Infertility

Infertility at Lotus Diagnostic Centre

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. In case of women aged 35 or older, infertility treatment can be sought  after 6 months of unprotected sex.

Infertility is a growing concern for couples around the world. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, it affects about 10-15% of couples worldwide. While the causes of infertility can be complex and varied, there are many treatment options available that can help couples overcome issues with conception.

Why Choose Lotus?

Lotus Diagnostic Centre has an expert panel of infertility doctors with years of experience in the speciality. The clinic is equipped with its own diagnostic centre with state of art equipment. Our services include an in-house diagnostic lab, imaging services including X-rays, ultrasounds and consultations across 20+ specialities. Our patients experience seamless services while seeking consultation, getting tests or scans done and availing their treatment protocols. 

Services Offered:

  • Diagnosis and management of infertility treatment cycles
  • Investigative pathology tests and scans linked with infertility, such as follicular study, AMH test etc.
  • Injectables as required during an infertility cycle
  • Cross-referral to alternative departments such as andrology, gynaecology, psychiatry etc. as required

Common Causes of Infertility

Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, both in men and women. It is more common in older couples. As women age, their fertility declines, and the risk of infertility increases. This is because women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as they age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decrease. By age 35, a woman’s fertility starts to decline more rapidly, and by age 40, her chances of getting pregnant are significantly lower than they were in her 20s.

In addition to age-related fertility decline in women, men also experience a decline in fertility as they age. This is because the quality and quantity of sperm can decrease, which can make it more difficult to conceive.

It’s important to note that infertility can occur at any age, and there are many factors that can impact a couple’s fertility, regardless of age.

In men, the most common causes of infertility include:

  1. Low sperm count or poor sperm motility: This is when a man produces a low number of sperm or the sperm produced do not swim well.
  2. Abnormal sperm: This is when the sperm are abnormally shaped, making it difficult for them to fertilize an egg.
  3. Varicocele: This is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, and it can cause infertility by interfering with sperm production.
  4. Erectile dysfunction: This is when a man is unable to get or maintain an erection, which can make it difficult to conceive.

In women, the most common causes of infertility include:

  1. Ovulation disorders: This is when a woman does not ovulate regularly or at all, which can make it difficult to conceive.
  2. Blocked fallopian tubes: This is when the tubes that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus are blocked, which can prevent fertilization.
  3. Endometriosis: This is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, which can cause infertility by interfering with the fertilization process.
  4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods and ovulation, which can make it difficult to conceive.

Treatment Options for Infertility

There are many treatment options available for infertility, depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatment options include:

Medications

There are many medications available that can help to stimulate ovulation in women or improve sperm count and motility in men.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)

ART includes a range of treatments such as –

IVF: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryo is then transferred back into the woman’s uterus, with the goal of achieving a successful pregnancy. IVF can be used to treat a variety of infertility issues, including blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, and unexplained infertility. It is a complex and expensive procedure, but it has a high success rate and has helped many couples to conceive and have a family.

IUI: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is another form of ART that involves placing sperm directly into the woman’s uterus at the time of ovulation. This procedure is often used to treat mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or cervical factor infertility. It can also be used in conjunction with ovulation induction medications to increase the chances of success. IUI is a less invasive and less expensive procedure than IVF, but it also has a lower success rate.

ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a specialized form of IVF that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to achieve fertilization. This technique is often used when the male partner has low sperm count or motility, or when there are issues with the sperm’s ability to penetrate the egg. ICSI has a higher success rate than traditional IVF for couples with male factor infertility, but it is also more expensive and carries a slightly higher risk of certain complications.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct structural problems that are causing infertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes or varicoceles.

Lifestyle changes

Simple lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption can also improve fertility.

Conclusion

Infertility is a common and complex issue that affects many couples around the world. The causes of infertility can be varied and complex, but there are many treatment options available to help couples overcome their fertility issues. In addition to medical treatment, couples may also benefit from emotional support, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. It is important for couples to seek out resources and support to help them manage the emotional and physical challenges. With the right support and treatment, many couples are able to overcome their fertility issues and go on to have a healthy and happy family.

Our Infertility Specialists