Infertility is a disease of the
reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of child.
Conception is a complicated
process that depends upon many factors: on the production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by
the woman; unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg; the sperm's
ability to fertilize the
egg when they meet; the ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman's uterus;
and sufficient embryo quality. Finally, for the pregnancy to continue to full term, the
embryo must be healthy
and the woman's hormonal environment adequate for its development.
When just one of these factors is
impaired, infertility can result.
Infertility is a complex and often
misunderstood condition, which is why there's so much confusion surrounding it. Here are some
common myths & facts by Dr. Shobha Gupta, Infertility Specialist at
Mother’s Lap IVF Centre – New Delhi to help
dispel myths.
Myth:
Infertility is a woman's problem.
Fact: This is the most prevalent of all
myths having to do with infertility, and if a couple is
unable to have a child, the woman is thought to be
"barren." In fact, according to Resolve, a national infertility
advocacy organization in the USA, men and women are about
equally
responsible when it comes to infertility. In reality, 40% of infertility is due to female factors, 40% due to male factors and 20% due to both.
responsible when it comes to infertility. In reality, 40% of infertility is due to female factors, 40% due to male factors and 20% due to both.
Myth: - Ayurvedic medicines are
harmless and better for treatment of infertility related problems like low
sperm count or poor sperm motility (movement).
Fact: - Ayurvedic
medicines cause more harm than good in such cases as mentioned above. People
think that they can quickly solve the problem by taking easily and cheaply
available ayurvedic medicines but what they don’t realize is that they are
actually harming themselves and worsening their condition. A low count sample
can be treated with ICSI and a poor motility sample with advanced techniques
which are available only at a specialized IVF centre.
Myth:
Painful periods cause infertility.
Fact: Painful periods do not affect
fertility. In fact, for most patients, regular
painful periods usually signal adulatory cycles. However, progressively worsening pain during periods (especially when this is
accompanied by pain during sex) may mean you have endometriosis
and may cause infertility.
Myth: - IVF is the last resort
for treating infertility.
Fact: - IVF is in fact
the first line of treatment for infertility. As soon as a couple finds out that
their eggs or sperms are not good and there is no other way out then they
should immediately contact a specialized centre. The sooner the better. Instead of thinking about it as the last
resort to the problem its better that the woman tries to get treated before she
is 32. Hence, a couple on finding out that they are unable to conceive even
after one year of unprotected cohabitation should immediately contact a specialized
IVF centre.
Myth:
Infertility treatment is expensive
Fact: In some cases infertility
treatment can be expensive, but in many cases, it is
simple, brief and inexpensive. The sooner patients are seen and treated;
the more likely basic treatment will succeed. Timely treatment can also minimize cost.
Myth: Infertility Treatment causes multiples
Fact: Some treatments such
as ovulation drugs or in vitro fertilization do
predispose to multiples, but that happens in a much lesser degree than it
is commonly thought. Although fertility drugs do increase the
chance of having a multiple pregnancy (because they
stimulate the ovaries to produce several eggs) the
majority of women taking them have singleton births. For instance
use of drugs for ovulation induction increase the natural multiple pregnancy rates from 1.5% to 7%.
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| Dr. Shobha Gupta |
