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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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
