If any married couple plans to have children without using birth control and has regular sexual intercourse at least twice a week or during the ovulation period, and has been trying for more than one year without success in getting pregnant, it indicates that there may be an infertility problem. If a married couple, with the wife being over 35 years old, has been trying for more than six months without success, it is also considered an infertility issue. We recommend promptly seeking counseling at GFC, where we have experienced reproductive physicians, nurses, and scientists who specialize in the care and treatment of infertility and are ready to assist you.

Diagnostic Investigation

Currently, infertility problems are frequently encountered among couples who are attempting to conceive. At least one couple out of seven will experience this issue, which can arise from both the male and female partners in close proximity. Some causes may occur together. Therefore, it is advisable for both partners to undergo diagnostic investigation in order to identify the causes. When a married couple seeks treatment at GFC Clinic, we will gather their medical history, including age, duration of attempts to conceive, frequency of sexual intercourse, pregnancy history, miscarriages, personal medical history, and general health status, such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

The male partner will undergo a physical examination to assess abnormalities in the testes and reproductive organs. Analysis of the semen, including the quantity, morphology, and quality of sperm, will be conducted to evaluate sperm efficiency.

The female partner will undergo an internal examination and ultrasound to assess the pelvic floor, uterus, and ovaries. Blood tests will be performed to examine hormone levels and evaluate ovarian functions. Specialized techniques, such as dye injection to assess the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, hysteroscopy, or transvaginal ultrasound, may be used. Once the specialist physician and the team have gathered all the necessary information, they will analyze the causes and develop a suitable treatment plan for each married couple, aiming for successful conception.

Steps and planning for treatment

1. Preparation before starting treatment. The husband and wife who are about to begin treatment at GFC Clinic should receive guidance on preparing their health as follows: Ensure adequate rest by getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep per day. Go to bed before midnight and engage in stress-relief activities to reduce anxiety. This helps balance the hormone levels related to conception. Engage in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight within the standard range. Having a body mass index (BMI) below 30 kilograms per square meter improves ovarian function and enhances treatment effectiveness. It also helps facilitate easier conception and reduces complications during pregnancy.
   
   Consume a well-balanced diet that includes essential nutrients and vitamins necessary for maintaining overall physical health and enhancing the quality of egg and sperm cells at least 1 month before starting treatment. Examples of recommended supplements include:
   ● Folic acid: Take 5 milligrams daily for both men and women.
   ● Coenzyme Q10: Take 60-100 milligrams daily for both men and women.
   ● Zinc: Take 50 milligrams daily for men.
   ● Vitamin C: Take 1,000 milligrams daily for men.
   ● L-Arginine: Take 1,000 milligrams daily for women.
   ● DHEA: Take 100 milligrams daily for women.
   ● Calcium: Take 1,000 milligrams daily and Vitamin D (400 IU) for women.
   ● Vitamin E: Take 800-1,000 IU daily for women.
   ● It is advised to quit smoking, as it improves the chances of conception. It has been confirmed that in women, ovarian function improves in terms of quantity and quality, reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy, and increases the chances of successful live births. In men, it significantly enhances the quality and effectiveness of sperm cells.
2. Refrain from consuming alcohol and addictive substances to reduce the risk of fetal impairments. Avoid coffee, tea, and caffeine to increase the chances of successful conception.
3. It is recommended to undergo specialized assessments before pregnancy by a knowledgeable physician, especially in cases of specific medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal thyroid function. This ensures effective management of these conditions before attempting pregnancy.

General Assessment

Before starting treatment at the GFC Clinic, the physician will conduct the following preliminary examinations:

1. Blood tests to screen for various viral infections that can be transmitted to the fetus, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis.
2. Screening for German measles to administer the necessary vaccination before pregnancy.
3. Spouse screening to identify Thalassemia carriers and reduce the risk in offspring.
4. Screening for cervical cancer and further testing if abnormalities are detected.
5. In families with a history of abnormal births, such as muscular dystrophy, intellectual disabilities, or color blindness, additional genetic testing may be required before commencing treatment.
6. The physician will assess the psychological readiness to evaluate the risk of depression, anxiety, or mental health issues that may affect the treatment process.

Infertility-related Assessment

For the female partner: The physician will take a medical history to identify potential causes and perform an internal examination using ultrasound to evaluate the readiness of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This provides information about the ability to conceive. The assessment may also involve assessing remaining egg cells by counting the number of follicles through ultrasound (Antral Follicle) or measuring hormone levels in the brain and ovaries, such as Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), to indicate the quantitative functioning of the ovaries (ovarian reserve). This information helps determine appropriate treatment options and estimate the chances of successful pregnancy.

For the male partner: Sperm analysis is performed to evaluate the quantity and quality of sperm. It is recommended to abstain from ejaculating for 3-7 days before the analysis. Sufficient rest and sleep are advised, and alcohol consumption should be avoided prior to the examination. Additionally, a specialized test called DNA fragmentation test may be conducted to assess the completeness and quality of sperm.