Institute of Reproductive Medicine

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.

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.

Tag: fertility treatments for women

Understanding the Concept of Infertility: Causes for Men and Women