Category: Fertility

Irregular periods are not just an inconvenience; they can also be a signal that something in your body is not quite right. Whether your cycle is too long, too short, or completely unpredictable, knowing the root causes of irregular periods will help you take better control of your health. Here is all about reasons of irregular periods

This guide unravels the top seven reasons for irregular menstrual cycles that include hormonal imbalance, PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and lifestyle factors. We will also discuss the signs to watch out for, when to see a doctor, and what can be done for healthy cycles.

What about Irregular Periods?

Every deviation from a normal menstrual cycle is considered an irregular period. A normal menstrual cycle usually occurs from 21 to 35 days. When the cycle skips, varies widely, lasts longer than normal with abnormal heavy bleeding, or completely skips some months, one can consider it an irregular cycle.

1. Hormonal Imbalance

What It Means

Your menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, when these hormone levels are affected by advancing age, an ailment, or by lifestyle changes, the menstration cycle may be disrupted such that it becomes irregular.

Common Causes

• Puberty or perimenopause
• Hormonal therapy or birth control
• Excessive stress or emotional trauma
• Sudden weight changes
• Change in or distieved sleeping habits or night shifts

Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

• Delayed or missed periods
• Mood swings
• Acne or changes in skin
• Unexplained fatigue
• Heavy or very light bleeding

Hormones, even very small fluctuations, can alter the way ovulation occurs and the menstrual cycle. If there has been no period, or it is unpredictable, then hormonal imbalance could probably be that cause.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

How PCOS Affects Your Cycle

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a common disorder of the endocrine system that interferes with the normal ovulation pattern of an individual due to a surplus of androgens (male hormones). Such would cause spasmodic release of eggs into the ovaries, leading to infrequent or missed periods.

Main Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular or absent periods
• Hirsutism
• Acne and/or oily skin
• Weight gain/coloring, in most cases very difficult to lose weight
• Cysts in ovaries (generally detected with the help of the ultrasound)

PCOS is one of the most prevalent reasons for an ovulatory dysfunction and hence for irregular periods. Thus, it is essential to diagnose PCOS early because it can also increase the risk of getting insulin resistance, infertility, and cardiovascular disease.

3. Thyroid Dysfunction

The Connect Between Thyroid and Periods

The thyroid glands in an individual body play a very crucial role in regulating a person’s metabolism, body temperature, and menstrual health. When it fails and is either underactive (hypothyroid) or it’s overactive (hyperthyroid), its part in the female’s reproductive system becomes erratic, resulting in irregularities in one’s periods.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, heavy or longer periods
• Hyperthyroidism: Anxiety, weight loss, heat intolerance, light or absent periods

Because thyroid hormones interact closely with reproductive hormones, any imbalance can lead to menstrual cycle irregularity.

4. Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or on the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they can interfere with the normal function of the uterus, often causing irregular or heavy bleeding.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This tissue continues to thicken and bleed with each cycle, leading to inflammation, scarring, and menstrual cycle irregularity.

Common Symptoms

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Severe cramps and pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse
• Infertility
• Digestive issues during menstruation

Both conditions can significantly affect reproductive health and quality of life, and they often require medical management or surgery.

5. High Stress Levels

How Stress Affects Ovulation

When you’re under chronic stress, your body prioritizes survival over reproduction. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can suppress the hormones responsible for ovulation. This can result in missed or delayed periods and is medically known as hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Signs of Stress-Induced Menstrual Changes

• Sudden changes in cycle length
• Skipped periods
• Light or heavy flow
• Trouble sleeping
• Emotional instability

Chronic stress not only affects your mental health but can also have long-term consequences on your reproductive system.

6. Sudden Weight Changes or Eating Disorders

The Impact of Body Weight on Menstrual Health

Body fat plays a critical role in producing estrogen. Rapid weight loss, gain, or extreme calorie restriction can disrupt hormone levels and interfere with the menstrual cycle.

Risks Associated with Eating Disorders

• Amenorrhea (loss of periods)
• Osteoporosis due to low estrogen levels
• Fertility challenges
• Nutritional deficiencies

Whether caused by an eating disorder, over-exercising, or illness, significant changes in body weight should always be addressed with medical guidance.

7. Medications and Underlying Medical Conditions

Medications That Affect Your Cycle

Some prescription drugs can lead to irregular periods, including:

• Antipsychotics and antidepressants
• Chemotherapy medications
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Steroids

Other Medical Conditions

• Diabetes and insulin resistance
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Pituitary tumors or adrenal disorders

These conditions can interfere with hormonal regulation and ovulation, often requiring blood tests, imaging, and specialist evaluation to diagnose and treat effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the signs of an irregular period?

Signs include cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, missed periods, heavy bleeding, spotting between periods, or periods that vary significantly in duration.

2. Can irregular periods mean pregnancy?

Yes. A missed or late period can be an early sign of pregnancy, especially if you’re sexually active and not using contraception.

3. Should I worry if my periods are irregular for a few months?

Occasional irregularity can be normal, especially due to stress or illness. However, if irregularity persists for three or more months, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

4. How is the cause of irregular periods diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include a physical exam, blood tests (to check hormone levels or thyroid function), pelvic ultrasound, and a review of your menstrual history and lifestyle habits.

5. Can irregular periods be treated naturally?

Yes. Depending on the cause, lifestyle changes like improving your diet, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and using herbal supplements (with medical advice) may help.

Two Quick Tips to Improve Your Menstrual Health

1. Track Your Cycle Regularly

Use a calendar or period tracking app to monitor your cycle length, flow, symptoms, and emotional patterns. This helps detect trends and makes medical consultations more accurate.

2. Adopt a Hormone-Balancing Routine

Incorporate whole foods, regular sleep, hydration, moderate exercise, and stress management practices like journaling or yoga to support overall hormonal health.

Final Thoughts: When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing menstrual cycle irregularity frequently, don’t ignore the signs. Irregular periods could be a symptom of a more serious condition such as PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, or endometriosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your reproductive health and overall quality of life.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, tracking your cycle, and seeking medical advice when necessary are the best steps you can take toward restoring balance.

1 in 10 females of childbearing age have polycystic ovarian syndrome, abbreviated as PCOS. As metabolism problems and hormonal imbalances are common side effects of PCOS, getting pregnant can be difficult. However, the good news is that PCOS is treatable through medications and lifestyle changes. So, if you’ve struggling to conceive, let’s find out pcos and conception tips.

Symptoms of PCOS

Before we discuss the best treatments and medications for PCOS fertility, it’s crucial to understand PCOS symptoms. That’s because many women with PCOS don’t even realize that they have it. If you have PCOS, you are likely to experience the following:

• irregular periods
• no periods
• excessive hair growth on the chin and face (a condition known as hirsutism)
• weight gain
• excessive acne on the upper back, chest and face
• skin darkening in areas under the breasts, the groin, and the neck creases
• hair thinning

If you have even some of these symptoms, visit a gynecologist at the earliest. They will do a transvaginal scan which can show if there are polycystic ovaries. High levels of testosterone (detected easily through blood tests) is another indication that a person has PCOS.

How Does PCOS Impact Fertility and Pregnancy

Now let’s explore the connection between PCOS and conception.

When women are physically grown enough to be mothers, every month, follicles are formed on the surface of the ovaries. Estrogen, a leading female sex hormone, play a key role in helping one of the follicles generate a mature egg. After that, the egg is released by the ovary and it’s ready to be impregnated as soon as sperm comes in contact with it.

However, PCOS can stand in the way of ovulation as well as egg development. As PCOS is a hormonal condition that disrupts the hormonal balance in the female body, it prevents the development of mature eggs.

Besides making you infertile, PCOS may cause problems even after you have conceived. Studies have shown that women with polycystic ovary syndrome have higher chances of:

• gestational diabetes
• miscarriage
• preeclampsia
• C-sections

The baby has a greater risk of being born with macrosomia and then spending time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).

So, for PCOS patients, it’s important to deal with PCOS before planning a pregnancy and that’s what we have explained in the next section.

Lifestyle Changes for PCOS Pregnancy

Now the question is: is it impossible to conceive with PCOS? The answer is no. So, if your pregnancy test results still show negative even after trying for more than 6 months, here are some PCOS and conception tips:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight

Many of your PCOS problems will subside without taking any medicine if you achieve success in losing weight. Fertility specialists always advise PCOS patients to stay in shape as the PCOS symptoms get worse for obese people. So, weight management and PCOS pregnancy should go hand in hand.

2. Tracking ovulation with PCOS

As your menstrual cycles are not regular, it’s challenging to figure out when you’re ovulating. So, the first thing that you need is an ovulation detection kit. With a kit, you can easily track your ovulation at home. Then, have intercourse on the days when the chances of getting pregnant are the highest.

3. Exercise for PCOS fertility

Regular exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. And when you have PCOS, exercising dedicatedly will help you get pregnant as it manages PCOS symptoms and decreases hyperinsulinemia. It also has a positive effect on menstrual cycles and ovulation rates, thus improving fertility.

Lastly, exercising enhances the physiological well-being of would-be-mothers, making them stay motivated and optimistic.

Some excellent exercises for someone trying to get pregnant are cycling, yoga, Pilates, swimming, and walking.

4. A nutritious diet

Whether you have PCOS or not – eating balanced meals is a must for women who want to embrace motherhood. Hence, resist the temptation of fried foods and sugary delights and say yes to a diet for improving fertility in PCOS,

• lean meat
• fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables
• brown rice, barley, oats, and other whole grains
• fish
• lentils and beans
• dry fruits

Certain vitamins and minerals are necessary for a healthy pregnancy and proper growth of the baby. These include folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin B12. As it isn’t always easy to get all these nutrients through food, you can request your doctor to prescribe some PCOS-friendly supplements.

Treatment for PCOS

Although PCOS can’t be treated, medications can treat its symptoms.

1. Fertility help

If you don’ achieve natural conception, fertility specialists recommend IVF. It is an assistive reproductive technology with good success rates and it can tackle various fertility problems. During IVF, injections are given for ovarian hyperstimulation. After that, the mature egg is brought in contact with sperm in a lab. When the sperm fertilizes the egg, it is carefully implanted in the womb of the would-be-mother.

2. Medications

There are many reliable medications to improve your reproductive health with PCOS. Clomiphene, for instance, is used extensively for ovulation induction for PCOS.

3. Surgery 

Ovulation induction can take place through surgery as well. Laparoscopic ovarian surgery is a surgical procedure that guarantees the induction of ovulation.

The Bottom Line

So, people with PCOS should not lose hope. To increase the chance of pregnancy, switch to a healthy lifestyle and consult a reputed fertility specialist. Your doctor will curate a treatment plan that works best for you and fulfills your dream of becoming a biological mother. All the best!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the best treatments to get pregnant with PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is treatable. The top 3 PCOS fertility treatments are in vitro fertilization, medications (like clomiphene), and surgery (ovarian drilling).

Q. How can lifestyle changes improve fertility in PCOS?

Lifestyle changes can vastly improve infertility caused by PCOS. If women with polycystic ovary keep weight gain in check, follow PCOS-friendly fertility diets, exercise daily, and manage stress, their fertility levels will increase significantly.

Are you a smoker who’s planning to become a biological parent naturally or through IVF? Then this blog is for you and gives complete information about the effects of smoking on fertility.

There is enough research to prove that smoking negatively impacts male fertility and female fertility. From reducing egg quality to decreasing sperm motility – smoking affects male and female fertility in many ways. Hence, it goes beyond saying that for someone undergoing in vitro fertilization, there can be serious IVF complications due to smoking. If you and your partner has been considering IVF, in today’s blog, we will discuss the effects of smoking on fertility and the link between smoking and IVF success rates.

The Connection Between Smoking and Fertility

Let’s talk about male smoking and IVF outcomes as well as smoke exposure’s negative impact on female fertility.

First, let us debunk the biggest myth: only women should be concerned about the impact of nicotine on fertility. Smoke exposure is as had for men as it is for women. Here’s why:

Smokers get exposed to high levels of lead and cadmium. These are toxic metals with harmful effects, especially on fertility levels.

Effects of Cigarette Smoking on IVF Outcomes

According to fertility specialists, smoking during fertility treatments affects male fertility and female fertility. That’s because if a woman needs IVF, it means that her fertility levels are already low. In such a situation, exposure to even secondhand smoke can make it more challenging to conceive. Studies on fertility treatment and smoking risks have shown the same kind of detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on male fertility.

Here are some of the ill effects of cigarette smoking on your reproductive health during your IVF journey:

1. Egg quality and smoking

Ovaries are among the major reproductive organs in females. The chemicals present in cigarette smoke can potentially damage a woman’s ovaries. When ovaries are not in perfect condition, during the egg retrieval process, very few oocytes will be received. This can result to a failed IVF cycle. So, now you must understand the connection between smoking and ovarian reserve.

2. Sperm damage

Levels of metals like cadmium and lead are high in nicotine. Both metals affect the quality of semen and lead to lower sperm count. Sperm morphology, DNA integrity, and motility are also affected. Then the male fails to fertilize the mature eggs of the female.

3. Impaired endometrial lining

Did you know that smoking can even make your uterine line thin? It has been discovered that for smokers, the uterine lining is 2 mm thinner compared to non-smokers. It goes beyond saying that when endometrial thickness decreases, the IVF treatment will be futile.

4. Increased risk of miscarriage

The risk of miscarriage is also higher in smokers than non-smokers. Due to the presence of chemicals, the placenta and developing fetus can be directly harmed. The fetus can suffer from problems like obstructed blood supply, developmental issues, and nutrient deprivation. This happens primarily because of the vasoconstrictive effects of carbon monoxide and nicotine found in tobacco smoke.

When to Stop Smoking?

Smoking in general is not good for people of any age group. And for couples trying to get pregnant, both partners should quit smoking at least four months before planning the baby.

Just limiting the intake of cigarettes won’t suffice as even low levels of nicotine can be life-threatening for your baby. For instance, smoking less does not decrease the risk of low weight during birth. As mentioned already, premature birth and ectopic pregnancy are also linked with smoking.

Although several cigarette manufacturing companies assert that low nicotine and low-tar cigarettes are safe to consume during pregnancy, these are false claims. However, here’s the good news: If you bid adieu to smoking just a few months before taking those IVF injections, the risks of pregnancy failure will get as low as birthing women who have never indulged in smoking.

In case the process of IVF has already begun, stop smoking immediately as you are looking forward to becoming pregnant.

How to Quit Smoking During Pregnancy

Smoking cessation before IVF is not easy for those who are long-term smokers. Nicotine replacement therapy is considered safe. Patches, mouth sprays, nasal sprays, and inhalers are commonly available NRT products. However, it is better to get them prescribed by a healthcare professional based on the level of addiction.

There are several natural ways to resist cigarette cravings. Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga can help you stay away from cigarettes. Exercising too will increase your willpower and self-control.

The Bottom Line

So, now you know that decrease in the quality of sperm and eggs, implantation failure, miscarriage, etc., are some outcomes of tobacco use. Hence, to achieve a successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology, stop smoking at the earliest.

The impact of smoking can be reversed quicker if you adopt a healthy lifestyle. A pregnancy-friendly lifestyle should include exercise, nutrient-rich foods, regular intake of prenatal proper hydration, and adequate sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does smoking reduce IVF success rates?

Yes, smoking causes various fertility problems (like poor egg quality, low sperm count, etc.), thus making it more difficult for you to conceive through IVF or any other assisted reproductive technology.

How long before IVF should I quit smoking?

Fertility experts opine that one should quit smoking 3-4 months before committing to the process of IVF. This is mandatory to maximize the chances of success.

References:

Cigarette smoking and outcomes of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a prospective cohort study – PubMed

The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Male Fertility – PMC

Does cigarette smoking really have detrimental effects on outcomes of IVF? – PubMed

How Smoking Affects Reproductive Health | FDA

Cancer and cancer treatment may affect fertility in women and men. So, if a young person gets cancer, fertility preservation is a wise decision. This way, they can conceive naturally if they feel like becoming a parent after defeating cancer. Would you like to know more about fertility preservation in cancer patients? Then scroll down to find out why and how it’s done.

Fertility Preservation in Female Cancer Patients

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, chemotherapy drugs can adversely affect female fertility in young women. Cancers that affect girls of reproductive age have a greater risk of decreasing their fertility levels. So, doctors advise fertility preservation in breast cancer patients. cervical cancer patients, uterine cancer patients, and ovarian cancer patients.

If you have an interest in fertility preservation, scroll down to explore fertility preservation services for female patients with cancer.

1. Ovarian Suppression

Ovarian suppression is an interesting technique to shield ovaries during cancer treatment. Injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone can put the ovaries to sleep for a brief period. That’s because when this hormone drug is injected, the individual goes into a temporary menopause.

If your doctor recommends ovarian suppression, make sure to take the injection a week before your first chemotherapy session. Keep in mind that if your chemo continues, GnRH should be injected once every 3-4 weeks. Then your ovaries will get sufficient protection from chemotherapy’s harmful effects.

Note: As you will experience temporary menopause, don’t panic if you notice menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.

2. Freezing Eggs

Freezing eggs is a preferred way of fertility preservation in ovarian cancer​ and for patients with breast cancer.

It’s a simple procedure and many celebs and career-oriented women choose to freeze their eggs in their late 20s and early 30s. Cancer patients, especially the ones with ovarian cancer, can freeze their eggs before the commencement of their cancer treatment.

First, the doctor will give drugs for ovarian stimulation. Ovaries will make high-quality eggs and the doctor will collect the eggs to freeze them. Whenever you are ready, those eggs can be fertilized in a lab or naturally by having intercourse.

3. Freezing Ovarian Tissue

Another option for fertility preservation in endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer is removing one of the ovaries surgically.

If cancer affects one ovary and the other is perfectly fine, chemotherapy and strong cancer medication can still cause potential damage to the healthy ovary. For women with cancer, a small operation can remove the ovary by freezing it in a lab. This advanced method is known as ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Once the cancer treatment is over, the tissue is put back into the womb.

4. Freezing Embryos

To freeze your embryos, a fertility specialist will administer drugs for the stimulation of the ovaries. Ovarian stimulation will result in egg production and then the eggs will be collected. In a laboratory, the doctor will fertilize the eggs by bringing them in contact with donor sperm or the woman’s partner’s sperm. This process is termed embryo creation and then they freeze the embryo. Later, the embryo can be returned to the womb through IVF (in vitro fertilization).

Fertility Preservation in Male Cancer Patients

The testis is highly susceptible to the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for both young cancer patients and adult cancer patients. So, male cancer patients may preserve their fertility in the following ways:

1. Sperm Cryopreservation

Sperm banking, sperm freezing, or sperm cryopreservation involves keeping the sperm in a frozen condition for future use. Frozen sperm can be kept for decades, and it can be used for procedures such as intrauterine insemination (abbreviated as IU). It’s the most reliable method of fertility preservation in male cancer patients.

2. Freezing Testicular Tissue

If a boy gets diagnosed with cancer and he’s not old enough to produce sperm, cancer treatment can still affect his fertility levels when he grows up. There is an experimental option that involves removing tissues from the testicles and freezing the tissues for later use.

When the person is completely cured and becomes an adult, the preserved tissue could be used if he is infertile. The tissue pieces could be placed into the testicles, thus increasing the chances of more sperm production.

However, it’s a risky process and very few fertility treatment centers perform this procedure. Moreover, till now, no live birth has taken place through this process. So, more research needs to be done to confirm that tissue freezing can result in successful births for cancer survivors.

The Bottom Line

Advances in the detection of cancer and treatment processes in the past few years have vastly improved the survival rates for young cancer patients. Moreover, being diagnosed with cancer is not the end of the world and not all cancers are deadly if detected at an early stage.

So, don’t let cancer stand in your way of becoming a parent and enjoying a fulfilling life. Discuss with your oncologist the best way to preserve your fertility and get well soon.

References

All our articles contain reliable information as we take references from resources published by reputed institutions.

Fertility preservation in female cancer patients: An overview – PMC

Preserving Fertility in Females with Cancer | American Cancer Society

Women’s fertility and chemotherapy | Cancer Research UK

Preserving Fertility in Males with Cancer | American Cancer Society

Parenthood is a blissful experience and for a couple to achieve that, both man and woman need to come together. Many people forget that male fertility is an important factor, and a woman can’t make a baby without high-quality sperm. So, in today’s blog, we will discuss male fertility and lifestyle changes for male fertility.

Male Fertility: An Overview

In simple words, a man’s ability to impregnate a woman is defined as male fertility. The fertility levels of a man are determined by multiple factors like sperm quality, sperm motility, sperm quantity, etc. So, to boost male fertility is to produce more sperm as well as healthy sperm.

Wondering if there’s a way to improve sperm count and sperm motility without taking any medications? The answer is yes! By making some simple alterations to your lifestyle, you can give your sperm a much-needed boost.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Male Fertility

As stated already, the lifestyle choices you make play a big role in your reproductive outcomes. These are the main lifestyle factors on male fertility:

1. Eat Nutrient-rich Foods

There is a direct link between male infertility and food habits. So, to produce healthy sperm, a man must eat well. So, what kinds of foods should you consume? Having plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits daily will decrease oxidative stress within your testicles as they are loaded with antioxidants. Fruits and veggies also contain key nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin C, lycopene, and folic acid – all of which are essential for sperm production.

Now let’s talk about the foods that you should avoid because of their negative effects on male fertility. Sugar is one of the biggest culprits that decreases sperm count significantly if you have too much sugar daily. Over-intake of soy products, red meat, processed food, and deep-fried food should also be avoided – whether you have a low sperm count or not. Learn more about diet and fertility.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Besides eating nutritious meals, you should also drink 3-4 liters of water daily as dehydration worsens semen quality and increases the chances of prostate infections. So, to maintain semen volume and sperm quality, keep yourself hydrated. The easiest way of ensuring that your body isn’t dehydrated is by monitoring the color of urine. If it is yellowish, it’s an indicator that you need to increase the fluid intake.

3. Quit Smoking and Drinking

From the moment you start planning a baby, heavy drinking or regular smoking are the two things you must quit. Chronic drinking is dangerous for both men and women as it decreases the production of female/ male reproductive hormones. Additionally, drinking and smoking can severely impact the health and development of the fetus. So, if you want to optimize your sperm health and improve fertility, stay away from tobacco and alcohol.

Read to know: Male infertility treatments

 4. Reduce Stress

Did you know that chronic stress disrupts our body’s hormonal balance and therefore, negatively impacts the production of sperm? When you are under stress, the body releases excess cortisol and adrenaline and that leads to a hormonal imbalance. Moreover, stress will make sex less pleasurable for you and your partner. Hence, deal with stress by meditating, practicing mindfulness, and doing yoga. All these have proven benefits for sexual health. Learn more about Stress and Fertility.

5. Exercise Regularly

Studies have revealed that people who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day are more fertile. If you like to exercise, your testosterone levels will naturally increase, and sperm motility will improve. Even mild exercises like jogging can significantly better your sperm health.

6. Maintain a Healthy Weight

One of the major lifestyle changes for male fertility is to get back in shape as male obesity negatively affects male fertility. If you have a body mass index of over 30, it means there is an increase in testicular heat and oxidative stress. This will lead to poor-quality semen. To lose some weight quickly, stick to a healthy diet and prioritize exercising.

Learn more: Infertility And Obesity

The Bottom Line

So, now you know what you have to do to help your little swimmers reach your partner’s uterus. Make the above-mentioned positive changes and your sperm quality is bound to improve within a few months.

If you’re still unable to father a child, remember that implantation failure can happen due to a variety of reasons. Hence, it will be better if you and your partner consult an accomplished fertility specialist to address the underlying reasons. Stay hopeful as now there are many kinds of treatment options for both male and female infertility.

Low sperm count is one of the major causes of male infertility and the medical term for it is oligospermia. As it affects thousands of men around the globe, it is important to know its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. However, very few people know about this condition and how it can be treated. So, in today’s blog, we will understand the link between oligospermia and fertility. 

What is Oligospermia? Types of Oligospermia

The sperm count of a healthy person exceeds 15 million sperm per milliliter of seminal fluid. If you are producing less than 15 million sperm in every 1 milliliter of seminal fluid, you have oligospermia. Another name for oligospermia is oligozoospermia.

In some rare cases, sperm production is as low as 5 million sperm per milliliter of semen. This is called severe oligospermia.

Are Azoospermia and Oligospermia the Same?

While non-medical professionals end up using the terms oligospermia and azoospermia interchangeably, they are different. Oligospermia is characterized by a low sperm count. Azoospermia, on the other hand, means no sperm is produced at all.

Causes of Oligospermia

Oligospermia is caused by various factors, including:

• Nutrition and Exercise: Your fitness levels can be directly proportional to your fertility levels. If you do not eat a balanced diet consisting of protein, vitamins, and minerals, chances are high that sperm count in your ejaculate will be less. On the contrary, a person who eats nutrient-rich meals is expected to have high sperm count in the semen. Inadequate exercise can also lower the sperm count. Similarly, excessive exercise too can have adverse effects on your sperm count as overtraining can damage the vessels/ nerves surrounding the testicles.
• Environmental Factors: Studies have revealed that exposure to radiation, heavy metals, and toxic industrial chemicals can lower a person’s sperm count. Overheating of testicles can have an equally damaging impact.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can increase an individual’s chances of getting severe oligospermia. Some examples are Varicoceles (a condition that causes swelling of veins and makes the testicle turn dry), ejaculation issues, defects in tubules responsible for transporting sperm, infections, tumors, hormonal imbalances, and undescended testicles.
• Lifestyle Choices: If you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle, oligospermia may stand in the way of fathering a child. Habits like drug consumption, smoking, and regular intake of alcoholic beverages affect fertility levels and might cause low sperm. Obesity also affects sperm quality and quantity Stress is another enemy to your overall health and reproductive health. So, to improve sperm count, you need to switch to a healthy lifestyle and stay happy.

Signs and Symptoms of Oligospermia

Oligospermia’s primary symptom is the inability to conceive a baby. Other symptoms may be:

• sexual dysfunction
• swelling or pain in the testicular area
• hormonal imbalances
• low libido

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is better to get yourself checked once.

Diagnosis of Oligospermia

To know if you have oligospermia, your healthcare provider will rely on a physical examination and check your complete medical history to discover the underlying cause. Some diagnostic tests to detect this condition are:

• Urinalysis for testing retrograde ejaculation
• Semen analysis
• Imaging tests like scrotal and transrectal ultrasounds
• Tests to measure the level of testosterone

Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count

As oligospermia leads to fertility issues, it is natural to wonder if the condition is treatable. These are the most effective treatment options:

• Medication: First, doctors try to resolve the issue by starting hormonal treatments and prescribing medications for treating infections (if any).
• Surgery: If medications don’t give the desired result, surgical intervention is the next step.
• Assisted Reproductive Technology: Techniques such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, IVF, and IUI can also be tried.

Home Remedies to Increase Sperm Count

If you do not have severe oligospermia, medications may not be necessary. In that case, you have to make simple changes to your lifestyle to boost healthy sperm production. Some excellent home remedies to address reduced sperm production are stated below:

• Maintain a healthy weight by exercising for 30 minutes daily. You can choose any form of exercise like yoga, jogging, and swimming as these have proven benefits on reproductive health.
• As part of your treatment of oligospermia, eat a balanced diet with plenty of veggies and fruits. Additionally, quit smoking, drinking, and eating processed foods.
• If you have a lower sperm count, have coitus when your partner is ovulating to maximize the chances of conception.
• To help improve sperm production, you should also get 7 hours of sleep at night.

Read to Know: How to Increase Sperm Count

The Takeaway

Now you know how oligospermia can affect male fertility. If you have been struggling to make a baby, it does not confirm that you have oligospermia. Factors like erectile dysfunction, low sperm motility, etc. also lead to male infertility. So, to find out the exact cause and receive treatment, visit an experienced fertility specialist.

Most couples interested in starting a family make sure they have intercourse regularly and consume nutritious meals. But they end up neglecting one of the most crucial factors which is stress. When you are struggling to get pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment, mental stress can deeply impact your fertility levels. So, in today’s blog, we will discuss in detail the connection between stress and fertility. We will also tell you ways of dealing with stress to maximize your chances of conceiving.

How Does Stress Affect Fertility?

We all understand that infertility and IVF treatment can increase our stress levels. But you will be surprised to learn that even stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to infertility in both men and women.

Many studies have revealed that stress and infertility are interconnected. Wondering how your professional or personal stress can stand in your way of becoming a parent? Let’s find out!

What is stress? Stress is how your body responds to various challenges – external and internal. This psychological and physiological reaction is quite complex, and it occurs if we experience a threatening, overwhelming, or demanding situation. Stress can be of different kinds like oxidative stress, emotional stress, etc. While getting stressed occasionally is normal, prolonged stress significantly impacts our quality of life.

A variety of mental and physical responses are triggered by stress. For instance, when we experience stress, cortisol, a stress hormone, is released. But what is the connection between cortisol and fertility? If you are constantly stressed, your body will be forced to produce high levels of cortisol, and this will cause hormonal imbalance. So, the secretion of reproductive hormones like progesterone and estrogen will decrease, thus making you less fertile. Men too can suffer as chronic stress can reduce the production of testosterone, the most important male reproductive hormone. If testosterone is less, the sperm will be of poor quality. Naturally, it will get more difficult to conceive.

Impact of Stress on Ovulation

There can be effects of stress on ovulation. Women who remain under stress admit that they experience irregular menstrual cycles. How will you track your ovulation and predict your fertility window if your periods are inconsistent?

In rare cases, stress can result in anovulation. It is a medical condition that stops the ovaries from releasing mature eggs.

Tips to Cope with Stress

Now that you realize that distress and infertility are directly proportional, identify symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here are some things you can do to address stress:

1. Exercise daily

One of the best ways of bidding adieu to stress is by exercising for at least 30 minutes every day. When you exercise, feel-good hormones like dopamine and endorphins will replace cortisol. And who says exercising means only sweating out at the gym?

For the best results, feel free to pick physical activities that you will enjoy doing. It can be anything like gardening, stair climbing, playing badminton, dancing, riding a bicycle, walking, swimming, or jogging.

Read: Fertility Yoga Benefits

2. Rely on relaxation techniques

Many stress-management techniques can work wonders. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are excellent techniques to get rid of stress, anxiety, and depression. Getting hot oil massages can also give quick relief from stress and thus, minimize the risk of infertility.

3. Sleep soundly at night

People who have a consistent sleep routine wake up feeling happy, motivated, and energized. So, for women experiencing infertility, it is very important to go to bed on time and sleep peacefully for 7-8 hours. Sleeping is also the best way of blocking negative thoughts. Hence, when in a bad mood or feeling hopeless, sleep it off.

4. Spend time with your favorite people

Irrespective of the outcome of IVF treatment, don’t forget that you are not alone in this journey. Your partner is your biggest support system, and therefore don’t isolate yourself in your grief. Do fun things with your man like going on dinner dates, playing bedroom games, etc. to ease the situation. You should also catch up with your close friends and family members to feel better.

5. Eliminate the source of stress

Arriving at the root cause of stress is an organic way of deleting stress from your life. For example, if you are feeling stressed because you have an extremely demanding job and your work-life balance is disrupted, look for another job. If problems in your conjugal life are causing stress, have discussions with your spouse or go to a marriage therapist. Lastly, if the stress is due to the failure of assisted reproductive technologies, speak about it to your fertility specialist.

6. Seek professional help

Mental health is not something to be neglected. If you fail to manage stress on your own, some professionals can make your life easier. Find an accomplished therapist in your neighborhood and you will begin noticing positive changes right from the first session.

So, women with infertility should follow the above-mentioned tips to tackle fertility issues naturally. If you have opted for assisted reproductive technology, that too can be stressful as you need to be patient to get the good news. Therefore, when trying to conceive, say no to stress and try to be happy.

References:

SART: Stress and Infertility – a patient education micro-video

The relationship between stress and infertility – PMC (nih.gov)

The modern women of today are career-oriented, ambitious, and independent. They confidently pursue their professional milestones. Neither do they believe in the idea of marrying someone just to start a family. But the biological clock doesn’t stop ticking, and luckily, fertility experts now have an awesome solution. Human oocyte cryopreservation can solve all your problems if you feel you aren’t ready to conceive now but you’re also eager to become a mother someday.

So, should you consider oocyte freezing? More importantly, what are the chances of having a successful pregnancy with the help of a cryopreserved oocyte? How much will oocyte cryopreservation cost?

What is Oocyte Cryopreservation?

Every month, one of your ovaries produces one egg. While you had almost 2 million eggs at the time of your birth, every month the number keeps decreasing. You may think you still have a lot left but when you turn 35+, you’ll be left with around 25,000 eggs. By the time you are 50, our egg count will be about 1,000. So, your chance of conceiving naturally will be very low.

Oocyte cryopreservation or egg freezing is a wonderful discovery in the field of medical science. In this process, oocytes are first extracted and then frozen in a lab. This way, eggs can be stored for years.

The first human birth from a frozen oocyte occurred in the year 1986. However, the oocyte cryopreservation process has gained immense popularity in the past few years.

Embryo Cryopreservation Steps 

Now have a look at the steps followed by leading hospitals during egg freezing.

1. Initial screening
2. Ovarian stimulation
3. Surgical procedure
4. Cryofreezing

Egg freezing: Who is it for?

There are many reasons why women opt for cryopreservation:

• A woman suffering from cancer is required to undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy and if the radiation reaches the ovaries, this can lead to infertility. So, cancer patients might be advised by their healthcare professional to freeze the eggs before their cancer treatment commences.
• Surgery can also cause damage to a person’s ovaries.
• Sometimes, chromosomal abnormalities (like Fragile X syndrome and Turner syndrome) can cause premature ovarian failure. Some women also have a family history of premature menopause.
• Genetic mutations may leave healthcare professionals with no alternative but to remove ovaries.
• Ovarian disease can cause serious damage to the ovaries.
• Fertility preservation can also be for personal or social reasons to delay conceiving.

Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation Success Rate 

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the success rate of oocyte preservation depends on several factors. Two of the biggest factors are:

1. the total number of eggs frozen
2. at what age the woman is freezing her eggs
3. the quality of the frozen oocyte

If eggs are not of good quality, mature oocyte cryopreservation can also be done with donor oocyte.

What’s the Right Age for Oocyte Freezing?

When it comes to freezing your eggs, there is no age limit. However, as you age, the potential of your eggs turning into an embryo reduces. Research has revealed that women who freeze their eggs in their late 20s or early 30s have a 95% higher chance of delivering healthy babies later.

Oocyte Cryopreservation Procedure Risks

The risks of egg freezing are similar to the risks associated with ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment. One such complication is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which is characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen and pelvis and enlarged ovaries. There can also be bleeding during oocyte retrieval.

Elective Oocyte Cryopreservation Cost

Oocyte cryopreservation is not inexpensive. However, the cost of vitrified oocyte preservation depends on several factors like the city where you like, the IVF treatment center you pick, the number of oocytes you’ll preserve, and the number of years for which you want to free your eggs.

So, to know the exact cost, reach out to a reputed fertility clinic. Don’t forget to ask about their success rate and if there are any hidden charges. If you are wondering whether it will be covered by your health insurance or not, discuss the matter with your insurance company.

The Bottom Line

We may conclude by saying that freezing your eggs will give you great autonomy. Knowing that your eggs are preserved, you can focus on your career or wait patiently for the love of your life. Sounds like a perfect plan, right?

So, just type ‘oocyte cryopreservation near me‘ and find the best fertility clinic in your neighborhood that specializes in planned oocyte cryopreservation and other fertility treatments.

In today’s world, Assisted Reproductive Technologies are the greatest boon to couples with infertility issues. There are so many advanced diagnostic procedures and treatment options that thousands of infertile couples around the globe can conceive. Today we will talk about one such excellent test known as endometrial receptivity analysis. This test is crucial in IVF as it allows fertility experts to study the patient’s endometrium and endometrial lining. This step can be crucial in your IVF cycle to find out if it is in a suitable state to facilitate embryo implantation.

But how much does endometrial receptivity analysis cost and how can it benefit you? What are the success rates of endometrial receptivity analysis? Let’s answer all your questions about ERA.

Definition of Endometrial Receptivity Analysis

In simple words, ERA or endometrial receptivity analysis is one of the latest diagnostic procedures that can help determine if a woman’s endometrial cavity is prepared for embryo implantation. As it identifies the optimal time to proceed with frozen embryo transfer, having a successful implantation becomes less challenging.

ERA Procedure

ERA endometrial receptivity analysis is a painless procedure which involves the following two steps:

1. endometrial biopsy
2. gene sequencing

During endometrial biopsy, a tissue sample is taken from the endometrial lining. After analyzing the endometrium receptivity result, the doctor determines whether the uterine lining is ready or not. ERA is also an outpatient procedure and sedation is not required. It will be done in less than 5 minutes; after that, you can return home without discomfort.

Who Is the Right Candidate for Endometrial Biopsy?

Healthcare professionals usually recommend ERA biopsy to women who are undergoing treatment for infertility and their earlier IVF circles have resulted in failures. In addition to the reproductive medicines prescribed by your doctor, ERA might also be needed. If someone had several pregnancy losses or miscarriages, then also ERA can be helpful.

However, ERA is not that important for people in the initial stage of their IVF (in vitro fertilization) journey. If you are still considering ERA, you should discuss it with your IVF doctor to choose what’s best for you.

The Success Rate of ERA

ERA technology aims to analyze the overall health of the embryo to understand the right time for implantation on the uterus lining. Its application may drastically better embryo implantation, especially for people who have experienced recurrent implantation failure. So, the ERA test is done by doctors during reproductive treatments such as ICSI, FET, and IVF.

As far as the success rate of ERA is concerned, it is 95% (even in women who have dealt with implantation failure repeatedly). To maximize the chances of achieving success, you should also choose a reputed fertility clinic that has experienced doctors.

To Sum Up

Hence, it goes beyond saying that endometrial receptivity analysis enhances the outcome of IVF pregnancy by showing when the endometrium is receptive and when it is non-receptive. That explains why high implantation improvement is noticeable.