• Published on: Jul 29, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Medical Consultation Online

What Is Infertility And What You Can Do About It

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Infertility is a term used to describe the biological inability of an individual to conceive. There are many possible causes of infertility, some that can be easily diagnosed and treated while others cannot. The factors which cause or contribute towards infertility include a hormonal imbalance caused by diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, drug use like cancer drugs for hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives; medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease; tobacco smoking; alcohol consumption (particularly heavy drinking); marijuana usage among other substances: all these things could lead to diminishing fertility in both sexes with men being more affected than women due to their reproductive organs not having fully developed until later years when they enter puberty.

Infertility is a condition that can affect whole families and put stress on relationships. It's important to take care of yourself, so you're able to provide the best possible support for your partner as they work through their situation. Most people are not aware of infertility because it takes patience before any noticeable symptoms usually show up in couples who have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for 12 months or more with no success

(1). There are several different types of tests available that will help identify specific causes such as hormonal imbalance but the most common cause is an inability by sperm cells or eggs carrying male chromosomes from fertilizing successfully! In these cases, fertility awareness treatments like ovulation induction may be used along with other options including IVF procedures--which involve retrieving eggs.

The signs of infertility are not the same for all individuals. There is no single diagnostic test to detect this condition, but there is a variety that can help in different ways and at differing speeds. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes which should be detectable through blood tests within 24 hours with urine samples following shortly thereafter if it's still needed. Most other types will take much longer unless they're being observed as part of another health concern such as obesity or diabetes, so these particular cases may require more involvement from your doctor - someone knowledgeable about reproductive medicine who can diagnose you accurately and prescribe treatment accordingly based on what type you have determined by process elimination!

Fertilization of the egg usually takes place with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). The fertilized egg, or embryo, goes through an incubation period which is called a culture period.

It is during this period that the embryo goes through several cell divisions, becoming more and more organized until finally, it is ready to be transferred into the uterus.

The goal of IVF or in vitro fertilization is to combine a woman's egg with sperm outside of her body, then have the resulting embryo be implanted into her uterus. This procedure was originally developed to help couples with infertility problems conceive.

The success of this procedure rests on the embryo being transferred at an early stage, which can be done only by means of laboratory monitoring. Today IVF is used in cases where male fertility factors are involved, and when other attempts to achieve pregnancy through traditional methods have failed. It has been shown that IVF is in most cases the best treatment for a successful pregnancy.

Usually, a woman's natural egg and sperm are used to conceive through IVF. A combination of drugs may be given to stimulate ovulation or fertilization might occur after injecting a mature egg (cumulus mass) with sperm directly into the uterus. The following are the possible methods for IVF:

There are many possibilities of combining "traditional" and "non-traditional" ways to help infertile couples conceive. After trying other fertility treatments, which may not always be successful, many couples turn to surrogacy.

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Only Health-Based Rewards: Why Wellness-Focused Incentives Drive Healthier Workplaces

Corporate rewards have traditionally focused on monetary incentives, gift cards or generic perks. However, organisations are increasingly realising that such rewards offer only short-lived motivation. Only health-based rewards, such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers, represent a more effective approach to corporate wellness by reinforcing healthy behaviours that deliver long-term benefits.

In India, where lifestyle diseases are rising rapidly among working professionals, aligning rewards with health outcomes is no longer optional.

 

What Are Health-Based Rewards?

Health-based rewards are incentives designed specifically to improve or support employee wellbeing.

They focus on:

  • physical health

  • mental wellbeing

  • preventive care

  • recovery and stress relief

Unlike cash incentives, they encourage repeated healthy actions.

 

Why Traditional Rewards Fall Short

Cash rewards and generic gifts:

  • provide temporary satisfaction

  • do not influence daily habits

  • fail to support long-term wellbeing

Behavioural studies show that incentives disconnected from health goals have limited preventive impact.

 

The Case for Only Health-Based Rewards

Health-based rewards directly reinforce behaviours such as:

  • regular physical activity

  • stress management

  • recovery and self-care

  • preventive health participation

WHO workplace health guidelines emphasise incentives that promote sustained behaviour change.

 

Types of Effective Health-Based Rewards

Massages and Recovery Therapies

Massage therapy:

  • reduces muscle tension

  • lowers stress hormones

  • improves circulation

Monthly or quarterly massage rewards support physical and mental recovery.

 

Gym Bags and Fitness Gear

Practical fitness accessories:

  • encourage regular workouts

  • reduce barriers to exercise

  • promote active lifestyles

Visible gear reinforces identity as a health-conscious individual.

 

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers:

  • track steps, activity and sleep

  • create accountability

  • encourage daily movement

Data-driven feedback increases participation and motivation.

 

Psychological Impact of Health-Based Rewards

Health rewards create:

  • intrinsic motivation

  • positive habit reinforcement

  • long-term lifestyle shifts

Unlike cash, they associate rewards with self-care rather than consumption.

 

Impact on Employee Health Outcomes

Regular participation in wellness incentives leads to:

  • improved physical activity levels

  • reduced stress

  • better sleep patterns

ICMR data links activity-based interventions with lower lifestyle disease risk.

 

Benefits for Employers

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive health rewards reduce chronic disease burden over time.

Improved Productivity

Healthy employees demonstrate:

  • better focus

  • fewer sick days

  • higher energy levels

Stronger Wellness Culture

Health-first rewards signal genuine organisational commitment.

EY-FICCI reports show preventive wellness programs deliver measurable ROI within 12–18 months.

 

Why Health-Based Rewards Work Better in India

Indian workplaces face:

  • long working hours

  • sedentary routines

  • high stress levels

Health rewards directly address these risks rather than ignoring them.

 

Aligning Rewards With Preventive Healthcare

Health-based rewards complement:

  • health screenings

  • fitness challenges

  • mental wellbeing programs

This integrated approach strengthens outcomes.

 

Avoiding Pitfalls in Reward Design

Effective programs:

  • avoid one-size-fits-all rewards

  • offer choice within health categories

  • ensure inclusivity

Poorly designed incentives reduce engagement.

 

Measuring Success of Health-Based Rewards

Success indicators include:

  • participation rates

  • health screening uptake

  • employee feedback

  • reduced absenteeism

Data-driven evaluation improves program effectiveness.

 

Long-Term Behaviour Change

Sustained wellness improvement requires:

  • consistency

  • reinforcement

  • meaningful incentives

Health-based rewards support gradual but lasting change.

 

Role of Leadership Support

Leadership participation:

  • increases credibility

  • boosts engagement

  • normalises wellness culture

When leaders embrace health rewards, employees follow.

 

Health-Based Rewards and Mental Wellbeing

Rewards such as massages and fitness trackers:

  • reduce burnout

  • improve mood

  • enhance resilience

Creating a Preventive Wellness Ecosystem

Only health-based rewards work best when combined with:

  • education

  • screenings

  • access to care

WHO emphasises integrated wellness ecosystems for maximum impact.

 

Conclusion

Only health-based rewards represent a strategic shift from short-term perks to long-term wellbeing investments. Incentives such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers actively promote healthy habits, reduce lifestyle disease risk and strengthen workplace wellness culture. By aligning rewards with preventive health goals, organisations create meaningful engagement, healthier employees and sustainable productivity gains. Health-focused incentives are not just rewards—they are tools for lasting wellbeing.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Workplace Health Reports
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion and Incentives
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Lifestyle Risk Factors
  • Lancet – Behavioural Incentives and Preventive Health Studies
  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing
  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports
  • Statista – Employee Wellness Incentive Trends

See all

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