Infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months for women over 35). It can affect both men and women, and gynecologists provide comprehensive services to diagnose and treat infertility. These services include evaluations, treatments, and supportive care to help couples achieve a successful pregnancy.

Purpose:

• To diagnose the causes of infertility in individuals or couples.
• To provide treatment options to enhance the chances of conception.
• To offer support and counseling throughout the fertility journey.

Components:

1. Initial Evaluation:

• Medical History: Detailed medical, sexual, and reproductive history of both partners.
• Physical Examination: General physical exam and a gynecological exam for women.

2. Diagnostic Tests:

• Ovulation Assessment: Blood tests to check hormone levels, ultrasound to monitor follicle development, and ovulation predictor kits.
• Tubal Patency Tests: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check if the fallopian tubes are open.
• Uterine Evaluation: Ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or saline sonohysterography to examine the uterus for abnormalities.
• Male Partner Evaluation: Semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Ovarian Reserve Testing: Blood tests such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels to evaluate the quantity and quality of a woman's remaining eggs.

3. Treatment Options:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Advice on diet, exercise, weight management, and avoiding substances that can affect fertility (e.g., tobacco, alcohol).
• Medications:
  
• Ovulation Induction: Medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole to stimulate ovulation.
• Hormone Therapy: To correct hormonal imbalances that may affect ovulation or implantation.
• Surgical Interventions:
  
• Laparoscopy: To diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.
• Hysteroscopy: To remove uterine polyps or fibroids and correct uterine abnormalities.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
  
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Extracting eggs and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg during IVF, often used in cases of severe male infertility.
• Donor Eggs or Sperm: Using eggs or sperm from a donor when there are significant issues with the partners’ gametes.

4. Supportive Services:

• Counseling and Support Groups: Emotional support to cope with the stress and emotional impact of infertility.
• Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on diet and nutrition to support fertility.
• Acupuncture and Complementary Therapies: To enhance fertility and reduce stress.