QUESTIONS ON FERTILITY

A man’s fertility potential is at its best until the age of 50. After this age, the quality of sperm produced and sperm count go down. For women the ideal age to get pregnant is 25 to 35 years.

Q:How long should a couple try to conceive naturally before opting for Fertility Testing?

Dr:After a year of carefully timed, unprotected sexual intercourse, if a couple is unable to conceive, it is time to consult with a doctor. It is highly possible that one of them is infertile or even both.

Q:Is Infertility a female problem?

Dr:Not at all. It is a grave misconception that in an infertile couple, the one with the problem is the woman. Both partners must be assessed for infertility and treated appropriately.

Q:Does male age matter when it comes to trying to conceive

Dr:Contrary to common belief, there actually is a biological clock ticking away for the man as well when it comes to fertility. A man’s fertility potential is at its best until the age of 50. After this age, the quality of sperm produced, and sperm count go down. For women, the ideal age to get pregnant is 25 to 35 years.

Q:What are some causes for diminished fertility in men and women?

Dr:In men some hormonal disorders, testicular developmental issues, ejaculatory disorders certain and certain genetic disorders can cause fertility issues. Conditions affecting the functioning of the ovaries, fallopian tube and uterus can lead to infertility in women.

Q:Is Infertility the same as Sterility?

Dr:Though both terms are used interchangeably, there is a fine line separating the two. Infertility is the inability of a person to conceive without medical intervention – it does not mean that they cannot conceive at all. Sterility means that a person cannot conceive regardless of medical or surgical intervention.

Q:Does having a termination at a younger age impact fertility and affect getting pregnant later in life?

Dr:A single termination does not have any perceivable impact on conception. However, multiple terminations cause scarring of the uterus and this can lead to difficulty in becoming pregnant in the future.

Q:Can fertility treatment help a woman conceive in spite of tubal ligation?

Dr:Tubal Ligation is a procedure done to prevent unwanted pregnancy. In this procedure the fallopian tubes are blocked in order to prevent fertilization of the egg. A woman who has undergone Tubal Ligation has two options if she wishes to get pregnant. The first is Tubal reversal that involves reconnecting the fallopian tubes. The second option is in vitro fertilization.

Q:Does Acupuncture help with infertility?

Dr:Acupuncture is usually used in conjunction with IVF. It improves chances for conception by stimulating egg production. It is also known to regulate hormone levels and strengthen the uterine lining to support the embryo. Acupuncture also helps reduce stress and promote relaxation which is essential while trying to conceive using assisted reproductive methods.

Q:If you take fertility pills you are more likely to conceive a baby girl. Is this true?

Dr:This is not true. In diverse cultures there are different practices that are believed to help conceive a baby of one’s preferred gender. From eating certain types of food to timing intercourse at a specific time of the day, there are several such beliefs – none of which have any scientific evidence.

Q:Does Obesity increase risk for infertility?

Dr:Yes, it does. Being overweight leads to fertility issues in men and women. In men being overweight produces more estrogen and reduces testosterone, thereby impacting fertility adversely. In women obesity leads to hormonal imbalances that can affect ovulation.

Q:Does abstaining from sex improves quality and mobility of the sperm?

Dr:This is not true. In fact, the opposite happens. Prolonged periods of abstinence decrease the quality of sperm making it harder for you to conceive.

Q:Are there herbal remedies for infertility?

Dr:While there are many who claim to have the right herbal mix to cure infertility, there is no scientific back for the same. Herbal remedies can be used for minor ailments such as a cough or a cold. When it comes to more serious conditions, it is best to consult a qualified expert.