Introduction
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, yet it’s often surrounded by stigma, myths, and confusion. With medical science advancing rapidly, there’s more hope than ever for couples facing difficulties conceiving. In this blog, Dr. Paramita Hazari, a renowned fertility specialist, sheds light on the real causes of infertility, clears up common misconceptions, and outlines modern treatment options available today.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or after 6 months for women over 35). It can affect both men and women and may be caused by a wide range of physical, hormonal, or environmental factors.
Common Causes of Infertility
👩⚕️ In Women:
- Ovulation disorders (e.g., PCOS, thyroid issues)
- Blocked fallopian tubes due to infections or endometriosis
- Uterine conditions like fibroids or polyps
- Age-related decline in egg quality
- Hormonal imbalances
👨⚕️ In Men:
- Low sperm count or poor sperm motility
- Hormonal imbalances
- Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
- Infections or STDs
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, stress, and obesity
🗨️ “Infertility is never just a woman’s issue—around 40% of cases involve male factors,” says Dr. Paramita Hazari.
Debunking Common Myths About Infertility
❌ Myth 1: Infertility only affects older women.
✅ Truth: While fertility declines with age, younger couples can also face fertility issues due to underlying medical conditions.
❌ Myth 2: If you already have a child, you can’t be infertile.
✅ Truth: Secondary infertility is a real and treatable condition.
❌ Myth 3: Stress alone causes infertility.
✅ Truth: While stress may impact hormonal balance, it’s rarely the sole cause of infertility.
❌ Myth 4: Lifestyle doesn’t affect fertility.
✅ Truth: Obesity, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol significantly affect reproductive health in both men and women.
Diagnosis: How Infertility is Evaluated
According to Dr. Hazari, an accurate diagnosis is key. Evaluation may include:
- Hormonal blood tests
- Ultrasounds of the uterus and ovaries
- Semen analysis for men
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tube blockage
- Genetic testing or laparoscopy, if required
Treatment Options Available
Dr. Paramita Hazari offers personalized treatment plans based on the root cause of infertility. Common options include:
✅ Lifestyle Modifications – Weight management, nutrition, and quitting tobacco/alcohol
✅ Ovulation Induction – Fertility medications to help release eggs
✅ Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – Sperm is placed directly in the uterus
✅ In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Egg and sperm are fertilized in a lab and implanted in the uterus
✅ ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – Especially for male infertility
✅ Donor Eggs or Sperm – For cases of poor egg/sperm quality
✅ Surgical Interventions – To remove fibroids, correct uterine anomalies, or treat endometriosis
🗨️ “The key is early intervention. The earlier we diagnose, the higher the success rate,” Dr. Hazari adds.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
- After 1 year of trying (or 6 months if the woman is over 35)
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- History of miscarriages
- Known reproductive disorders (like PCOS or endometriosis)
- Previous surgeries or infections affecting reproductive organs
Conclusion
Infertility may feel isolating, but you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not out of options. With the guidance of an experienced specialist like Dr. Paramita Hazari, couples can identify the root cause and begin their journey toward parenthood with hope and clarity.
