Infertility - Causes And Types Of Solutions - IVF, ZIFT, GIFT

Definition Of Infertility

Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive within one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse in a woman under 35, or within six months in women over 35. It can also mean failure to carry the pregnancy to term.

Understanding infertility and its prevalence is very important since it affects a high number of couples across the world; it is estimated that about 10-15% of couples have a fertility problem. Such knowledge facilitates the solution of problems related to reproductive health and advises the couple in choosing the right treatment.

Infertility Causes

Infertility can be caused by factors like:

Male Factors

• Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology

• Genetic factors, hormonal imbalances.

• Blockages and ejaculation problems

• Lifestyle issues: Smoking, alcohol, drug use, obesity

Female Factors

• PCOS, hypothalamic dysfunction, Premature ovarian insufficiency

• Fallopian tube damage or blockage

• Endometriosis: Growth of tissue outside the uterus

• Uterine or cervical problems: Polyps, fibroids, abnormal shape of the uterus

• Age-related issues

• Lifestyle issues: Smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress

Combined Factors

• When both partners have contributing issues

Unexplained Infertility

• Cases where no clear cause is identified.

Diagnostic Methods Of Infertility

The diagnostic methods include:

Male Infertility Tests

• Semen analysis

• Hormonal testing

• Genetic testing

• Testicular biopsy

Female Infertility Tests

• Ovulation testing

• Ovarian reserve testing

• Hormonal testing

• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, laparoscopy.

Types Of Infertility Solutions

The treatment of infertility uses diverse medical interventions that best suit the causes. The treatment may include drugs, and advanced reproductive technology with the mode of treatment depending on the fertility problem.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a very common form of ART whereby the egg is fertilized outside the body and then transferred to the uterus. It is usually recommended in cases of severe fertility problems or unexplained infertility.

Procedure Of IVF

• Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval

• Sperm collection with lab fertilization

• Culture and transfer of embryos

Success Rates And Factors Affecting Success

• Age, health conditions, quality of sperm/eggs

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Advantages: Higher success rates, more infertility problems treated.

• Disadvantages: Cost, emotional and physical stress, multiple births.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

ZIFT is another ART work that is somewhat like the IVF technique. However, this time, instead of introduction into the uterus, the fertilized egg, or zygote, is introduced directly into the fallopian tube. Thus, the technique shares some characteristics of both the IVF technique and natural conception—allowing for more natural implantation to occur.

Procedure Of ZIFT

• Similarities with IVF at the preliminary steps

• Transfer of the zygote into the fallopian tube

• Success Rates and Factors Affecting Success

• Generally lower than IVF

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Advantages: normal implantation process

• Disadvantages: surgical procedure, lower success rates

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

GIFT is a method of assisted reproductive technology whereby eggs and sperm are collected and then immediately placed in the fallopian tube. Compared with other methods of ART, like IVF and ZIFT, GIFT is a more natural approach to assisted reproduction since fertilization occurs within the body.

Procedure Of GIFT

• Collection of egg and sperm.

• Gametes are transferred directly to the fallopian tube.

• Success Rates and Factors Affecting Success

• Similar to natural conception rates

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Advantages: More Natural Fertilization.

• Disadvantages: Require healthy fallopian tubes, surgical risks.

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