IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is considered a massive breakthrough in reproductive medicine, often seen as a "miracle" for couples struggling with infertility. It has provided hope for individuals and couples facing various challenges conceiving naturally, such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility.
Dr. Rashmi Agarwal from Nova IVF Fertility Center Gurugram visited Vaidam's office to address some of the basic yet very informative aspects of IVF.
Top Highlights of the Session
From explaining natural conception to the complexities of IVF, Dr. Rashmi shared her extensive knowledge during the session. Some of the major key points she discussed were:
Natural Conception
The process of becoming pregnant without the use of fertility treatments or medical interventions. It involves numerous steps, such as sperm transportation, egg transport, fertilisation, and implantation.
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is a complex network of organs responsible for producing eggs (ovum), facilitating fertilisation, and supporting the development of a foetus during pregnancy. It consists of both internal and external structures, each playing a crucial role in reproduction.
Key parts of the female reproductive system consist of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.
Ectopic Pregnancy - A Serious Issue
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, mainly in the fallopian tube; the tube can get blocked by an infection and can lead to a burst if the pregnancy grows.
Dr. Rashmi stated that "IVF is mostly recommended for a woman who has had multiple ectopic pregnancies or a history of tubal damage."
Infertility Affects Men and Women Equally
The percentage of infertility in men and women is the same, which is 30% each, and unexplained infertility is around 10%, and the rest is yet to be discovered.
IUI for Unexplained Infertility
IUI is suggested for unexplained infertility because of several factors. It is a simple and non-invasive method; it is cost-effective, and it increases sperm concentration by directly placing the sperm in the uterus.
The criteria for achieving the best outcome from IUI include good ovarian reserve, high sperm quality, overall good health, and young age, which result in a favourable response.
What are the Reasons for Female Infertility?
As Dr. Rashmi proceeded with the session, she also explained the top reasons for infertility, which are:
Tubal Factors: When the fallopian tube gets blocked for some reason. One of the most seen cases nowadays is of fallopian tubes getting blocked because of hydrosalpinx, which is a fluid with harmful chemicals. The preferred line of treatment is to get a tube clipping done to get rid of this fluid. This procedure is done with a hysteroscopy.
Low Ovarian Reserve: Have fewer eggs in your ovaries than people your age, this is also known as low egg count or low ovarian reserve.
Dr. Rashmi emphasised the significance of the AMH test. If the test result shows a level of less than 1, then a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) infusion in the ovaries is recommended. The doctor recently used this method on a patient with an AMH level between 0.5 and 0.6, and the patient conceived shortly after through IVF.
Ovulatory Dysfunction: A condition that affects a woman's ability to ovulate or when ovulation occurs infrequently or irregularly.
PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease, a common hormonal imbalance that affects women's menstrual health. A combination of genetic and hormonal factors causes it.
Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus.
Endometriosis: A chronic gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
What are the Reasons for Male Infertility?
Dr. Rashmi also explained the top factors affecting male infertility, which are:
Azoospermia: The complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. This condition can result from blockages in the reproductive tract or issues with sperm production.
The doctor also explained PESA and TESA, which are sperm extraction procedures used in cases of male infertility. They are designed to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis when sperm is not available in the ejaculate.
Oligospermia: A condition characterised by a lower-than-normal sperm count in the ejaculate. This reduced sperm count can impact fertility by decreasing the chances of sperm reaching and fertilising an egg.
Poor Motility: A condition where sperm have reduced movement or motility, making it difficult for them to travel effectively through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilise an egg.
Abnormal Morphology: A condition where a significant proportion of sperm have abnormal shapes or structures. This can impair their ability to penetrate and fertilise an egg, affecting fertility.
The session ended with an overview of how the diagnosis is carried out and the steps involved in IVF. Dr. Rashmi Agarwal detailed the diagnostic processes, including thorough examinations and tests to identify the underlying causes of infertility. She explained that understanding the root causes is crucial for the appropriate treatment plan.
The IVF process itself was described in detail, from ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval to fertilisation and embryo transfer, highlighting the importance of each step in achieving successful outcomes. Dr. Rashmi's insights emphasised that while IVF offers hope and solutions for many, a comprehensive understanding of individual circumstances and targeted treatments are essential for maximising success rates.
We are truly grateful to Dr. Rashmi Agarwal. The session was detailed yet simple. Her ability to explain complex concepts with such clarity was impressive and greatly appreciated. Thank you for your invaluable insights and expertise.
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