What is Infertility: Causes | Symptoms | Treatments
Having children is the dream of just about every married couple. For most married couples, this dream is more than just a dream and is a fact of life. However, for many married couples, having a baby is easier said than done because of an issue known as infertility. But what is infertility? What are its causes? And what are its popular cures?
In this blog, we discuss the issue of infertility in Nepal. Along with this, we also discuss two of its popular cures. So, with this in mind, let's get started.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is a medical condition that is characterized by the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term despite regular and unprotected sex for a year. Unlike what many of us think, infertility can affect both males and females. Now infertility can be caused by a wide range of factors. This includes factors such as hormonal imbalance, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions. Luckily, there are many measures to counter infertility. These cures include treatments like IUI and IVF.
What Are The Causes of Infertility?
As mentioned, infertility can be caused by a wide range of factors. While we already mentioned two of the primary causes of infertility, let's talk about some of the core
causes of infertility in both men and women.
Causes of Infertility in Men
Infertility in men can result from a wide range of factors. Some of the key causes of infertility for men are as follows:
- Low sperm Count (oligospermia): The sperm produced is lower than normal quantity.
- Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenospermia): A situation where sperm cells cannot move effectively.
- Abnormal Sperm Morphology (teratozoospermia): A health condition where sperm are of abnormal shape
- Varicocele: This condition is characterized by swelling of veins that drain the testicle, reducing the sperm quality.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Imbalances of hormones such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinising hormone can affect sperm production
- Sexual Problems: This includes sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
- Testicular Injury or Surgery: Injuries to testicles or surgeries in the said organ can sometimes hinder sperm production and function.
These are some of the causes of infertility for men.
Causes of Infertility in Women
Along with lifestyle habits and hormonal imbalance, there are several other causes of infertility for women. Some of the key ones are as follows:
- Ovulation Disorders: This includes problems with ovulation, such as irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate
- Age-Related Factors: Another factor affecting women's fertility is its decline with age. The older the women, the lower their fertility.
- Structural Abnormalities: This includes abnormalities in reproductive organs such as blocked fallopian tubes and uterine fibroids.
- Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissues similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus, which leads to inflammation, scarring, and potential damage to the reproductive organs/
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This cause includes infection of reproductive organs, which are often caused by sexually transmitted infections.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency is also known as early menopause, and it occurs when ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40.
- Uterine Abnormalities: The structural abnormalities of the uterus, such as septate uterus or uterine adhesions, can interfere with implantation or miscarriage.
These are some of the key causes of infertility in women. Naturally, besides the ones we mentioned here, there can be several other causes of infertility.
What Are The Symptoms of Infertility?
Now that you have a good idea of infertility and its causes, let's talk about the symptoms. Some of the key symptoms of infertility are as follows.
Symptoms of Infertility in Men
There can be several symptoms of infertility in Men. That said, some of the common symptoms are as follows:
- Difficulty in achieving pregnancy: One of the key symptoms of infertility in men is not being able to get pregnant despite a year of constant unprotected sex.
- Changes in Sexual Function: Problems with sexual function, such as difficulty in maintaining an erection, premature ejaculation, or pain during ejaculation, can also signal infertility in men.
- Pain, Swelling, or Lumps in Testicles: These symptoms can indicate conditions such as varicocele, epididymitis, or testicular torsion, which can affect sperm production or function.
- Changes in hair growth or other physical signs: These groups of symptoms include reduced facial or bodily hair growth, enlargement of breasts in men, or other signs of hormonal levels.
- Low Sperm Count: Although low sperm count is not a symptom, it is inductive of male infertility.
These are some of the key symptoms of infertility in men.
Symptoms of Infertility in Women
There are many symptoms of infertility in women. Some of the common symptoms are as follows:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: One of the key symptoms of infertility in women is irregular menstrual cycles. If you experience a longer, shorter, or untimely menstrual cycle, then it can be considered a symptom of infertility.
- Painful Periods: If you face severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, or other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, or headaches during menstruation, it can indicate conditions such as endometriosis.
- Absent or Infrequent Periods: If there are no periods or the periods are infrequent, then it can be a symptom of infertility.
- Weight Fluctuations: If the woman experiences frequent weight fluctuations or if it leads to obesity or being underweight, then it can be assumed to be caused by infertility. That said, the connection between obesity and infertility is not simple or straight. Rather, it is a multifaceted connection.
- Pain During Sex: If there is pain or discomfort during sex, it could be a sign of infertility.
These are some of the common symptoms of infertility in women. Besides the ones mentioned here, there can be several other symptoms of infertility in women.
Social Consequences of Infertility
After learning about the causes and symptoms of infertility, let's talk about some of its consequences. Along with consequences on health and family, infertility also has severe social consequences. Some of the social consequences of Infertility are as follows:
- Social Pressure: In many cultures, there is a huge pressure on couples to produce a child as soon as possible. Infertility can amplify this pressure, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy for individuals and couples experiencing fertility issues.
- Strained Relationships: Infertility can also strain relationships, especially romantic partnerships. Couples may experience increased conflict, communication challenges, and feelings of frustration.
- Social Isolation: Couples dealing with infertility may also feel isolated or misunderstood by their peers who do not share similar experiences. This can result in withdrawal from social gatherings with friends and family.
- Impact on Social Roles and Identity: Infertility can also lead to challenges in gender roles and expectations associated with family building and parenthood. Coupes may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or failure if they are unable to fulfill societal expectations.
These are some of the key social consequences of infertility. Besides the ones we mentioned, there can be several other social consequences of infertility.
Popular Cures For Infertility
Now that you have a general idea regarding what infertility is, along with its causes, symptoms, and consequences, let's finally talk about the popular cures. Now, there are
several cures for infertility. Two of such popular cures are IUI and IVF. But what are IUI and IVF? Let's talk about them.
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) Treatment
In vitro fertilization (IVF), is a popular form of assisted reproductive technology. In this form of treatment, the eggs are taken outside the uterus and then fertilized in a laboratory dish. The eggs, once fertilized, are then transferred back into the uterus for natural pregnancy. This process includes the following steps:
- Ovarian Stimulation
- Egg Retrieval
- Fertilization
- Embryo Culture
- Embryo Transfer
- Pregnancy Test
Advantages of IVF Treatment
After learning the basics of IVF, let's briefly talk about its advantages. Some of the
key advantages of IVF are as follows:
- It is an effective treatment option for couples who have been able to conceive through other fertility treatments
- It can increase the chances of pregnancy for couples with infertility
- IVF can be specifically customized to meet the needs of specific fertility issues such as male factor infertility, ovulation disorders, and tubular factors.
- IVF also allows for genetic testing to enable the screening of genetic testing of the baby.
- IVF allows for the individual couples to time the specific date of conception
These are some of the key advantages of IVF.
Success Rates of IVF in Nepal
Cost of IVF in Nepal
The specific
cost of IVF in Nepal varies depending on several factors. That said, at Hardik, the average cost for IVF is between NPR 3,50,000 and NPR 4,00,000 lakhs.
Why Couples Choose IVF
- IVF is pursued by couples by couples facing fertility issues.
- IVF allows for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to screen for embryos for abnormalities.
- It is adopted by older women as it enhances the success rates for pregnancy.
- IVF is a viable option for unexplained fertility.
- IVF is also preferred by couples who have had multiple recurrent miscarriages.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), is a form of infertility treatment where the sperm is directly injected into the uterus. The process of IUI is as follows:
- Initial Evaluation
- Ovulation Monitoring
- Semen Collection and Preparation
- Insemination
- Post Procedure Rest
- Luteal Phase Support
- Pregnancy Test
Advantages of IUI
There are several advantages of IUI. Some of the key advantages of IUI are as follows:
- IUI is a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve surgery or anesthesia.
- The procedure is quick and simple.
- It is highly effective for mild male factor infertility
- You can control the timing of insemination
- Low risk of multiple pregnancies
- IUI can be combined with induction medications to benefit women with ovulation disorders.
- It is highly cost-effective.
These are just some of the key advantages of IUI treatment.
Success Rates of IUI in Nepal
The specific
success rate of IUI in Nepal varies depending on your specific circumstances. That said, we can provide you with the general rates. The success rate of IUI based on their age is as follows:
- Around the age of 30: 20%
- Above 30 and below 35: 15%
- Above 35 and below 40: 10%
- Above 40: 5%
Cost of IUI Treatment
Similar to the success rate, the cost of IUI in Nepal varies on several factors. That said, we can provide you with a cost of IUI at Hardik IVF and Fertility Center. At Hardik, you can get the best IUI service, between NPR 15,000 and NPR 30,000.
These are some of the key points regarding Nepal's two most popular cures for infertility.
IUI Success Tips
- Ensure the IUI procedure is performed during the woman’s fertility window
- Use ovulation predictor kits and monitoring methods
- Prioritize sperm quality by abstaining from ejaculation for 2-5 days
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Follow the prescribed medication
- Seek emotional support
Difference Between IUI and IVF Treatment
The differences between IUI and IVF are as given below:
| IUI Treatment |
IVF Treatment |
|
It is the process where the sperm is injected directly into the uterus.
|
It is the process where the sperm and eggs are fertilized inside the petri dish. |
The process involved in IUI involves the following :
- Monitoring of the Menstrual Cycle
- Collecting and Processing the Sperm
- Injecting the Processed Sperm
|
The processes involved in IVF are as follows :
- Ovary Stimulation
- Egg Retrieval
- Fertilization
- Embryo Transfer
|
| The success rate of IUI is around 10% to 20%. |
The success rate of IVF is around 70% to 80%.
|
| The price of IUI is around Rs 15000 - Rs 30000. |
The price of IVF is around Rs 2,50,000 - Rs 4,00000. |
Conclusion
Infertility in Nepal is a major problem faced by many couples. Not only is it draining on physical and mental aspects, but it also has several negative social consequences as well. There can be several causes and symptoms of infertility. The good news here is that there are many cures for infertility, including but not limited to IUI and IVF.
In this blog, we discussed the general gist of infertility in Nepal, along with a brief introduction to IUI and IVF. We hope you found this helpful. If you want further insights into the world of infertility, along with IUI and IVF in Nepal, do check out some of our other
blogs. If you want the best IVF and IUI treatment in Nepal, feel free to remember us at Hardik IVF and Fertility Center also known as the
best IVF Center in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.
FAQs on infertility
What are the four causes of female infertility?
The four key causes of female infertility in Nepal are as follows:
- Cervical Mucus
- Endometriosis
- Damage to Fallopian Tubes
- Uterine Fibroids
What is the present total fertility rate in Nepal?
As per a survey in 2022, the fertility in Nepal has declined from 4.6 children in 2996 to 2.1 children in 2022.
Can infertility be cured?
It depends on the specific causes of infertility. Some causes of infertility can be cured rather easily, while some are incurable.
Who is most at risk for infertility?
Women above the age of 35 are most at risk of infertility.
What are three ways to prevent infertility?
The three key ways to prevent infertility are as follows:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit Smoking and Drinking
- Reduce Stress
What is the best treatment for infertility?
There is no “best” treatment for infertility. However, two of the best ones include IUI and IVF.
What is the most successful treatment for infertility?
The most successful infertility treatment varies depending on your specific circumstances. However, some of the treatments with high success rates are as follows:
Is infertility treatment safe?
Yes, in general, infertility treatments are safe.
