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Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) has become a norm in tier one and tier two cities with more people opting for it. How did we get there? And why are people seeking assistance one might wonder? A survey done by the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction has shown that more than 14 percent of Indian couples are opting for ART, with one in six couples needing ART in cities. While infertility is a condition that can impact both men and women, this article focuses on infertility in women, the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments available.
A Healthy Reproductive System
Before going on to infertility, one must understand the basics of a healthy reproductive system in a female body. Following are the steps that are vital for a healthy and successful pregnancy conception:
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One ovary releases a mature egg.
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The fallopian tube picks the egg.
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Sperm fertilizes the egg by traveling through the cervix into the uterine tube.
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The fertilized egg moves to the uterus.
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The fertilized egg attaches inside the uterus on the uterine wall to grow.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is a condition where one or more of any of the above steps is hampered due to some reason leading to failure in conceiving.
Get the best infertility treatment in Patiala with the help of a team of experts at the best hospital.
Risk Factors in Pregnancy
Often the absence of pregnancy even after continued trials is considered infertility by women, but that may not be the case. Certain conditions of the body such as a weak uterus, and a stressful or unhealthy lifestyle could also lead to failure of retention of pregnancy. Therefore, one must understand the root cause of their issue before going on to treatment. The following symptoms need doctor consultation.
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Lack of pregnancy in spite of continual efforts.
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Trying for conception above 35 years of age (High-Risk Pregnancy).
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Irregular menstrual cycle.
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Prolonged absence of menstrual cycle.
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A menstrual cycle beyond 35 days or less than 21 days.
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Women with an unhealthy lifestyle of extreme stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, irregular sleep cycle, and diet.
Causes of Infertility in Women
Multiple factors can disrupt the reproductive process. Some common causes are:
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Ovulation Disorder
Ovaries do not release the egg or do it infrequently. Ovulation disorders happen due to insulin resistance and obesity, excess physical or emotional stress, abnormally high or low body weight, drastic weight gain or loss, and certain medical conditions like PCOD. These disorders can also be a result of certain medications.
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Tubal Infertility
Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes restrict the movement of sperm from reaching the egg. They may also block the path of the embryo.
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Abnormal Tissue Growth
A tissue in the uterus implants often grows elsewhere. When removed surgically, it causes scars that may restrict the union of the egg and sperm.
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Tumours
Some tumours in the uterus tend to block pregnancy.
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Unusual Uterus Shapes
Deformity in the uterus may restrict pregnancy.
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Narrowing of the cervix or the lack of mucous may restrict the movement of sperm.
Diagnosis for Infertility
At Manipal Hospitals, reproductive medicine specialist in Patiala believes the diagnosis is the first step in effective treatment. While the diagnosis may change as per every individual, here are the recommended diagnosis options:
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USG Scan
USG Scan is a harmless procedure that creates pictures of a developing embryo using Obstetric ultrasound that uses sound waves without ionizing radiation.
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Pap Smear
Cervical cells swab are collected from the vagina in an uncomplicated procedure to examine abnormal development and indications of any cancerous cells. -
PCOD Diagnosis
Hormonal imbalance and high male hormones in females may cause infertility, headache, weight gain and anxiety. Diagnosis tools like Blood glucose, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Serum androgens, and Luteinizing hormone (LH) are available for PCOD.
Treatment Facilities for Infertility
Getting diagnosed with infertility is not the end of the world, there is always hope. With advancements in medical technologies, the condition can be reversed.
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Well women Clinic
The dedicated Well Women Clinic at Manipal hospitals understands and helps women plan their childbirth. The Well Women Clinic advises women of all ages and offers health checkups to have their urine, weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure tested hormone replacement therapy, and emergency contraception.
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Cerclage
When the cervix or the lowest end of the uterus is weak to carry a pregnancy, a surgical procedure reinforces the cervix with sutures or synthetic tape. Cerclage increases the solidity of the cervix, preventing dilatation and miscarriage due to the easy opening of the cervix.
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PCOD Treatment
PCOD is one of the main reasons for infertility in women. PCOD treatment concentrates on lifestyle changes using advisory, exercises, and reducing blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
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PCO Clinic
Poly-Cystic Ovarian syndrome is a common condition among women. Doctors at Manipal hospitals help women with personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs to overcome infertility.
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