INFERTITY A RISING SCOURGE

The issue of infertility is gradually becoming an epidermic and its time we brace up to combat the surge and improve treatment options. In the tropics this problem has become a thorn in the flesh as the cost of management is very high. its important we understand what infertility is about and know what the appropriate treatments are. Some people undergo invitro fertilization but they don’t really need it.

what are the steps to take when you are newly diagnosed with infertility.

Infertility is said to occur when a couple married or unmarried have had unprotected sexual intercourse for 2-3 times in a week for over 12 months and are unable to conceive.

                                                       how baby forms
                                                   

               

                                                                               the female reproductive tract

Factors that can affect fertility-

1-      AGE- above 35years the ability of the ovaries to produce good quality eggs drops.This explains why IVF labs advocate the use of donor eggs for the above 40years .Endometrial atrophy is also common in this age group

2-      INFECTIONS-infections can cause adhesions ad this can block the female tubes. This infections are the regular ones we have that have not been treated properly.in the male it can also leads to prostatitis and poor quality sperm.

3-      ENDOMETRIOSIS-this is aberrant endometrial tissue found outside the uterus. It could be in seen in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or pelvic cavity where it leads to scarring overtime and blockage of the tube may result.

4-      AUTOIMMMUME DISORDER-this relatively common factor is not talked about so much due to the minimal diagnostic tools. It could be  a male factor or even a female factor.

5-      ALCOHOL AND SMOKING- This has been shown to decrease sperm quality and affect egg quality in the female.

6-      UTERINE FIBROIDS-in the past it was said  that fibroid does not affect fertility but its been shown the it does. As much as fibroid can co exist with pregnancy it release some fluid that makes the uterus unfavorable for implantation

Step by step guide on treatment options for infertility-

Male factor-such as severe asthenospermia,oligospermia,hyperviscousity states, auto-immune disorders like antisperm antibodies, cystic fibrosis and infections. The treatment with intrauterine insemination  could suffice after a course of appropriate antibiotics with anti oxidants.

Female factors-

ANOVULATION-sometimes the release of eggs may be the only problem a woman may be having and the the need to stimulate the woman may be the only remedy.Some of the conditions include polycystic  ovarian disease. Another condition called luteinized unruptured follicular cyst may be recurrent and the woman has follicle every cycle but the eggs don’t get released. Again here some hormonal manipulation may be helpful to help release the eggs.

Tubal blockages- the common investigation carried out for this condition is called the hystetosalpingogram popularly known as HSG. When the blockage is in the fimbrial end hydrotubation also popularly known as flushing may help. Blockages located anywhere else is not amenable to hydrotubation. IVF would be the treatment option.

Uterine factors-

Cervical stenosis or cervical mucous hostility- intrauterine insemination would suffice.

Endometrial atrophy-hormonal therapy will suffice.

Uterine fibroid- myomectomy would suffice

UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY

An intrauterine insemination should be done first at least for 3 cycles then if no solution IVF should be sort after.

On no condition should IUI be done in cases of bilateral tubal blockage. IUI is a simple less expensive procedure that can be done at the time of ovulation. It involves washing the sperm and placing the washed sperm in appropriate media into the uterus. In this case by-passing the cervical area and its many problems while reducing the debris in the sperm.

Call 08098229484 08023229484  if you have more questions.