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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Donald Trump sends Diwali greetings, condemns attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
Washington, Oct 31: Sending Diwali greetings, former president Donald Trump, who is the Republican presidential candidate, on Thursday condemned the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh, vowed to strengthen ties with India and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his good friend.
Bangladesh, he said, remains in a total state of chaos and alleged that his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris and her boss President Joe Biden have ignored Hindus across the world and in America.
“I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
This is for the first time that Trump has spoken on the issue of Bangladesh. Hundreds of Hindus were killed in July-August in Bangladesh when a students’ agitation turned into massive protests leading to then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country on August 5.
“It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength,” he said.
“We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religion agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said.
“Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before and we will Make America Great Again,” he said.
“Also, Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil,” said the former president, who is in a close fight with Harris for the November 5 presidential elections.
