• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fertility

1. What is infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under 35, or after six months for women 35 and older. It can also refer to the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Infertility can affect both men and women, and it’s important to remember that seeking help early can improve your chances of success.

2. How do I know if I need fertility treatment?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re 35 or older) without success, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation. Some signs that may indicate the need for fertility treatment include irregular periods, severe pain during menstruation, known health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, or a history of miscarriage.

3. What are the common causes of infertility?
Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Female factors: Ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, age-related decline in egg quality, endometriosis, and PCOS.
   
• Male factors: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or sperm morphology issues.
   
• Unexplained infertility: Sometimes, no specific cause can be found even after testing both partners.
   

4. How is infertility diagnosed?
Infertility is typically diagnosed through a series of tests, including:

• For women: Hormone testing, ultrasound, hysterosalpingography (HSG) and Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy to check the health of the fallopian tubes, and a pelvic exam.
   
• For men: Semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology.
  If needed, additional tests may be performed based on your specific situation.
   

5. What fertility treatments are available?
There are several treatment options depending on the underlying cause of infertility, including:

• Medications like Clomid, Letrozole  or Gonadotropins to stimulate ovulation.
   
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A procedure in which highly motile and morphologically normal sperms are directly placed in the uterus around the time of ovulation.
   
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): An advanced procedure where eggs(oocytes) are fertilized outside the body and then implanted into the uterus.
   
• Surgery: In cases of blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or other conditions.
   
• Egg/Sperm Donation or Surrogacy if using one’s own eggs or sperm is not an option.
   

6. What is IVF, and how does it work?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized embryos are then monitored for development and one or more are selected for transfer into the uterus usually on Day 5 stage as blastocyst. IVF is often recommended when other fertility treatments have not been successful or if there are specific reproductive challenges such as blocked fallopian tubes or male infertility.

7. How long does IVF take?
An IVF cycle typically lasts around 4-6 weeks. It involves:

• Ovarian Stimulation: Daily hormone injections to stimulate egg production.
   
• Egg Retrieval: A minor surgical procedure to collect eggs and done under anaesthesia.
   
• Fertilization and Embryo Culture: Eggs are fertilized in the lab and monitored.
   
• Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred into the uterus.
  The entire process varies depending on your unique treatment plan and response to medication.
   

8. What is IUI, and how does it differ from IVF?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a less invasive procedure where highly motile and morphologically normal  sperms are  specially prepared and placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. Unlike IVF, no egg retrieval or fertilization outside the body is involved. IUI is often used for unexplained infertility or mild male infertility and is typically less expensive and less complex than IVF.

9. What is egg freezing, and when should I consider it?
Egg freezing (also known as oocyte cryopreservation) is the process of harvesting and freezing a woman’s eggs for future use. This option is particularly useful for women who are not ready to have children but want to preserve their fertility, such as those who want to delay pregnancy for personal or medical reasons (e.g., cancer treatment). It’s most effective when done before the age of 35, as egg quality tends to decline with age.

10. Are fertility treatments covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for fertility treatments varies by provider, location, and specific plan. Many plans cover some aspects of fertility care, such as diagnostic tests or medications, but coverage for IVF and other advanced treatments can be limited or not covered at all. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your benefits and out-of-pocket costs.

11. What is the success rate for fertility treatments?
Success rates vary based on several factors, including the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the type of treatment. Generally, IVF success rates decrease with age, especially after 35. However, many factors influence outcomes, and your fertility specialist will work with you to tailor a plan that maximizes your chances for success.

12. Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of conceiving?
There are several lifestyle changes and actions that may improve fertility:

• Maintain a healthy weight – both underweight and overweight can impact fertility.
   
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
   
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
   
• Exercise regularly, but avoid excessive or extreme exercise, which can disrupt hormone levels.
   
• Track ovulation to identify the best time for conception.
   

13. What emotional support is available during fertility treatment?
Going through fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging. Many fertility clinics offer counselling or support groups to help patients cope with the emotional aspects of fertility treatment. You may also want to consider seeking professional therapy to manage stress and feelings of anxiety, as mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being during this time.

14. How long will it take to see results from fertility treatments?
The timeline can vary depending on the type of treatment and individual circumstances. For some people, treatments like IUI may work within a few cycles, while others may need to undergo multiple rounds of IVF. Your fertility specialist will guide you through the process and provide a timeline based on your specific case.

15. What happens if fertility treatments don’t work?
If fertility treatments aren’t successful, your doctor will work with you to explore other options, which may include alternative treatments, the use of donor eggs or sperm, or surrogacy. You may also want to consider pursuing additional fertility testing or genetic counselling to help determine the next best steps.