• 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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Digestive

Digestive System Disorders: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

The digestive system plays a vital role in overall health by breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. When this system does not function properly, it can lead to discomfort, poor nutrition and chronic illness. Digestive system disorders are increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, dietary habits and stress. Understanding their causes, symptoms and prevention strategies is essential for maintaining long-term gut health.

Public health research shows that a large proportion of adults experience digestive symptoms at some point in their lives, yet many delay seeking care until problems become severe.

 

What Are Digestive System Disorders?

Digestive system disorders are conditions that affect:

  • the oesophagus
     

  • stomach
     

  • intestines
     

  • liver
     

  • pancreas
     

  • gallbladder
     

They may be temporary or chronic and range from mild functional issues to serious inflammatory or structural diseases.

 

Common Digestive System Disorders

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.

Symptoms include:

  • heartburn
     

  • chest discomfort
     

  • sour taste in mouth
     

  • difficulty swallowing
     

Long-term reflux can damage the oesophagus if untreated.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional bowel disorder.

Symptoms include:

  • abdominal pain
     

  • bloating
     

  • diarrhoea or constipation
     

  • alternating bowel habits
     

Stress and diet often trigger symptoms.

 

Constipation

Constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Causes include:

  • low fibre intake
     

  • dehydration
     

  • sedentary lifestyle
     

Chronic constipation affects comfort and gut function.

 

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea results from rapid bowel movements.

Common causes include:

  • infections
     

  • food intolerance
     

  • medication side effects
     

Persistent diarrhoea may lead to dehydration and nutrient loss.

 

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers are sores in the stomach or intestinal lining.

Symptoms include:

  • burning stomach pain
     

  • nausea
     

  • bloating
     

They are often linked to infections or long-term medication use.

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms include:

  • chronic diarrhoea
     

  • abdominal pain
     

  • weight loss
     

  • fatigue
     

IBD requires long-term medical management.

Common Symptoms of Digestive Disorders

Digestive system disorders often present with:

  • abdominal pain or cramps
     

  • bloating and gas
     

  • nausea or vomiting
     

  • constipation or diarrhoea
     

  • heartburn
     

  • unexplained weight changes
     

Symptoms may fluctuate and worsen with stress or poor diet.

 

Causes of Digestive System Disorders

Poor Dietary Habits

Diets high in:

  • processed foods
     

  • refined sugars
     

  • unhealthy fats
     

strain the digestive system and alter gut microbiota.

 

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress affects gut-brain communication, worsening digestive symptoms.

 

Infections

Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections disrupt gut function.

 

Food Intolerances

Lactose, gluten or other intolerances cause digestive distress.

 

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity slows digestion and bowel movement.

 

Medication Use

Certain medications irritate the stomach lining or alter gut flora.

 

Who Is at Higher Risk?

People at increased risk include:

  • individuals with poor diet
     

  • those under chronic stress
     

  • older adults
     

  • people with family history of gut disease
     

  • individuals with sedentary lifestyles
     

Early lifestyle correction reduces risk significantly.

 

Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders

Evaluation may include:

  • medical history
     

  • physical examination
     

  • blood tests
     

  • stool tests
     

  • imaging or endoscopy
     

Diagnosis depends on symptom severity and duration.

 

Treatment Approaches

Medical Management

Treatment varies by condition and may include:

  • acid suppressants
     

  • anti-inflammatory medications
     

  • probiotics
     

  • antibiotics when needed
     

 

Dietary Modifications

  • increase fibre intake
     

  • limit trigger foods
     

  • eat regular meals
     

  • avoid excessive alcohol
     

Diet plays a central role in gut health.

 

Lifestyle Changes

  • manage stress
     

  • exercise regularly
     

  • stay hydrated
     

  • maintain sleep routine
     

Healthy habits support digestive function.

 

Prevention Tips for Digestive Health

Eat a Balanced Diet

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

 

Stay Hydrated

Water supports digestion and prevents constipation.

 

Manage Stress

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques improve gut-brain balance.

 

Be Physically Active

Movement stimulates bowel activity and gut motility.

 

Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

These irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.

 

Seek Early Medical Advice

Early care prevents complications and chronic disease.

 

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Digestive Problems

Untreated digestive disorders may lead to:

  • nutrient deficiencies
     

  • chronic inflammation
     

  • poor quality of life
     

  • increased disease complications
     

Early intervention is more effective and less invasive.

 

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical advice is recommended if:

  • symptoms persist beyond weeks
     

  • pain is severe
     

  • blood appears in stool
     

  • unexplained weight loss occurs
     

Prompt evaluation ensures safe management.

 

Conclusion

Digestive system disorders are common but often underestimated health issues. Symptoms such as bloating, pain, constipation and heartburn may seem minor initially but can signal deeper problems if ignored. Understanding causes, recognising early symptoms and adopting preventive habits help protect digestive health. With timely care, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, most digestive disorders can be effectively managed, allowing the digestive system to function smoothly and support overall wellbeing.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Digestive Health and Nutrition Reports

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Digestive Disorders and Gut Health Guideline

  •  National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Dietary Fibre and Gut Health Researc

  •  Lancet – Gastrointestinal Disease and Prevention Studies

  •  Indian Journal of Gastroenterology – Digestive Disorder Research

  •  Statista – Digestive Health Trends and Lifestyle Factors

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