What We Offer Book Session
Infertility is a condition where a couple fails to conceive after about a year of regular unprotected intercourse. It is one condition that can make a person feel quite helpless and medical science too does not have all the answers. We thus find a lot of couples window shopping and trying all possible options over the years.
It is obvious that couples want to know the answers. Today there is hope for many such couples in the form of improved diagnostic tools (laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, sonosalpingography among many others), assisted reproductive techniques (test tube baby) and better treatment options for conditions like fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovaries.
The first visit to the infertility specialist usually entails a basic history taking, evaluation of basics including marital and sexual history and any relevant medical history. Some basic tests are then carried out, usually routine tests and hormonal tests for the woman and a semen analysis of the male partner. If all of these are within normal limits, further evaluation is carried out to check whether the woman’s ovaries are producing eggs (ovulation) regularly or whether her fallopian tubes are open.
Depending on the results of the various tests, the couple may fall into any or more of the below mentioned categories:
- Male factor infertility
- Tubal factor infertility e.g. Pelvic infection, tuberculosis, endometriosis
- Ovulatory dysfunction (formation or release of egg by the ovary) e.g.Polycystic ovaries, chocolate cyst
- Uterine factor infertility (uterine environment is not suitable for the embryo) e.g. fibroids, septum, tuberculosis, adhesions
- Cervical factor infertility (the cervical mucus is not receptive to partner’s sperms) e.g. infections, previous cervical surgery
- Combination of above factors e.g. tuberculosis, endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility (all tests normal, yet no conception)
Specialised Tests :
Semen Analysis : The sine qua non of male partner evaluation. Should be done preferably in a lab specializing in the same. Any abnormality should mandate a repeat test for confirmation.
Sonography for pelvic evaluation and for studying ovulation.
Hysteroscopy .... A magnified view of the inside of the uterus to rule out fibroids, septum or adhesions (bands) and to evaluate the endometrium (uterine lining) . Surgical procedure to be done under local or general anaesthesia.
Laparoscopy .... A magnified view of the abdominal cavity to evaluate the uterus, tubes and ovaries and their relationship to each other. Surgical procedure carried out under general anaesthesia. Excellent for diagnosing tuberculosis, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc. and can be combined with treatment of the above too, at the same sitting. Invasive procedure with its attendant small but real risks.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) .... An Xray of the uterus and tubes taken after injection of a suitable dye into the uterus under mild sedation. May be slightly painful. Gives a fairly good idea of the uterine cavity and tells whether tubes are open. Has many limitations too.
Sonosalpingography .... A sonographic evaluation of the uterus and the tubes after injection of saline into the cavity. Gives similar information as HSG, and gives better information about endometrium.
Postcoital test .... A test for evaluation of the cervical mucus during ovulatory phase to test its receptivity to partner’s sperms.
Salpingoscopy .... A newer technique to evaluate the inner lining of the tubes during laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.
What we offer at GyneGuide:
INFERTILITY WORKSHOP:
Workshop over 3 days by Dr Suman Bijlani and her team comprising dietician, yoga expert and psychologist, covering the following :
- Basic process of fertilization and implantation
- Causes of infertility
- Investigations: What information is obtained from which test and which test is needed in which situation, the risks involved if any, limitations of the test and other options
- Laparoscopy : Information gained, risks and possibilities
- Treatment options
- Understanding newer techniques : IUI, IVF & ICSI (test tube baby)
Q & A Session to answer your queries!
Private session
Covering all the above with reference to your own unique situation
Duration of the session would depend on the merits of the case
Apart from educating you regarding your disease, we would discuss with you the pros and cons of the various treatment options available to you. We would help you with references if you need them. We would of course do her best to satisfy all your queries and address all your specific concerns.
In short, we would ensure privacy, confidentiality and give you complete relevant education which would empower you to take an informed decision regarding your future.
We also have group and individual sessions for women who have been advised IVF or ICSI . Read more....