In simple terms, conceiving constitutes two important process after natural intercourse in fertile window, one is called fertilization during which the sperm from the male, fuses with the oocyte (egg) of the female in the fallopian tube leading to the formation of the zygote (embryo), two zygote undergoes developmental stages and reaches the uterus (womb) where it attaches to the wall of uterus. This attachment of embryo to the uterus is called implantation where the embryo will develop into the infant.
2. What is infertility?
Most couples achieve pregnancy within the first six months of natural sexual intercourse. Overall, after 12 months of frequent unprotected intercourse, about 70 percent of couples will become pregnant. The majority of couples will eventually conceive, with or without treatment. Infertility is a medical situation where a couple is not able to reproduce by natural means.
3. How common is infertility among Indian population?
It is roughly estimated that approximately 10-15% of couples in the reproductive age suffer from infertility all over the world. According to many surveys, infertility is on rise among the Indian population. Urban Indian populations were found to suffer more with infertility related problems over rural populations.
4. Is infertility a women’s or men’s problem?
Infertility can be caused by problems affecting either the female or male or a combination of both. Approximately 25 % of patients that attend with infertility problems have more than one problem.
5. What are the factors responsible for the infertility?
Male:
Sperm production and/or maturation and/or Sperm transport problems and/or motility and/or morphology are the common causes.
Egg maturation problems, Infertility caused by the fallopian tubes, Endometriosis, Changes to the uterus and cervix, Fibroids / myomas, Malformation of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, Problems with the immune syste, Genetic: In rare Occasions Genetic integrity of either Sperm or Egg are altered, these changes results in miscarriages. Often it is a difficult phenomenon to explain the reason, hence it is left to ambiguous assumptions unless the reason is proved.
6. What increases risk of getting infertility?
Some of the important risk factors include: Age, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, stress full lifestyle, depression, certain drugs and diseases, exposure to hazardous chemicals, over exposure to high energy radiations, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).