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

Infertility refers to the condition in which couples face difficulty to conceive naturally despite having regular, unprotected sex for a period of time. It has become a growing concern for many couples. It is a major challenge in the field of human reproduction, as it affects the natural process of getting pregnant. But the medical advancements have made it possible, and now there are several ways to diagnose and treat infertility.

This Story also Contains

1. Definition Of Infertility
2. Infertility Causes
3. Diagnostic Methods Of Infertility
4. Types Of Infertility Solutions
5. Recommended Video On 'Infertility - Causes And Types Of Solutions - IVF, ZIFT, GIFT'
6. MCQs on Infertility

It is crucial to understand the importance of infertility, as it affects many couples. It is estimated that about 10–15% of couples face problems with fertility. It helps to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment available for infertility and take the best medical treatment. It guides couples to overcome infertility, improving their reproductive health.

Definition Of Infertility

Infertility is defined as inability of a woman to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex if the woman is under 35, or after six after if she is over 35. It can also mean being unable to carry the pregnancy to full term. It can affect one or both the partners and is a common concern in human reproduction.

It can be due to a variety of physical, hormonal or lifestyle-related factors in both men and women. Early identification and proper medical care can improve the chances of conceiving. Advances in medicine, such as hormone therapy and assisted reproductive technology (ART), have improved treatment. It allows individuals to experience the process of pregnancy, parturition, and lactation which may not be possible without medical support.

Infertility Causes

Infertility can happen due to a variety of problems related male or female reproductive system. The lifestyle of a person like smoking, alcohol, drug use, unhealthy diet, and stress can also have a major impact. Infertility is caused by various factors like:

Male Factors

• Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology affect the ability of the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg

• Genetic factors and hormonal imbalances interfere with the production, function and structure of sperm.

• Blockages and ejaculation problems prevent sperm from being released properly.

Female Factors

• Hormonal disorders like PCOS, hypothalamic dysfunction, or premature ovarian insufficiency can disrupt menstrual cycle and reduce fertility.

• Blockage or damage of the fallopian tube prevents fertilization of egg and sperm. It is generally caused by infections or past surgeries.

• Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that lines the uterus starts growing outside it. It makes it harder to get pregnant.

• Conditions like polyps, fibroids, or an abnormal shape of the uterus interfere with implantation.

• Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after the mid-30s

Combined Factors

• When both partners have health or fertility issues that affect their ability to conceive. These combined factors make the treatment more difficult.

Unexplained Infertility

• There are a few cases where both partners are healthy but still cannot conceive. No clear cause is identified, even after thorough testing of both partners.

Diagnostic Methods Of Infertility

Doctors use various tests and exams to find the cause of infertility. These may include hormone tests, ultrasound scans, semen analysis and imaging of the reproductive organs. The goal is to identify any problem in either of the partners. 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

Infertility is treated using diverse medical methods based on the cause. The treatment may include drugs, and advanced reproductive technology depending on the specific fertility issue.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a common fertility treatment where the egg is fertilized outside the body and placed into the uterus. It is often used when there are serious fertility issues or unexplained infertility. It resembles the natural process of fertilization in human and implantation.

Procedure Of IVF

• Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval: Hormonal injections are given to help ovaries produce multiple eggs. It is then collected using a fine needle

• Sperm collection with lab fertilization: Sperm is collected and fertilized with the egg in a laboratory under controlled conditions.

• Culture and transfer of embryos: The embryos grow into blastocyst and then implantation occurs in the uterus.

Success Rates And Factors Affecting Success

• The success in IVF depends on the factors like women’s age, overall health, and the quality of the sperm/eggs.

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Advantages: Increases chances of pregnancy, helps with various fertility issues, and gives hope to older couples to become parents and achieve parturition.

• Disadvantages: High cost, emotional and physical stress, risk of multiple pregnancies, and possible side effects.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

ZIFT is a method of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that resembles the IVF technique. Instead of placing the fertilized egg into the uterus, it is directly placed into the fallopian tube. This method uses parts of IVF and natural conception to allow the zygote to implant naturally into the uterus.

Procedure Of ZIFT

• The initial steps of egg collection and fertilization are the same as those of IVF.

• Instead of the uterus, the egg is placed into the fallopian tube

• Success rate is usually lower than IVF and depends on various factors

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Advantages: More natural implantation process, useful when IVF does not work

• Disadvantages: more invasive surgical procedure, lower success rates, Higher cost and complexity

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

GIFT is another method of ART where eggs and sperm are collected and then immediately placed in the fallopian tube. Unlike IVF or ZIFT, fertilization happens naturally inside the body, making it a more natural approach.

Procedure Of GIFT

• Eggs and sperm are collected.

• Both egg and sperm are placed together in the fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs.

• Success rates are similar to those of natural conception. It depends on age and overall fertility

Advantages And Disadvantages

• Advantages: More Natural Fertilization, less lab handling of embryos

• Disadvantages: Require healthy fallopian tubes, surgical risks, lower success rates than IVF, no confirmed fertilization.

Recommended Video On 'Infertility - Causes And Types Of Solutions - IVF, ZIFT, GIFT'

MCQs on Infertility

Q1. Statement 1: Endometriosis is a pathological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it resulting in pain and fertility problems.

Statement 2: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can cause infertility due to irregular ovulation.

1. Both the Statement 1 and 2 are correct

2. Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is incorrect

3. Statement 1 in incorrect but statement 2 is correct

4. Both statements are incorrect

Correct answer: 1) Both the Statement are correct

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. Endometriosis is a pathological condition where there is growth of tissue lining the uterus causing scarring and adhesions that can block the fallopian tubes, causing pain and fertility problems. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs in the pelvic region, and can lead to scarring and adhesions that can interfere with fertility.

Statement 2 is also correct. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can disrupt ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Infertility due to irregular ovulation. Women with PCOS may not ovulate regularly, or may not ovulate at all, which can make it difficult to conceive. PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and other metabolic disorders that can affect fertility.

Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.

Q2. What are some causes of infertility in women?

1. Endometriosis

2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

3. Uterine Fibroids

4. All of the above

Correct answer: 4) All of the above

Explanation:

Endometriosis, PCOS, and uterine fibroids are all potential causes of infertility in women. Endometriosis, is a pathological condition where there is growth of tissue lining the uterus causing scarring and adhesions that can block the fallopian tubes. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can disrupt ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can interfere with embryo implantation or block the fallopian tubes.

Hence, the correct option is 4) All of the above.

Q3. What is the definition of infertility?

1. The inability to conceive upon sex without protection

2. The inability to produce viable sperm of eggs

3. The inability to conceive and hold pregnancy for a tern

4. Both 1 and 3

Correct answer: 4) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive upon sex without protection even after one year or the inability to conceive and hold pregnancy for a term.

Hence, option 4 is the correct answer.

Also Read:

• Reproductive Health

• Disorders of Human Reproductive System

• Difference between ZIFT and GIFT