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FAQs

Female Infertility Work Up

Common tests include hormonal blood tests (e.g., FSH, LH, AMH, and thyroid levels), ultrasound for ovarian and uterine assessment, hysterosalpingography (HSG) or sonohysterography to check for tubal blockages, and ovulation tracking.

Women under 35 are advised to seek evaluation after one year of trying; those 35 or older should consult a specialist after six months due to declining fertility with age.

Yes, factors such as stress, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition can influence reproductive health and may impact the findings of the evaluation.

Most procedures are minimally invasive, though some, like HSG, can cause mild discomfort. Providers aim to minimise pain with appropriate preparation and support.

Blastocyst Culture And Transfer

It allows for better selection of embryos with higher implantation chances, mimicking the natural timing of embryo arrival in the uterus and improving success rates.

No, not all embryos develop into blastocysts. The ability to reach this stage depends on embryo quality and laboratory conditions, which may influence the success of the process.

Blastocyst transfer is generally safe, but it may slightly increase the risk of multiple pregnancies if more than one blastocyst is transferred. Single blastocyst transfer reduces this risk significantly.

Yes, by selecting embryos with better developmental potential, it increases the likelihood of successful implantation and reduces the risk of miscarriage.

DNA Fragmentation Index Test

Donors are matched based on physical traits, blood type, and thorough medical screening to ensure the best possible compatibility and health outcomes.

The baby will inherit the genetic material of the donor. However, epigenetic factors from the recipient can influence gene expression during pregnancy, providing a unique biological connection.

Recipients may experience feelings of loss over genetic ties or societal stigma. Professional counselling helps address these concerns and supports emotional readiness.

Yes, programmes follow strict ethical guidelines and can accommodate specific cultural or religious preferences, ensuring respect for diverse values.

Donor Oocyte Program

It provides insights into sperm DNA integrity, helping to diagnose unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or failed IVF attempts, even when standard semen analysis is normal.

Common causes include oxidative stress, infections, exposure to toxins, smoking, excessive heat, poor lifestyle habits, and advanced paternal age.

Yes, treatments include lifestyle changes, antioxidants, managing medical conditions, or advanced reproductive techniques like ICSI, which select healthier sperm for fertilisation.

It is advised for couples experiencing infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or repeated assisted reproductive failures, especially if male factor infertility is suspected.

Embryo Transfer

Yes, excessive stress can affect hormonal balance and uterine receptivity. Relaxation techniques like mindfulness or acupuncture are often recommended during this time.

Implantation failure may result from embryo quality, uterine conditions, or other unknown factors. A detailed review of protocol and possible adjustments are made for future attempts.

Absolutely. Many successful pregnancies occur without noticeable symptoms after transfer. Symptoms are not a reliable indicator of outcome.

Post-transfer bed rest has not shown improved success rates. Patients are encouraged to resume normal activities with moderate physical care to promote overall well-being.

Endometrial Receptivity Assay

Yes, ERA is particularly beneficial for individuals with repeated IVF failures, as it identifies the precise timing for transferring embryos when the endometrium is most receptive.

In most cases, the receptive window remains consistent. However, hormonal fluctuations or medical conditions may occasionally require reassessment.

While both involve tissue sampling, ERA uses advanced molecular techniques to study over 200 genes linked to receptivity, providing tailored insights rather than general observations.

While primarily used for IVF, ERA insights may guide natural conception attempts for couples facing unexplained infertility, aligning intercourse or insemination with the receptive period.

Endometrial Regeneration

Yes, the endometrium can regenerate, but chronic damage, such as from Asherman’s Syndrome, may require advanced treatments like stem cell therapy or hormonal support.

Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, can aid in repairing damaged endometrial tissue by promoting cell growth, reducing inflammation, and restoring function.

Not necessarily. While thickness is a marker, factors like blood flow, hormone levels, and cellular structure also determine whether the regenerated endometrium is functionally receptive.

Absolutely. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding toxins like smoking can enhance endometrial healing and promote optimal uterine health for conception.

Fertility Preservation

No, modern cryopreservation techniques maintain the quality of eggs and embryos indefinitely, ensuring they are viable when needed, regardless of storage duration.

No, men can freeze sperm, and advancements like testicular tissue freezing offer options for prepubescent boys, expanding preservation opportunities across genders and age groups.

Treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can harm fertility. Fertility preservation before treatment, such as egg or sperm freezing, provides a chance for biological parenthood post-recovery.

Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and limiting environmental toxin exposure can help preserve fertility naturally and delay reproductive decline.

Hysteroscopy

Yes, it can. By removing uterine abnormalities like septa or scarring, hysteroscopy optimises the uterine environment, enhancing implantation chances and reducing miscarriage risks.

While minimally invasive, discomfort varies by individual. Diagnostic hysteroscopy often requires no anaesthesia, whereas operative procedures may involve sedation or general anaesthesia.

Yes, hysteroscopy provides a detailed view of the uterine lining, identifying subtle abnormalities missed on imaging like transvaginal ultrasounds or HSGs.

Absolutely. It’s used to manage heavy periods, remove retained products of conception, and assess postmenopausal bleeding, making it a versatile tool for overall uterine health.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Yes, surgical sperm retrieval techniques like TESA or PESA can obtain sperm directly from the testes, which can then be used in ICSI to achieve fertilisation.

No, ICSI itself doesn’t increase multiples. The risk depends on the number of embryos transferred, as with traditional IVF. Single embryo transfer minimises this risk.

Absolutely. ICSI is often recommended after previous IVF cycles with poor fertilisation rates, as it bypasses natural barriers to fertilisation.

Yes, even with ICSI, sperm quality affects embryo development. Advanced techniques like IMSI or PICSI can help select healthier sperm for better outcomes.

Intrauterine Insemination

Yes, IUI is often used for male infertility when sperm count or motility is low. It allows for a higher concentration of sperm to reach the egg, improving chances of fertilisation.

Yes, IUI can be combined with ovulation-stimulating medications for women with irregular cycles, improving the chances of ovulation and increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

No, IUI does not guarantee pregnancy. It improves the chances, but success rates depend on factors such as age, sperm quality, and the underlying cause of infertility.

Yes, IUI can be done with natural cycles, but it is typically more effective when combined with ovulation-stimulating medications, especially if there are fertility challenges.

IVF- Procedure

Transferring multiple embryos increases the chances of pregnancy but also raises the risk of multiple births. A single embryo transfer is recommended for many patients to reduce these risks.

Yes, egg donors can be used in such cases. Donor eggs, combined with the partner’s sperm or donor sperm, can be fertilised via IVF, offering an opportunity for conception.

IVF does not typically affect the long-term health of future pregnancies, but it may be influenced by factors like age, underlying infertility issues, and the quality of the embryos.

Success rates vary due to factors like age, the cause of infertility, embryo quality, lifestyle habits, and the clinic's experience and technology. Each IVF journey is unique.

Laparoscopy

Yes, laparoscopy can identify conditions like endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, or uterine abnormalities that may be contributing to infertility, allowing for targeted treatment.

Yes, laparoscopy can be used to remove ovarian cysts. It is particularly beneficial for preserving the surrounding tissue and fertility while offering a quicker recovery compared to open surgery.

In most cases, yes, as laparoscopy involves insertion of instruments into the abdomen. However, for less invasive procedures, local anaesthesia might be used depending on the complexity and the area being treated.

It is generally safe to perform laparoscopy during menstruation, though the menstrual flow can obscure the view of the pelvic organs. Doctors may prefer scheduling the procedure outside the menstrual cycle for better visibility.

Laser Assisted Hatching

It is typically recommended for women over 37, those with previous failed IVF cycles, or in cases where embryos have a thickened zona pellucida, potentially hindering implantation.

While it can improve implantation rates for certain patients, the success of laser-assisted hatching depends on factors such as egg quality, embryo development, and the underlying cause of infertility.

The risks are minimal but include potential damage to the embryo if not performed correctly. It is important to use precise, controlled laser settings to ensure safety.

No, it is not necessary for all embryos. The procedure is generally reserved for specific situations where embryos might struggle to hatch naturally, such as those with thicker zona pellucida or in older patients

Male Infertility Work Up

Semen analysis is a critical first step, but it may not always provide a full picture. Repeated tests and additional diagnostics, such as sperm DNA fragmentation, may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Yes, factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and stress can negatively affect sperm quality. Optimising lifestyle choices often improves fertility outcomes.

Yes, genetic testing can identify conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or Y-chromosome microdeletions, which may affect sperm production and fertility, providing insight into potential treatment options.

A varicocele, which is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum, can impair sperm production and quality. It is diagnosed through physical examination and confirmed via ultrasound or a semen analysis.

Surgical Sperm Retrieval

Common methods include Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA), Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA), and Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA), depending on the cause of infertility.

In most cases, surgical sperm retrieval does not impact overall fertility, though the procedure may reduce sperm production temporarily. Long-term effects are rare, but regular follow-up is advised.

Though rare, infection is a potential risk after surgical sperm retrieval. Antibiotics are often prescribed to reduce the likelihood of infection, and proper post-procedure care is essential.

Yes, sperm retrieved surgically can be frozen and stored for future IVF cycles, ensuring fertility preservation even if the sperm quality decreases over time.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is non-invasive, does not use radiation, and provides real-time imaging, making it ideal for monitoring pregnancies, detecting organ abnormalities, and guiding certain procedures.

Yes, ultrasound can help identify conditions like ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and blocked fallopian tubes, which may contribute to infertility.

Ultrasound is considered very safe, with no known risks or side effects. It does not involve radiation, making it a preferred imaging choice for pregnant women and children.

Ultrasound is often used to guide needle placement during procedures like biopsies, injections, and catheter placements, ensuring accuracy and minimising risk to surrounding tissues.

Pre Implantation Genetic Screening & Diagnosis

PGS is recommended to identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, reducing the risk of miscarriage, improving IVF success rates, and lowering the risk of genetic disorders in the child.

Yes, PGD is particularly useful for couples with a family history of genetic disorders, as it allows for the selection of embryos free from specific inherited conditions, ensuring healthier pregnancies.

PGD can detect a wide range of inherited conditions, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, muscular dystrophy, and Tay-Sachs disease, by analysing the embryo’s DNA for known mutations.

No, while PGS increases the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy by selecting genetically normal embryos, it does not guarantee a successful pregnancy, as factors such as uterine health and embryo quality also play a role.

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