Family Tips - Some Answers To Common Questions About Fertility
Having a baby can be one of the most important events in a couple’s life, but getting pregnant depends on a person’s fertility. Various fertility issues affect males and females all over the world. Many don’t know they suffer from infertility until they try to conceive a baby. Fertility problems usually can be addressed by a medical specialist, and can often be remedied through treatments and procedures. With today’s advancements in medicine, women and men can even conceive without using their own sperm and ova. In the following questions and answers, you will learn about different issues regarding fertility in both males and females.
What is Varicocele?
Varicocele is one of the most common causes of infertility in men, affecting around forty percent of men tested for infertility. It’s the abnormal dilation of the internal spermatic veins that drain blood away from the testicle to the abdomen. Defective valves cause the blood flow to go back towards the testicles and scrotum instead of away, causing a dangerous environment for the growth of sperm. Sperm can not grow in overly warm testicular environments, leading to infertility. Tests can be performed to find out if you suffer from the disease and the problem can be remedied through surgery or other medical therapies such as in-vitro fertilization.
Can environment and lifestyle affect fertility?
If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important to think about the environment you live in. Scientists have been studying the affects of environment on fertility for a while and have found some evidence to link the two together. Pesticides can play a part in fertility and women who live near or on a farm may have up to a forty percent chance of infertility. Everyday exposure to certain chemical elements, such as those found in dry cleaners, salons and in pesticides used for farming. Women exposed to these chemicals stand a greater chance at miscarriage while men can suffer from lower sperm counts. What you eat and drink can affect your chances at conceiving because of the chemicals found in water that has been purified and soil. You can eliminate this exposure by eating organic foods and personal products or avoiding the use of chemicals on your lawn.
What does embryo donation involve?
Embryo donation is when a couple donates an early-stage cell cluster after the sperm and egg unite in the uterus. Most of the time, donated embryos are those left over from the donating couple’s own attempt at in-vitro fertilization. The cluster is injected into the recipient’s uterus through frozen embryo transfer. Although the child won’t be biologically related to the mother, recipients will still get to experience pregnancy. Embryo donation has some positive points for couples considering the option. It’s easier and more affordable than adoption methods, and it’s also cheaper than other forms of in-vitro fertilization methods. Sperm can even be donated in lieu of an embryo through the same methods. A drawback to embryo donation is that success rates are considerably lower than rates associated with egg donations. To find out what qualifications are needed to be a donor or a recipient, a couple should visit their local fertility clinic.
What is Asherman’s syndrome?
Asherman’s syndrome is when intrauterine adhesions, commonly known as scar tissue, forms. This can cause serious reproductive function by lessening the chances of conception or causing a miscarriage. Scarring can occur as the result of several situations. Women that have undergone a dilation and curettage (D & C) procedure, where the lining of the uterus is scrapped away, can develop scar tissue. Infections after a D & C procedure can also cause scarring to occur. Miscarriages and abortions are another cause of Asherman’s syndrome. Asherman’s syndrome can be treated, even when it’s diagnosed. A hysteroscopy procedure can be performed where scar tissue is cleaned out of the uterine lining. An IUD can be inserted to help prevent future scarring from occurring.
Read the full article here: Getting Pregnant