Tubal ligation reversal, the way to revert infertility

Tubal ligation reversal, the way to revert infertility


It is a well-known fact that infertility has become one of the biggest problems of the modern age. Statistics tell that more than 30% of the married couples are facing some or the other infertility problem, either temporarily or permanently. The treatment includes a series of surgical and medical processes incorporated at the infertility clinic. Age, genetic disorders, hormonal deficiencies and many other factors are responsible for infertility problems.Theoretically if a couple is unable to conceive after repeated trial for one year without contraceptives.


It is recommended that couples should always go for a credible infertility expert for investigation. When couples come to me, I always go methodically to understand the basic cause of infertility through detailed investigation. There are many reasons of infertility and the correct treatment can be chalked out after finding the basic cause.


Fallopian tubes are important part of female reproductive system. They connect the uterus and the ovaries. The process of fertilization occurs in fallopian tubes. These tubes act as a channel to move the ovum or fertilized egg. These tubes provide adequate environment for fertilization and conception. In case of tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are closed and eggs can’t traverse to the uterus. It is very obvious that conception can’t occur in such case.


There could be many reasons for the blockage like infection, inflammatory diseases in the pelvic region or by birth defects. Tubal ligation reversal procedure corrects the problem in the fallopian tube and makes the conception possible.


Tubal ligation is a popular way of permanent birth control as well. However, sometimes women want to reconnect the fallopian tubes. The reason could be anything; wish to have more babies, religious factors, etc.



The procedure

Tubal ligation procedure takes around three hours to complete. It is performed under general anesthesia. The patient needs to spend one to four days in the hospital, depending on recovery. Patients can resume the regular routine after two to four weeks. We work on the damaged/blocked fallopian tubes during the surgery. The blocked part is removed and reconnected. It is possible for the tubes to carry fertilized egg to the uterus.


We check the possibility of successful reversal of the fallopian tubes before undergoing surgical procedure. In some cases, the tubes are damaged very badly and it is not possible to restore them. The damage may be caused by earlier surgical process or it may be by birth as well.

The risks
In rare cases, there is infection, bleeding or damage to other organs caused by tubal ligation reversal procedure. Modern surgical techniques have made it quite easy and the latest procedures do not need general anesthesia as well. The process can be done under local anesthesia and there is no hospitalization required.


There is one major risk of ectopic pregnancy after the reversal procedure. In this pregnancy, the conception happens in the fallopian tube. It is extremely risky situation and immediate termination of pregnancy is needed. Close monitoring can detect the problem early.


Tubal Ligation Reversal is a great procedure to enhance chances of successful pregnancy.

Chemicals and infertility problem

Chemicals and infertility problem

Infertility is a multi-faceted problem and I always suggest the patients to look at it from all possible angles. There are some strange things related to it and you can’t think about it in the wildest of imagination. Counseling and regular meetings show many hidden aspects. Extensive research work has been done to understand the different aspects of infertility, but everyday something or the other comes out that is strange and unbelievable. Would you believe that household items like shampoo, clothes, perfumes and detergent powders may have any relation with the infertility problems? It is hard to believe, but true. There is certain correlation between some chemicals and infertility problem.

What all could be dangerous?
Well, according to the research anything could be the stimulating reason for infertility problem. Food packaging, household chemicals and pesticides, clothes, shampoo and detergent powders, colors and strainers or even food items could trigger or aggravate infertility issues. However, it is too early to comment because not enough data available to set up the correlation exactly. Many people are doing research across the world to understand the effect of chemicals on infertility and initial findings set up the fact. It is relatively new topic and many things are still uncovered. There are innumerable chemicals we deal and hence, very specific study is required. The relationship of chemicals and infertility problem is a complex one with multiple facets.

The main culprits
Scientists have studied the groups of chemicals to pin point the fundamental cause of problem. Two groups have been identified so far:


a) Per Fluoro Octane Sulfonate (PFOS): They supposedly affect the immune system, liver and reproductive system in human beings. Researches show that even the slightest presence of PFOS in blood could affect the hormones that govern the pregnancy process.
b) Per Fluoro Octanoate (PFO): PFO are equally hazardous chemicals and they also affect the reproduction system and pregnancy adversely. Studies conducted on the pregnant women with presence of PFO in the blood underlined the relation between abnormal termination of the pregnancy and these chemicals.

The study
According to the recent study, the women were divided into two groups. In one group, there was significantly high level of these chemicals. The other group contained relatively lower levels. Analysts found that the chances of abnormal termination increased with the increase in the chemical presence. At the same time, there were higher chances of termination where the chemical was low in percentage. It clearly indicates that these chemicals can cause major harm to the pregnancy and reproduction process.

Conclusion
It is a significant finding about the direct correlation between harmful chemicals and infertility. Today we have so many chemical-based products around and there is always a possibility of some other chemicals also affect the reproduction system. As an infertility expert, I am required to understand this aspect as well. Probing about the lifestyle and occupation gives fair idea about the possibility of chemical exposure. Specific treatment is needed to correct the damage caused by harmful toxins.

Ignorance of sex and infertility

Ignorance of sex and infertility

It is important to talk to infertile couples before starting the treatment. It gives better insight about the problem and helps in deciding the right line of action. It is quite surprising, but true that still there are large number of infertility cases are contributed by lack of knowledge about the sex and sexual process. In spite of the exposure and education about it, there are many couples do not know the fundamentals of intercourse and conception!

There are many cases I have handled where infertile couples are required to undergo hymenectomy (the process of removing hymen surgically) in order to make the pregnancy possible. The couples have been indulged in regular sex, without understanding that it is not possible to conceive unless the sperm reaches to the uterus. The social structure, treating sex a taboo and absence of sex-education are the fundamental causes.

Another important factor is the frequency of sex. According to the medical definition, infertility is determined only if frequent unprotected sex for six to twelve months doesn't achieve pregnancy. Couples come for infertility treatment after trying for two to three months. In the modern times, marriages are happening quite late and the overall fertility level has decreased due to various factors. In the changing scenario, we suggest the couples to wait for at least 18 months and then come for infertility treatment.

Stress and lack of knowledge kills the sex life of newlywed couples. The frequency of sex is decreasing due to excessive work pressures and improper lifestyle. Late night parties, working in shifts and phone calls and conference calls kill the privacy and there are lesser opportunities available for sexual intimacy. Couples think that they are infertile and need treatment. It leads to temporary inability to make love and sometimes it is misinterpreted as infertility. It actually doesn't require any treatment because it is not actually a problem. It needs spending time with each other and understand the emotional needs.

It is a fact that ignorance of sexual knowledge was a main cause of infertility earlier as well, but the new generation is more open towards it. They discuss the problems frankly and work towards the resolution. It is quite helpful to discuss the problem at length so that appropriate solution can be opted.

There is one more aspect that leads to infertility, denial of fertility. You will find it strange, but there are many cases where conception does not happen just because women presume that they can't conceive. Career, education and the other aspirations keep pregnancy at the last priority. Strangely, mind make-up leads to physiological infertility and conception does not happen. This problem is quite persistent nowadays especially among the next generation couple where career and financial stability is more important as compared to extending the family.

Ignorance of sex contributes greatly in the infertility problem and we infertility experts need to spend a lot of energy and time in treating such cases. Counseling and step-by-step sex education helps a lot in treating the problem. 

Food for Infertility

Food for Infertility

Infertility problem is a complex condition and there is no fixed formula for success. Every case is unique and therefore, needs unique solution. There are multiple parameters that are responsible for it. Physiological problems, genetic disorders, lifestyle, stress, exposure to toxins and chemicals could cause infertility problem.

There is a common question asked to infertility experts. Can incorrect food habits cause infertility? If yes, then what food can cure it?  What should be consumed and in what quantity?

I would say it is quite tricky question. We need to understand that infertility is a resultant factor of many problems and therefore, food habits and lifestyle certainly affects it. Excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol, processed and refined food, excess weight and lack of exercise could aggravate the problem. There is certainly no “Super food” that can cure infertility problem instantly, but eating proper food and making corrective changes in the lifestyle could improve the fertility levels gradually.

Food that can help in curing infertility

There has been extensive research done across the globe to understand the correlation between food and infertility. Some food items have shown significant improvement.

a)  Antioxidants:  Antioxidants have immense power to correct the disorders and they help in curing infertility too. Eating food rich with antioxidants or taking supplements is good to get rid of free radicals. These are the elements that cause damage to the sperm or cause low production of the sperms.  Free radicals cause serious health problems in the body and hence, should be removed from the body. Raw fruits and vegetables especially sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, tomatoes, carrots, mangoes, oranges and fish, etc. are rich source of antioxidants.  It is better to eat food in raw form because excessive coking would destroy many of them.

b)  Vitamins and minerals: Food rich in vitamins and minerals help greatly in curing infertility problem. Vitamins boost secretion of hormones that are favorable for fertility. It is always better to supply vitamins and minerals to the body naturally by eating foods and vegetables in ample amount. However, vitamin supplements are prescribed by infertility experts in case of extreme deficiency in the body. Vitamin A, B, C, D and B-12 along with Zinc and folic acids are helpful in enhancing fertility in the body.

c)  Protein rich diet: Protein is essential for the growth and it also provides energy and resistance against ailments. Protein rich diet boosts the fertility levels. Liver, fish, poultry, dark red lean beef, salmon and tuna are excellent sources of protein. Veggies need not feel frustrated because they can fulfill the protein deficiency by consuming milk and milk products, beans, soybean, pulses, peanuts and corn. It gives inner strength to the body and boost fertility levels.

These are general guidelines. You need to consult a dietitian before making changes in the diet pattern along with the infertility expert. They will discuss and chalk-out the perfect plan for you. Reducing weight, quitting alcohol and tobacco and adopting correct lifestyle will enhance the impact of food and nutrients

Thyroid problem and infertility

Thyroid problem and infertility

Infertility is a problem that is invisible to the society. You will be astonished to know that almost 20% couples are facing infertility issues. It means one of every five couples go to infertility experts for treatment. Almost one third of these cases are contributed by male partners and the same are because of their better half. Remaining one-third cases are termed as unexplained infertility problem where exact cause is unknown.

Out of the many causes of infertility problems, thyroid related issues are quite prominent and therefore,one should take it seriously.

Thyroid and infertility

There is a direct relation of thyroid gland and infertility problem. When couples come to me for infertility treatment, thyroid test is included in the list of primary tests that I prescribe. Thyroxin hormone secreted by Thyroid gland is responsible for the proper functioning of cells in our body.

It is a case when thyroid gland does not produce adequate amount of hormones. We call it Hypothyroidism in the medical terminology. There is a direct correlation of thyroid problem and infertility in women. There are issues like autoimmune disorders or pituitary gland disorders than can cause hypothyroidism. It leads to the problem of infertility.

Undiagnosed or untreated Thyroid disease can cause miscarriages, problems in conception, abnormalities in the fetus or lower fertility levels. Abnormal levels of Thyroid can cause havoc to the female reproductive system. Lower progesterone level, ovulation problems and the other reproductive disorders can occur due to that.

Due to the ill-effects of thyroid problem on the ovulation cycle, it is not possible to determine the exact time for fertilization. Thyroid problem can also cause irregular or heavy menstrual periods, lower sex drive or recurrent miscarriages. In case of males it causes erectile malfunction or low quality of sperms due to low testosterone level. All these are directly responsible for infertility.

Special diagnostics are required

Unfortunately thyroid problem can't be revealed in the routine blood examination and in 80 percent cases; it gets surfaced only when there are specific tests for thyroid like TSH are conducted. It is important that the infertility experts are vigilant enough to suggest for advanced thyroid tests as soon as there is slightest of doubt about it.

Symptoms and cure

The symptoms of thyroid problems are quite misleading and therefore, often ignored by the patients and the infertility experts. Weight gain, joint pain, muscular pain, fatigue, sleeplessness are some of the symptoms.

To cure the problem, it is necessary to know the hormone level by doing TSH blood test, x-ray examination of the chest and T4 or Thyroxin test. Medication can correct the thyroxin levels in the body, but the treatment will require four to six months to correct the problem.Reduction of weight, taking adequate sleep and rest, avoiding stress and tension and regular exercise could boost the effects of medicines.

It is a big challenge for us to identify reasons for infertility in men and women. We ate supposed to look into every aspect carefully because any of them could be the cause.