Category: IUI

What is Male Infertility? Causes and Symptoms Explained

Posted on by IRM

Sharing love, happiness and other moments of one’s life with near and dear ones is all but human nature. This is why people dream of starting a family. But for some couples this journey is not always straightforward. One common challenge in this regard is male infertility. This is a condition where a man has difficulty fathering a child. Let us explore this topic and learn how an infertility doctor in Kolkata recognises the signs.

Male Infertility: A Few Details

Male infertility is when a man’s reproductive system does not work properly thereby making it hard or impossible for him to help conceive a baby with his partner. It is a widespread issue all around the world. Studies show that male infertility is a factor in about 40 to 50% of infertility cases under the sun.

Infertility does not always mean a man cannot father a child at all. Sometimes, it just means that it is more difficult to do so without medical help. Luckily advanced treatments are available today, including male infertility treatment in Kolkata to help couples overcome these challenges.

Male Infertility: A List of Causes

Several factors can lead to male infertility. Let us take a closer look at the common causes:

Low Sperm Count

Sperm count is the number of sperm in a man’s semen. A healthy sperm count is typically more than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Anything below this is considered low, making it harder to fertilise an egg.

Poor Sperm Movement (Motility)

Even if a man produces enough sperm it needs to swim well to reach and fertilise the egg. Sperm with poor motility can’t move effectively, reducing the chances of conception.

Abnormal Sperm Shape (Morphology)

Sperm should have a specific shape to function correctly. If the sperm are oddly shaped they may not be able to fertilise an egg.

Medical Conditions

  • • Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum can lead to poor sperm quality.
  • • Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones like testosterone play a big role in sperm production. Low levels of these hormones might as well cause infertility.
  • • Infections: Some infections such as mumps or sexually transmitted infections or STIs can damage the reproductive organs.
  • • Genetic Disorders: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or others can affect sperm production.

Lifestyle Factors

Unhealthy habits can significantly impact fertility:

  • • Smoking and Alcohol: These can lower sperm quality as well as reduce fertility.
  • • Stress: Prolonged stress can disrupt hormone levels.
  • • Obesity: Excess body weight affects hormone balance and sperm production.
  • • Exposure to Toxins: Chemicals as well as pesticides along with radiation can harm sperm health.

Age

While men can father children later in life, fertility declines with age particularly after 40.

Recognising the Symptoms of Male Infertility

Male infertility doesn’t always come with obvious signs. Often couples only discover the issue when they struggle to conceive. Some symptoms can act as clues:

  • • Difficulty conceiving despite trying for over a year.
  • • Changes in sexual function such as a reduced sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection.
  • • Pain, swelling or lumps in the testicles.
  • • Decreased facial or body hair could signal hormonal issues.
  • • Abnormal semen such as reduced volume or unusual texture.

If you notice these signs, seeking help from an infertility doctor in Kolkata is a good first step toward understanding and addressing the issue.

Male Infertility in Numbers

  • • According to the World Health Organization (WHO) one in six couples faces fertility issues with male infertility playing a role in nearly half of these cases.
  • • Studies indicate that India accounts for around 15% of global infertility cases with urban areas seeing a rise due to lifestyle changes.
  • • Research suggests that in Kolkata more men are turning to modern treatments to overcome infertility challenges.

What’s Next? Hope Through Treatment

The good news is that male infertility is often treatable. Some of the most common male infertility treatments in Kolkata include:

Medications and Hormone Therapy

These are used to address hormonal imbalances or even treat infections that affect fertility.

Surgical Procedures

Conditions like varicocele can be corrected through surgery thereby improving sperm quality.

Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

  • • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is directly placed into the uterus to improve chances of fertilisation.
  • • In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Sperm and eggs are combined in a lab and the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus.
  • • Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single healthy sperm is injected into an egg to aid fertilisation.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple changes like quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress can make a big difference.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it’s time to consult an infertility doctor in Kolkata. They can guide you toward the right tests and treatments to improve your chances of starting a family.

Get in touch with us today!

Male infertility is a sensitive topic but one that deserves open conversations. Remember, you’re not alone—countless couples face similar challenges and find solutions with the help of modern medicine. If you’re in Kolkata, advanced treatments and experienced doctors are just a consultation away.

All You Need To Know About The Legal Age Limit For Undergoing IVF In India

Posted on by IRM

IVF treatment is an advanced reproductive technology and is gaining popularity, which is why IRM has come up with this blog to offer you valuable insight about the age limitations and various other factors that might impact IVF treatment. IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) is a ray of hope for many childless couples. It is vital to know about the legal age limit and guidelines regarding IVF treatment in India before you make a decision.

The Importance Of IVF

It is a process where the sperm and the egg are combined outside the human body, and the resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus.

Things That Influence The Age Limit

Ovarian Reserve

This refers to the quality and number of eggs that diminish with age. Younger females have a higher ovarian reserve, and this increases the chances of a successful IVF. Thus, the earlier you seek IVF treatment, the better it is!

Health And Fitness

Your overall health and fitness levels play a vital role in the success of IVF treatments. While older people with health issues might face health-related issues affecting fertility and pregnancy, younger people are fitter and have better chances of conceiving.

Medical Advancements

The upgrade of fertility treatments have helped older women to conceive via IVF, especially with the use of donor eggs. Nevertheless, this kind of procedure is not simple, and only reputed healthcare professionals can handle the risk factors that come along.

Age Limitation For IVF Treatment In India

Legal Restrictions

Under legal guidelines, the age of a woman undergoing this treatment should be between 21 and 50 years, while the male partner needs to be between 21 and 55 years of age.

Maximum Age For IVF

If a woman is using her own eggs, then the maximum age limit should be around 45 years. If the female is using donor eggs, then the age limit of the female can go up to 50. For men, the maximum age limit is 55 years.

Minimum Age For IVF

The minimum age limit for both men and women is 21 years, as this ensures both partners are legally adults and can take informed decisions about the fertility treatments.

Ideal Age For IVF

The best age for a successful IVF treatment is between 25 and 35 years, as during this period women have a higher ovarian reserve and the egg quality is also better, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions On The Legal Age Limit In India For IVF Treatment

Are There Any Special Circumstances Where The Age Limit For IVF Treatment In India Can Be Exceeded?

Rarely do exceptions to age limits occur, usually only being taken into account in special situations. Consulting with a skilled fertility specialist at IRM is essential to comprehend and understand the available options.

Is It Possible For Women Above The Age Of 50 To Have IVF Treatment In India?

Females who are older than 50 years old can receive IVF with donated eggs, as long as they meet the health and fitness requirements established by the fertility centre.

Is There Any Penalty Or Punishment For Surpassing The Age Limit For IVF Treatment?

Even though there is no defined punishment for going over the age limit, it is essential to adhere to the rules to ensure the safety and welfare of both the mother and baby.

How Does The Team At IRM Provide Assistance To Elderly Couples Seeking IVF?

The IRM team offers tailored attention and state-of-the-art fertility options to assist elderly couples. They provide thorough assessments and customized treatment strategies to enhance success rates while prioritizing patient safety and well-being.

Is IUI Painful? All You Wanted To Know About Intrauterine Insemination

Posted on by IRM

While people find it extremely challenging to adapt to the various ways of getting pregnant, one of the most standard procedures was IUI, or intrauterine insemination. This procedure involves the direct implantation of sperm into the uterus to maximise the chances of pregnancy. This procedure ensures that the sperm has higher chances of getting access to the egg and thus increases the possibility of conception. However, people have the misconception that IUI is painful, but that’s a complete myth. In this blog, we will explain how things work and whether or not IUI is a painful procedure.

What is IUI?

IUI addresses male infertility-related issues, which include a low sperm count or if the sperm is too frail and slow to reach the fallopian tubes. With the IUI (intrauterine insemination) procedure, the sperm is inserted into the uterus very close to the egg. The best thing about IUI is that it’s non-invasive and cost-effective compared to other expensive fertility treatments. The process takes no longer than 15 minutes and is significantly safer and more comfortable for improving fertility.

Is IUI painful?

Truth be told, the first time the sperm is placed inside the uterus, slight discomfort might be experienced. While some might find things intolerable, most women do not experience any sort of pain. However, as it’s a minimally intrusive process, the patient won’t be sedated or need to take painkillers. The IUI procedure is conducted only when you are anticipating ovulation. The sperm cells are directly injected into the uterus to facilitate the proximity between the egg and the sperm. This makes the fertilisation process easier by cutting down the sperm’s journey to the uterus.

Mild cramping and a minor feeling of pinching might be experienced by a few patients when the catheter is inserted into the cervix. However, if this sensation intensifies, then the doctor needs to be informed to handle the situation immediately. During the treatment, minor bleeding and cramps might occur, but the pain subsides as soon as the catheter is withdrawn. A small amount of bleeding happens when the tube scratches the cervix, but overall, it’s not dangerous.

It can be concluded that IUI is not a painful treatment, but if the uterus is inflamed, then minor cramping and bleeding might be experienced. However, our team of doctors at IRM can help you go through the procedure smoothly with minor complaints.

People who go for the IUI treatment

If the male partner’s sperm count is low or sperm mobility is not sufficient, then this procedure is performed. IUI is recommended in the following situations:

  • • Single women looking to get pregnant
  • • Undiagnosed infertility
  • • Males with insufficient sperm
  • • Mucous issues in the cervix
  • • Men having trouble getting an erection
  • • Mild endometriosis
  • • Same-sex couples wishing to have a baby
  • • Couples who do not want to pass on the genetic abnormalities of their male partner to their unborn child

Who should avoid the IUI procedure?

Women with acute fallopian tube conditions should avoid this procedure. Even people with mild to severe endometriosis shouldn’t undergo the IUI treatment.

Which procedure is more painful, IVF or IUI?

The level of pain experienced during IVF, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) varies depending on the person.  Both procedures are not entirely comfortable but depend on the techniques used, individual tolerance, and the patient’s overall health.

IUI is generally less painful than IVF as it is generally faster, does not require anaesthesia, and the discomfort subsides shortly after the procedure is over. IVF might be more painful, but since it is performed under sedation or anaesthesia, patients don’t face any discomfort right away. However, some women complain of mild cramping and bloating. IVF is more invasive, and the procedure has to go through multiple stages.

Take the final call

The decision between IUI and IVF needs to be based on medical recommendations, and while discomfort might be a factor to consider, the focus should be on which treatment offers better chances of pregnancy. IRM can be a great choice for IUI or IVF. Our team of doctors is trained and qualified enough to diagnose the underlying cause and perform treatments that ensure success, keeping in mind your safety and comfort. Connect with our team to get more details for ensuring a seamless experience.