Infertility is one of the most emotional medical challenges. It typically whips up a lot of socio-cultural issues, particularly in this part of the world, with its attendant stigma that rips homes and families apart. It is said to occur when couples regularly having unprotected sex for at least 1 year do not achieve conception. The World Health Organization (WHO)…
Primary ovarian insufficiency — also called premature ovarian failure — occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. When this happens, your ovaries don’t produce normal amounts of the hormone estrogen or release eggs regularly. This condition often leads to infertility. Primary ovarian insufficiency is sometimes confused with premature menopause, but these conditions aren’t the same. Women with…
Men who don’t have sperm in their semen have a condition called azoospermia. It happens to about 1% of all men and 15% of infertile men. There aren’t really any symptoms that you’d notice, but if you’ve been trying to get your partner pregnant without success, this condition could be the cause. What Causes It? You might have a problem…
When trying to conceive, it’s important to know what ovulation is and when it occurs. This blog will discuss the five top signs to know when you’re ovulating. Remember, every woman is different, so by understanding your cycle and your ovulation symptoms, you can increase your chances of falling pregnant by choosing optimal times for intercourse. What is Ovulation? It…
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A GAMETE DONOR So, you want to donate your eggs? Grab a seat. If you’re reading this, you most likely (or maybe not) have heard about women who donate their eggs to TTC couples. You may ask, “why does one woman need to donate eggs to another? Doesn’t she have her own ovaries?”…
Introduction Having a baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor stuff might sound like a sci-fi adventure, but for many, it’s a real and sometimes tricky journey into parenthood. In the middle of all the excitement, you might wonder if the parent-child connection is as genuine. This article is here to give a big hug of reassurance to those…
Ovarian Cysts Ovarian cysts have been touted as major causes of infertility, but the truth is that they don’t always cause fertility problems. What are ovarian cysts? They are fluid or solid-filled sacs within or on the ovaries. They are mostly asymptomatic but may cause sudden pain or discomfort when they rupture. These cysts are usually diagnosed through ultrasound scans.…
You’ve probably heard several times that ovulation is the best time to have intercourse. That’s not entirely wrong, but this piece will help you understand how best to take full advantage of this information. First, how long does ovulation last? Simple – 12-24 hours. So, is intercourse during this time always going to give rise to a pregnancy? The release…
It’s the new age and blaming women should take a back seat in fertility discussions. If you’re a man, you would have searched online about possible reasons for delays in achieving conception. You would also know that there are several tests you can take to confirm if the problem is you – yes you. Pregnancy is something that couples expect…
Many variations of conversations occur in the consulting rooms of fertility doctors on a daily basis. In vitro fertilization (the process where the egg and sperm are united in the laboratory, allowed to progress as an embryo in the incubator for up to five days, before being returned to an expectant womb with the hopes of implantation) is now regarded…