Infertility affects lots of couples,and can also be a challenging and emotional journey. But with the right support and love ,it’s possile to achieve your dream of parenthood.We spoke with Dr.Nutan Sharma about infertility.
Dr. Sharma is a highly qualified infertility specialist ,consultant IVF and reproductive medicine,gynea laparoscopic surgeon, obstetrician & gynecologist surgen.
1. What is infertility?
Infertility is a disease of reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.The terms subfertility and infertility are often used interchangeably but they aren’t the same. Subfertility is a delay in conceiving.
The two main types of infertility are :
• Primary infertility : When a person has never been pregnant and is unable to conceive after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Secondary infertility: When a person has been able to get pregnant at least once but is no longer able to.

2. What are the causes of infertility ?
Infertility is commonly caused by problems such as egg quality decline with age and older women having fewer eggs, infection like untreated sexually transmitted infections(STI) , blocked fallopian tube, hormonal imbalance, polycystic ovary syndrome,uterine fibroids, stress and mental health issues can cause fertility problems.

3. Male or female,who is more responsible for infertility ?
Men and women are equally likely to be responsible for infertility but as i see it ,with about a third of cases due to female infertility, a two to five times more due to male infertility and a third due to a combination of both or unknown causes.

4. How to take the emergency contraceptive pill ? Emergency contraceptive pill can cause infertility ?
Take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is most effective within 24 hour but can work up to 3 days (72 hours ) after unprotected intercourse .You can take the pill without food . If you feel nauseous taking it with food may help. They are not effective if you’re already pregnant. Emergency contraceptives do not protect against (STI) sexually transmitted infection.
Do’t use as regular contraception: Emergency pills are for occasional use and are not a substitude for regular contraception methods like IUDs or condoms. Drugs used for emergency contraception do not harm future fertility. But if you’re regular use emergency pill can cause subfertility in future.

5. What treatments options are available for infertility ?
Treatment depend on the underlying cause.
Medications: Can used to treat high prolactin levels or induce ovulation
IUI (Intrauterine insemination ): Can be used to achieve fertilization during ovulation
Laparoscopic surgery ,and surgical procedures : Can be used to treat repair fallopian tubes, treat endometriosis
Ovarian stimulation : Can be used to induce the growth if multiple mature ovarian follicles.
IVF( In vitro fertilization) : Can be used to retrieve mature oocytes directly from the ovary for fertilization