Infertility- A Growing concern in Sikkim

 

 

Infertility seemed to be a far-fetched word in Sikkim in the past, and it was talked in hushed

tones, and we used to hear isolated incidents of someone having a test tube baby, and the

general mass was oblivious regarding Infertility and its treatment.

What is Infertility?

 

It is defined as one year of unprotected intercourse without conception for women less than 35 years (If the age of lady is more than 35 years - then not able to conceive even after 6 months of regular intercourse).

If the lady has never conceived earlier then its termed as Primary Infertility, and it is termed as Secondary Infertility if she is unable to become pregnant or carry a baby to term after previously giving birth to a baby.

Some prefer the term sub-fertility to describe couples, who are not sterile but exhibit decreased reproductive efficiency. Approximately 85-90% of healthy young couples conceive within 1 year, most within 6 months.

 

Why are we talking regarding Infertility in Sikkim?

Because it’s a growing concern in the present generation, as the females of our society are well educated, and has achieved excellence in all sections- be it education, business- they give tough competition to the males- Kudos to the females, but in this race, we don’t realize that our fertility potential decreases with age, i.e. quality of our eggs diminishes with every passing day.

      Thankfully we are in that era, where infertility can be dealt with, but proper education

regarding the subject is essential. 

 

When should a couple consult an infertility expert?

1.      When a couple is not able to conceive after regular intercourse in 1 year (if the age of Female is less than 35 years; 6 months if age  is more than 35 years)

2.      Recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage more than or equal to two.

3.      Husband having erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, poor sperm count, no sperm in semen etc

4.      A woman with ovulatory dysfunction like PCOS; not able to conceive with three or

more ovulation induction protocols, like Clomiphene citrate, letrozole.

5.      A woman who had failed three or more IUI cycles.

6.      A woman who has a history of pelvic surgery, ovarian cyst surgery, pelvic inflammatory

disease, uterine masses, genital tuberculosis.

7.      A couple not able to have successful intercourse even after marriage (Unconsummated marriage).

 

The above the points are answers to the frequently asked questions, which I hope will help couples facing fertility issues.

 

Infertility is no more a permanent issue; medical advancement has created a bridge of hope.