Category Archives: Infertility

There are various reasons for both female & male infertility; learn about infertility causes, what tests might be needed & fertility treatments available to help with getting pregnant.

Despite the number of couples who manage to conceive without any issues, there are a number of other couples who struggle with infertility. Around one in 10 couples in the US have problems with infertility, a significant percentage.

Some of the causes of infertility are well-known by most people: it is a known fact that women find it harder to conceive as they get older and that certain health conditions can cause infertility. However, there are a number of factors which can contribute to infertility, which are less well known.

Take a look at these six factors that cause infertility, which you probably didn’t know about.

1. Untreated STDs

You probably don’t understand that one of the main reasons for infertility in both men and women is untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Specifically, chlamydia and gonorrhoea are leading causes of infertility, which can affect both genders. These diseases often go unnoticed because they can be asymptomatic, particularly for men with chlamydia, or may manifest only in minor symptoms which are ignored. However, even when symptoms do not present, these conditions can cause infertility when untreated.

It is important to regularly get tested for STDs if you are in a risk group. If you suspect you may have an STD, see your doctor for a test, particularly if you want to try for a baby, but in all cases, it is a good idea to get tested. If you find you have chlamydia or gonorrhoea, the treatment is relatively straightforward: your doctor will simply prescribe a course of (specific) antibiotics in most cases.

2. Hormone Imbalance

Hormone imbalances play a significant role in infertility. In fact, in most cases, hormone issues will be either a contributing factor or the main reason for infertility. Hormones are vital because they control essentially every process in our bodies, and reproductive processes are no exception. In fact, reproductive processes are extremely complicated, and therefore, a number of hormones are involved. This means that an imbalance in any of these hormones could adversely impact fertility.

If you suspect that you are suffering from a hormone imbalance, or if you are struggling with infertility and are not sure why, it could be worth having your hormone levels tested. You can arrange to perform a simple hormone test at home through a service. This usually involves a saliva test which you can do yourself, and then you send off to the lab for results. If the results show a hormone imbalance, take these results to your doctor and discuss recommended courses of treatment.

3. Smoking

If you smoke cigarettes, you probably already know that it is having devastating effects on your general health. But did you know it could also be making you infertile? In men, smoking has been shown to decrease sperm mobility by up to 13%, which can hinder chances of conceiving. Smoking has also been shown to impact on hormone levels, which we already know can adversely affect fertility, as well as damaging sperm in ways that can hinder fertilization, embryo implantation, and embryo development.

Smoking cigarettes can also affect female fertility. Not only does smoking during pregnancy leads to abnormal fetal development (as has been well-publicized), but it can stop you from getting pregnant in the first place. Smoking can contribute to problems conceiving in a number of ways, including, through causing damage to the fallopian tubes, changes to the cervix, damaging egg development, as well as increasing the risk of miscarriage.

4. Damage to Sperm DNA

In 2012, new research was released which showed a new cause of infertility which could be responsible for unexplained infertility in up to 80% of couples. The study showed that damage to DNA in sperm can cause infertility if found in high enough concentrations.

Damage to less than 15% is considered normal and is unlikely to have any effects. However, once that damage covers 25% or more, this can adversely affect male fertility. The findings are important because they mean that fertility treatments can be specifically tailored to couples suffering from this condition.

5. Celiac Disease

Celiac is a relatively well-known condition which involves an auto-immune reaction to gluten. What most people don’t know, however, is that celiac may also be related to the incidence of infertility. This is usually an issue when the disease is undiagnosed and untreated: studies have found that undiagnosed celiac disease may cause up to 4% of unexplained infertility cases. The reason for this is still not entirely clear, but may be linked to intestinal damage or iron deficiency anemia, both symptoms of celiac disease.

6. Environmental Toxins

Believe it or not, but the chemicals in our environment may also be a cause of infertility. There is evidence that environmental toxins could cause infertility in both men and women. In men, these toxins are believed to impact on semen quality, making it more difficult to conceive. In women, toxins in the environment most likely impact on a range of factors influencing fertility. As part of our modern lifestyles, we are exposed to toxins through processed foods, contaminated water, as well as chemicals found in hair and beauty products. Although the evidence is still not clear on the relationship between environmental toxins and infertility if fertility is a concern it may be worthwhile avoiding these toxins as much as possible.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the news of an IVF failure? Take a deep breath. While feeling disheartened is natural, know you’re not alone in this journey. Together, we’ll explore ways to find solace, strength, and renewed hope as we navigate this difficult time.

The journey through infertility and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF is often described as a rollercoaster ride, marked by highs of hope and lows of disappointment. When the result of an IVF cycle is not the one hoped for, the emotional aftermath can be profound. Coping with the heartache of IVF failure requires resilience, understanding, and support. In this exploration, we will understand about the practical strategies and insights to navigate this challenging terrain with grace and resilience.

Understanding Your Emotions:

The emotional impact of IVF failure cannot be overstated. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, from profound sadness and disappointment to frustration, anger, and even guilt. Allowing yourself to acknowledge and process these feelings is a crucial step in the healing process. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss of the hoped-for pregnancy and seek support from loved ones or a therapist who can provide empathy and understanding.

Communicating with Your Partner:

Infertility and IVF can stress even the strongest of relationships, but they can also foster deeper connection and intimacy. Open and honest communication with your partner is essential during this time. Share your thoughts, fears, and emotions with each other, and offer support and understanding in return. Lean on each other for strength and solidarity as you navigate this challenging journey together.

Educating Yourself:

Knowledge is empowering when it comes to understanding the complexities of infertility and IVF treatment. Take the time to learn about the specifics of your treatment cycle, including the medications used, the number of eggs retrieved, and the quality of embryos. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your fertility specialist for discussing the outcome of the cycle and explore potential reasons for the IVF failure. Understanding the factors at play can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Exploring Your Options:

While IVF may be the first treatment attempted, it’s important to remember that there are alternative paths to parenthood. Consider exploring different IVF protocols or treatment approaches that may better suit your individual needs. Additionally, explore alternative family-building options such as adoption or donor conception. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore new possibilities as you navigate your journey towards parenthood.

Self-Care and Emotional Well-being:

Amidst the turmoil of IVF failure, prioritizing self-care is essential for emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s spending time outdoors, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a favourite hobby. Seek support from friends, family members, or online communities who can offer empathy and encouragement. Remember to be gentle with yourself and give yourself the time and space you need to heal emotionally.

Staying Hopeful:

While facing the disappointment of IVF failure can feel overwhelming, it’s important to hold onto hope for the future. Infertility is not the end of your journey, but rather a detour along the way. Trust in your resilience and the unwavering support of your fertility team. Stay optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead and remember that your journey towards parenthood is unique and valid.

Coping with the heartache of IVF failure is a deeply personal journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. By understanding and validating your emotions, communicating openly with your partner, educating yourself about your treatment options, prioritizing self-care, and staying hopeful for the future, you can emerge from IVF failure with resilience and strength. At Archish Fertility & IVF, we offer guidance, support, and compassion every step of the way. Together, let’s embrace resilience and rewrite your story of hope and triumph.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common hormonal disorder affecting individuals of reproductive age, presenting unique challenges for those striving to conceive. With its complex array of symptoms and underlying hormonal imbalances, PCOS significantly impacts fertility and necessitates tailored approaches for successful conception.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the intricacies of PCOS, its manifestations through symptoms, underlying causes, and the profound implications it has on fertility. Additionally, let’s understand the strategies and treatments aimed at mitigating these challenges and empowering individuals to realize their dreams of building a family.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is manifested by a variety of symptoms, like irregular menstrual cycles, increased androgen levels, and the presence of cysts in the ovaries. But the exact cause of PCOS remains unclear, genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as insulin resistance, play significant roles in its development. The hallmark features of PCOS include:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: PCOS disrupts the normal menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods or, in some cases, the absence of menstruation altogether.
• Elevated Androgen Levels: Individuals with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens, also known as male hormones. This can result in symptoms such as excessive facial hair growth or the body (hirsutism), acne, and male-pattern baldness.
• Ovarian Cysts: PCOS may cause the ovaries to develop numerous small follicles, which can lead to the formation of cysts. These cysts are typically harmless but can contribute to fertility issues.

Symptoms of PCOS: The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Excessive hair growth on the face or body (hirsutism)
• Acne (pimples)
• Weight gain
• Thinning of hair on the scalp
• Dark patches of skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, may also appear in some regions of the body.

Causes of PCOS: The precise causes of PCOS are multifactorial, with genetic predispositions and environmental factors playing pivotal roles. Individuals with a family history of PCOS are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Additionally, insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, is a common feature among people with PCOS. Hormonal imbalances, including elevated levels of androgens and luteinizing hormone (LH), further contribute to the manifestation of PCOS symptoms.

Effect on Fertility: PCOS poses significant challenges to fertility primarily due to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation). Without regular ovulation, the release of mature eggs necessary for conception becomes unpredictable, making it difficult to conceive naturally. Moreover, hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can compromise the quality of eggs released during ovulation, reducing the likelihood of successful fertilization and pregnancy. Individuals with PCOS also have a higher risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia, further complicating fertility outcomes.

Strategies to Manage PCOS and Enhance Fertility:

• Lifestyle Modifications: A healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility outcomes.
• Medications: Doctors may prescribe oral contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles, insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin to address insulin resistance, and ovulation-inducing drugs such as clomiphene citrate to promote regular ovulation.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In cases where natural conception is not feasible, ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer viable options for individuals with PCOS to achieve pregnancy.

PCOS presents complex challenges for individuals striving to conceive, but with proactive management and targeted interventions, the journey to parenthood can be attained successfully. At Archish Fertility & IVF, we specialize in offering comprehensive care and personalized treatment options tailored to everyone’s needs. Our experienced team is committed to supporting you every step of the way, empowering you to overcome obstacles and reach your dreams of building a family.

Schedule your appointment today at Archish Fertility & IVF and take the first step towards reaching your dream of parenthood. We are here to help you achieve your goals and embrace the joy of becoming a parent.