Infertility

It is the inability to get pregnant (conceive) after 12 months or more of unprotected sex.

Causes of Infertility in Females

Ovulation disorders – PCOS, hypothalamic-pituitary cause, premature menopause
Fallopian tubal blockage
Uterine or Cervical causes – fibroids, adenomyosis
Endometriosis
Unexplained infertility

Causes of Infertility in Males

Sperm production problems- ranging from no sperms to a low number of sperms
Blockage of sperm transport- obstructive azoospermia
Sperm antibodies
Sexual problems – erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction
Hormonal problems – lack of hormones coming from the brain, intake of anabolic steroids

IVF Treatment for Infertility

IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a form of assisted reproduction technique wherein reproduction happens in the lab in a glass dish. Hence, it is also famously called a test tube baby.

Step 1

The doctor prescribes injections or other medications to control the timing of the woman’s menstrual cycle and stimulate the development of multiple eggs in the ovary.

Step 2

A vaginal ultrasound and blood tests are done to check the cycle’s progress and the number of follicles. An additional injectable medication may be given to ensure that a minimum number of follicles are developed to make the retrieval worthwhile.

Step 3

Guided by ultrasound monitors, the doctor inserts a needle through the vagina and into the ovaries to remove the eggs from the follicles.

Step 4

An embryologist arranges for the mixture of retrieved eggs and sperm from the partner/donor. The fertilized eggs, called embryos, are hatched for several days.

Step 5

The embryologist selects the best embryos to transfer into the woman’s uterus, once they have developed normally. The physician uses a small catheter to pass the embryos through the cervix and into the uterus.