem must be addressed by a fertility expert.

Uterine Anomalies-:

The uterus, or the womb, is the home of the growing fetus for nine months. Any problem associated with the shape of the uterus is bound to affect the embryo’s growth and may lead to recurrent miscarriage.

Uterine anomalies that lead to recurrent abortion are witnessed to affect 10-15% of women worldwide.

An abnormally shaped uterus in which only one side is fully developed, uterine fibroids, polyps, uterine septum, and double uterus in which the uterus is divided from the centre are some of the most common uterine anomalies.

Uterine anomalies are detected by running the following tests to determine the root cause and proceed with further diagnosis.

  • Ultrasound
  • Hysterosalpingography
  • Sonohysterography
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Laparoscopy

Antiphospholipid Syndrome-:

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a medical condition in which a person’s body starts producing antiphospholipid antibodies that attack the body’s internal system, resulting in the formation of clots and affecting pregnancy. The most common complications due to antiphospholipid syndrome that affect 3-15% of women include recurrent early abortion, late miscarriages, early preeclampsia, and stillbirths.

Hormonal and Metabolic Diseases-:

Metabolic and hormonal diseases like uncontrolled diabetes, PCOS, obesity, insulin resistance or insulin sensitivity, and untreated thyroid problems can be the causes of recurrent abortion. Also, if the female hormone responsible for a healthy pregnancy, progesterone, is not produced timely and in healthy amounts, this may lead to recurrent abortion.

Uterine Infections-:

Uterine and other bacterial infections like rubella, listeria, toxoplasmosis, and certain genital infections may contribute to miscarriages.

Apart from these, there are other less common causes of recurrent abortion, including stress, immunological causes that may treat the fetus as a foreign body and attack it, and cervical insufficiency.

Studies and research are still going on to identify the root cause of recurrent abortion and diagnose it accordingly.

Recurrent Abortion Symptoms

Recurrent Abortion Symptoms

Recurrent abortion may or may not be accompanied by any symptoms. However, if you are doubtful about your pregnancy, there are specific recurrent abortion symptoms that you can watch out for, like-as:

  • Bleeding or spotting
  • Frequent and excruciating contractions
  • Pain in the belly or back (mild to severe)
  • Discharge of pinkish-white mucus from the vagina
  • A clot-like tissue coming out from the vagina
  • Visible and sudden vanishing of signs of pregnancy
  • A constant feeling of grief

Preventive Measures to Avoid

If you want to increase your chances of delivering a baby by decreasing the risk of another miscarriage, there are certain precautions you can adopt for a positive outcome.

Experts state that the expecting couple can undertake the below-mentioned measures.

Plan Your Pregnancy at the Right Age-:

The risk of miscarriage increases with age. The rate of miscarriages witnesses a sharp increase once a woman crosses 30 years of age. This sharp increase is due to the increase in chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs produced by the ovaries. The most fertile age for women to become a mother is between 24 to 30. So, to reduce your risk of recurrent abortion, planning pregnancy at the right age is vital.

Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index-:

Medical experts believe a healthy body weight is essential for a healthy pregnancy. If the BMI is too low or too high, it may lead to complications in conceiving and sometimes may result in a miscarriage.

Proper and Timely Correction of Uterine Anomalies-:

Suppose the home of the growing embryo is not of the appropriate shape or has any other complication. In that case, it must be corrected timely under an experienced expert with the help of state-of-the-art technology available at fertility clinics like Imprimis IVF, Srinagar.

Check for any Antiphospholipid Syndrome Symptoms-:

Antiphospholipid syndrome must be checked for and diagnosed properly to end recurrent abortion.

Removal of Uterine Polyps and Uterine Fibroids-:

Uterine polyps and uterine fibroids should be removed if detected as the reason behind recurrent abortion.

Diabetes, Thyroid, and Kidney Problems must be addressed-:

Before thinking about conceiving, it is for the best that issues related to thyroid, kidney, and insulin production must be addressed to reduce the chances of recurrent abortion.

Addressing Hypertension Before Pregnancy-:

There is not much data to support the link between hypertension and pregnancy. However, experts believe that high blood pressure before conceiving may result in a miscarriage. So, it would help if you tried to bring your blood pressure under control to ensure a healthy and stress-free pregnancy.

Monitor Your Caffeine intake-:

It might be astonishing, but excessive caffeine consumption directly hampers your chances of carrying your pregnancy to term. Overconsumption of caffeine increases your heart rate as well as blood pressure. So, it is advised to cap your caffeine consumption to 150-200 milligrams per day to increase your chances of success in welcoming a healthy newborn.

Lifestyle Plays a Key Role-:

Following a healthy lifestyle can significantly help with a healthy pregnancy. The woman should avoid alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy to avoid any chances of miscarriage.

Recurrent Abortion Treatment

Recurrent Abortion Treatment

Recurrent abortion treatment is carried out after thoroughly examining the couple to identify the root cause. Based on the root cause, various treatment options are available to help prevent further miscarriages in women.

Some of the most trusted treatment options for recurrent abortion are stated below-:

In-vitro fertilization (IVF)-:

IVF treatment is a reliable option for couples with recurrent abortions. During this process, fertilization that naturally takes place in a woman’s vagina is carried out on a petri dish in a laboratory. Then after the successful fertilization of the egg, it is implanted in the woman’s uterus, where it grows for nine months.

Surgeries to fix Uterine Anomalies-:

After detecting the uterine anomaly, proper surgeries are undertaken by the reproductive specialist.

Treating other Medical Ailments-:

Diabetes, thyroid, and kidney problems are treated to increase the chances of a healthy nine months of pregnancy.

Medications to Prevent Blood Thinning and Clot Formation-:

Medications like Aspirin and Heparin are administered to the woman to avoid blood thinning and clotting.

The first step to diagnosing the problem of recurrent abortion is to consult an expert and avoid indulging in self-medication, as it may do more harm than good. Always remember stress-free lifestyle and a positive mindset are necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

Conclusion

We at Imprimis IVF understand that recurrent abortion can shatter hopes and bring sadness into your life. But the good news is recurrent abortion can be reversed with the proper treatment. The problem should be handled under the supervision and guidance of a good and experienced obstetrician. If you cannot carry a pregnancy to term, it is your calling to pay a visit to an obstetrician.

What are the Five Stages of IVF?

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Five Stages of IVF – Life becomes even more blissful and fulfilling with the appearance of two pink lines on the pregnancy testing kit. These two lines bring a wave of emotions you have never experienced. But due to numerous physical, physiological, and environmental reasons, some couples can not conceive naturally. Medical advancements over the years have helped overcome this hurdle with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). 

In-vitro fertilization, or IVF treatment, is the most trusted medical procedure that helps infertile couples trying hard for a baby but cannot do so.

However, before going for IVF treatment in Srinagar, it’s essential to prepare yourself by becoming familiar with the five stages of IVF Treatment.

Five Stages of IVF

IVF is a highly complex medical procedure that involves the following five stages of IVF-: 

Pre-cycle Testing: 

Before IVF treatment, the male and the female must undergo various tests like pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasounds.

The fallopian tubes and uterus are carefully examined for any issues requiring a diagnosis. It is also known as ovarian reserve testing or fertility testing, which includes detecting sexually transmitted diseases, blood tests for hormonal imbalance, semen analysis, thyroid function, and ovarian reserve. 

Stage 1: Ovarian Stimulation and Ovulation Triggering

 A woman’s ovaries are home to thousands of ovarian follicles. Each follicle contains an oocyte which is an immature egg cell. Stimulation of the ovaries is the process that prepares the ovaries to produce these eggs. The more eggs, the more favourable the outcome and success rate! 

To increase the shares of success, the woman is on hormone medication for 8-14 days. These medications are given as pills, patches, and injections that act on the ovaries to produce or overproduce eggs for fertilization. Also, these medications prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. On average, 15-30 hormonal medicines in the form of injections are administered to the female. 

These IVF injections happen to be quite expensive. The cost of IVF injections and medications for ovarian stimulation is around 60,000-80,000 INR. 

Stage 2: Egg Pick Up (EPU) or Egg retrieval

The egg retrieval process consists of using a needle, which is performed under general anaesthesia. As is clear from the name, this stage involves the collection of eggs from both ovaries. It is performed 34-36 hours after the last medication dose or trigger shot. The vagina is adequately cleaned, and the fertility expert correctly examines the ovaries through ultrasound before this stage. 

EPU is achieved with the help of transvaginal ultrasounds in which a needle is connected to a suction device. Through the vagina, this needle makes its way into each ovary. The egg (oocyte) is collected from each follicle as the needle enters the ovaries. It takes about 15-30 minutes to retrieve an egg. These retrieved eggs are stored to fuse with sperm harvested from the male.  

Stage 3: Sperm Retrieval

The sperm from the male are harvested two-three days before fertilization or on the day of retrieval of eggs. 

The various methods available to retrieve sperm from the male are stated below: 

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

Stage 4: Fertilization

IVF treatment typically involves the manual fertilization of eggs with sperm ejaculated by the male partner. The necessary condition for fertilization is that the eggs must be mature. The retrieved eggs are examined for mature eggs. 

In this stage, the sperm is injected into the eggs collected during stage 2 with the help of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) or through conventional fertilization, where the sperm and eggs are placed on a small dish where the sperm is allowed to fuse with the egg on its own. Fertilization is carried out 3-5 days after the retrieval of eggs at a clinic or doctor’s office. The ICSI IVF cost may vary from one fertility centre to another. 

Stage 5: Transferring the Embryo into the Uterus

3-5 days after the successful completion of EPU, embryo transfer is carried out. During this stage, a long, thin, and flexible tube is allowed into the vagina, which enters the uterus. The tube is coined as a catheter. The catheter carries a syringe consisting of one or more embryos. One of the embryos is finally placed in the uterus. If the embryo gets successfully implanted in the uterine lining, it will result in a pregnancy. 

Embryo transfer takes up to 5 minutes and is performed without anaesthesia as it’s a painless procedure. 

After this stage, a pregnancy test is undertaken by the woman after ten days. The pregnancy test is repeated after 7-8 days. The IVF treatment is successful if two pink lines appear on the pregnancy test kit. 

Conclusively, IVF treatment takes about 6-8 weeks (45-60 days). 

Should you return home and continue your daily activities after IVF treatment? 

A common question may strike a couple’s mind after IVF treatment is completed. The answer is plain and simple, yes. There’s no need for strict bed rest after IVF. 

It’s for the best that you carry on with your daily activities to keep your mind occupied. Staying positive is the key to turning your IVF cycle successful. 

The Success Rate and Cost of IVF Treatment in 2023

The success rate of IVF treatment depends on an array of factors. The success rate of IVF treatment lies between 30-40% for women below 35. For women above 35, the success rate decreases and is witnessed to be around 20-30%.

The average IVF treatment cost, including medical tests, drugs, and the entire process, lies between 1,50,000 to 2,50,000 INR. 

The cost of IVF treatment will vary according to the type of IVF treatment, number of cycles, medical tests during IVF, geographical location, and success rate of the fertility centre. 

Potential Risks and Complications of IVF Treatment

Even though IVF treatment has one of the highest success rates among all other reproductive treatments, it also has potential risks and complications that a couple must be aware of.

Some of the most common risks and complications of IVF treatment are stated as follows:  

  • Multiple Pregnancies-: Sometimes, the IVF cycle can result in multiple pregnancies, which can lead to low birth weight and early labour and, in some cases, pose a threat to the life of both the mother and the babies. 
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)-: The medications given during the first stage of IVF to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs can sometimes result in overstimulation. This overstimulation of ovaries due to medications like human chorionic gonadotropins (HCG) may result in bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling of the abdominal region, and nausea. This condition is known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).  
  • Premature Births-: The IVF procedure can also increase the risk of early labour and premature births. 
  • Ectopic Pregnancy or Extrauterine Pregnancy-: In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg, instead of getting implanted along the uterine lining, will get implanted somewhere else, like the fallopian tube. Data shows that around 2-5% of women are seen to have ectopic pregnancy after undergoing IVF treatment. If ectopic pregnancy occurs, the couple can not carry the pregnancy to term. 
  •  Emotional fatigue-: IVF treatment is more of an emotional ride for a couple, especially a woman. Since the success rate of IVF is around 30-40% only, fear of failure always lingers in a woman’s mind.

A plethora of times, a couple has to undergo more than one IVF cycle. As mentioned, each IVF cycle can take up to 45-60 days. It can build up negative thoughts about conceiving and take a toll on a couple’s mental health. 

Bottom line

Five Stages of IVF – IVF treatment is advised for infertile couples who have tried other ART techniques or have had multiple failures. Couples considering IVF treatment must consult the best fertility centre, like Imprimis IVF, Srinagar, for the best consultation. Since IVF is a complicated process, fertility centres like Imprimis IVF also help ensure a maximum success rate.

Female Infertility: Symptoms, Cause, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Female Infertility: Infertility is a medical condition in which a couple cannot get pregnant after having regular sexual intercourse without contraception for 12 months or more. For women above 35, infertility means being unable to conceive after having traditional intercourse for six months. 

It can also be defined as the condition where a woman can conceive but either has repeated miscarriages or stillbirths. If infertility is due to the female partner, it is termed female infertility.  

Scientifically, during unprotected intercourse, the sperm ejaculated by the fertile male partner swims through the uterus and reaches the egg for fertilization. But the sperm cannot do so because of some ovulatory dysfunction in the female. Or even if the sperm can fertilize the egg, the embryo so formed cannot get implanted in the uterus, which leads to a miscarriage. 

Types of Infertility in Females 

Female infertility has become a household term affecting 1 in every six women. Infertility in females, or infertility, in general, can be classified into two types:

  • Primary infertility-: If a couple has never been able to conceive, or even if they have, they could not carry the pregnancy to term. 
  • Secondary infertility-: If a couple has at least one child but cannot conceive for a second time. 

Female Infertility Causes

The female reproductive system is quite delicate. Even the slightest dysfunction in any part, namely the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tube, can lead to issues in conceiving.  

The root cause behind female infertility may or may not be detected accurately. The reports may appear normal, but you may still be unable to conceive. However, numerous factors have been witnessed to be the primary causes of female infertility causes which are stated below: 

PCOS

PCOS is found to be one of the most common causes of female infertility as it disrupts menstruation and can lead to the formation of cysts which are around 8mm in size. These cysts produce eggs but cannot release them, so ovulation can not occur. 

The ovaries regulate the production of estrogen and progesterone. However, sometimes the ovaries produce an excess of male hormone androgens. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS refers to a medical condition that leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle and shedding of the endometrium as a result of hormonal imbalance due to the production of the male hormone androgens. 

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are found in the form of growths or lumps and are caused due to the imbalance of reproductive hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. The uterine fibroids can block or damage the fallopian tube, which may further lead to complications in conceiving. Around 20% of childbearing women have uterine fibroids.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a medical condition when the uterine lining starts to grow outside the uterine cavity, like the abdomen, pelvis, behind the uterus, or in the ovaries. 

This condition can lead to infertility as it doesn’t allow the smooth transfer of eggs from the ovaries to the fallopian tube because of the growth of scars between the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. 

Endometriosis may also lead to endometrial cysts and may prevent the fertilized egg from getting implanted in the uterine wall. 

Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes-:

Fallopian tubes are home to eggs. The sperm swims through the uterus and enters the fallopian tube. A blocked or damaged fallopian tube prevents the sperm from reaching the eggs and makes natural conception almost impossible. 

Sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disorders, pelvic surgery, and pelvic tuberculosis are some of the reasons that block or damage the fallopian tubes.  

Around 20% of infertility issues stem from damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. 

Hyperprolactinemia

Production of Prolactin hormone in large amounts is referred to as hyperprolactinemia which can result in infertility issues. 

Ovarian Cysts

If ovarian cysts (a fluid-filled sac in or on the ovaries) are formed due to medical conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, it may pose problems in conceiving. 

Premature Ovarian Failure

Premature ovarian failure refers to the early onset of menopause around or before the age of 40 or 45. It is bound to cause problems in conceiving naturally. 

Hypothalamic Dysfunction

Hypothalamic dysfunction occurs when the hypothalamus cannot function optimally. When this happens, the hypothalamus cannot coordinate with the pituitary gland that regulates the timely release of healthy eggs for fertilization. The process of ovulation comes to a stop due to hypothalamic dysfunction. 

Ectopic Pregnancy

During a normal pregnancy, the egg, after fertilization, is implanted in the endometrial lining. Ectopic pregnancy, also known as extra-uterine pregnancy, occurs when the embryo gets implanted somewhere else in the uterus. This medical condition may lead to miscarriages. Bleeding is often witnessed during an ectopic pregnancy.

Sexually Transmitted Infections-:

Sexually transmitted diseases can potentially prevent natural conception.

These infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and can also cause damage to the fallopian tubes. Both these conditions are directly linked to infertility in females. 

  • Uterine Abnormalities-: Uterine abnormalities can be the reason behind female infertility. Uterine abnormalities may result from the growth of scar tissues, fibroids, polyps, miscarriage, multiple abortions, infections, and the growth of benign tissues. 
  • Cancer-: Uterus cancer is the primary reason behind the development of tumours of varying sizes. These tumours are found to be one of the causes of female infertility. 
  • Other Hormonal Imbalances-: LH, FSH, and estrogen are the hormones responsible for the timely release of healthy eggs. However, the ovulation process gets disrupted if the eggs are released in the wrong amount and at the wrong time due to hormonal fluctuations. 
  • Unexplained infertility-: When the cause behind infertility can’t be ruled out during the infertility tests in females, this type of infertility is categorized under unexplained infertility. 

Data shows that in as many as 10-30% of cases, the root cause behind female infertility can not be identified. 

Risk Factors of Infertility in Females

Gynaecologists have drawn up a list of risk factors associated with infertility in females. The risk factors of female infertility include: 

  • Age (above 35)
  • Drugs and steroids
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Heavy exercises 
  • Medications
  • Chemotherapy and radiation treatment 
  • Eating disorders like anorexia, binge eating, bulimia 
  • Unhealthy lifestyle
  • Stressful regime
  • Poor Body Mass Index (being underweight or overweight) 

Female Infertility Symptoms

Numerous symptoms back infertility in females you can keep an eye on before arriving at any conclusion. Female infertility symptoms include: 

  • Irregular and Abnormal Menstrual Cycle-: If you have irregular periods or your menstrual cycle lasts for more than seven days, it can be a symptom of infertility. A healthy menstrual cycle is of around 21 to 35 days. Reproductive issues may arise If it is less than 21 days or more than 35 days. The irregular menstruation cycle accounts for around 30-40% of cases of female infertility.
  • Prolonged and Heavy Bleeding during Periods-: If you have heavy bleeding during periods that last for more than the normal range of 2-7 days, it can lead to fertility issues. 
  • Excruciating Pain during Periods-: Bearable pain for a day or two is common, but if your periods are accompanied by severe pain and cramps, it can be due to a reproductive health problem like endometriosis. 
  • Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss-: If you have lost or put on weight unexpectedly, you should get a medical checkup. 
  • Pain during Sexual Intercourse-: If you feel Intolerable pain constantly during sexual intercourse with your partner, it can point towards infertility. 
  • Hair Growth on Unwanted Areas-: If you witness hair growth on unwanted areas like the chest, jawline, and at your back, it may indicate PCOS or other medical problems linked to infertility. 
  • Hormonal Imbalances-: If the hormonal balance in the body is disrupted, it may affect fertility in females and can cause acne, reduced sex drive, and thinning of hair. 
  • No Periods-: Complete absence during childbearing age indicates something is wrong with your reproductive system. 

If you observe such symptoms, you should visit a gynaecologist or IVF expert. 

Infertility Tests for Females

Before treatment comes the identification of the root cause behind the reproductive ailment. We’ve already learned that female infertility can be caused by many factors that need to be identified. The fertility specialist carries out an array of infertility tests for females to determine the cause, which includes: 

  • Physical examination 
  • Urine test
  • Pap smear
  • Blood test
  • Genetic testing 
  • Ultrasound scan
  • Laparoscopy
  • X-ray Hysterosalpingography (HSG)  
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Saline sonohysterogram 

Female Infertility Treatment

After the root cause behind infertility is identified, fertility specialists take other parameters like the woman’s age, personal preferences, and overall health status into account for choosing the right fertility treatment. 

  • Fertility drugs and medications-: Fertility drugs are prescribed to women to stimulate ovulation and regulate irregular ovulation cycle. 
  • Tubal surgeries-: Tubal abnormalities are corrected with tubal surgeries like laparoscopy. Laparoscopy helps treat blocked or damaged fallopian tubes by creating a new opening for the sperm to enter. This surgery also helps treat fibroids and abnormal uterine shapes and remove endometrial cysts. 
  • Assisted Reproductive Technology-: Assisted reproductive Technology like IVF, IUI, and ICSI have helped infertile women conceive and welcome a healthy baby. 

Conclusion

Pregnancy is an age and time-dependent process. In today’s world, couples do not prefer having children at an early age which is why infertility is a common problem. So, planning a pregnancy can help you enormously if you want to increase your stakes of natural conception. If you notice any symptom that you think can be problematic, visit a gynaecologist. Also, ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle to welcome a healthy baby. 

And if you want to know more about ART treatment in Srinagar, we welcome you to the best fertility centre, Imprimis IVF. 

Male Infertility: Symptoms, Cause, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Male infertility is more prevalent than one might think. We are used to seeing women as the ones with issues, but the contribution of men toward infertility is almost equal. 

Fertility in men revolves around three primary parameters, namely sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. When for some reason, any of the parameters mentioned above is altered, it results in male infertility. 

What is Male Infertility? 

Male infertility is when a man cannot help his female partner conceive after having sexual intercourse without contraception for 12 months or more. 

Statistical Data for Male Infertility 

Scientists have stated that infertility in men has witnessed a drastic increase during the past few decades owing to numerous factors.

According to the data put forward by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), around 10-14% of Indian couples are affected by infertility issues. 

Data shows that one-third of cases of infertility are due to females, one-third to males, and one-third to both males and females. 

Infertility is more prevalent in metropolitan cities where people are more exposed to risk factors that pace the way to problems in conceiving. 

Understanding the causes and risk factors of infertility in men is essential. 

Causes of Male Infertility 

Infertility in men is caused due to altered semen parameters, including sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. 

Sperm Count-: 

A normal or healthy sperm count means the sperm concentration is more than 15 million sperm/ml of the semen sample. If your sperm count is less than 15 million/ml, it may cause problems in conceiving. 

Sperm Motility-: 

In simple terms, we can say sperm motility is the ability of the sperm to swim toward the egg for fertilization. Normal sperm motility is considered to be around 40%. 

The number 40% signifies that out of the total sperms produced, 40% are efficient enough to swim through the uterus and reach the egg. 

Sperm Morphology-: 

Sperm morphology is defined as the shape and size of a sperm cell. If there is a problem with the shape or size of the head, midpiece, or tail of the sperm, it may lead to infertility. 

Male infertility is associated with many hormonal, physical, psychological, and behavioural problems and risk factors. The causes of male infertility are stated below: 

Hormonal imbalance-:

  • Hormonal balance is vital for the healthy upkeep of the body. However, if the balance is disturbed, this may affect the normal functioning of the thyroid, hypothalamus, adrenal, and pituitary glands. This imbalance can lead to complications in conceiving. 

Genetic dysfunction-

  • Kallmann’s disorder, Kartegener’s disorder, Klinefelter disorder, and cystic fibrosis are commonly witnessed genetic conditions that can lead to infertility in men. Genetic dysfunction accounts for 10-15% of cases of low sperm count.

Varicocele-:

  • The production of sperm by the testicles is a temperature-dependent process. If the temperature becomes high, sperm production reduces. 

The scrotum is that part of the male reproductive system responsible for maintaining the ideal temperature in the testicles. But when the vein in the scrotum gets enlarged, blood flow to the testicles increases, and sperm production decreases. This medical condition is termed scrotum varicose veins or varicocele.

Infections-: 

Sexually transmitted diseases and inflammatory bacterial infections can lead to scars that may negatively impact sperm production. 

Previous Surgeries-:

Surgeries of the male reproductive system, like the bladder, testicles, scrotum, or the organs surrounding it like the stomach, hernia, abdominal region, prostate, and rectum, can hamper sperm production and fertility.

Excessive Drinking and Smoking-:

Alcohol and tobacco affect sperm motility. Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking results in defective sperm, poor sexual performance, and deteriorated testosterone levels. However, controlled intake of alcohol and tobacco doesn’t contribute to infertility in men.

Spinal Cord Injury-:

Any injury in or around the spinal cord can lead to infertility issues in men.

Retrograde Ejaculation-:

Normal ejaculation occurs when the semen darts through the penis. But in some cases, the semen enters the bladder instead of flowing out through the penis. This medical abnormality is known as retrograde ejaculation and significantly affects fertility in men.

Testicular Cancer-:

Testicular cancers and even non-malignant tumours adversely affect male fertility.

Trauma-:

An injury, surgery, or bacterial infection can cause testicular trauma. An immune response is triggered in the testes that results in sperm damage.

Hemochromatosis-:

Haemochromatosis is a medical abnormality in which iron gets deposited in the testes.

Drugs and Steroids-:

Drug intake and supplementation have been linked directly to decreased sperm count.

Obesity-:

Being overweight also contributes to male infertility.

Excessive Exercise-:

Exercise helps boost your reproductive health, but excessive exercise is seen to decrease testosterone levels.

Stressful Regime-:

A stressful regime increases your body’s production of stress hormones. This overproduction of stress hormones adversely affects the production of testosterone and other hormones responsible for sperm production.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

Well, a majority of times, male infertility may go asymptomatic. However, there are cases where men witness evident male infertility symptoms that may warrant a medical checkup, including: 

  • Inability to ejaculate
  • Decrease in volume of seminal fluid
  • Infected semen (coloured semen)
  • Pain or swelling around the genital area
  • Poor sex drive or reduced sexual desire
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Abnormal increase in breast size
  • Evident reduction in facial and body hair

Diagnosis of Male Infertility

The diagnosis begins with male fertility tests from an advanced laboratory. The second step is to repeat the test from a different laboratory. If both the times the results highlight a problem, seek medical guidance. 

Infertility Tests for Males 

Conducted to identify the root cause of infertility are: 

  • Semen analysis
  • Hormone testing
  • Ultrasound – TRUS
  • Scrotal Doppler
  • Genetic testing
  • Testicular biopsy

You can successfully treat male infertility based on the cause and duration of infertility. There’s no need to worry endlessly about infertility test reports. You can use various surgical procedures to help you welcome a healthy baby. 

Surgical Treatment for Male Infertility

Depending on the test reports and cause, male infertility treatment takes into account various reconstructive procedures to restore fertility in men-:

  • Varicocele surgery
  • Vasovasostomy
  • Vasoepididymostomy
  • Trans-urethral resection of ejaculatory duct

In some infertility cases, surgeries are not required. Medications and lifestyle changes can help bring positive results that boost male fertility. 

Surgical Procedure to Help Conceive-: 

● IVF-: In vitro fertilization treatment may help conception as fertilization occurs in a laboratory under controlled conditions. Good quality sperm are detected and stored and then fused with the egg. This fertilized egg gets impacted into the uterus or your female partner. 

● ICSI-: Another ART is ICSI treatment which stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The best part about ICSI is that only one sperm is required to carry out the treatment. This single sperm is injected directly into the uterus, fusing with the egg and leading to pregnancy. 

● Donor Sperm Insemination-: If nothing improves sperm health, you may opt for donor sperm insemination. During donor sperm insemination, a male with good sperm count, motility, and morphology is reached. His sperm is collected and stored. Then this sperm is fused with the egg using ART, resulting in pregnancy. 

Sperm Harvesting Procedures 

For IVF and ICSI, sperm for fertilization with the eggs are harvested side by side from the male using the below-mentioned sperm harvesting procedures: 

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

Conclusion 

Male infertility has become as common as female infertility. Data cement that fertility issues due to men are equal to those due to women. But the good news is like female infertility issues; male infertility is also treatable. You need to consult an experienced urologist who can diagnose and guide you. Also, ensure you undergo treatment from a highly trusted fertility centre like Imprimis IVF, Srinagar.  

Sperm Morphology

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Your semen analysis reports indicate sperm morphology normal range– of 2%. Chances are you have no clue about what this 2% stands for. And sperm morphology treatment might be a ghost term for you. You are eager to know if this means you are infertile or if there are other concerning issues. Is it possible to figure out what the term ‘sperm morphology’ implies so that you don’t have to go and see a doctor?

Imprimis IVF, Srinagar, will help you navigate sperm morphology treatment and the associated problems, if any.

What is Sperm Morphology

Morphology is a biological term that studies the form and structure of a living organism or any of its body parts. So, when we are using this term with sperm in simple words, we can say that sperm morphology is the study of the form and structure of sperm, i.e. its shape and size.

Every part of your body has a specific shape to perform particular functions. For instance, your blood vessels are designed to have a tube-like shape. And their primary function is to carry or supply oxygen and nutrients to various organs of your body. For some reason, if the condition of your blood vessels gets deformed or there is a blockage in any of the blood vessels, it will lead to severe problems. It will disrupt the whole process of blood circulation.

The same is true for your sperm. Your sperm must be of a specific shape and size. If there is any deformity, it is bound to create difficulties in getting pregnant.

Sperm Morphology Normal Range

The sperm cell is produced in your testes. A sperm has three parts: head, midpiece, and tail.

If all the parts of a sperm cell are of standard shape and size, then it is known as normal sperm morphology. A typically shaped sperm cell has the following dimensions and functions:

  • Head-: The head of the sperm cell has a smooth oval shape with a pointed front end. The nucleus that carries the DNA of the sperm cell is present in the head.

A normal-shaped sperm is 5-6 micrometres long and 2.5-3.5 micrometres wide.

  • Acrosome cap-: Acrosome cap makes up nearly 40-70% of the sperm’s head.

A protective membrane surrounds the egg produced by the ovaries. The sperm cell has to penetrate through this membrane to reach the egg for fertilization. The well-pointed acrosome cap is used for this purpose.

  • Midpiece-: The midpiece of the sperm cell is thinner than its head and provides it with energy to swim.
  • Tail-: Ideally, the tail is around 45-50 micrometres long. It’s thinner than the other two parts of the sperm cell.

The sperm has to swim through the uterus to fuse with the egg to fertilize it. The tail of the sperm helps it to swim through the uterus.

Apart from this, the head of a customarily shaped sperm should not contain large fluid-filled drops or vacuoles.

Which factors determine Normal Sperm Morphology? 

The male hormone, testosterone, is responsible for regulating the production of sperm. It might surprise you, but the male reproductive system also produces the hormone estrogen.

For sperm to have a normal sperm morphology, there must be a proper balance between the production of these two hormones. If this balance is disturbed for any reason, it will hinder the process of sperm formation.

This process of sperm formation occurs at its own natural pace. It takes about 65-90 days for a sperm to be formed. It starts with a single round-shaped cell that slowly grows into the sperm we see in the diagram.

Optimum testosterone levels ensure that as the sperm cell grows, each part, i.e. the head, midsection, and tail, have the proper shape and size. It is due to poor levels of testosterone that result in abnormal shape and size of the sperm cell. Abnormal sperm morphology or teratozoospermia refers to abnormalities or defects in the form and dimensions of the head, midsection, or tail. 

Abnormal sperm morphology is characterized either by head defects, midsection defects, tail defects, or in some cases; the sperm is acrosomeless. 

It has the following defective characteristics:

  • Two heads or two tails
  • An elongated and deformed head
  • A rough head
  • The bent, asymmetrical, or irregular midpiece
  • Bent, short or coiled tail
  • Vacuolated head

These are some of the abnormalities that occur in a sperm cell.

You must be wondering, is abnormal sperm morphology a matter of concern? Data shows that typically 30-40% of a man’s sperm have abnormal morphology. The problem in conceiving starts when most sperm are abnormally shaped.

You have a normal sperm morphology if your semen sample has 4-14% usually shaped sperm. This range is defined under Kruger’s criteria. However, if it falls to less than 4%, you have a low sperm morphology. 

You must note that abnormal sperm morphology is not a parameter that indicates infertility. It simply represents the concentration of typically shaped sperm in your semen sample. 

Factors leading to Abnormal Sperm Morphology

  • Age-:. Sperm morphology deteriorates with your age. The testosterone levels decrease, leading to a decrease in sperm morphology.
  • Obesity-: As we know, testosterone is responsible for the production of sperm. For sperm to have a normal sperm morphology, the testes must produce an optimum testosterone level. 

If you are obese, then your body produces estrogen in high amounts. It leads to the underproduction of testosterone. And it further affects your sperm morphology.

  • Stressful regime-: If you have a stressful regime, then the amount of stress hormones in your body increases and adversely affects testosterone production. It further reduces your sperm morphology.
  • Smoking and drinking alcohol-: Excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco can negatively impact the shape and size of your sperm.
  • Drugs and steroids-: Drugs like cocaine, marijuana, etc., affect your sperm morphology adversely.
  • Diabetes-: If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of abnormal sperm morphology.
Sperm abnormalities like double heads and round and elongated spermatids are more prevalent.
  • Genetics-: Heredity plays a role in deciding sperm morphology in a male. The family history of teratozoospermia is likely to be inherited genetically.
  • Exposure to chemicals-: If you come in close contact with herbicides, pesticides, paints, organic compounds like benzene, and heavy metals like lead, you may have a large number of abnormal sperms.

Abnormal Sperm Morphology Treatment

Sperm morphology treatment starts with a semen analysis. Before concluding anything, it’s advised to go for multiple semen analysis tests from top-notch laboratories to ensure maximum accuracy.

Lifestyle changes that can help boost morphology sperm count 

Surgery is not the only option to improve sperm morphology. You can enhance sperm morphology treatment by making small and simple changes in your day-to-day life.

  • Lose the extra weight-: If you are obese, you must manage your weight to improve your sperm morphology. Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index will ensure good levels of testosterone.
  • Bid goodbye to recreational drugs-: Any drugs should be avoided to improve sperm morphology. 
  • Go for loose clothing-: Testes function at a proper temperature. A tight dress can hamper sperm production by increasing the temperature of the testes. I prefer wearing comfortable and breathable cotton underwear for healthy and normal sperm production.
  • Keep your alcohol and tobacco intake under control-: Yes, you need to limit your alcohol and tobacco consumption if you desire to improve sperm morphology.
  • Consult a trusted fertility specialist-: People often skip consulting a specialist and start taking medicines blindly without knowing the root cause that needs diagnosis. Reaching out to a good clinic like Imprimis IVF, the best Infertility treatment centre in Srinagar proves beneficial.

As already stated, sperm production takes around 65-90 days. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for 3-6 months is essential to gather positive results.

Data shows that 90% of the time, You can improve sperm morphology with these simple lifestyle changes. The remaining 10% of cases can rely on treatment options to improve sperm morphology.

Treatments for Poor Sperm Morphology

Certain Assisted Reproductive Technology methods have helped men with abnormal sperm morphology. The most promising and trusted ART treatment methods include:

  • IUI-: IUI, which stands for Intrauterine Insemination, has helped tackle abnormal sperm count in men with high sperm count and sperm motility.

IUI treatment is cost-effective because a washed or processed sperm is injected directly into the uterus.

  • ICSI-IVF-: If the sperm count, as well as motility, is low, then in-vitro fertilization with ICSI can help you conceive if you have abnormal sperm morphology.

In ICSI treatment, the egg is fertilized with the help of a single sperm cell. After getting fertilized, this egg is then implanted in the uterine lining.

This method has summoned encouraging results when sperm morphology is as low as 2%.

Final Words 

The test results of semen analysis can spark many questions about abnormal sperm morphology treatment. There’s no need to stress about this unknown term sperm morphology. Remember that stress plays a crucial role in the process of sperm production. So it would be best if you keep stress at bay. Consult a reproductive specialist if you cannot stop worrying about the complications of abnormal sperm morphology. Follow a healthy and stress-free lifestyle. It will not only help improve sperm morphology but also help you stay fit in the long run.

Low Sperm Count Treatment

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Are you constantly googling low sperm count treatment in Srinagar? Your answer is right here; backed with state-of-the-art technology and medical expertise, we at Imprimis IVF, Srinagar, the best IVF centre in Srinagar, offer affordable low sperm count IVF treatment to help you welcome a healthy little one.

Don’t panic; you are not the only one with a low sperm count. Low sperm count is on the rise globally. Research after research has cemented this fact. 

Pregnancy begins with the magical fusion of an egg and sperm. You might ask, when a single sperm has to fuse with the egg, why does low sperm count lead to complications in conceiving? What do we mean by low sperm count, and how do we calculate it?

Well, the process of fusion is highly complex, and a healthy sperm count is an essential requirement to fertilize the egg successfully.

During sexual intercourse, a man gets an erection and ejaculates sperm cells and seminal plasma during his orgasm. The count of these sperm cells must be healthy to fertilize the egg.

A healthy or normal sperm count is witnessed when the sperm concentration is more than 15 million sperm/ml of semen.

What is Oligospermia?

Oligospermia is the medical term for a low sperm count, which refers to the condition when the sperm concentration during ejaculation is less than 15 million per millilitre of semen.

Sperm count is calculated after running a test known as semen analysis, which highlights parameters like ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total motility, and progressive motility. Based on the values of these parameters, Oligospermia is broadly classified into the following three types:

  • Mild Oligospermia – When the sperm concentration is witnessed to be around 10 to 20 million sperm/ml.
  • Moderate Oligospermia – When the sperm concentration is witnessed to be around 5 to 10 million sperm/ml.
  • Severe Oligospermia – When the sperm concentration is witnessed to be around 1 to 5 million sperm/ml.

Apart from Oligospermia, other medical conditions like Cryptozoospermia and Azoospermia are also found to be responsible for infertility issues. Let’s get down to what both of these medical conditions refer to.

  • Cryptozoospermia is when 0 to rare sperm are detected in the semen sample after centrifugation.
  • Azoospermia is a medical condition when no sperm (0 sperm) are ejaculated. A plethora of reasons, such as hormonal imbalances, ejaculating issues, abnormal testicular function, and blockage of the reproductive tract, can cause azoospermia.

The reproductive specialist will suggest treatment options based on the type of Oligospermia. In the case of severe Oligospermia, treatment options like IVF and ICSI have helped overcome the hurdle of male infertility due to a low sperm count or poor sperm quality.

According to the data put forward by FertiAlly, the minimum sperm count for IVF or ICSI is required to be around 4 million sperm/ml of semen.

Symptoms of Low Sperm Count:-

Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

A proper medical checkup is mandatory to confirm if you have a low sperm count. However, certain evident symptoms can be a sign that indicates Oligospermia, including:

  •   Erectile dysfunction (unable to sustain an erection)
  •   Low sex drive
  •   Visible reduction in facial or body hair
  •   Swelling, lumps, discomfort, and pain in and around your testicle region
  •   Other palpable signs of hormonal abnormalities

Causes of Oligospermia:-

Causes of Oligospermia

The exact reason behind low sperm count can not be detected. It can only be linked to several medical, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may be the major causes of low sperm count.

Medical reason for Low Sperm Count-

  • Varicocele-:

The scrotum, an integral part of the male reproductive system, holds the testicles in place and regulates their temperature.

Varicocele, also termed scrotum varicose veins, is a medical condition when the vein within the scrotum gets enlarged. This enlarged vein disturbs blood flow to the testicles and raises the temperature. This abnormal increase severely affects sperm count.

  • Retrograde ejaculation-: 

During ejaculation, the semen should flow through the tip of the penis. But sometimes, instead of flowing through the penis, the semen enters the bladder. This abnormality is known as retrograde ejaculation. It results in lower sperm count and causes problems in conceiving.

  • Hormonal imbalance-: 

The smooth functioning of the body is retained with hormones produced in balanced amounts. However, an imbalance of any hormone that directly affects the functioning of the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, and hypothalamus glands can lead to male infertility.

  • Infections-: 

Bacterial infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect sperm health. Sometimes, these infections can even result in scars that block or damage the male reproductive system.

  • Tumours-: 

Both cancerous and noncancerous tumours can affect male fertility by disrupting the normal functioning of the reproductive organs.

  • Body weight-: 

Obesity comes in tow with several problems, and low sperm count is one of them.

  • Immune system disorder-: 

It is found that immune system disorders like gluten sensitivity, known as Celiac disease, can lower sperm count.

  • Genetic dysfunction-: 

Some genetically inherited disorders like Kartegener’s, Kallmann’s, Klinefelter’s, and cystic fibrosis can affect sperm count. It has been found that 10-15% of low sperm count cases are caused due to genetic dysfunction.

  • Surgery-: 

Surgeries of the bladder, abdominal region, testicles, prostate, hernia, rectum, stomach, scrotum, and vasectomy can reduce sperm count.

Environmental reason for Low Sperm Count-

  • Overheating of testicles – The scrotum is responsible for regulating the temperature of the testes. Regulating the temperature of the testicles is important because the production of sperm is a temperature-dependent process.

The scrotum has its natural cooling mechanism. But wearing uncomfortable and tight clothes, sitting for a longer duration, and regularly using bathtubs can raise the temperature of the testicles, which the scrotum can not regulate. It directly impacts both the quantity and quality of the sperm.

  • Industrial chemicals – Reusing organic compounds like benzene, toluene, xylene, paints, herbicides, and pesticides can reduce low sperm concentration during ejaculation.
  • Harmful radiations-: A study has proven that exposure to X-rays and radio frequency waves can affect a male’s fertility.
  • Exposure to heavy metals – Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic, manganese, etc., can affect sperm count.

Lifestyle factors that lead to Low Sperm Count-

  • Alcohol and tobacco consumption-: A study has confirmed that controlled intake of alcohol doesn’t affect male fertility. However, regular and excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking may lower sperm count.
  • Steroids and drugs – Abstain from indulging in self-medication. Certain antifungal medications, supplements, and drugs like cocaine and steroids adversely affect your testosterone levels. Lower testosterone levels signify both insufficient quantity and quality of sperm.
  • Emotional instability – Stress is a major cause of several diseases, and a stressful regime can even lead to a decrease in sperm count.
  • Lack of exercise-: Lack of exercise leads to weight gain, deteriorates your health, and affects the sperm count.

Can you get Pregnant with a Low Sperm Count?

The good news is Oligospermia is treatable. So, yes, you can get pregnant with a low sperm count. A proper blend of medications and lifestyle changes can help reverse this condition.

Treatment Options for Oligospermia

Treatment for Oligospermia

Lifestyle changes that can help improve the quality, as well as quantity of your sperm include:

  • A routine of healthy diet and exercise helps maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Refrain from consuming alcohol and smoking.
  • Say goodbye to drugs if you want to boost your sperm count.
  • Abstain from taking hot tub baths.
  • Keep your stress levels in check.
  • Religiously follow the medications prescribed by your doctor.
  • Keep track of your sugar level, especially if you have diabetes.

Clinical treatment options backed with proper medications are opted for by doctors to help conceive a baby. The prescribed medications are an assortment of anti-inflammatory, vitamin pills, and testicular and pituitary stimulants that help boost your testosterone levels. Healthy testosterone levels help ensure good quality as well as quantity of sperm.

Men with severe Oligospermia, Azoospermia, and Cryptozoospermia must rely on Assisted Reproductive Technology to help their partner conceive.

The Assisted Reproductive Technology Methods:-

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)-:

 IVF treatment has summoned highly promising results in men with a low sperm count. It is performed in a controlled environment where your partner’s eggs are collected and fertilized with sperm. The fertilized egg is then implanted into your partner’s uterus. Its successful implantation means you have conceived a baby. 

  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-:

 ICSI treatment is recommended by your reproductive specialist when you have been trying to conceive for two consecutive years, but pregnancy remains a distant dream. In ICSI, a tiny needle makes its way to your testes to collect a single sperm. This sperm is then used to fertilize the egg and gets implanted into your partner’s uterus.

To treat low sperm count, ICSI is combined with IVF to summon better results. 

  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)-: 

In IUI treatment, sperm is processed and injected directly into your partner’s uterus. In case you cannot conceive due to the absence of sperms when you ejaculate or poor quality sperms, doctors recommend donor sperm insemination. With the help of suitable ART treatment, this donor sperm fertilizes the egg and gets implanted into your partner’s uterus. 

Conclusion- 

Consulting a trusted fertility specialist is the first step! Infertility tests and assistance help detect the root cause and the right treatment to achieve positive results.

You can not control genetic abnormalities, but you can take control of your habits. People don’t pay much attention to lifestyle choices, which are vital to your low sperm count treatment.