What is Sterility?
The inability of men or women to conceive due to the result of any procedure such as tubal ligation, vasectomy, etc. is termed sterility.
In the case of tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes (the female reproductive part where fertilization takes place) are tied or cut that prevent pregnancy. Tubal reversal surgery or IVF can be carried out to help couples conceive.
Testing for Infertility
Male Fertility Testing
The following tests are done as part of male fertility evaluation:
Semen Analysis:
The semen sample is collected from men and various attributes like sperm motility, count, and morphology are checked.
Hormone Testing:
Hormone levels of FSH, LH, and Testosterone are checked.
Scrotal Ultrasound:
This scan is used to check infections, tumors, varicoceles, and other conditions.
Transrectal Ultrasound:
This is used to check the prostate gland and to detect any blockages in the vas deferens.
Female Fertility Testing:
The health of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes is examined using various tests like:
Hysterosalpingogram:
Any defect in the fallopian tube and uterus can be detected through Hysterosalpingogram.
Laparoscopy:
Endometriosis or other abnormalities in the pelvic cavity can be diagnosed through laparoscopy.
Infertility
What is Primary Infertility?
When the couple is unable to conceive even after 1 year of trying, it is said to be primary infertility.
Primary Infertility treatment:
Several baseline and advanced fertility treatments are available as mentioned below:
- Ovulation Induction with Timed Intercourse
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
- ICSI
- IVM
What is Secondary Infertility?
When a couple is unable to have a second child though the couple had successfully had a child earlier, is termed secondary infertility.
Secondary Infertility treatment
Weight/ PCOS management, a healthy lifestyle along with fertility treatments like IUI, and IVF based on the couple’s age, and health status can enable couples to achieve parenthood.
Subfertility:
Subfertility is when a couple takes a little longer than average to conceive (though they can conceive naturally).
Causes of Subfertility
- PCOS
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Abnormal sperm production
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Stress
- Smoking and Alcohol consumption
Subfertility treatment
- Good lifestyle changes
- Weight management
- IUI
- IVF
