Reproduction intervention
INFERTILITY is typically diagnosed after a young couple ( aged 30 and below) is unable to conceive after one year of regular intercourse.
Dr Ahmad Saifuddin Ahmad Yahaya, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mahkota Medical Centre who specialises in reproductive medicine and IVF ( in vitro fertilisation), says young couples who are trying to have children today are better equipped with fertility knowledge and should be able to seek help for their difficulties.
“Look out for irregularities such as severe menstrual pain or vaginal discharge, and come forward with these issues as soon as possible for early intervention before the one- year mark. See your family doctor for primary assessment – they will refer to a fertility specialist if needed,” he advises.
Through assessments including blood investigation and a series of tests, doctors are able to determine if the difficulty in conceiving stems from low sperm quality or count in men, tubal blockage or hormonal problems in women, or a shared issue between the couple.
Once the issue is identified, suitable treatment methods can be implemented and these range from intercourse planning and medication or supplements to intrauterine insemination ( also known as IUI, where sperm is injected inside the uterus to facilitate fertilisation) and minor surgery.
According to Dr Saifuddin, approximately 10% of infertility issues do not trace back to a specific cause – this is when IVF comes into the picture.
“IVF is an option for selected patients who have undergone consultation and tried other fertility treatments unsuccessfully.
“The process involves stimulating ovulation, collecting eggs once mature, collecting the sperm, then fertilising the eggs and sperm in the laboratory. The healthy embryo is transferred to the womb three to five days later,” he explains.
This method can be used for men with poor- quality sperms that are unable to swim up the fallopian tube and women with difficulty conceiving due to endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, irregular ovulation or effects of previous surgery.
The success of IVF largely depends on the age of the mother – there is a 50% success rate among those younger than 35 – as well as the health of sperm and ovaries.
“Ideally, the woman would come for a blood test to check the ovarian reserve on the second or third day of her menses, then on the 21st day to monitor ovulation, and again after the end of the period for ultrasound and X- ray to check the condiiton of her fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. A semen analysis will also be done on the man during this time,” says Dr Saifuddin.
Latest technology has widened the scope of IVF to include methods such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection ( injecting a single sperm directly into a mature egg in severe cases of male- factor infertility) and freezing of embryos to implant when the endometrium is in optimum condition.
Dr Saifuddin says that couples who are trying to conceive must take care of themselves to attain peak physical condition.
“Both man and woman must keep a balanced diet with lots of antioxidants and do not let stress or worries occupy their thoughts.
“Their BMI must be within the normal range as being overweight or obese can hamper egg and sperm quality, as can smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke,” he advises.
Ultimately, couples should not worry but instead take quick action in bringing any qualms to the doctor for investigation and counselling.
“Most attempts at getting pregnant are successful after assessment, consultation and treatment – not all couples will need high- end treatment such as IVF,” concludes Dr Saifuddin. For more information, call 06- 285 2999.