Understanding infertility and its causes

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Infertility refers to the failure to conceive or achieve pregnancy. In general terms, it means the inability to conceive a child even after a year of regular sexual intercourse without any protection. Women who are able to conceive but not carry a pregnancy may also be diagnosed with infertility. Infertility is not just a problem faced by women; men can be detected with infertility too.

Usually there are two types of infertility

Primary Infertility: It refers to couples who are unable to conceive after at least 1 year of trying for a child.

Secondary Infertility: It refers to those couples who have been successful to get pregnant at least once, but are unable now.

Infertility is a common problem faced by couples worldwide. According to a research conducted by a Bangalore based company, Inito, around 27.5 million couples were facing infertility only in India in 2018. The research revealed that around 10-15% of married couples in India face infertility.

Causes of infertility in Men

Low Sperm count: When the semen which a man ejaculates has low levels of sperm it causes problems in conceiving. A sperm count fewer than 15 million is considered low.

Low Sperm Mobility: The sperm fails to ‘swim’ well as to reach the egg to fertilise it.

Abnormal Sperm: The sperm may have an abnormal shape which makes it harder for it to move and fertilise an egg.

Medical conditions: Conditions like cancer, testicular infection etc. may cause infertility.

Ejaculation disorders: If ejaculatory ducts are blocked, sperms may be ejaculated into the bladder.

Genetic: A man should have an X and Y chromosome. If he has two X and a Y chromosome the testicles will develop abnormally which would result in a low sperm count.

Causes of Infertility in Women

Ovulation Disorders: It is the most common cause of infertility among women. Ovulation is the monthly release of an egg. Eggs may never be released or released only in cycles.

Cholesterol: High cholesterol level may cause infertility problems in women, according to some studies.

Weight: Obesity and weight loss can lead to infertility among both men and women.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and HIV can cause infertility in women.

Age: The ability to conceive among women starts to fall around the age of 32 years. This may lead to infertility.

Smoking and Alcohol: Any level of smoking or alcohol consumption may lead to infertility. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy loss. Even passive smoking has been linked with low fertility levels.

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Since I broke the news of expecting a baby my mom has been on cloud nine for obvious reasons. She has been traipsing around the house to ensure I am taken well care of. Right from preparing nutritious ladoos to appointing a masseuse for prenatal massage, everything has been put in place. Gorging on the yummy food to satiate my cravings were a no-brainer, but this wasn’t the case with the prenatal massage. A string of questions regarding the efficiency and safety of massage clogged my head. Said Nita, an expecting mother in her first trimester.

Needless to say, like NIta every expecting mom has myriad questions before they brush with any new experiment during pregnancy. Here is an easy guide for all you moms-to-be to understand the prenatal massage – it’s pros and cons or whether one should take it up at all.

What is Prenatal massage?

An expecting body goes through multiple changes as it prepares to bear a healthy child. Along the process, the body experiences lower back pain, and pain in the pelvis, groin, legs, and buttocks. Thus, getting a full body massage from a professional can help a big deal! Prenatal massage not only helps to relax but also has multiple health benefits for the mom and the child.

When can you get a prenatal massage?

During the first three months of pregnancy, prenatal massage can trigger dizziness and morning sickness and in some extreme cases, may also lead to miscarriage. So It is often advisable to take prenatal massages after the first trimester.

Look out for a professional masseuse

Appointing any maalishwali aunty may not be a very good idea and can make things worse. Ensure that your masseuse is well trained or better if has a certification. Be clear and open about your health status with your therapist. Let them know if you experience any body aches during the massage. Ask your masseuse to discontinue if you experience nausea or dizziness or simply do not like the massage. Guide them about the pressure that works for you during the prenatal massage.

Now when you’ve finalized a good certified therapist for your prenatal massage, it’s about time to know how a good relaxing massage is going to ease your nerves besides giving multiple health benefits

1. Reduce Swelling

During pregnancy, swollen feet are a normal occurrence. This happens primarily due to reduced blood circulation that increases pressure on major blood vessels. Massage helps blood move through the congested areas and thus reduces swelling.

.2. Relieve Lower Back Pain

Backache or back pain during the early stage of pregnancy causes discomfort. The ligaments in the body become naturally softer and stretch to prepare the body for labor. This puts pressure on the lower back and pelvis resulting in back pain. Prenatal massage helps in relieving stressed muscles and eases back pain.

3. Sound sleep

Getting a sound sleep during pregnancy often becomes a luxury. How about a good massage? Prenatal massage eases the nervous system and helps you sleep better and relax.

4. Shorter labour pain

Prenatal massage helps in soothing the nerves and thus prepares the body for easy delivery. Massage keeps the muscles toned and relaxed before delivery. Many women experience shorter labor pain and less post-natal depression after receiving massages.

5. Eases Pain Naturally

Prenatal massages are a natural alternative to get rid of the pain. Massage helps a safe passage through a lot many discomforts during pregnancy. It also relaxes the whole body thereby reducing the need to pop up multiple painkillers.

Taking up a prenatal massage from a well-trained masseuse can be a boon for all the moms-to-be. Who wouldn’t want to chuck the pregnancy blues and have a less painful delivery? Make a wise choice to enjoy a safe pregnancy period and welcome a healthy and happy baby.

This article aims to provide information only. It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking up prenatal massage.

Do not forget to share your experience with prenatal massage in the comment section.

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