Myths of Infertility

1) WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY ?

Most common cause are : Ovulation Problem / Tubal Infertility / Sperm Problems / Unexplained Infertility / Age related factors / Obesity, Stress, Environmental & occupational factors.

2) IS INFERTILITY A WOMEN PROBLEM ?

Infertility is a medical problem. Approximately 35%-40% of infertility is due to female factor and 35% is due to male factor. In the rest of the cases, Infertility results from problems in both partners. In about 10-15% cases, the cause of the infertility can not be explained.

3) IS THERE FERTILITY DECLINE ?

This can not be said with certainly as no regular record of past is available. However, the said decline is attributed to the delayed age of marriage of the woman due to carrier settlement, excessive use of drugs, rising obesity, stress and strain of modern life style, occupational factors etc. Moreover, because of awareness of treatment options available more couples are reporting for medical help.

4) AT WHAT TIME OF THE MONTH IS WOMAN MOST FERTILE ?

The most fertile time of the month is just before or at ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs two weeks before a period starts, so it is necessary to count backwards from the anticipated start of the next period in order to find the most fertile time. Take the number of days in the usual cycle (from beginnings of one period to the beginning of the next ) and subtract 14. For example, a woman with a 32 day period would likely to ovulate around day 18 (32-14=18), while a woman with a 28 day cycle would ovulate around day 14 (28-14=14). Because the sperm live longer than the egg does, it is best to have intercourse before ovulation rather than afterwards, so a woman who ovulates on day 14 would have a good chance of conceiving if she has intercourse on either day 12 or 13 or 14.

5) HOW CAN A WOMEN TELL WHEN SHE OVULATES ?

The simple, inexpensive way of finding out the approximate time when you ovulate is to take your basal temperature (that is, your body temperature at rest) every morning and record it on a chart. You can buy a basal body thermometer at any drug store. Save all your charts so you can review them with your doctor. Three or four months of charting should be adequate. However, this is not a very accurate method. Other signs which a woman can see during ovulation is clear mucous discharge from the vagina and pain in the lower abdomen.

6) HOT TUB BATHS ?

Yes, high temperature can reduce motility and count of sperms. That is why the scrotum is located outside the body – to act as kind of “cooler” to keep sperm act a lower temperature then the rest of the body. So, it is a good idea to avoid hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for men. Wearing loose pants and cotton under-wears is good for sperm count.

7) HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE HAVE INTERCOURSE ?

It is a good idea to have intercourse every other day around the time one ovulates (Day 10, 12 , 14 and 16). Remember, every woman is different, and may not ovulate exactly on “Day 14”. And, just because you ovulate on “Day 14” this month, doesn't mean you will do the same next month also. It is preferable to have intercourse every other day so that sufficient sperm are available to increase one's chances of conception. Do not use lubricants before and after intercourse.

8) HOW DOES OBESITY IMPAIR FERTILITY ?

A simple way to assess appropriate weight in relation to height is to measure the height of woman. For first 5 feet, the woman should weigh 45kg. For each inch over 5 feet, add 2kg.Ideal body weight should fall between 95% to 129% of predicted ideal body weight. Reproduction is impaired both if ideal weight is abnormally low or high.

9) IS THE TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY A COSTLY PROCESS ?

This statement is only partly true. Most of the patients only need medical advice or simple procedures for ultrasound monitoring e.g. ovulation, IUI and laparoscopy which are well within the reach of a common man. However IVF and ICSI are costly but only less then 10% of infertile couple need this.

10) WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF SUCCESS IN IVF & ICSI ?

Currently the success rate per oocyte retrieval cycle in good center is 35-40% all over the world. The patients are advised to be mentally prepared to avoid bitter disappointment and depression in case the procedure fails. However the chance of pregnancy is 70-80% within 3-4 attempts of IVF. The cryopreservation of embryos eliminates the need of stimulation for future cycles which dramatically reduces the cost of procedure.

11) WHAT ABOUT SMOKING, DRINKING ALCOHOL & CAFFEINE ?

There is evidence linking reproductive impairment with excessive exposure to alcohol, tobacco & caffeine. Alcohol and tobacco's use have been demonstrated to affect the reproductive capacities of both men and women, and tobacco is an especially potent reproductive toxin. It is wise to be in the best physical shape possible while one attempts to conceive and, of course, to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

12) HOW DOES STRESS LEAD TO INFERTILITY AND MISCARRIAGE ?

Abnormal level of stress hormones in the body system can affect sperm production and prevent or delay ovulation or negatively affect the implantation of the foetus.