Infertility, a word that has come to be heard of more often than one might like. But it is the present truth and accepting it and fighting it are the best ways to go about. So, what is infertility, medically speaking, a couple is considered infertile or needs to be evaluated by healthcare professionals in the event that they are unable to conceive a child even after12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. There are many factors which come into play in determining infertility. Not every couple who do not have a child after an year of trying are infertile. Sometimes it could be a very small reason such as lack of awareness of certain aspects which play a crucial role in being unable to conceive, such as incorrect tracking of ovulation days when the chances of successful impregnation are high. There are also psychological factors that come into play. Whatever might be the reason, the best thing a couple can do is to visit Urology hospitals in Vijayawada to understand more about their condition and to get the required help. Social stigma, embarrassment, family pressures, age are few of the many things that can make the couple feel more helpless than the infertility itself.
Did you know, one in every eight cases of infertility are attributed to male factors. So, it is not always the “ladies fault”, it is just that women’s reproductive system has way more parts that have a role to play in this entire process of conception. After all, in case of a successful impregnation, it is the woman who has to bear the brunt of carrying, nourishing and caring for the unborn baby.
Let us understand few of the most common reasons for infertility in women:
- Irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation) is a leading cause, often linked to conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and hormonal imbalances.
- As women age, particularly after 35, the quantity and quality of eggs decline, significantly impacting fertility.
- Blockages or abnormalities in the reproductive system, such as fallopian tube obstruction, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, can hinder fertilization or implantation.
- Disorders affecting hormone production, including thyroid disorders or hyperprolactinemia, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
- Factors like obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use may adversely affect fertility.
- Conditions that lead to immune system dysfunction can impact fertility by altering reproductive function.
- Prior pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to scarring and damage in reproductive organs.
- Genetic Factors
But whatever might be the case, the scope of treatment are extremely high keeping in mind the humungous leap in medical advancements and technology that are available on consultation with gynecologists and Urologist in Vijayawada
Now let us have an understanding of reasons which can factor in for the male side of infertility :
- Issues with Sperm Production: Conditions like hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders and underlying medical conditions (like diabetes) can lead to low testosterone levels or abnormalities in sperm production, resulting in oligospermia also known as low sperm count or azoospermia in which the sperm is completely absent.
- Structural Problems: Obstructions in the reproductive tract, such as congenital absence of the vas deferens or blockages due to infections or surgeries, can hinder sperm transport, resulting in infertility.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to epididymitis or orchitis, affecting sperm quality and quantity.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor lifestyle choices, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and poor nutrition, can negatively impact sperm health.
- Age: As men age, sperm quality may decline due to decreased testosterone levels and reduced testicular function, impacting fertility.
- Medical Treatments: Some medications and treatments, such as chemotherapy or medications for high blood pressure, can affect sperm production and function.
As for women, infertility centres run by highly trained gynecologists and obstetricians might be the right choice keeping in mind the other aspects of women’s health which need to be corelated in order to treat this infertility. For men, consulting andrologist or best urology specialist in Vijayawada can be the best thing they can do to help live the dream of fatherhood.
Coming to the treatment options for infertility by Urology Doctor in Vijayawada, it is a multi faced and faceted approach keeping in mind the various aspects that need to be monitored through out the journey of infertility treatment. Psychological support and counselling play an essential role in this to ensure the couple does not lose hope and continue to participate in the treatment.
Treatment options for male infertility:
Infertility treatments for men are designed to address the various factors contributing to male infertility, and they can vary widely depending on the underlying cause of the condition. It is essential for couples struggling with infertility to undergo thorough assessments to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Here are the primary treatment options available for men:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Dietary Adjustments: Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (such as Vitamin C and E), and minerals (like zinc) can enhance sperm quality.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can positively affect hormone levels and improve sperm production.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve hormone levels and reduce stress, both of which can impact fertility.
- Medical Treatments: The second aspect is medications
- Hormonal Therapy: If hormonal imbalances are detected, such as low testosterone levels or issues with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, hormone replacement therapy could be recommended. Medications that regulate hormone levels can help improve sperm production.
- Antibiotics: In cases where infections are contributing to fertility issues.
- Surgical Interventions
- Varicocele Repair: Varicoceles are enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm production and quality. Surgical correction can improve blood flow and enhance fertility in some men.
- Surgical Sperm Retrieval: For men suffering with blockages what are preventing the sperm delivery, surgical procedures such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) can directly retrieve sperm from the testicles or epididymis for assisted reproductive technologies.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
When medical or surgical treatments do not succeed in achieving conception, couples may consider ART:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This procedure involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): In cases of severe male infertility, IVF may be the best option. Sperm can be directly injected into eggs through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, thus bypassing potential sperm-related. In this process the egg might be retrieved non-invasively or at rare instances by Laparoscopic Surgery in Vijayawada .
As and when and only if the need arises, get in touch with Dr. A.V. Krishna Kishore, for urology treatment in Vijayawada which can help men fight their infertility causes. With decades of experience and thousands of successful cases, KK Hospitals stands tall as one of the best centres for andrological care in Vijayawada.