Infertility Treatment in Navi Mumbai

Infertility Treatment in Navi Mumbai

When Should Couples Consult a Gynecologist?

It can be emotionally hard for couples struggling to conceive, especially when hope and disappointment come every month. Many couples do not seek medical advice early enough, believing that pregnancy will occur naturally over time. However, early infertility assessment can help to identify the reason for delay and guide the couple to the right treatment plan.

Infertility does not mean that immediate advanced fertility treatment is required. In most cases, couples need a basic evaluation, menstrual cycle evaluation, ovulation tracking, lifestyle advice, PCOD/PMOS treatment, thyroid correction, infection assessment or male partner testing first.

Dr. Hina Shaikh at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi provides evaluation and treatment guidance based on the couple’s age, menstrual history, fertility goals, medical conditions and duration of trying.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after regular unprotected intercourse. According to ASRM, evaluation is generally recommended after 12 months of trying if the female partner is under 35 and after 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older.

Infertility may be female factor, male factor or combined factor or unexplained. Therefore, ideally, the evaluation should be of both partners, not just the woman.

When Should You See a Gynecologist for Infertility?

If a couple has not conceived after one year of regular unprotected intercourse, they should consult a gynecologist. If the woman is 35 or older, evaluation should be started after 6 months of trying because fertility declines with age.

But if there are warning signs, couples shouldn’t wait six or 12 months to act on them. Early consultation is advised if the woman has irregular periods, PCOD/PMOS, painful periods, history of pelvic infection, thyroid disease, symptoms of endometriosis, previous miscarriage or known male partner fertility concerns.

Couples should also look into if :

- Periods are late or irregular
- No periods for months
- There is known PCOD, PMOS or PCOS.
- The woman is over 35
- There is pain when having intercourse
- Miscarriage: History
- Past history of pelvic infection or tuberculosis is
- There is a thyroid problem or diabetes
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or pelvic pain
- Known low sperm count/concern about male infertility
- The couple have been trying without success and are anxious

Getting help early will help to prevent confusion and may allow the doctor to find a cause that can be corrected.

Frequent Reasons of Infertility in Women

There are many reasons for infertility. Some causes are related to ovulation, some to the uterus or fallopian tubes and some are hormonal or age-related factors.

Common factors related to women are:

- PCOS / PMOS / PCOD
- Irregular ovulation
- Thyroid disbalance
- Increased prolactin
- Endometriosis (http://www.
- Uterine cavity fibroids
- Cysts of the ovaries
- Clogged tubes
- Pelvic inflammation
- Prior pelvic surgery
- Age-related decline in oocyte quality
- Having low or very high body weight
- Diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Smoking and other lifestyle factors Poor sleep or high stress

A doctor who specializes in women’s health looks at symptoms, menstrual cycle, past medical history, and test results to find the probable cause.

- Male Factor Infertility Should be Checked Too

Infertility is not a women’s only issue. Delay in conception may be due to male factors also. The ASRM recommends that a male partner’s reproductive and medical history and at least one semen analysis be obtained at the beginning of an infertility evaluation when applicable.

Male factor can be due to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape, hormonal problems, infection, varicocele, lifestyle factors or past medical conditions.

Early assessment of both partners can save time and unnecessary delay as conception is a joint effort of both partners.

- Age and Reproduction

Age is an important factor of fertility. ACOG recommends that women older than 35 years seek infertility evaluation after 6 months of attempting conception. With age, fertility naturally declines as the number and quality of eggs decrease over time.

That doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant after 35. Therefore, couples should not put off evaluation so that the doctor has sufficient time to evaluate ovarian reserve, ovulation, reproductive health and pregnancy planning options.

What Is Infertility Evaluation?

Evaluation for infertility usually begins with a detailed consultation. The doctor asks about the couple’s history of trying to conceive, the woman’s menstrual cycle, any previous pregnancies and miscarriages, medical conditions and lifestyle, intercourse history, previous surgeries, and family history.

The first visit may involve:

- Detailed history of menstruation and fertility
- Medical history of the two spouses
- Physical exam
- Earlier reports talked about
- Assessment of Ovulation
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Blood tests for hormones, if needed
- Thyroid and prolactin tests (if indicated)
- Blood Sugar Test
- Semen analysis of male partner
- Evaluation of fallopian tubes if indicated Assessment of PCOD/PMOS, fibroids or symptoms of endometriosis

According to ACOG, the first infertility evaluation visit will typically include a detailed medical history and physical exam, asking about periods, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain and conditions that can affect reproduction, such as thyroid disease.

What other tests might be needed?

Tests based on age, symptoms, menstrual cycle pattern and duration of infertility. A gynecologist may recommend:

1. Evaluation of ovulation
This helps to know if the woman is releasing an egg regularly. Irregular cycles may be a sign of irregular ovulation.

2. Pelvic ultrasound
Ultrasound can be used to assess ovaries, follicles, uterus, fibroids, ovarian cysts or polycystic ovarian pattern.

3. Hormone Tests
Hormonal testing may include thyroid, prolactin, ovarian reserve testing and other hormone levels depending on symptoms.

4. Semen Analysis
It examines the quantity, movement and shape of sperm. It is an important part of the infertility work-up.

5. Tube Evaluation
For natural conception, the fallopian tubes also need to be open. Depending upon the history and findings on tests, tubal evaluation may be advised.

6. Further Testing
Some couples may need screening for infections, evaluation for diabetes, assessment for endometriosis, or further fertility investigations.

Treatment for Infertility

Treatment will depend on the cause. Not every couple needs IVF right away. Early detection and correction of the cause helps many couples.

Treatment options may consist of:

1. Weight management and lifestyle
A healthy weight, balanced diet, regular physical activity, correcting sleep habits and stress management can improve fertility health in some couples, especially in ovulation problems related to PCOD/PMOS.

2. Guidance on cycle tracking and fertile window.
Some couples may need to be taught about timing of ovulation and fertile window. Timing intercourse right can increase chances of conception.

3. Treatment of PCOD / PMOS
PCOD/PMOS women may require lifestyle modification, cycle regulation, ovulation support and management of metabolic health.

4. Correction of Thyroid or Hormones
Imbalances of the thyroid, high prolactin or other hormone problems can affect fertility and may need treatment.

5. Help During Ovulation
If you don't ovulate regularly you may be prescribed medication to help you ovulate. This should only be done under the direction of a medical doctor.

6. Management of Uterine or Pelvic Conditions
Fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis or pelvic infections may require specific treatment depending on severity and fertility goals.

7. Treatment of male partners
If the semen analysis is abnormal, the male partner may need further evaluation and treatment.

8. Advanced Fertility Treatment Referral
If basic treatment doesn’t work or tests show more serious fertility issues, the couple may be referred for IUI, IVF or advanced fertility care if medically appropriate.

Is IVF Necessary for Infertility?

No. IVF is not always the first choice. For many couples, basic fertility evaluation, ovulation assessment, cycle tracking, lifestyle changes, treatment for PCOD/PMOS, thyroid correction or male partner evaluation first.

Severe tubal blockage, very low sperm count, age related fertility problem, severe endometriosis, repeated failed treatment or other medical reasons may be advised for IVF. The decision should be taken after due consideration.

Infertility Evaluation with Dr. Hina Shaikh.

Dr. Hina Shaikh is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. She has over 13 years of experience in clinical practice in the areas of women’s health, infertility, high risk pregnancy management and minimally invasive gynecological procedures. She can evaluate and assist couples with difficulty in conception, irregular periods, PCOD/PMOS related fertility issues, ovulation issues, repeated pregnancy loss or pregnancy planning issues.

Infertility Evaluation at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi.

Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi is a multispeciality hospital in Navi Mumbai offering gynecology, obstetrics, maternity care and diagnostic support. “A hospital-based setup helps couples facing infertility or pregnancy planning concerns with consultation, investigations, treatment planning and follow up care under one roof.”

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Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Address: Mini Sea Shore Road, Sector 10, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400703

Ph. 02268846142