A COMPLETE GUIDE TO INFERTILITY

Introduction to Infertility

To bring a life into this world is equivalent to divinity, and being a parent is a blessing second to none. All the tears of joy, the pain when they are sad or hurt, and laughter when they are being themselves are a lifetime of experience, a trove of memories. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unable to enjoy these moments and have the experience of being a parent due to the inability to conceive which is commonly known as infertility.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is a disease; is a very common misconception not just among the general public but also among academics and clinical personel. Although according to the 9th volume of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) female infertility under code 628.0 and male infertility under code 606.0 are listed as diseases but are treated as a symptom. For example, chronic heart pain, chronic headache and chronic kidney pain are not the ailments themselves but an indicator of something not being right.

Infertility has a companion as well-known as Anovulation. As infertility is a symptom there are causes/diseases which are responsible for it. Around 20% of the population is infertile and the numbers have increased in the past 30 years.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF INFERTILITY?

There are mainly two types of infertility;

Primary Infertility 

In this type of infertility, a woman can’t conceive in the first year of their marriage/sexual intercourse.

Secondary Infertility

In this kind of infertility, a woman is unable to get pregnant after getting pregnant once.
 

 

WHAT ARE THE COMMONS RISK FACTORS IN MEN & WOMEN

AGE

As age progresses chances of infertility increase. Women in their mid-30s and men in their 40s are more infertile than younger ones due to the quality and lower quantity of eggs.

SMOKING

Smoking by any of the partners can lower the chances of being pregnant; the percentage of miscarriages is also higher in women who smoke. Smoking in men can cause erectile dysfunction and low sperm count

WEIGHT

Weight also plays a part in fertility in both men and women. Excessive weight or obesity can cause loss of eggs.

ALCOHOL

The chemical that is found in alcohol are baneful for ovulation and may cause infertility. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage and may harm a child.

LIFESTYLE

Eating unhealthy fatty foods, not taking proper sleep, excessive smoking or alcohol and lack of exercise make up an unhealthy lifestyle thus causing the risk of infertility.

WHAT ARE THE ACTUAL CAUSES OF INFERTILITY IN MEN AND WOMEN

Infertility can affect both males and females. There are some common causes and some gender-specific causes that led to infertility.

In men causes of infertility include:

Abnormality in the sperm production/function

Sperm delivery

Cancer and its treatment-related damages.
 

Impotent
 

Diabetes
 

Exposure to heat for longer durations.

CAUSES OF INFERTILITY IN WOMEN

Endometriosis 

Early menopause

Tube damage and blockage.

Abnormalities in cervical or uterus

Disorders of ovaries

Cancer and its treatment.

Age factor

HOW CAN I CURE INFERTILITY?

By taking into consideration the preventive measures and life-altering steps you can cure your infertility  

EAT HEALTHY

Eating healthy and properly not only boosts the chances of pregnancy and fertility it as a whole has a deep impact on your overall health. Increase the intake of zinc and folate(antioxidants)in your diet.

CUTOFF Smoking/Alcohol 

Smoking and alcohol are injurious to health in general and fertility is also affected by smoking and drinking alcohol. The chemical ETHANOL which is found In alcohol can cause severe health issues, It intoxicates your body and can cause liver and kidney ailments as well.

PCOSTREATMENT

If you have PCOS first step is to get your PCOS treated because it can be the major barricade in your physical pregnancy activity.  Although there is no cure for PCOS if a woman with PCOS is overweight the first line of action is to reduce weight which can be of some help.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY   

Engaging in physical activity not only makes you feel good it also boosts your stamina resulting in longer intercourse and can improve fertility. Physical activity helps in reducing weight and can boost sperm count. But don’t overdo it as too much of a something is not good.

 

WHICH TYPE OF FOODS HELP IN CURING INFERTILITY

YOGURT AND CHEESE

Yoghurt and cheese contain a large amount of calcium, probiotics and Vitamin D that are good to improve ovulation.

AVOCADOES

Avocadoes are highly enriched with Zinc, Vitamin E and K, Potassium and folate are beneficial to improving fertility levels of both men and women.

BEANS AND LENTILS:

Beans and lentils are a rich source of folic acid and it also contains polyamine spermidine which boosts male fertility.

FISH

Fishes are rich in omega3 oil and non-saturated fats that only increase your chance of pregnancy but are also great for the baby if you are pregnant.

LIVER

As opposed to the popular belief blaming the liver as a toxic organ it really acts as the detoxifier of the body, liver is rich in antioxidants and folate along with vitamins.

WATERMELON

Watermelon not only helps in heart burning, dehydration, beautiful skin and so forth, but it also helps in improving chances of fertility and can help you cope with fatigue and pains during gestation as well.