Infertility is the most common term now accepted by the current generation to describe a couple unable to conceive despite all possible efforts. They are faced with innumerable doubts and questions that include, ‘how focused are you,’ ‘what were the various efforts you took,’ ‘how much does one know about one’s health’ and so on. And upon meeting counsellors, the questions get a lot more intense and intimate – ‘do you know your personality type,’ ‘do you know that certain eating habits are influenced by ones nature,’ ‘do you know how stress created by your work is affecting your fertility’ and they go on.

Time and quality decision plays a vital role in IVF treatment:

In reality every married couple is capable of knowing themselves and their partner to a great extent. Details pertaining to fertility health, stress, habits, lifestyle choices, culture and religious practices, work and work demands, one’s physical ability and time are a few key areas to contemplate and look within. Above all, time and quality decision making plays a vital role in IVF treatment, treatment process and its outcome.

When it comes to fertility, a couple must exhibit a healthy sexual life, intimacy, understanding, nurturing and support for each other. Medically, hormonal imbalance, nutrition, and exercise play a key role. Once a couple decides to start a family, the first and foremost step is to visit a qualified, experienced gynaecologist who is also an infertility specialist. It becomes the couple’s responsibility to adhere to the advice given, to follow instructions charted by their specialist, to undergo stipulated blood tests, follicle growth scan and timely medications.

If it so happens that the simple plans don’t succeed, the couple must take the time to decide whether to move ahead with advanced treatments. These may provide better results and may also identify the causes of infertility, which will help the couple and their specialist to choose a targeted treatment. A lot of time, effort and money goes into obtaining a fruitful outcome.

A few leading causes for IVF failure :

A few leading causes for IVF failure are endometriosis, adhenomyosis, infections in endometrium among women, poor sperm quality and DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress in semen, obstructive azoospermia, varicocele, small testicles, undescended testicles among men and immunological infertility, psychiatric treatments, auto-immune disorders and genetic abnormalities in both men and women. Most people are aware that the types of treatment available are IUI and IVF/ICSI. What they do not know, however, is the exact reason why the couple is affected.

This is where PGD (Preimplantation genetic diagnosis) and PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) play a vital role in IVF failures, identifying the causes by subjecting embryo cells to genetic testing. If a couple delays taking up advance treatment, how can they know why repeated natural cycle, natural cycle with mild medications, and natural cycle with injections for follicle rupturing, IUI and IVF fails.

Time is of the essence, to take advantage of modern tests available. With age, the quality of ovarian functions diminishes and so, the outcomes. Such tests are fruitful with good ovarian functions, so why compromise? Every effort that does not lead to the expected or desired results leads one to a state of depression, identified by symptoms such as feeling low, sad, mood disturbances and so forth. Many times, depression is prolonged and goes unnoticed post IVF failure. If not treated, it could lead to psychosis. Not knowing what is happening in one’s body causes distress among such affected couples. The mood swings, medications and its effects, emotional turmoil and anxiety that breaks out in every activity exacts a heavy strain on them.

Watch our Video: HOW TO TACKLE COVID 19 DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY?

Dont ignore anxiety and depression:

Anxiety and Depression are commonly associated with ignorance, lack of quality decision making, too many people offering advice, cheap medical advice and inappropriate lifestyle, which often supplement the cause of failure. Currently, COVID-19 is new cause of stress, where people don’t have a lot of information and the course of action is vague. Couples now have to include self-isolation, immunity strengthening diet and lifestyle and getting tested for COVID-19 before their infertility treatment begins. Maintain social distancing, follow hand hygiene and wear masks that cover the nose and mouth while going out. Follow these simple instructions while you make your dreams come true.

Also Read: MENTAL HEALTH AND STIGMA DURING COVID19 – LET’S STAY HOPEFUL.

Dr. Vijaya Geetha
Apollo CM Fertility
JP nagar, Bengaluru 560078

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