What is infertility?

Infertility is a common problem during the reproductive age. It affects approximately 10% to 15% of couples worldwide trying to have a child. When a couple has been experiencing failing attempts to achieve a natural pregnancy for 12 months or more, it may be called infertility. If one of the partners is infertile, pregnancy does not happen.

 

What is the difference between primary and secondary infertility?

If a woman has never conceived, it is primary infertility. But, if a woman has already had at least one successful conception in the past but is now unable to have a pregnancy, it is secondary infertility. There can be various causes of infertility such as tubal obstruction, endometriosis, the hormonal imbalance etc.

 

Is it a man or a woman who can suffer secondary infertility?

It is said that secondary infertility is as common as primary. And it is not only a woman who can suffer it; this can also be found in a man.

 

What are the reasons of secondary infertility in females (female infertility)?

• Blocked fallopian tubes. The narrow, hollow tubes (fallopian tubes) through which the eggs travel to the uterus from the ovaries, due to some reasons, may get blocked. And this blockage can hinder the fertilization of the egg and also the passage of the egg to the uterus. The tubes may also get blocked because of pelvic infections such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
• Issues with the quality or quantity of the eggs. When women cross their 40s, the quality or quantity of their eggs may reduce. And it can create infertility issues. But young women can also face this issue of low quality and quantity of the eggs due to some reasons such as radiation, genetic conditions, autoimmune or malnutrition.
• Endometriosis. Tissues that grow in the uterus (in the endometrium layer) grow outside the uterus such as the ovaries, the fallopian tubes or bowel surfaces. Although, not all types of endometriosis are linked to infertility.
• Issues with the uterus. Several uterus-related conditions could also cause secondary infertility, such as fibroids or scarring. Fibroids may impair pregnancy. Scarring (occurred during curettage or dilation) can cause adhesions in the uterus that could intervene with future pregnancies.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome. It is said to be a hormonal disorder. It could be because of infrequent or longer-than-usual menstrual periods. A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome has male hormones in excess, due to which, the ovaries do not release eggs regularly.
• Obesity or lifestyle. It has been seen that weight gain led to ovary dysfunction in a few patients. Bad lifestyle habits—such as too much alcohol, smoking, caffeine and unhealthy foods—may also cause infertility.

 

What can cause secondary infertility in men?

It is testosterone that plays a vital role in the production of sperm. Testosterone levels can fall due to some medical conditions, injury to genital or urinary organs or aging. The conditions may involve:

• Poor quality semen
• Thyroid diseases
• Tuberculosis
• Testicular varicocele
• Smallpox
• Benign tumor
• Prostate enlargement
• Prostate removal
• Genital infections
• Diabetes
• Smallpox
• Psychological stress
• Blood diseases
• Genital tract surgery
• Anesthesia
• Respiratory failure
• Congestive heart disease
• Drugs
• Excessive weight gain

 

What could be the possible symptoms of secondary infertility?

If a couple has had unprotected intercourse for one year or more without getting pregnant, they may suspect this as a sign of infertility. Women who have had painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, miscarriage or irregular periods are more prone to this. And the men who have low sperm counts are more prone to this.

 

What should the couple do if they suspect it?

Without any delay, they should consult an infertility specialist doctor. The doctor will study your medical history and ask you questions about your menstruation cycles and previous pregnancy. Your doctor will enquire about the diseases you’ve had in the past. For men, the doctor will ask about conditions that may affect their sperm quality and counts. If needs be, the doctor will recommend tests for diagnosis.

 

What treatment options are there for secondary infertility?

The same treatments can also be done for primary infertility.

• In Vitro fertilization. Injections are given daily to stimulate the ovaries. Then eggs are taken out through a surgical procedure. Egg fertilization is done in a lab and then the embryo is transplanted into the uterus. Even sperm or egg can also be taken from a donor.
• Induced ovulation through medication in women with ovulatory dysfunction.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm is placed surgically inside a woman’s uterus. Sperm can also be taken from a donor.
• Surgery to fix uterine-related problems such as fibroids, poyps or scar tissues. In men, testicular varicocele surgery to repair it.
• Anti-aging, antioxidants or drugs that can boost fertility in men and women.

 

Ayurvedic treatment for secondary infertility

Whether it is tubal disease infertility or secondary infertility due to any other reasons, an Ayurvedic doctor can avail its treatment. Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal system. Besides treatment of health issues, it also gives information about herbs and yoga to live a healthy and stress-free life.

As per the diagnosis and symptoms, the Ayurvedic doctor will prepare an effective plan for treatment which may include medicinal herbs, therapies and changes in diet. In Ayurveda, effective treatments for infertility are available. There are also natural herbs that can boost fertility.

 

Ayurvedic doctor in Delhi

Still, if you have any queries regarding how to unblock fallopian tubes, you may contact directly our doctor or send your reports.