FAQ-General Questions - IVF | ICU | ICSI | OI/TI

Fertility is the natural capacity to reproduce (have children). Infertility, the inability to achieve a viable pregnancy, affects up to 15% of couples.

Several factors can affect fertility in women and men. Age is the most important factor affecting fertility in a couple. Lifestyle is another factor affecting fertility. These include excess weight, lack of exercise, physical and psychological stress, environmental and occupational exposures, and substance and drug use.

Fertility in women is more age-dependent than in men. For women, the decline gradually starts as they enter their thirties, but we can see a drastic decline after 35 years. For men, fertility generally reduces around the age of 40 to 45, when sperm quality decreases. Increasing male age reduces the overall chances of pregnancy and increases the time to pregnancy.

Women with regular cycles and no conception after one year of regular intercourse or If you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months to get pregnant, you may want to see a fertility specialist.

The average rule of thumb is that conceiving takes a couple in five to six months. If you are under 35 and have been having unprotected sex (sex without any form of birth control) for 6 months without positive results, you may want to see a fertility specialist.

Causes of infertility can include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, or tubal factors in females. In males, low sperm count and ejaculatory, or erection difficulties can cause infertility. 15% of infertile couples may not have any detectable cause; they are labelled as having unexplained infertility. The risk of infertility increases as you age. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility.

Stress interferes with a woman’s ability to get pregnant. It’s a very important factor but not the only reason to cause infertility. Reduction in physical and mental stress with therapies like psychological counselling and acupuncture can yield good results. Research has shown that women with a history of depression are twice as likely to experience infertility. Anxiety also can prolong the time needed to achieve pregnancy.

Overweight and obese women have higher levels of a hormone called leptin, which is produced in fatty tissue. This can disrupt the hormone balance and lead to reduced fertility by affecting ovulation. They are also at higher risk of having implantation failure, abortions and medical risks during pregnancy and delivery.

Eating a nutritious diet and moderate exercise can help boost fertility and prepare your body for pregnancy.

Irregular menstrual cycles (short or long cycles), painful periods or painful intercourse, and heavy menstrual bleeding signal potential fertility issues. If you’re experiencing these signs or have concerns about conceiving, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for further evaluation and guidance. Early detection can be crucial in addressing fertility challenges effectively. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or have had any surgeries in the past, an earlier consultation with a fertility specialist is recommended.

Smoking & alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on fertility in both men and women. It can reduce sperm quality and motility in men, while in women, it can decrease egg quality and disrupt the reproductive hormone balance.