Infertility: Diagnosis and Treatment

Infertility is described as not being able to conceive despite trying for at least a year. Since fertility in women is reported to gradually decrease with age, some doctors diagnose and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of trying.

Many couples experience infertility issues and seek support to become pregnant, but often it is only considered to be just a woman’s condition. However, the fact is infertility is not restricted only to women. Men, too, can be infertile. There are a number of risk factors, medications, and health conditions that affect fertility in both men and women.

With medical advancement and the introduction of the latest technologies in Dubai, various options are available for couples to treat infertility.

Possible causes

Age plays a significant role in female fertility. Other factors like a woman’s lifestyle and genetic conditions may also affect the chances to get pregnant. It is crucial to consider the specific conditions of conceiving to boost the chances of birth, whether natural or with medical assistance.

Some of the most common factors for male and female infertility are listed below.

Factors for men infertility:

• Sperm production
• Use of supplements and certain medications
• Past illness or health condition
• Hormonal disorders
• Unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption

Factors for women infertility:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Lifestyle, diseases, or past injuries
• Fibroids or other tissues growth in the uterus
• Quality of eggs produced

Treatment options

Testing is essential to detect any health problem that may prevent pregnancy. By recognizing underlying health issues, doctors will be able to determine a solution to help increase the odds of conceiving for a couple.

Timing is very crucial to boost your chances to get pregnant. The best time to visit a clinic in Dubai is within the first few days of your periods. Specialists will assess your situation and suggest a treatment option that suits your needs. Some factors that are considered before suggesting specific treatment include:

• The duration of the infertility
• Age of the couple
• The underlying factors and health condition
• Specific treatment preference of the couple
• Lifestyle

Infertility can be treated in several ways. It depends on the underlying cause and other factors as mentioned before. In certain cases, many types of treatments are required to address the infertility issue. Some of the treatment options are discussed below:

Surgery

Doctors recommend surgery to treat infertility in women to evaluate the abnormalities in their reproductive organs. Further, depending on the severity of the case, they suggest various procedures. For a woman, surgery can be done to correct an abnormally shaped uterus, remove fibroids, or unblock fallopian tubes.

Surgery may repair obstructions that prevent the presence of sperm during ejaculation, especially in a male. It can also correct conditions related to the enlargement of veins, known as varicocele. In certain cases, sperm can be recovered directly from the testicles and used in ART treatments.

Reproductive assistance

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

ART refers to procedures in which sperm and eggs are processed outside the body. Sperm for this treatment can be collected from the testicle, ejaculation, or a donor.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is the most effective form of ART. In this treatment, the eggs are removed and then fertilized in a laboratory along with male sperm. After fertilization, the fetus is transferred back to the uterus. IVF can be performed using your own eggs and the sperm of your partner or the procedure may include eggs or sperm of an identified or a confidential donor.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is also known as artificial insemination. During this treatment, millions of sperm are infused into the uterus close to the time of ovulation. This process may increase the probability of pregnancy in some couples who face issues in conceiving. Often a woman is also prescribed medicines to trigger ovulation before IUI.

Medication

Medications can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as hormonal imbalances. It can also be used to treat other disorders that affect fertility, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or sperm count infections.

The prescribed medicines are termed as fertility drugs. It works by forcing your body to release hormones that induce or control ovulation. In some cases, along with other treatment options like IVF or IUI, fertility drugs also play a significant role.

Summing up

Most couples with infertility issues experience frustrations and disappointments, especially those who are seeking medical treatment. Once you start the treatment, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. It becomes equally stressful to wait for the final outcome too.

While you are undergoing treatment, it is advisable to be in regular touch with your doctor. This will not only help you monitor the progress but may also help you to deal with the stressful situation. A low level of anxiety and a calm mind might help you achieve success in the treatment you are seeking.

It is a complex decision to go for medical treatment for infertility. Several factors need to be weighed in order to maximize your chances to get pregnant. The benefits and risks of infertility treatment must be assessed appropriately both by you and your doctor. Each individual’s case is different, so you must decide what is best suited in your case.

References

www.healthline.com/health/fertility#overview

www.bournhall-clinic.ae/infertility-factors/female-infertility-factors/

www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm

www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/understanding-infertility-treatment