What is Fertility?
Fertility is the ability to have a child. When a couple has been trying to conceive for more than one year without success, they may be considered infertile. There are many causes of infertility, including problems with ovulation, sperm production, or fallopian tubes.
Effects of Infertility
Infertility can have a significant impact on a couple's physical, emotional, and financial well-being. It can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss. Infertility can also be expensive, as treatment can be costly.
Causes of Infertility
The causes of infertility can be different for men and women. In women, common causes of infertility include:
- Ovulation problems. This is when the ovaries do not release an egg each month.
- Blocked fallopian tubes. This can happen due to infection, surgery, or endometriosis.
- Endometriosis. This is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is an infection of the female reproductive organs.
In men, common causes of infertility include:
- Low sperm count. This is when there are not enough sperm in the ejaculate.
- Poor sperm quality. This is when the sperm are not healthy or motile (able to move).
- Varicocele. This is a varicose vein in the scrotum that can affect sperm production.
AI - Artificial Insemination: Artificial insemination is a fertility treatment method that involves placing sperm directly into a woman's reproductive system to facilitate fertilization. This procedure is used to assist couples or individuals in achieving pregnancy when natural conception is challenging.
Blastocyst Transfer: Blastocyst transfer is a technique used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) where embryos are allowed to develop for a few days before being transferred into the uterus. This method aims to improve the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Contraception: Contraception refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. It includes various birth control methods such as oral contraceptives, condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization procedures.
Cycle Monitoring: Cycle monitoring involves tracking and monitoring a woman's menstrual cycle to determine the most fertile period for conception. This process typically includes regular ultrasound scans, hormone level measurements, and other tests to assess ovulation and reproductive health.
Easrly Embryo Viability Assessment - EEVA: Early Embryo Viability Assessment (EEVA) is a non-invasive method used to assess the viability of embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It utilizes time-lapse imaging technology to monitor embryo development and select the most viable embryos for transfer.
Egg Donation: Egg donation is a fertility treatment option where eggs from a donor are retrieved and used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive techniques. This allows individuals or couples with fertility issues to achieve pregnancy using donor eggs.
Egg Freezing: Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a method where a woman's eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for future use. This allows women to preserve their fertility and have the option of using their frozen eggs in the future when they are ready to conceive.
Egg Sharing: Egg sharing is a process where a woman undergoing fertility treatment donates some of her eggs to another individual or couple in need of donor eggs. The donor receives a discounted or free IVF cycle in exchange for their egg donation.
Embryo Donation: Embryo donation involves the transfer of embryos from couples who have completed their fertility treatments to individuals or couples who are unable to conceive with their own eggs and sperm. This allows the recipients to achieve pregnancy and experience childbirth.
Embryo Freezing: Embryo freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a technique used to preserve embryos for future use. During in vitro fertilization (IVF), excess embryos are frozen and stored for later transfer if needed.
Emergency Contraception: Emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. It contains hormones that help prevent or delay ovulation or inhibit fertilization.
Fertility Specialist Consultation: A fertility specialist consultation involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual or couple's reproductive health and fertility issues. The specialist assesses medical history, performs tests, and provides personalized guidance and treatment options to improve fertility.
Fertility Test: Fertility testing involves various diagnostic tests and evaluations to assess reproductive health and determine the underlying causes of infertility. These tests may include hormone level measurements, ultrasound scans, semen analysis, and other assessments.
FET - Frozen Embryo Transfer: Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a procedure where previously frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into a woman's uterus during an IVF cycle. This allows for the transfer of embryos that were cryopreserved in a previous IVF cycle.
ICSI - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced technique used in IVF treatment where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to achieve fertilization. It is employed in cases of male factor infertility or when conventional IVF methods have not been successful.
IMSI - Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-Selected Sperm Injection: Intracytoplasmic Morphologically-Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI) is a specialized form of ICSI that involves the use of high-magnification microscopy to select sperm with optimal morphological characteristics for fertilization. It helps improve the chances of successful embryo development and pregnancy.
IUD - Intrauterine Device: An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a long-acting reversible contraceptive method that can provide protection for several years.
IUI - Intrauterine Insemination: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment method where washed and prepared sperm are directly placed into a woman's uterus around the time of ovulation. It aims to increase the chances of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes for fertilization.
IVF - In Vitro Fertilization: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment procedure where eggs and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
IVM - In Vitro Maturation: In Vitro Maturation (IVM) is an alternative method to traditional IVF where immature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and matured in a laboratory before being fertilized and transferred. It offers a less intensive treatment option for certain individuals.
Ovulation Induction: Ovulation induction involves the use of medications to stimulate egg development and promote ovulation in women who have irregular or absent ovulation. It aims to improve the chances of achieving pregnancy.
PGD - Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a genetic testing technique performed on embryos created through IVF. It allows for the screening of embryos for specific genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities before transfer into the uterus.
PGS - Preimplantation Genetic Screening: Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is a genetic testing method used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or aneuploidy. It helps select the most viable embryos for transfer during IVF treatment.
PRP for Ovarian Rejuvenation: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for ovarian rejuvenation is a treatment that involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient's blood into the ovaries to potentially improve ovarian function and increase fertility.
Sexual Health Advice: Sexual health advice involves counseling and guidance provided by healthcare professionals to address concerns related to sexual health, reproductive health, and family planning.
SO-IUI - Superovulation with Intrauterine Insemination: Superovulation with Intrauterine Insemination (SO-IUI) is a fertility treatment method that involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs (superovulation) followed by intrauterine insemination. It enhances the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy.
Sperm - FISH Analysis: Sperm Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Analysis is a genetic test performed on sperm to evaluate chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders. It provides information about the quality and genetic integrity of sperm.
Sperm Assessment: Sperm assessment involves evaluating various parameters of sperm quality, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and other factors. It helps determine male fertility potential and guide appropriate treatment options.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Sperm DNA fragmentation testing assesses the integrity of sperm DNA. High levels of fragmentation can impact fertility and embryo development. This test helps identify potential causes of male infertility and guides treatment decisions.
Sperm Freezing: Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a method of preserving sperm for future use. It is often performed before medical treatments that may affect fertility or for individuals who wish to preserve their fertility.
Surgical Sperm Retrieval: Surgical sperm retrieval procedures are used to obtain sperm directly from the reproductive tract when sperm is not present in the ejaculate. These procedures can be performed in cases of obstructive azoospermia or other conditions.
Tubal Ligation: Tubal ligation, commonly known as "getting your tubes tied," is a permanent method of female sterilization. It involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent the eggs from reaching the uterus for fertilization.
Tubal Surgery: Tubal surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on the fallopian tubes to correct abnormalities, remove blockages, or repair damage. It aims to restore tubal function and improve fertility.
Vasectomy: Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization. It involves cutting or sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles, to prevent sperm from reaching the semen.
Vasectomy Reversal: Vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure performed to reconnect the vas deferens after a previous vasectomy. It aims to restore fertility by allowing the passage of sperm during ejaculation.
How Wupdoc Can Help
If you are struggling with infertility, Wupdoc can help. Wupdoc is a platform that connects users with specialist doctors who can provide treatment and support.
To get started, simply create a profile on Wupdoc, list the doctors/clinics, read patients reviews, compare them and enquiry. You can then schedule a consultation with any of the doctors to discuss your options.
If you are struggling with infertility, Wupdoc can help you find the specialist doctor you need to start your family.
