The anxiety of a childless couple is understandable. Amid free advice, that flows from every nook and corner, are the intrusive questions. Often, the couple is too shy to ask the doubts and queries they really need answers to.
IVF specialist from Cocoon Fertility Clinic, Dr. Anagha Karkhanis, MRCPI DRCOG DOWH FRM, Consultant IVF and Reproductive Surgery, Cocoon Fertility, gets you started on understanding infertility by dispelling some common myths and helping you navigate through, with some reliable advice.
Q How do I know if I’m infertile?
If you are a woman under age 35, and are unable to get pregnant after a year of having unprotected sex, it is time to seek medical help. If 35 years and over seek help after 6 months of trying as fertility rapidly declines after 35 years.
Q: Is infertility a very common problem? I’m the only one in my family who doesn’t have a baby yet.
At least 50 million couples worldwide experience infertility. WHO data reveals that 1.9 percent of women aged 20-44 who wanted a child were unable to do so.
Q: There is a lot of superstition associated with infertility. Why does infertility really happen?
Conceiving a child has three distinct steps.
1 Ovulation: the growth and release of an egg from the ovary is ovulation.
2 Fertilization: The sperm fusing with the egg to form an embryo is fertilization. This happens in the fallopian tube.
3 Implantation: Is sticking of the embryo into the uterine cavity and its subsequent growth. Inability to conceive, results from a problem in any of these steps.
Q. I already have a child. I’m finding it difficult to conceive the second time. Is this common?
Infertility is primary infertility i.e. never had a positive pregnancy test or secondary i.e. at least one pregnancy previously but not able to conceive now. Secondary infertility is more common than primary infertility. It is best to visit an infertility specialist for evaluation and treatment where needed.
Q: I am 30, and my husband and I have been trying to have a baby for the last 6 months. When should I visit a doctor about infertility concerns?
If under 35 years one can wait a year, if over 35 years can wait 6 months before seeking help. However, if you have made up your mind to know more, or are experiencing certain symptoms e.g. period problems, pelvic pain, two or more miscarriages etc. you may want to see a fertility specialist earlier.
Q: I’m a 35-year-old male and we are keen to start a family. Will smoking and alcohol affect my chances?
Smoking and alcohol both contribute to poor quality sperm. General advice is to stop smoking and alcohol when trying for a baby. It may take upto 180 days to see some beneficial effects of these life style changes. Having a healthy diet and lifestyle is highly recommended.
