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Here’s a step-by-step guide to the IVF process: Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation The IVF process begins with a consultation with a fertility specialist

Egg freezing, pioneered in 1986, preserves women’s fixed egg reserve (2M at birth, ~400-500K at puberty, negligible at menopause), offsetting age-related declines (60-70% genetically healthy at 30 vs. 30-40% at 40; natural pregnancy <10% at 40+). Ideal before 35; freeze 8-15 eggs under 35 or 11-20 after for ~60% thaw survival and IVF success. Process: 10-day stimulation (day 2/3 cycle), ultrasound/injections, trigger shot, anesthesia retrieval, vitrification at -196°C. For cancer/chemo, career delays, PCOS, genetic risks (BRCA), or IVF backups; retains young egg quality, cutting birth defects. Risks: ovarian hyperstimulation, spindle damage on thaw.

Low sperm count (oligospermia) means fewer than 15 million sperm per ml, and can range from mild (10–15 million/ml) to severe (less than 5 million/ml), while azoospermia means no sperm at all. It is a major cause of male infertility and often has no obvious symptoms beyond difficulty conceiving, though some men may notice low libido, erection issues, or testicular pain/changes. Common reasons include infections, varicocele, hormonal or genetic problems, undescended testes, certain surgeries, toxins, heat exposure, smoking, alcohol, drugs, obesity, and chronic illnesses. Evaluation usually involves detailed history, semen analysis, hormone tests, ultrasound, and sometimes genetic tests or testicular biopsy. Management can include treating infections or hormonal issues, surgery for blockages or varicocele, lifestyle changes, and using assisted reproductive techniques like IUI, IVF, or IVF-ICSI, sometimes with sperm retrieval directly from the testes or epididymis.

Ovarian hyperstimulation is a serious complication of IVF treatment. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can be life threatening in severity as it can cause complications like

Media often overstate late-age motherhood, but fertility declines significantly after 35, with increased risks. Male fertility also drops after 40 due to reduced sperm quality, even without obvious signs. Stress alone doesn’t prevent pregnancy, but smoking, alcohol, obesity, and poor lifestyle do—tracking ovulation is more effective than “just relaxing.” Maintaining a healthy BMI (18–25) supports hormonal balance and sperm quality. Hormonal birth control does not reduce future fertility, as the body recovers quickly after stopping it.

Healthy pre-conception lifestyle boosts fertility: Avoid alcohol (disrupts hormones, delays conception), smoking (doubles time to pregnancy, harms eggs/sperm), and excess coffee; smokers face low sperm counts and gene damage. Eat nutrient-rich diet with iron+vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, selenium to support ovulation and sperm quality/mobility. Maintain BMI 18–25—underweight halts ovulation via low leptin, overweight risks anovulation, complications like hypertension/preterm birth. Consult doctors on medications (e.g., antidepressants, BP drugs) for safer alternatives to avoid teratogenicity. Men equally matter: Quit nicotine/alcohol/drugs, lose weight to preserve testosterone/sperm health for successful fertilization.

Male infertility is as common as female infertility and depends largely on sperm health. Healthy sperm is defined by adequate sperm count, good movement (motility), and normal structure (morphology) as per WHO standards. Understanding these factors and the causes of male infertility can help couples take the right steps to improve sperm health, especially in cases of low sperm count.

Lifestyle and dietary modifications that can help to improve sperm counts are enumerated below:-

Low AMH means a reduced egg reserve, often making it harder to conceive, especially with age. It is commonly linked to aging, certain medical conditions, ovarian surgery, and lifestyle factors like smoking. While AMH itself cannot be increased, fertility chances may improve with patient specific treatments such as IVF and supportive lifestyle changes.

The uterus is a pear-shaped muscular organ whose inner lining (endometrium) grows each cycle under estrogen and progesterone to receive an embryo and sheds as menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.

Successful IVF depends mainly on patient age, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity, with an ideal endometrial thickness of about 8–12 mm and a clear triple-line pattern on ultrasound.

Thin endometrium can be caused by infection (endometritis), low estrogen, poor blood flow, prior uterine surgeries, adhesions, or conditions like adenomyosis.

Endometrial receptivity is primarily evaluated with ultrasound, assessing thickness, pattern, volume, and blood flow.

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, blood-flow–enhancing medicines, intrauterine growth factors, acupressure/acupuncture, and newer approaches like PRP or stem cell therapies, individualized to each patient.