Infertility is the inability to conceive naturally after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (6 months if the woman is above 35). It affects both men and women and can often be successfully treated with modern reproductive technologies.
• Male factors:
Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal sperm shape, azoospermia, genetic issues.
• Female factors:
Ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS, endometriosis, poor egg quality.
• Combined / Unexplained:
Sometimes both partners contribute, or no clear cause is found.
1. Lifestyle & Medical Management
• Nutritional and lifestyle counseling.
• Medications for hormonal balance (PCOS, thyroid, prolactin issues).
• Treatment for infections or varicocele in men.
2. Ovulation Induction (OI)
• Fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries to release eggs.
• Recommended for women with irregular ovulation.
3. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
• Prepared sperm (partner or donor) is placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
• Best for mild male infertility, unexplained infertility, and ovulation issues.
4. In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in the lab.
• Embryos are cultured and transferred to the uterus.
• Best for blocked tubes, endometriosis, severe infertility, and failed IUI cycles.
5. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
• A single sperm is injected directly into the egg.
• Best for severe male infertility or failed IVF cycles.
6. IMSI (Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection)
• Advanced ICSI with high-magnification sperm selection.
• May be considered in selected cases of poor sperm morphology or repeated IVF/ICSI failures.
7. Sperm Retrieval Techniques (TESA, PESA, Micro-TESE)
• Used when sperm is absent in semen (azoospermia).
• Sperm is surgically retrieved from the testes/epididymis for use in ICSI.
1. Fertilization:
Sperm from the recipient's partner is combined with the donor’s eggs in the laboratory.
2. Embryo Transfer:
The resulting embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus.
3. Pregnancy Test:
A pregnancy test is conducted approximately 15 days later to confirm pregnancy.
4. Preparation:
The recipient’s uterus is prepared for pregnancy through medications and injections.
The first step is a detailed evaluation of both partners including semen analysis, hormonal tests, ultrasound, and medical history.
Your doctor will recommend treatment based on age, fertility test results, duration of infertility, and medical history.
Most treatments like IUI and IVF are minimally invasive. Some procedures like egg retrieval or Micro-TESE require anesthesia.
Success depends on the couple’s age, infertility cause, and treatment chosen. Your fertility specialist can provide an individualized estimate.
Mild infertility can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and ovulation tracking. Severe cases may require advanced treatments.