Natural pregnancy refers to conception that occurs without the use of fertility treatments or medical interventions. It typically follows regular ovulation and fertilization through unassisted means. Once conceived, natural pregnancy progresses with routine antenatal care, focusing on healthy lifestyle practices, balanced nutrition, and regular monitoring to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby throughout each trimester.
Infertility evaluation involves a systematic assessment of both partners to identify the underlying causes of difficulty in conceiving. For women, it includes reviewing medical history, menstrual patterns, hormonal tests, ovulation tracking, and imaging studies like pelvic ultrasound or hysterosalpingography. For men, semen analysis is the primary test. Additional investigations may be recommended based on findings. Early and thorough evaluation helps in timely diagnosis and the formulation of an appropriate treatment plan to support successful conception.
A follicular study is a series of ultrasound scans used to monitor the growth and development of ovarian follicles during a woman’s menstrual cycle. It helps track ovulation by observing the size and number of follicles, endometrial thickness, and timing of follicle rupture. This study is essential in fertility evaluations and treatments, as it guides the timing of intercourse, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or egg retrieval in assisted reproductive techniques, thereby increasing the chances of successful conception.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm is directly placed into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization. It is a simple, non-invasive procedure often recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or cervical issues. IUI is usually combined with ovulation-inducing medications and timed follicular monitoring, making it a cost-effective and efficient first-line assisted reproductive technique.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an advanced assisted reproductive technique where eggs are retrieved from a woman's ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are monitored and the healthiest one(s) are transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF is commonly used for couples facing infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, ovulation disorders, or unexplained infertility. It offers hope for conception when other methods have not been successful and may include techniques like ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or embryo freezing for enhanced outcomes.
The Donor Egg Programme is an assisted reproductive option for women who are unable to conceive using their own eggs due to factors such as advanced maternal age, premature ovarian failure, or genetic conditions. In this program, eggs from a healthy, screened donor are fertilized with the partner’s or donor’s sperm through IVF, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the recipient’s uterus. This approach offers a high success rate and the opportunity for women to experience pregnancy and childbirth, even when their own egg quality or quantity is compromised.
