FAQs
Explore answers to frequently asked questions
Infertility is a very common phenomenon these days. A study showed that it affects one out of every 6 people. 40% of the time it may be related to the woman or man and 20% of the time it results from a combination of both. IVF or Invitro Fertilization is a procedure that has proved to be helpful in helping couples who are unable to conceive naturally. In this procedure, the egg is extracted from the patient and fertilized by the sperm and then inserted back into the patient. The process requires constant monitoring and proper medication to ensure success.
FAQ General Fertility
In general, birth control pills do not affect fertility. Within 1 to 2 months of stopping pills, a woman’s menstrual cycle returns to what’s considered normal for her.
Birth control pills will “cover over ” a woman’s natural and possibly irregular cycle giving her a predictable monthly cycle. When she stops pills, her cycle returns to her normal and possibly irregular cycle and hence the pill gets the blame.
Birth control pills will “cover over ” a woman’s natural and possibly irregular cycle giving her a predictable monthly cycle. When she stops pills, her cycle returns to her normal and possibly irregular cycle and hence the pill gets the blame.
Within one to two cycles, all women who have a naturally strong ovulatory and regular cycle should be ovulating. You can use an ovulation predictor kit to help time intercourse with ovulation.
The rate of conception is highly dependent on the quality and quantity of the woman’s egg. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a woman’s best reproductive years are in her 20s. Fertility gradually declines in the 30s, particularly after age 35. Each month that she tries, a healthy, fertile 30-year-old woman has a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant. That means that for every 100 fertile 30-year-old womentrying to get pregnant in one cycle, 20 will be successful and the other 80 will have to try again. By age 40, a woman’s chance is less than 5 percent per cycle, so fewer than five out of every 100 women are expected to be successful each month.
The concept of a woman’s egg quality has everything to do with the probability that an embryo will implant and is strongly related to the age of the woman’s egg and her ovarian reserve. We cannot determine egg quality by looking at an egg or measuring how receptive it will be to sperm, or even how well the embryo cells appear to be initially dividing.
We can test egg supply with ovarian reserve testing, but we do not currently have a test for egg quality; instead, the most reliable test for egg quality is female age.
Much of the problem with egg quality as women age has to do with an increased likelihood for chromosomal abnormalities to affect the eggs. Chromosomal abnormalities may affect the number of chromosomes, as in the case of Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, or the structure of chromosomes, which may show as chromosome translocation, duplication, or deletion. The bottom line, egg quality decreases and the rate of chromosomal abnormality increases as a woman ages.
We can test egg supply with ovarian reserve testing, but we do not currently have a test for egg quality; instead, the most reliable test for egg quality is female age.
Much of the problem with egg quality as women age has to do with an increased likelihood for chromosomal abnormalities to affect the eggs. Chromosomal abnormalities may affect the number of chromosomes, as in the case of Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, or the structure of chromosomes, which may show as chromosome translocation, duplication, or deletion. The bottom line, egg quality decreases and the rate of chromosomal abnormality increases as a woman ages.
Often when couples aren’t on birth control they will avoid pregnancy by having the male partner withdraw prior to ejaculation. Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation is not an effective method of contraception. Something else is going on that you have not yet become pregnant.
The best time to have intercourse that will result in conception is during a woman’s luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. In an ideal28 day cycle, this typically happens around day 14. The body releases the egg 24 hours after the peak of the LH surge. The egg only lives for 1 day after ovulation. If conception has not occurred, the egg dies and there will not be a pregnancy that month.
Ejaculated sperm can live in the reproductive track for 4 days, but optimal timing is with the LH surge so that sperm will be waiting in the Fallopian tube when the egg arrives. It is reasonable to try from days 12 to 16. Some people may choose to extend this from days 10 to 18. If there was only 1 day per month that a couple could engage in intercourse, then they should have sex at the time of the LH surge. Intercourse too early in the cycle or later in the month maybe important in a relationship, but it is recreational not procreative.
Ejaculated sperm can live in the reproductive track for 4 days, but optimal timing is with the LH surge so that sperm will be waiting in the Fallopian tube when the egg arrives. It is reasonable to try from days 12 to 16. Some people may choose to extend this from days 10 to 18. If there was only 1 day per month that a couple could engage in intercourse, then they should have sex at the time of the LH surge. Intercourse too early in the cycle or later in the month maybe important in a relationship, but it is recreational not procreative.
If you have regular and predicable cycle, then you are ovulating. Many women have an awareness of the changes in their body across their menstrual cycle. Some women note changes in the cervical mucus, otherssay they can actually feel the ovulation event. Once ovulation occurs and the egg is released, you may feel the effects of progesterone such as breast tenderness. However, if you don’t feel these things, you can certainly still be ovulating especially if you have a regular cycle.
One way to be sure ovulation is occurring is to use an ovulation predictor kit. There are many brands. Our patients have had good luck with the Clear Blue Easy kit, as it is very easy to interpret—a circle for negative, a smiley face for positive. Begin testing around day 12. It is good to have a couple of negative days, so that when you get a positive, you are sure it is positive.
We do not recommend the digital kit, which provides information on high fertility (by measuring estrogen, and then a flashing smiley face that measures LH). It is expensive and does not provide additional useful information.
People should do what feels natural. Getting pregnant can be stressful. Sex should not be stressful. Often couples (read: men) have trouble performing on demand. Attempting conception after several months of negative results can put a strain on couples and impedes the romance in a relationship. Our physicians typically say that having sexual intercourse every other day during the week of ovulation (days 12 to 18) is reasonable.If every day feels right for you, then go for it. Some couples are concerned that daily sex will deplete the amount of sperm the male has available. This is a myth.
No. They all work.
This is not necessary. If it makes you feel more at ease, you can wait 5 to 10 minutes before getting up, although this is not necessary.
No. More than enough sperm stay inside the vagina.
IVF FAQs
The process may take upto 2 months depending on the health condition of the patient. Several tests are done to analyse the health condition, following which medicines are given to stop menstruation. When the eggs are formed and ready to be fertilized, it is extracted from the patient. The eggs are further studied and then injected with the sperm and constantly monitored till it is fertilized and ready to be put back in the womb.
In women, the decline in fertility begins at around 35 and accelerates through the 30s and 40s. This means that by the early 40s it is much more difficult to conceive and by 45 there is a much reduced chance of treatment succeeding. This is due to the decline in both the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries over time. Although men’s fertility remains more stable, it also declines over time, with declining testosterone levels meaning that fewer sperm are produced. All’s not lost for older patients, but if you are considering starting fertility treatment, it is better to do so sooner rather than later.
In IVF, more than one fertilized egg is inserted into the fallopian tube to increase the chances of a pregnancy. In cases where more than one egg latches on to the womb, there is a possibility of multiple pregnancy.
Some women do get pregnant with just one IVF cycle, but most women need to undergo multiple rounds before they are successful. It is advisable to wait a month in between each cycle.
Breast tenderness and abdominal bloating are two side effects of IVF shots. While it’s typically not severe, it’s kind of like having PMS symptoms that drag on for about two weeks. Shots can also cause bruising at the site, typically your stomach or thigh.
MALE INFERTIITY
Support for infertility awareness isn’t limited to female infertility – male factor infertility requires the same education and awareness.
With these ratios, one would think male and female fertility awareness would be equally well known, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. Even though we as a society still have a long way to go in appropriately acknowledging and supporting female infertility, we are even farther from doing the same for male infertility.
Sperm production is at its best when you are a normal, healthy weight. Carrying extra weight increases fat cells which produce estrogen, causing a hormonal imbalance that can disrupt normal sperm production. Don’t reach for the quick fix either; weight loss supplements often affect sperm production.
Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine have been associated with decreased sperm function as toxins damage the sperm. For men trying to conceive, I recommend eliminating tobacco, consuming no more than two alcoholic drinks per day (and no more than six per week), and drinking less than 300 mg of caffeine per day. A typical cup of coffee has approximately 100mg of coffee, and a soda typically has about 50 mg.
Avoid baths or saunas with very hot temperatures. Immersion in hot water increases the temperature in the scrotum, leading to damaged sperm production. It’s also best to avoid laptop computers and cell phones in the front pocket. Overexposure to hot temperatures can take approximately three months to recover healthy sperm production.
Even though they can make intercourse more enjoyable, most lubricants – including saliva, KY jelly, and olive oil – are toxic to sperm. If you do need to use something, the less toxic lubricants are “pre-seed,” mineral oil, and canola oil, but they should be used sparingly.
Sometimes men I talk to don’t even realize they’re taking testosterone substances. These can be either doctor prescribed, recreational for body building, or even over-the-counter supplements. There are many supplements sold at nutrition stores that contain testosterone or testosterone-like products. These products send messages to the testicles that there is enough testosterone around so the brain can stop sending the signals to make sperm.
If you’re taking one of these over-the-counter supplements, stop immediately. The damage done is often reversible, but can take three months or longer. If you’re taking doctor-prescribed testosterone, check with your doctor before discontinuing.
If you’re taking one of these over-the-counter supplements, stop immediately. The damage done is often reversible, but can take three months or longer. If you’re taking doctor-prescribed testosterone, check with your doctor before discontinuing.
I have a lot of patients who worked at the mill or railroad who were exposed to toxins and had abnormal sperm as a result. Sometimes this exposure is unavoidable, depending on your work environment, but try to avoid toxins and chemicals where possible. Use BPA-free plastics for food and water bottles, avoid paint fumes, and stay away from chemicals. Sperm are sensitive little guys!
Rest assured, most exercise is sperm-friendly. Some activities such as hot yoga or bicycle riding can increase temperature in the scrotum, which can interfere with normal sperm production.
This can be challenging with the demands of everyday life. I recommend intercourse every one or two days around time of ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs 11-21 days after the first day of the menstrual period, but can vary. To help focus efforts, women can buy ovulation kits at the pharmacy. These kits measure urine levels of the hormone LH, or luteinizing hormone. This hormone’s levels rise about 12-36 hours before ovulation. I recommend having intercourse the day the kit turns positive, as well as the following day.
After a year, 85 percent of young couples will have conceived. If the female partner is under 35, then you should see a fertility specialist after you have tried to conceive for one year. But if the female partner is 35 or older, seek a consultation if it’s been longer than six months.
SEVEN PEARLS OF WISDOM – THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE DOING IVF
Before deciding to pursue IVF, patients should try to understand the treatment process and what is involved in each step. Being well informed is the best way to be mentally prepared for the emotional and physical changes that IVF can bring. Success rates vary from clinic to clinic, so don’t be afraid to ask what your chances of having a baby are with a particular treatment.
Adopting a balanced diet and fitness program is the best way to start any fertility journey. Studies have shown that women who are in better physical and emotional health have the highest chance of success with IVF.
Experience tells us that women under 35 have the highest success rates for conceiving through both natural and assisted reproductive technologies. Beyond that age, the chances for success begin to decline significantly. Stay positive and confident on your respective IVF journeys, but also be mindful that factors such as age, weight, lifestylehabits and general health will determine your likelihood of success.
While past research has leaned both ways, it’s understood now that psychological factors contribute very minimally to fertility (if at all).Stress doesn’t really cause infertility; infertility causes stress.
Breast tenderness and abdominal bloating are two side effects of IVF shots. While it’s typically not severe, it’s kind of like having PMS symptoms that drag on for about two weeks. Shots can also cause bruising at the site, typically your stomach or thigh
IVF can be pricey, But it’s also the best bet for infertile couples to get pregnant.IVF has highest success rate for many patients,of all infertility treatments . It also is the best way to make sure you don’t have twins or triplets (which can happen with other fertility treatments and increases the likelihood of premature birth and low birth weight) and—if you opt for advanced genetic screening—minimize the risk of genetic disorders and increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
It’s easy to feel down and think negatively about yourself and your body when you’re suffering with infertility. If you’re feeling down on yourself, you might not be so self loving and self nurturing . But it’s important to take care of yourself to help keep the stressful process manageable. Whether it’s taking time every day to meditate, treating yourself to a massage, or just setting aside time each day for a hobby you love, always remember that taking good care of you is just as important as any other step of the IVF process.
COFFEE , FERTILITY AND IVF
Current guidelines established by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advise pregnant women not to exceed more than two cups of coffee per day. Pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine intake to 1-2 regular cups of caffeinated drinks per day, which is considered moderate intake, due to the potential risks to the fetus. We know caffeine passes through the placenta, and the fetus is unable to metabolize the caffeine. This can result in growth restriction. Fertility patients are also at risk in terms of miscarriage, and in general should practice a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle habitsas a pregnant woman would. It is important to remember that two cups means 16 ounces. Lattes, espresso, and any size larger than 16 ounces has a higher level of caffeine. The average cup of coffee consumed by Americans contains between 95 and 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. Tea, ice cream, or a piece of chocolate contains around 35 mg of caffeine while energy drinks can contain as much as 208 mg of caffeine. Excess amount of green tea also contributes to caffeine in the system . The average “large” cup of coffee from one of the more popular coffee house chains has about 400 mg of caffeine. There are definite risks to fertility and pregnancy associated with high levels of caffeine consumption. However, when consumed in moderation, caffeine and drinks like coffee offer some benefits to fertility patients and pregnant women coping with the effects of an influx of hormones. The guidelines do not mean one has to stop enjoying a morning cup of coffee !