Infertility is a complex medical condition that affects many couples across the world. Fortunately, advancements in reproductive medicine have led to various treatment options that can help individuals and couples overcome infertility and achieve their dream of having a child. However, understanding the terminology associated with infertility treatment can often be overwhelming for those who are new to the field. According to experts at the best IVF centre in Bangalore, here are some essential terminologies that will help you in comprehending infertility treatment.
- Infertility – Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse for couples under the age of 35, or six months for couples over the age of 35. It is important to note that infertility can affect both men and women, and it may have various underlying causes.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) – Assisted Reproductive Technology refers to a range of medical procedures used to treat infertility. These procedures involve the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos to facilitate conception. ART includes techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), among others.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – IVF is a widely used infertility treatment in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus with the goal of achieving a successful pregnancy. IVF is often recommended for individuals or couples with various fertility issues, including fallopian tube blockages, endometriosis, or low sperm count.
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- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – Intrauterine insemination involves the placement of specially prepared sperm directly into the woman’s uterus during ovulation. This method helps improve the chances of getting pregnant by bringing the sperm closer to the egg. Doctors often suggest IUI for couples who can’t explain why they’re having trouble getting pregnant, when the man has a slight problem with his sperm, or when there are issues with the woman’s cervix.
- Ovulation Induction – Ovulation induction is a technique used to stimulate the development of multiple eggs in a woman’s ovaries. It typically involves the administration of hormonal medications to promote the growth and maturation of follicles, which contain the eggs. Ovulation induction is often used in conjunction with other fertility treatments, such as IUI or IVF, to improve the chances of pregnancy.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) – Preimplantation genetic testing refers to a series of tests performed on embryos created through ART procedures. These tests can screen for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities, allowing doctors to select the healthiest embryos for transfer. PGT helps to reduce the risk of passing on certain genetic disorders to future children and can increase the success rates of IVF.
- Cryopreservation – Cryopreservation involves the freezing and storage of eggs, sperm, or embryos for future use. This technique allows individuals or couples to preserve their fertility by storing reproductive cells or embryos until they are ready to conceive. Cryopreservation is commonly used in cases where fertility may be compromised due to medical treatments like chemotherapy, or for individuals who wish to delay childbearing for personal or career reasons.
- Gestational Carrier/Surrogacy – Gestational carrier or surrogacy refers to an arrangement where another woman carries and delivers a baby on behalf of the intended parents. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created using the intended parents’ gametes or donated gametes and then transferred to the gestational carrier’s uterus. This option is often pursued when a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons or recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Male Factor Infertility – Male factor infertility refers to fertility issues that are primarily attributed to problems with sperm production, motility, or function. It can be diagnosed through semen analysis, which evaluates various parameters of sperm quality. Male factor infertility can be treated through interventions such as lifestyle modifications, hormonal therapy, or surgical procedures.
- Female Factor Infertility – Female factor infertility refers to infertility issues that primarily arise from problems with the female reproductive system. These may include ovulatory disorders, tubal blockages, uterine abnormalities, or conditions such as endometriosis. Female factor infertility can be addressed through medical or surgical interventions, depending on the underlying cause.
Understanding the essential terminology associated with infertility treatment is crucial for individuals and couples embarking on their fertility journey. By familiarising themselves with these terms, they can engage in more informed discussions with healthcare professionals, better comprehend treatment options, and make empowered decisions about their reproductive health. Infertility treatment is a rapidly evolving field, and staying knowledgeable about the latest terminology can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of available options and potential outcomes.