Subfertility has cure; Patience, Persistence and Positive attitude are key factors
Dr. Shaweez Faizi is a consultant in gynaecology and reproductive medicine at Unity Hospital Mangaluru.
Infertility by definition is the inability of a couple to conceive a child after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse. With the advent of science and research in this particular field, many couples who believe they have infertility have been regrouped as being sub-fertile where there is only a delay in conceiving. Unlike any other medical condition, the diagnosis of subfertility is not made in a day.
The sub-fertile couple
For the couple, it gradually sinks in when they realize that they have not been able to bear a child one month after the other. A negative urine pregnancy test where they are hoping for that second line of confirmation to appear, even faintly! Or the start of your periods- A sign that you are not pregnant is the sign and stuff that triggers a feeling that cannot be put in words by the couple.
However, like any other long-standing problem, the stages are probably the same. The realization of the problem, denial, trying for a few more months may help, re-realization! And finally gradual acceptance of the issue.
Then comes the next step- The decision to meet a doctor for an opinion. Several rounds of discussion, frustration-filled months, and depression may follow. Hesitation to visit a clinic, social stigma associated with the problem, worries of expenditures involved in the treatment process may lead to further delay in addressing the problem.
As doctors, we feel the society needs a change in the mental setup for this issue. Of course, there are couples who are showing up earlier, seeking treatment for want of a baby, but the above said hurdles still exist in all strata of the community. For the mental setup to change and more people to come forward for treatment, one of the most important factors is awareness of the issue.
The following section is a set of FAQ’s linked with infertility.
Q: Who should visit an infertility specialist?
A: A couple staying together and having unprotected intercourse with the inability of having conceived for 1 year.
Q: Should you consider visiting a specialist earlier than 1 year?
A: Yes, if the age of the female partner is ≥ 35years, if the couple suspects any underlying cause for infertility, it is advisable to get evaluated even 6 months after unprotected intercourse.
Q: What are the symptoms/pointers towards a potential underlying cause for infertility?
A: Female partner experiencing irregular, delayed periods/heavy bleeding/excessive pain during periods/during sexual intercourse. Male partner with difficulty in maintaining an erection/other coital difficulties.
Q: What to expect when visiting a fertility clinic?
A: Your preliminary visit will comprise a detailed history of your menstrual cycles/previous pregnancy details/past treatment history followed by initial hormonal evaluation, ultrasound, and semen analysis.
You will be explained in detail about the factors attributing to infertility for you as a couple and the possible treatment options.
For a better understanding, one must be aware of the natural process of conception/ becoming pregnant.
In a regularly menstruating woman, an egg is released between day 12 to day 14 of the menses cycle, which is carried by the fallopian tube. Following sexual intercourse after millions of sperms are released, the sperm must travel to the fallopian tube and fertilize the egg (in the fallopian tube). After fertilization, the embryo reaches the uterus 4 days later to attach to the inner uterine lining, following which the growth of the embryo occurs.
Depending on the risk factors/ pointers towards a problem, necessary investigations may need to be carried out and treatment will be planned accordingly.
Q: What can you do to contribute to better results in your treatment?
A: Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a normal BMI, avoiding weight gain (both male and female partners), curtailing habits such as smoking/ consumption of alcohol/ junk foods will help a long way.
The process of evaluation and treatment for a couple with a fertility issue is a gradual one. Many investigations and treatments will be planned as per your menstrual cycles, few treatment results may need a follow up for even 3 to 6 months depending on the factors.
Hence it requires patience, persistence, and most of all a positive attitude by the couple to over the top of the issue goals.
Come start this journey with us and we assure you to guide you and partner in your journey towards parenthood. Meeting a fertility specialist is one of the several important steps you have to take to begin this journey so why postpone it for tomorrow!
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Karnataka: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre unveils plan for scientific disposal of plastic bottles
Bengaluru: In a bid to address the mounting plastic waste problem, Eshwar B. Khandre, Minister for Forests, Ecology, and Environment, has directed the additional chief secretary of the department to formulate regulations that will require packaged water bottle manufacturers to take responsibility for the scientific disposal of plastic bottles.
As part of the proposed plan, Khandre has suggested introducing a minimum price for each water bottle, which would be refunded when the bottle is returned to any establishment selling packaged water, as reported by Deccan Herald on Monday.
Under this initiative, when a person buys a new water bottle, the minimum price for each returned bottle would be discounted from the bill for the new one.
The goal is to ensure that empty bottles are returned to the shops where they were purchased, preventing them from being discarded in public spaces or ending up in the environment. Under the plan, these establishments would then return the empty bottles to manufacturers, who would be responsible for the scientific disposal of the plastic.
Khandre emphasised that the proposed regulations are aimed at tackling plastic pollution more effectively. Although the central government has already banned the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of certain single-use plastics, and the state government has enacted similar regulations, plastic waste continues to be a significant environmental challenge.
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