Introduction
Infertility is a common problem affecting almost 15% of couples worldwide. With changing lifestyles and increasing stress levels, the fertility rate is declining significantly. However, medical advancements have made it possible for those who face infertility to become parents through various assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and surrogacy. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the best IVF clinic in Thrissur and discuss the process of the different ART procedures.
Do’s and Don’ts
Before opting for any ART procedure, it is essential to follow a healthy lifestyle and diet. Here are some do’s and don’ts for couples who are planning to undergo fertility treatment:
Do’s
1. Exercise regularly- Regular physical activity strengthens your immune system and induces hormonal balance, increasing the chances of successful conception.
2. Keep track of your menstrual cycle- A period tracker app can help monitor ovulation and schedule the right time for intercourse or the ART procedure.
3. Maintain a healthy diet- A nutrient-rich diet, including whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, can maintain optimal fertility levels.
4. Stay hydrated- Drinking enough water improves the quality and quantity of cervical mucus, making it easier for sperm to travel to the egg.
5. Consume food rich in antioxidants- Antioxidants like vitamin C and E neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing damage to sperm and eggs.
Don’ts
1. Avoid smoking and alcohol- Smoking and drinking alcohol reduce fertility levels in both men and women and may have detrimental effects on the growing foetus.
2. Say no to stress- Chronic stress can severely impact fertility. It’s important to practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
3. Limit caffeine intake- Caffeine intake during fertility treatment might affect egg production. It’s better to avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages altogether.
4. Reduce processed and junk food- Processed and junk food can lead to weight gain, hormonal imbalance, and insulin resistance, which can affect both fertility and pregnancy.
Best Food and Vegetables to Eat
Certain foods and vegetables have shown to boost fertility levels. Including these in your daily diet can improve the chances of conception. Here’s a list of some:
1. Dark leafy greens – Spinach, kale, and broccoli are antioxidant-rich vegetables that aid in sperm health and ovarian function.
2. Seafood – Oysters, salmon, and sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that facilitate hormone regulation and strengthen the endometrial lining.
3. Lentils and other legumes – Lentils, chickpeas, and beans are high in protein and folic acid that promotes sperm and egg quality.
4. Nuts – Almonds, brazil nuts and cashews are a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps form healthy sperm and eggs.
5. Berries and fruits – Blueberries, raspberries, pomegranates, and oranges are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that improve sperm and egg quality.
Process of Different ART Procedures
1. IUI- Intrauterine insemination involves inserting washed and processed sperm through the cervix into the uterus during ovulation. It’s a simple, painless procedure and takes only a few minutes. The pregnancy success rate is usually low in IUI, and it’s advisable to proceed with IVF for better results.
2. IVF- In-vitro fertilisation involves the retrieval of ovarian follicles and fertilizing them with the sperm in a laboratory dish. The fertilised embryo is then implanted into the uterus. IVF is a complex procedure and involves stimulation of ovaries, monitoring follicular growth, egg retrieval, fertilisation, and embryo transfer. The success rate of IVF is higher than IUI.
3. ICSI- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is recommended for men suffering from severe male factor infertility. It involves injecting a single sperm into the cytoplasm of the egg using a microneedle. The fertilised embryo is then transferred into the uterus.
4. Surrogacy – Surrogacy is an ART procedure designed for couples where the woman cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons. In surrogacy, a surrogate mother gets pregnant through a fertility treatment procedure an embryo transfer, and carries the pregnancy to term for the intended parents.
Conclusion
Infertility can be an emotionally and physically taxing experience for couples. However, advances in reproductive technology have made it possible to overcome infertility and start families. The best IVF clinic in Thrissur provides exceptional care and treatment to couples looking to conceive. While undergoing any fertility treatment, it’s essential to focus on a healthy lifestyle, diet and take the support of your partner throughout the process. We hope this article has given you an overview of fertility treatments and the preparation needed for it.
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