Wednesday 24 July 2013

Cure for Infertility – Gateway to Parental Bliss


Infertility more than being a condition is a menace that devastates the life of a couple and sometimes of family. To add to the woes caused due to this condition, there are social stigmas attached to it, making it even more lethal. However, in the present time, people have started to open up about the problem and have started consulting infertility experts who offer best cure for infertility.

The cure to this condition is multilayered and requires patience. The experts also advise that other than medical treatment and other procedures involved in cure for infertility, the couples should also follow a healthy lifestyle. Several complications causing infertility is directly or indirectly linked to common lifestyle related irregularities.

The cure for infertility is the gateway to parental bliss and therefore only an expert fertility expert should be consulted for the cure. The experts focus on test of both male and female and only then they decide whom to treat. It is not a men or the women problem. It is the problem of the couple and sometimes both of them needs treatment.

In case of male partner requiring the cure, the experts run another round of check and tests. These tests confirm the actual problem, that can be either any one or all of these, namely; premature ejaculation, too few sperms or problem related to sperm movement.

In case of female partner requiring the cure, the problem can vary from, namely; hormonal problems, problems related to inability to conceive, cysts, blocked tubes or even inability to develop eggs. 

Then whatever, the case is, once the problem is diagnosed either with any one of the partner or in the couple, the experts start with medical treatment. Sometimes, medicines can treat the condition and couples who were trying hard to get closer to parenthood, become the proud parent of their own offspring.

In many a cases, advanced treatment methods or the assisted reproductive technology is used to cure the condition of infertility. The doctors and the specialized surgeons for fertility treatment counsel the couple for the assisted reproductive technology. And once the couple agrees for the treatment, the doctor starts with IVF, which is most successful and most widely used assisted reproductive technology.

Though this technique is widely practiced and one of the most successful cures for infertility, but it is highly advisable that a couple should move ahead with any type of cure for infertility, only in guidance of an expert infertility treatment doctor. In absence of such guidance, the cure is not appropriate and it could also lead to various other complications.

Tuesday 9 July 2013

Thyroid Disease and Its Impact on Fertility- A Must Read


What is thyroid?

Thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland that is located in the lower part of the neck. It is the largest endocrine glands in the body and secretes hormones like triiodothyronine also called T3, and thyroxine which is known as T4. The basic function of these hormones is to deliver energy to cells of the body. Some dysfunctions of the thyroid gland can cause many complications like Hypothyroidism where thyroid gland is underactive and Hyperthyroidism where thyroid gland is overactive. In most of the cases these disorders usually go unnoticed because they do not have any obvious symptoms, while as in case of diseases like Goiter the disorder can be blatantly obvious.

Thyroid and Infertility, how are they related?

Thyroid dysfunction may or may not affect fertility, but it can halt ovulation in women by upsetting the balance of the body’s natural reproductive hormones. Studies also indicate that maternal presence of thyroid antibodies can lead to early miscarriage. There are no findings as to indicate the exact reasons for miscarriages in women who suffer from thyroid dysfunction, but the relation between thyroid dysfunction and miscarriages is confirmed.

How does thyroid disease affect fertility in men?

In men thyroid disease may cause problems like low sperm count in men or may significantly reduce sperm motility (movement).
How does thyroid disease affect fertility in women?

In case of women, hyperthyroidism can lead to miscarriages, premature births and intrauterine growth retardation but timely treatment cut the chances of miscarriages to a significant level. In case of Hashimotos (a form of hyperthyroidism) separate treatment is to be followed. In case of women with Hypothyroidism disorders like hyperprolactinemia, luteal phase defect (LPD), anovulation (no ovulation, or release of an egg) and menstrual irregularities may occour. Hypothyroidism may also lead to polycystic ovaries, or cysts on the ovaries, which hamper ovulation and cause fertility issues. It can also lead high blood pressure, and are at greater risk of heart conditions.

Why is it important to treat thyroid and what happens if the disease goes untreated?

If thyroid goes untreated it may lead to various complications like heart rhythm irregularities, mental disorders, emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression, various eye disorders, excessive loss or gain in weight besides causing infertility. It also leads to complications like mental retardation and stunted growth in the newborns of mothers with thyroid disease.

Can I give birth to a healthy baby if I am suffering from Thyroid?   

While thyroid dysfunction is known to complicate pregnancy, but if managed properly you can have a 100% safe pregnancy. All you have to do is take your medications regularly and keep your thyroid TSH and T4 under control. Read everything you can about your condition and ask questions to your doctor about your condition.  There are many women who suffer from thyroid condition and manage to handle it smoothly even during pregnancy, all it requires is a little preparation and care.