Infertility is a word that might sound normal to many but carries an overwhelming emotional burden for couples facing this challenge. The desire to experience the joy of parenthood is universal, yet, for some, this dream remains unfulfilled due to various medical and biological factors.
To address these concerns, Dr. Neha Gupta, a renowned infertility specialist and laparoscopic surgeon at Mediworld Fertility, visited the Medsurge India office to share her insights on infertility, its causes, and the modern treatment options that can help couples embrace parenthood.
Key Highlights from the Session
Dr. Neha Gupta, with more than 12 years of experience, emphasized that infertility is not just a female-related issue; both men and women can experience reproductive challenges. She explained the medical definition of infertility, i.e., infertility is an inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Dr. Gupta explained in detail about prevalent causes of infertility in both men and women:
- Female-related factors: hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, and uterine abnormalities.
- Male-related factors: low sperm count, poor sperm motility, genetic issues, hormonal disorders, and lifestyle factors.
With the advancements in the field of medical sciences, there are various possible ways available to provide new hope to couples who are struggling with infertility. Dr. Neha Gupta highlights the following options that are available in India:
- Lifestyle modification: Incorporating healthy habits and lifestyles into the daily routine and avoiding smoking/alcohol can improve fertility.
- Medications and hormonal therapy: this is recommended to regulate ovulation and improve egg quality.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A less invasive method that can increase the chances of sperm reaching the egg.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A highly advanced procedure where eggs are fertilized outside the body and then implanted in the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A specialized form of IVF for severe male infertility cases.
Laparoscopic Surgery: For conditions like endometriosis or blocked tubes that may affect conception.
Surrogacy: A Ray of Hope for Many Couples
Surrogacy provides new hope for couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons. Surrogacy is a process where a gestational surrogate carries and delivers a baby for the intended parents, using either their own or donor gametes through IVF.
Surrogacy is suggested to those parents, where:
- Women have some uterine abnormalities or previous hysterectomy (removal of uterus)
- Women with multiple pregnancies lose or have some medical conditions that alarm that pregnancy can be unsafe.
- Couples who have failed multiple IVF cycles.
Same-sex couples or single parents seeking biological children.
Surrogacy is a process in which another woman, known as a gestational surrogate (or gestational carrier), carries and delivers a baby for the intended parents. In most cases, the couple’s own egg and sperm (or donor gametes) are used to create an embryo through IVF, which is then implanted into the surrogate’s womb.
With advancements in reproductive genetics, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has become a vital tool in fertility treatments, especially for couples facing genetic disorders or repeated IVF failures. Dr. Neha Gupta explained that PGT helps select the healthiest embryos before implantation, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
There are two types of preimplantation genetic testing:
PGT-A, where A stands for aneuploidy, checks abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Edwards syndrome. PGT-M, where M stands for Monogenic/Single-Gene Disorders, identifies embryos carrying specific inherited genetic disorders like Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Disease, and Huntington’s Disease.
Moreover, she addressed concerns of international patients who travel to India in the scope of affordable yet high-quality fertility treatment. She ended on an inspiring note, saying that with medical advancements, even single or divorced women can now experience the joy of motherhood.
Conclusion
Dr. Neha Gupta’s session at Medsurge India was enlightening and hopeful for couples struggling with infertility. She reinforced the message that infertility is treatable by using the right approach and technique.
Furthermore, parents who are still facing difficulties can opt for the option of surrogacy. Modern medicine has made parenthood possible, even for those who once believed that it was not possible.
