Tag: fertility treatments for men

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.

Fertility Preservation: Your Guide to Freezing Eggs and Sperm

Posted on by IRM

Having a baby or planning for one might be one of the most important decisions in your life. But there are times when you are simply not ready! Imagine if you could press pause on something like that until you were absolutely ready. Fertility preservation lets you do just that! It is all about freezing eggs or sperm so that you can have the option to start a family in the future. In this blog, we’ll take a simple look at fertility preservation, its benefits, and how the best IUI clinics in Kolkata can help you make the right choices.

Fertility Preservation: An Intro

For women fertility preservation involves saving your eggs and when it comes to men, it involves saving the sperm by freezing them. This process allows people to start a family later in life, whenever they are ready. It is a common choice for people facing certain health challenges, planning a late pregnancy or even for those who are just not ready to start a family as of yet.

At a top fertility clinic in Kolkata, experts can guide you through the entire process, making it easy to understand and more comfortable to undergo.

How Does Freezing Work?

Freezing eggs and sperm involves two different processes. Let’s understand each in simple terms.

Freezing Eggs

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a method where eggs are harvested from a woman’s ovaries and then frozen to be used later. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

• Step 1: Hormone Injections: Women receive hormone injections for about 10–14 days to stimulate their ovaries. This makes the ovaries produce more eggs than usual.

• Step 2: Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are ready, doctors retrieve them through a minor procedure using a thin needle.

• Step 3: Freezing: The eggs are frozen after this with the help of a process called vitrification. This prevents any sort of ice crystals from forming and thereby damaging the eggs.

Freezing Sperm

Freezing sperm is a much simpler process. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Sperm Collection: Men provide a sperm sample, usually through masturbation.

• Step 2: Freezing: The sperm is then frozen and stored in a special solution that keeps it safe until it’s needed. Unlike eggs, sperm can be frozen easily and used at any time later.

Fertility Preservation and Fertility Treatments

Fertility preservation is often used alongside fertility treatments like IUI and IVF. Here’s a simple breakdown of these treatments:

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

In IUI, sperm is collected and then placed directly into the woman’s uterus. It’s a relatively simple procedure, often done at the best IUI clinics in Kolkata. The success rate of IUI depends on several factors, such as the woman’s age and health, but it generally ranges from 10–20% per cycle.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

IVF is a more advanced treatment that involves fertilising eggs with sperm outside the body and then implanting the fertilised embryo back into the uterus. This procedure is quite popular at any top IUI clinic in Kolkata, especially for couples struggling with infertility.

By freezing eggs or sperm in advance, people undergoing these treatments can have additional chances at pregnancy in the future.

Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic in Kolkata

If you’re considering fertility preservation, it’s important to find a reliable and experienced fertility clinic in Kolkata. Here are a few tips:

• Expert Doctors: Look for clinics that have experienced fertility specialists. This is important to ensure you receive the best advice and treatment.

• Modern Facilities: The best clinics have the latest technology to handle the delicate process of freezing eggs or sperm.

• Supportive Environment: Fertility treatments can be a big decision, so it’s crucial to choose a clinic that offers emotional support along with medical care.

Get in touch with us for the best IVF treatment in Kolkata

Fertility preservation, whether it’s freezing eggs or sperm, is like having a safety net for your future family plans. Life is full of surprises, and it’s comforting to know that there are options to preserve your fertility for whenever you’re ready to start a family.

If you’re thinking about fertility preservation, visiting a fertility clinic in Kolkata is a good first step. The experts can answer all your questions, explain the process, and help you make an informed choice. Plus, you’ll have the reassurance of knowing you’re in good hands.

Remember, whether it’s egg freezing or sperm freezing, it’s all about giving yourself the freedom and flexibility to plan your future on your terms. Take your time, talk to the experts, and choose what’s right for you.

Understanding the Concept of Infertility: Causes for Men and Women

Posted on by IRM

Infertility affects a lot of people worldwide each year and people in Kolkata are no exception! It can be a confusing and emotional journey especially when you have no idea about the root cause. Understanding why infertility happens can help you take the right steps and find the right help. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of infertility in both men and women, and make sure you know where to get the best infertility treatments for men and women available at some of the best fertility clinics in Kolkata.

A Short Intro to Infertility

Infertility is when a couple has been trying to conceive for at least a year but has met with no success. For women over 35, doctors often look into infertility after six months of trying. Infertility does not always mean that a couple can never have a baby. It just means that there is some issue or rather some underlying cause that is affecting their ability to conceive naturally.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Women face various conditions that can make it difficult to get pregnant.

There might be some problems with ovulation!

Ovulation is the process whereby an egg is released from the ovaries. If this does not happen regularly or correctly, it becomes difficult to conceive. Studies have been conducted worldwide and they all suggest that ovulation might be the at the root of around 25% of female infertility cases. The most common reasons include:

  • • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS: A hormonal imbalance that affects ovulation. Women with PCOS might have irregular periods, which can make predicting ovulation challenging.
  • • Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with hormones like estrogen or progesterone can disrupt ovulation.
  • • Premature Ovarian Failure (POF): This happens when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40, leading to fewer eggs being released.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The ovaries and the uterus are connected with what is known as the fallopian tubes. In case these tubes are blocked or damaged the sperm and egg will not be able to meet. Causes of blocked tubes include:

  • • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID: An infection that can cause scarring or blockages in the tubes.
  • • Endometriosis: This is basically a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it thereby leading to painful periods and possible blockages.

Common Causes of Infertility in Men

For men, the most common causes of infertility revolve around issues with sperm.

Low Sperm Count

One of the main causes of male infertility is a low sperm count. A healthy sperm count should be over 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If the count is lower, the chances of fertilizing an egg naturally are reduced.

Poor Sperm Movement or Motility

Sperm need to swim efficiently to reach the egg. If they don’t move well, this can hinder fertilization. Poor motility can be due to health conditions, infections, or lifestyle factors.

Abnormal Sperm Shape or Morphology

The shape of sperm matters too! If sperm are abnormally shaped, they might have trouble penetrating the egg. Problems with morphology can arise due to genetic issues or exposure to harmful chemicals.

Blockages in the Reproductive System

Sometimes, blockages in the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles can prevent sperm from reaching the semen. These blockages can be caused by infections, injuries, or genetic problems.

Finding the Right Infertility Doctor in Kolkata

When seeking help, it’s essential to find a doctor you trust. Look for an infertility doctor in Kolkata who has experience and a good track record. Some of the best fertility clinics for women in Kolkata offer a range of treatments and support. Here’s how you can find the right doctor:

  • • Check Reviews and Ratings: Online reviews can provide insights into a doctor’s experience and patient satisfaction.
  • • Ask About Specialisation: Make sure the doctor specialises in treating both male and female infertility.
  • • Do Not Hesitate to Ask Questions: Remember that clear communication is always the key. Ask questions about the doctor’s approach, treatments available, and success rates.

Get in touch with us for the best infertility treatment in Kolkata!

Infertility can be a challenging journey, but understanding the causes and knowing the treatment options can make a big difference. Whether it’s issues with ovulation in women, low sperm count in men, or other health factors, there are effective treatments available. Consulting an experienced infertility doctor in Kolkata at a trusted clinic is the first step toward finding the right solution.

If you or your partner are struggling to conceive, don’t lose hope. With the help of advanced infertility treatments for men and women, and supportive fertility clinics for women in Kolkata, many couples can achieve their dream of starting a family. Remember, you’re not alone, and the right guidance and care can make all the difference.

Know How Lifestyle Factors Can Affect Your Fertility: IRM Decodes It All for You!

Posted on by IRM

Whenever someone is struggling with fertility, the first question that comes to their mind is, “Am I doing anything wrong?” The answer to this question is extremely difficult, as many factors contribute to infertility, and one of the main ones is genetic. However, genetics only load the gun; diet and lifestyle pull the trigger!

Yes, at times lifestyle choices can be the main culprit for your inability to conceive. In this blog, we would be discussing the lifestyle factors that might be holding you back from becoming a happy parent.

Age Affects Fertility

We cannot control age, but as the biological clock goes on ticking, your chances of conceiving get more challenging. As women age, the quantity and quality of the eggs start to decline. Fewer eggs are released, and the remaining ones might have genetic abnormalities. It’s a misconception that women lose only one egg each month, whereas as per studies, women roughly lose around 30 eggs daily, and with high-end fertility medications from IRM, you can retrieve only a certain number of these eggs.

However, not to forget, quality is also vital, as a 30-year-old woman has around 75% of eggs chromosomally normal, while a 35-year-old woman has 50%, and at the age of 40, it’s about 25%.

Men are not immune to these age-related changes. With age, the sperm quality also goes down and affects fertility. Starting a family early can impact fertility positively, and waiting until later in life can reduce the chances of a successful conception.

Weight and Nutrition Affect Fertility

Obesity and poor dietary choices might not be directly linked with fertility, but they can have a negative impact on your fertility. This is because most of the overweight and obese population make poor nutrition choices, which can potentially hinder fertility. Weight and nutrition issues are a result of lifestyle factors, and some are caused by genetics and others by medical conditions, both of which need to be approached in an appropriate manner.

We suggest you start a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support reproductive health. Iron and zinc play a major role in egg and sperm development. Choose healthy fats coming from nuts, avocados, and olive oil over saturated fats—but do so in moderation.

Excess body fat affects ovulation, sperm count, and quality, which means maintaining an ideal body weight can promote reproductive health and minimize treatment complications of IVF. However, at IRM we have successfully helped overweight couples and individuals conceive through IVF. This brings us to the next part, and that is, being underweight can affect fertility to a great extent! Being underweight can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to irregular menstrual cycles, thereby minimizing your chances of conception.

Exercise Impacting Fertility

While regular exercise promotes good health, excessive workouts can disrupt hormonal balance and affect ovulation in women. IRM recommends women who are planning to conceive should limit their exercise to less than 60 minutes a day and less than 5 hours a week! On the flip side, a completely sedentary life affects fertility, as without exercise people tend to be overweight and obese, which have their own implications affecting fertility. A healthy exercise routine with aerobic and strength training workouts needs to be encouraged before, during, and even after pregnancy.

Stress and Its Effects On Fertility

While stress alone cannot lead to infertility, a long history of anxiety and depression can cause trouble conceiving naturally and even lead to complications during your IVF treatment. While this issue has not been fully studied, staying stress-free ensures better health and can help you take care of your overall being, which again can lead to increased fertility and a better chance of conceiving naturally or through IVF, whichever you choose!

Substance Abuse and Its Impact on Fertility

Certain things that go inside your body can affect reproductive health and reduce the chances of conceiving.

Smoking: Cigar smoking reduces fertility in both women and men as it damages eggs, sperm, and the uterus lining and also disrupts hormonal production. We suggest if you are serious enough to embrace parenthood, consider quitting this habit!

Alcohol: As per studies in Harvard Health, women who drank more than 7 drinks a week saw a 7% reduction in chances of conception as opposed to women who do not drink at all. For the male brigade, the number stands at 9%!

Illicit Drugs: LSD, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and methamphetamines severely disrupt menstrual cycles in women, and many prescription drugs are responsible for low sperm count and can lower total seminal fluid in drug users, leading to low testosterone as well.

Irregular menstruation throws the cycle off balance, affecting hormones and tingling up the fertility journey. With a low sperm count, there are reduced chances of a sperm meeting the egg. Due to these reasons, recreational drugs are best avoided when you are trying to start a family.

Change Your Lifestyle to Optimize Fertility With IRM By Your Side

Your lifestyle choices have an impact on your reproductive health. However, just blindly following a diet and exercise routine might not help. Connect with the healthcare professionals at IRM to get more clarity on your fertility journey. We understand that every individual or couple is different and offer you a customized approach towards your journey of parenthood.

Ovulation Disorders Impact Fertility and The Chances of Getting Pregnant

Posted on by IRM

Ovulation occurs if the ovary releases an egg and sends it to the fallopian tube for sperm fertilisation. However, when any condition interferes with the ovulation process, it can prevent the woman from getting pregnant. In fact, ovulation problems are one of the top causes of female infertility. If you are having a challenging time getting pregnant, then IRM can support your journey by diagnosing the underlying problem. You will be screened for ovulation disorders, and if any abnormalities are found, then a fertility expert can help you with the right treatment.

Normal Ovulation

The ovaries have thousands of fluid-filled follicles, and each of them holds a premature egg. Every month, when one egg matures, the follicle releases the egg and sends it to the fallopian tube. While this brief summary might sound simple, the process is complex, needs perfect timing, and is tightly controlled by multiple hormones. The brain releases hormones that control the reproduction process. The hormones affect the ovaries and your reproductive organs. Any issue that interrupts hormonal communication and affects hormone levels leads to ovulation disorders and infertility.

Ovulation Disorders

Any hormone that interrupts the maturation of an egg and its release during the monthly menstrual cycle causes ‘ovulation disorder’. While there are many causes of ovulatory dysfunction, the major ones are:

  • • PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is caused by hormonal imbalance and is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS is regarded as one of the leading causes of female infertility.
  • • Hypothalamic Dysfunction: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) that are produced by the pituitary gland are responsible for stimulating the monthly ovulation cycle. Both mental and physical stress, sudden weight gain and loss, and low body weight can result in hormonal imbalance, resulting in ovulation disorder.
  • • Premature Ovarian Failure: This condition is also known as primary ovarian insufficiency and can be a premature loss of eggs from the ovaries or even an autoimmune issue. This can be the result of a medical therapy like chemotherapy or a genetic condition. In such instances, the ovary does not produce eggs, and the oestrogen levels get lowered before age 40.
  • • Excess Prolactin: This condition is called hyperprolactinemia, where the pituitary glands produce excess prolactin that results in reduced oestrogen production, resulting in fertility problems. This occurs during the fallout of taking medications for another condition.

Diagnosing and Treating Ovulation Disorders

If you are not able to conceive naturally, then a visit to a fertility specialist is highly recommended. Our team of specialists usually suggests the following:

  • • Over-the-counter test kit to analyse if the LH hormone production is at an accepted level
  • • Blood tests to check prolactin and progesterone levels
  • • Ovarian reserve testing is used to determine the quality and quantity of eggs. Women over 35 have a depleted quantity of eggs.
  • • Hormone testing is used to check the levels of ovulatory hormones, along with pituitary and thyroid hormones that control the reproductive process.
  • • At times, we suggest genetic testing or laparoscopy to detect abnormalities.

The treatment for ovulation disorders depends on the cause, and while medication is the first choice, if the fertility drugs are unable to produce the desired result, then the team of fertility experts suggests IVF treatment to the couple for getting pregnant.

IRM: We Have Helped Thousands Of Couples Enjoy The Bliss Of Parenthood

At IRM, we help treat ovulation disorders by undertaking a wholesome approach. Our team advises medication for regulating the menstrual cycle or offers IVF treatment along with lifestyle management programmes to manage the disorder. We tailor your treatment plan depending on the cause of the ovarian disorder. Connect with our team of fertility experts to learn more and get an effective, customised treatment plan.