Infertility is a condition when a couple is not able to conceive despite having unprotected sex for a year. Infertility may occur due to unhealthy life practices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, etc. In males, infertility can occur due to reduced sperm quality, premature ejaculation, exposure to chemicals, and cancer. Endometriosis, fallopian tube blockage, uterine polyps, uterine fibroids, PCOS, and cancer can cause infertility in women.
Diagnosis
The gynecologist tries to understand the sexual habits of the couple and makes recommendations to improve their chances of fertility.
Tests for Men
In a fertile man, the sperm gets released and travels to the egg. The gynecologist may perform a physical examination and suggest the following tests:
- Hormone Testing: A blood test checks testosterone levels and other hormones.
- Semen Analysis: The doctor checks the semen sample for any defects.
- Genetic Testing: It is performed to find genetic defects that can cause infertility.
- Imaging: An ultrasound can detect issues in the scrotum, glands that make fluids that produce sperm, and the tube that carries sperm to the testicles. A brain MRI can detect tumors of the pituitary gland that aren’t cancerous. These tumors can cause the gland to produce more prolactin hormone, which interferes with sperm production.
- Testicular Biopsy: A small sample of testicle tissue is removed and studied under a microscope to find a blockage in the reproductive tract that prevents the sperm from leaving the body in semen.
- Other Tests: A semen sample may be collected to check for issues with DNA that lead to sperm damage.
Tests for Women
In fertile women, an egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tubes to meet the sperm. The fertilized egg must then travel to the uterus and attach to the uterine lining. In women facing difficulty with fertility, the gynecologist performs a physical exam to check the pelvis.
The tests for checking female infertility include:
- Thyroid Function Test: When the thyroid gland produces an excess or less of thyroid hormone, it can lead to infertility. A blood test can check thyroid hormone levels.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing: Hormone testing is conducted early in the menstrual cycle to check for the number of eggs present for ovulation.
- Ovulation Testing: A blood test can detect if the woman is ovulating.
- Hysterosalpingography: A special dye is injected into the uterus, and an X-ray is taken to test for fallopian tubes and the uterus. This test can detect blockages in the fallopian tubes.
- Imaging Tests: Pelvic ultrasound shows disease in the uterus and ovaries. A saline infusion sonogram, also called a sonohysterogram, checks the interiors of the uterus.
Other female tests include:
- Laparoscopy: In this procedure, a small cut is made below the navel. A thin viewing device is inserted through the cut to study the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. Laparoscopy may help find endometriosis, scarring, blockages, and other issues with the fallopian tubes. It can also be used to treat fibroids and endometriosis.
- Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted device is placed through the cervix inside the uterus to check for disease of the uterus. It can also be used to perform minor surgery.
Infertility Treatment
The infertility treatment depends on the age of the couple, duration, and cause of infertility.
Infertility Treatment in Men
Infertility in men can be treated through the following treatments:
- Lifestyle Changes: The gynecologist may suggest having intercourse near the ovulation date. Getting regular exercise and avoiding alcohol and smoking can help with fertility.
- Medicines: The gynecologist may suggest medicines to improve sperm count and increase the chances of pregnancy. The medicines can also support testicle function.
- Surgery: The gynecologist may perform surgery to reverse sperm blockage and restore fertility. Surgery may also be required to repair the varicocele, which is the enlargement of veins within the bag of skin that holds testicles (scrotum).
- Sperm Retrieval Procedure: Sperms are collected and are used in assisted reproductive techniques.
Infertility Treatment for Women
Women may need one or more fertility treatments to become pregnant.
- Fertility Medicines: These are suggested to treat infertility caused by ovulation trouble. These can help the ovaries release eggs if ovulation is irregular.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Healthy sperm is placed inside the uterus during the time of ovulation for fertilization to occur.
Assisted Reproductive Technology
ART is a set of fertility-related treatments in which eggs and sperm are manipulated. In vitro fertilization is the most common type of ART, in which fertility medicines are given to women to help the ovaries produce eggs. The mature eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilized with sperms in a lab. The fertilized eggs, called embryos, are placed in the uterus or can be frozen for future use.
Other techniques utilized in IVF include:
- Assisted Hatching: An embryologist uses a laser to thin the embryo's outer shell, making it easier for the fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A healthy sperm is injected into a mature egg. This procedure is opted during poor semen quality or when fertilization attempts during prior IVF cycles didn’t work.
- Gestational Carrier: The couple's embryo is placed in the uterus of the person who agrees to carry the pregnancy, also called surrogacy.
- Donor Eggs or Sperm: Donor eggs or sperm are used by people who are single or in same-sex relationships. It can also be due to poor egg or sperm quality or when one partner has a genetic disease that could be passed to the baby. Infertile couples can use frozen embryos from other couples.
- Genetic Testing: Before getting implanted into the uterus, the embryos undergo genetic testing to detect genetic issues. Genetic testing lowers the risk of the parent passing genetic issues to the baby.
- GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer) and ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer): The sperm and egg collected are placed in the fallopian tube. With GIFT, the sperm and egg are placed in the fallopian tube, while in ZIFT, the egg and sperm are fertilized in a lab and then placed in the fallopian tube within 24 hours.
The caring team at Matrix Hospital Mehdipatnam will help solve infertility issues and help achieve a healthy pregnancy.
All your Doubts Answered!
1. What are the hospital's operating hours?
Matrix Hospital operates 24/7, including public holidays. Outpatient services are typically available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
2. Do I need an appointment before visiting the hospital?
Walk-in patients are welcome. However, for non-emergency consultations, booking an appointment is recommended to reduce waiting time. To book an appointment, call us on +91 8886665551 or +91 7799886623
3. What specialties and services are available?
We offer a range of specialties, including General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, and Emergency Services. Diagnostic facilities like X-rays, ultrasound, and pathology are also available.
4. Does the hospital have a pharmacy on-site?
Yes, our in-house pharmacy operates 24/7 and is stocked with a wide range of medicines and emergency drugs.
5. Are cashless insurance and TPA services available?
Yes, we are empaneled with multiple insurance providers and TPAs for cashless hospitalization. Our billing desk can assist with insurance-related queries.
6. What is the hospital’s policy for patient visitors?
Visitors are allowed during designated hours, generally between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Only one visitor is permitted per patient at a time for the comfort and safety of all.
7. How do I get a copy of my medical records or discharge summary?
You can request medical records and discharge summaries from the Medical Records Department. A valid ID and written authorization may be required for release.
8. What emergency services are available?
Our 24-hour emergency department handles trauma, cardiac, pediatric, and general medical emergencies, supported by an on-call team of doctors and critical care services.
9. Is ambulance service available?
Yes, we have a 24/7 ambulance service equipped with basic and advanced life support systems. For assistance, call our emergency helpline at +91 8886665551 or +91 7799886623.
10. Can patients choose their preferred doctor for treatment?
Absolutely. Patients can request consultations with a doctor of their choice, subject to the doctor's availability.
11. Are maternity services available?
Yes, we offer comprehensive maternity care, including antenatal checkups, delivery services, cesarean procedures, and postnatal care.
12. How can I provide feedback or make a complaint?
We value your feedback. You can share your comments through our feedback forms available at the reception, email us at matrixhospitalmehdipatnam@gmail.com, or speak to our Patient Relations Officer at +91 8886665551 or +91 7799886623.
13. Do you offer health check-up packages?
Yes, we offer a variety of preventive health check-up packages tailored for different age groups and medical needs. You can inquire at the reception or check our website, www.matrixhospitalmehdipatnam.com, for details.
14. Is parking available at the hospital?
Yes, we provide limited parking facilities for patients and visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Dedicated parking for emergency cases is always available.
15. What are the modes of payment accepted?
We accept cash, credit/debit cards, UPI payments, and online bank transfers. EMI options may also be available for higher-value procedures — please check at the billing counter.
16. Do you have facilities for overnight stays for patient attendants?
Depending on the room category and availability, one attendant may be allowed to stay with the patient. Basic bedding can be arranged on request.
17. Are COVID-19 vaccinations and testing services available?
Yes, our hospital offers COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen tests, as well as vaccination services as per government guidelines. Please contact the front desk at +91 8886665551 for current availability.
18. Can medical certificates or fitness certificates be issued?
Yes, our doctors can issue valid medical and fitness certificates after an appropriate examination. Requests can be made at the outpatient reception.
19. What is the process for admitting a patient?
For planned admissions, the consulting doctor will issue an admission slip, which can be submitted at the admission desk. In emergencies, patients can be admitted directly through the casualty/emergency department.
20. How can I reach the hospital in case of a medical emergency?
For emergencies, you can directly bring the patient to our 24/7 emergency department or call our ambulance helpline at +91 8886665551 or +91 7799886623. Our emergency team is equipped to handle all types of medical situations promptly.