When couples look to become parents and their attempts do not succeed, they are at a loss. They feel that they are victims, there is a thought of “Why me?”

We brought together five experts who suggested that couples look for medical assistance instead, for a way forward. In this discussion, we look at the causes of infertility and the treatment options available for couples who want to experience the joy of parenthood.

The discussion began with Dr Priya Kannan – IVF Lab Director, Garbba Rakshambigai Fertility Centre, Chennai, listing the types and causes of infertility among women. She mentioned that infertility causes are divided into three categories: those from the male partner, causes from the female partner, and third, the unexplained infertility causes. With scientific advancements, these unexplained causes are being found, and research is still on.

Touching upon the causes from the male partner, Dr Kundan Ingale – Director, Nirmiti Clinic, Centre for Assisted Reproduction & Endoscopy, Pune, talked about the social taboo that existed until about a decade ago, where men feel all is good for them. He mentioned that the male factor makes up for about 40% causes and that is quite huge, so men should be open to undergo the tests.

Coming to the one of the biggest doubts that usually plagues the minds of couples, Dr Parul Katiyar – Co-medical Director India, ART Fertility Clinics, Delhi, said if a couples has been actively trying to get pregnant for a year, and have not been successful, they should seek assistance. She also emphasised the age of the woman as one of the major factors that influences the timeline for treatment. This is because women have a limited reproductive life, and with advancing age, fertility declines. Thus, the urgency of time is high for women who are older than 35 years.

Dr Poornima Durga – Medical Director And Chief Fertility Consultant at MOM IVF & Research Centre, Hyderabad, then went on to talk of the treatment options available to couples, from medications for better ovulation right up to assisted reproductive technologies, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). The treatments, of course, would depend on the cause of infertility and the medical history of the couple.

Dr Babita Panda – Managing Director & Chief IVF consultant at Future Fertility IVF Center, Bhubaneswar, shed light on the number of IUI cycles that a women can opt for before thinking of the steps ahead in case the treatment is not successful. She also stressed the age of the woman was a factor here as well, but generally, a woman can opt for two IUI cycles.

All the experts spoke about the importance of counselling for the couples when they come in for diagnosis and treatment and how it played a major role in them dealing with the outcome of the treatment, since the success rate of IVF treatments is about 50%. They also spoke of the lifestyle factors that affect reproductive health among men as well as women.

To know more, visit www.bsvstartivf.com

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