Infertility is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and in recent years, the number of couples struggling to conceive has been on the rise. For those experiencing infertility, the journey towards parenthood can be a long and emotional one, but with the advancement of modern medicine, various fertility treatments are now available for individuals and couples who want to become parents.
One of the most sought-after fertility treatments is assisted reproductive technology (ART), which includes a range of techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and surrogacy. While each of these procedures has its benefits and drawbacks, selecting the most suitable treatment option for a patient depends on various factors such as the underlying infertility cause and several other healthcare-related aspects.
IVF treatment, for instance, involves fertilizing the egg outside the body and transferring the embryo back to the uterus, while IUI involves inserting sperm directly into the uterus during a woman’s ovulation period. On the other hand, ICSI is a more advanced form of IVF where a single sperm is directly injected into the egg, while surrogacy is an option where a surrogate mother carries and delivers a baby for a person or a couple.
While undergoing fertility treatment, there are several things that couples should keep in mind to improve their chances of successful conception. Here are some dos and don’ts for couples undergoing fertility treatment:
Do’s:
1. Maintain a healthy weight: Obese or underweight women may have difficulty conceiving, so it is imperative to maintain a healthy weight.
2. Diversify your diet: Include a variety of healthy food options in your diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, dairy products, and healthy fats are essential for overall health and fertility.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water each day to keep your body hydrated and flush out toxins.
4. Keep your stress at bay: Stress can negatively affect your fertility, so it is necessary to engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga, acupuncture, or meditation to stay calm and relaxed.
5. Stay active: Exercising regularly can boost your fertility and overall health. However, it’s essential not to overdo it, and it’s best to consult with a fertility specialist on what type of exercise plan would be appropriate.
Don’ts:
1. Do not smoke: Smoking cigarettes can damage fertility and lead to complications during pregnancy.
2. Do not drink alcohol: Excess alcohol consumption can affect sperm and egg quality and increase the risk of miscarriage.
3. Do not consume caffeine: While moderate consumption of caffeine is safe, excessive coffee or tea consumption can negatively affect fertility.
4. Say no to recreational drugs: Illicit drug use can interfere with reproductive hormones and lead to fertility problems.
5. Do not use lubricants: Sperm-friendly lubricants should be used to improve chances of conception.
Apart from the do’s and don’ts, other lifestyle factors can also affect fertility. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet plan, exercising regularly, and quitting unhealthy habits, if any, can improve your chances of successful conception.
As mentioned earlier, infertility affects both men and women, and deciding on the appropriate assisted reproductive technique depends on the underlying cause of infertility. For example, for women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis, IVF may be the best treatment option, while IUI is suitable for those who have mild male factor infertility.
IVF and ICSI, on the other hand, are ideal treatments for men who have low sperm count, low motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. In contrast, surrogacy is an ideal option for same-sex couples, those who have undergone a hysterectomy, have medical conditions that make pregnancy dangerous, or have been deemed medically infertile.
In summary, infertility is a distressing condition, but with modern fertility treatments, many couples can experience the joys of parenthood. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle plan, following the do’s and don’ts, and seeking professional help from a fertility specialist can help increase the chances of successful conception. If you’re experiencing fertility problems, reach out to a fertility specialist for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment options that cater to your unique needs.