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

What Is Infertility And What You Can Do About It

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

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.

Read Blog
Fatigue

why fatigue should not be ignored

Feeling tired occasionally is a normal response to physical exertion, lack of sleep or emotional stress. However, when fatigue becomes persistent, overwhelming or unexplained, it should not be dismissed. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in healthcare, yet it is also one of the most frequently ignored.

Understanding why fatigue should not be ignored is essential because it often acts as an early warning sign of deeper physical or mental health issues.

 

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of ongoing physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that:

  • lasts longer than expected
     

  • interferes with daily activities
     

  • does not improve with rest or sleep
     

Unlike ordinary tiredness, fatigue affects motivation, concentration and overall functioning.

 

Why Fatigue Is Commonly Ignored

Fatigue is often dismissed because:

  • busy lifestyles normalise exhaustion
     

  • symptoms develop gradually
     

  • people attribute fatigue to stress or ageing
     

  • rest temporarily masks the issue
     

Ignoring fatigue allows underlying conditions to progress unnoticed.

 

Common Medical Causes of Persistent Fatigue

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in:

  • iron
     

  • vitamin B12
     

  • vitamin D
     

  • magnesium
     

can significantly reduce energy levels and cause weakness.

 

Anaemia

Anaemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to:

  • constant tiredness
     

  • breathlessness
     

  • dizziness
     

It is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of fatigue.

 

Thyroid Disorders

Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions affect metabolism.

Symptoms include:

  • fatigue
     

  • weight changes
     

  • cold or heat intolerance
     

Thyroid-related fatigue often persists despite rest.

 

Chronic Infections

Low-grade or unresolved infections keep the immune system activated, causing prolonged fatigue.

 

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones regulate energy, sleep and metabolism.

Imbalance may lead to:

  • exhaustion
     

  • poor sleep
     

  • low motivation
     

 

Poor Sleep Quality

Even with sufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality can cause fatigue due to:

  • sleep apnea
     

  • frequent awakenings
     

  • stress-related insomnia
     

 

Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression and chronic stress commonly present with fatigue as a primary symptom.

Mental fatigue is as real and impactful as physical fatigue.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Worsen Fatigue

Certain habits intensify tiredness:

  • irregular meals
     

  • excessive caffeine
     

  • dehydration
     

  • lack of physical activity
     

  • prolonged screen use
     

Lifestyle-related fatigue often coexists with medical causes.

 

How Fatigue Affects Daily Life

Persistent fatigue impacts:

  • work performance
     

  • concentration and memory
     

  • emotional regulation
     

  • physical activity
     

  • social relationships
     

Over time, quality of life declines significantly.

 

Warning Signs That Fatigue Needs Medical Attention

Seek evaluation if fatigue:

  • lasts more than two weeks
     

  • worsens progressively
     

  • occurs with weight loss or fever
     

  • is associated with breathlessness
     

  • interferes with daily tasks
     

These signs suggest an underlying issue.

 

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early identification of fatigue causes:

  • prevents disease progression
     

  • simplifies treatment
     

  • improves recovery time
     

  • restores normal energy levels
     

Delayed care often leads to chronic complications.

 

Diagnostic Evaluation for Fatigue

Assessment may include:

  • detailed history
     

  • blood tests
     

  • nutritional screening
     

  • hormonal evaluation
     

  • sleep assessment
     

Testing helps identify root causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

 

Can Fatigue Be Prevented?

Some preventive measures include:

  • balanced nutrition
     

  • adequate hydration
     

  • regular physical activity
     

  • consistent sleep routine
     

  • stress management
     

However, prevention does not replace evaluation when fatigue persists.

 

Fatigue and Chronic Disease Risk

Long-term fatigue may be linked to:

  • cardiovascular disease
     

  • metabolic disorders
     

  • immune dysfunction
     

This makes fatigue an important early health signal.

 

When Rest Is Not Enough

If energy does not return after:

  • adequate sleep
     

  • reduced workload
     

  • lifestyle changes
     

medical evaluation is essential.

 

The Cost of Ignoring Fatigue

Ignoring fatigue can lead to:

  • delayed diagnosis
     

  • worsening health conditions
     

  • reduced productivity
     

  • emotional burnout
     

Listening to the body early prevents long-term consequences.

 

Conclusion

Fatigue is not merely a sign of a busy life—it is often the body’s way of signalling imbalance or illness. Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest should never be ignored. Whether caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, chronic stress or underlying disease, fatigue deserves attention. Early evaluation and timely care can restore energy, prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life. Listening to fatigue is an act of self-care and preventive health.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Fatigue and Lifestyle Health Report

  •  World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Fatigue and Health Guidelines

  •  National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Nutrient Deficiency and Energy Research

  • Lancet – Fatigue as a Marker of Chronic Disease Studie

  •  Indian Journal of Medicine – Persistent Fatigue and Diagnosis

  • Statista – Fatigue, Stress and Health Trend Analysis

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic