In Mumbai, the number of women undergoing IVF treatment is rapidly shooting up. In 2016, approximately 8000 women sought this treatment. This figure climbed to 12,000 in 2019.
IVF clinics in this state report witnessing more than a 200% rise in IVF cycles. Before you see a fertility specialist, you need to be prepared to go through a range of tests and evaluations to determine the exact cause that’s hindering you from getting pregnant.
It’s best to consult an infertility specialist that follows a patient-centric approach while adhering to stringent safety standards to provide you with a suitable treatment plan. Here are some key things to note before you opt for a consultation.
You need to know if you are ovulating
The foremost thing that your doctor will ask you is if you are ovulating. It means the release of an egg every month. You can figure this thing out by yourself by different means.
For instance, your vaginal discharge allows you to ascertain if you are approaching ovulation. The rise in estrogen levels increases cervical mucus production. You will find your vaginal discharge having a sticky and clumpy texture.
You will require fertility tests
In your first consultation with a fertility specialist, they’ll be going through your medical history to determine the fertility tests suitable for you and your partner. These tests comprise physical examinations, semen analysis, and blood work.
The doctor usually orders an ultrasound and X-ray to examine the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes closely. It’s wise to consult an infertility specialist from a clinic that can provide a range of fertility treatments for couples, like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), assisted hatching, blastocyst culture.
Get ready for semen analysis
Semen analysis or SA is a fundamental infertility test. In it, a sperm sample taken after male ejaculate is assessed in a laboratory. The analysis considers the sperm count, volume of the semen, and the movement and shape of sperm cells. It also looks at the presence of white blood cells and various other factors.
Fertility medications and their side effects
Many fertility treatments involve taking medication for stimulating ovulation. But they have some side effects, and your doctor will discuss this with you in detail before starting the treatment.
You experiencing side effects will depend majorly on the type of medication, your body’s response to it, and its dosage. The most prevalent are bloating, hot flashes, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood swings. But these are very uncommon.
Know about the various fertility treatment options
After the testing, your physician will provide you with a diagnosis. But for many people, their situation comes under the category of unexplained fertility. If you also get an inconclusive diagnosis, don’t worry.
You can find various treatment options and procedures to start a family. That’s why it’s essential to find an IVF centre in Mumbai that can provide you with a detailed range of services like consultations, ultrasound imaging, genetic testing, and counselling. Qualified physicians offer treatment options tailored to a specific patient.
Know that the treatment can be challenging
Couples undergoing fertility treatment need to monitor many things. It includes the caution they should exercise for various drug treatments, timely visits to the clinic for ultrasound and bloodwork, and feeling disappointed when a specific treatment doesn’t work.
You need to talk out all your feelings with your partner. You can also see an infertility counsellor who can guide you through your emotional disturbance.
Get ready to make lifestyle modifications
It’s also essential to make certain lifestyle modifications to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant and starting a family. Lifestyle profoundly affects the reproductive functions of both men and women.
So, you need to form healthy lifestyle habits that positively impact your fertility and overall health. You’ll need to consume a healthy diet rich in carbohydrates and make it a point to exercise regularly.
You should be mindful of these things when you get ready for your first appointment. They will prove to be helpful when you are consulting with your specialist.
David Tobin did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in psychology, mental health, and wellness.
