Infertility
Introduction
Medically, it is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. (i.e. without using any form of contraceptives)
One of the greatest wonders of nature is reproduction and one of life’s greatest gift to a couple is a child of their own. As such, if a couple is childless, it is something that makes them despair and can be a frustrating an frightening experience.
Understanding all the causes of infertility and taking proper steps to solve this predicament can go a long way towards overcoming it. Even after many unsuccessful attempts, many a couples have achieved success in conception.
Cause
Age, lifestyle, biological and medical factors may contribute to infertility. Of these, lifestyle, biological and medical factors can be altered to obtain desired results in many cases.
Generally, 25% of the causes are related to males, 58% to females and 17% unexplained causes can exist for infertility. Ayurveda can help even in case of unexplained causes!
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These could include primary testicular disease, disorders of sperm transport, defective secretion of sperms. In about half the number of males, the causes may be unidentified. |
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The most common cause could be due to abnormalities in menstrual function. Infrequent or scanty menstruation of women in reproductive age could be an indication of ovulation disorders. Ovulation disorders could be characterized by a complete lack of ovulation (anovulation) or by infrequent and / or irregular ovulation. |
Other cause include fallopian tube damage (much higher in developing countries) and endometriosis.
Approaches
Infertile couples should consult a doctor / consultant specializing in this area. There have been advances in infertility management over the years and couples need not despair anymore.
How to tackle
After proper assessment of the situation, a specialist can suggest some of these possible solutions. One may work best for some, other for someone else or a proper
combination or more than one; coupled with emotional / psychological
consultation can work best for others.
Some of the common approaches are:
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Artificial insemination or
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IVF (Invitro fertilization)
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GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Trnasfer)
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Zift (Zygote Intrafallopian Trnasfer)
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ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Transfer)
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MESA (Micro Surgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration)
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TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction)
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A fertility expert can guide couples and explain the advantages / disadvantages of the above methods.
Ayurveda also has many ways of treating this malady. The treatment is decided individually for every couple depending upon the age, prakruti (nature and make-up) and other factors.