Reproductive Wellness

Ivan Sini, MD
OB-Gynecologist
Executive Director
PT. Bundamedik Group Healthcare System
Bunda International Clinic
Morula IVF Jakarta



Q: What is Infertility?


A : Most experts define infertility as not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying. Women who are able to get pregnant but then have repeat miscarriages are also said to be infertile. While Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary defines infertility not fertile; especially : incapable of or unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy over a considerable period of time (as a year) in spite of determined attempts by heterosexual intercourse without contraception (infertile couples ; an infertile male with a low sperm count ; an infertile female with blocked fallopian tubes).

Q: Who is Infertile ?

A : Statistics vary, but roughly one-third of the cases of infertility are female factor (ovulation disorders, tubal issues, etc.), one-third of the cases are male factor (poor sperm motility or mobility, lack of sperm, erectile dysfunction, etc.), and one-third are caused by a combination of male and female factors, or the cause is unknown. There is also a condition known as secondary infertility, where pregnancy has previously been achieved without difficulty and now pregnancy is not coming easily.

Q : What is Female infertility?

A : Infertility in women may be due to problems with ovulation, barriers to egg and sperm meeting, barriers to implantation, poor hormonal support of the conceptus, immune system irregularities or any combination of the above. Testing is done to help determine which of these factors are involved and how to proceed with treatment.

Emotional ramifications of infertility:

For some, receiving a label of "infertility" is a relief. The problems were not all in their head and knowing the problem is the first step to finding the solution. For others, being labeled "infertile" is simply painful. For both groups and all those in between, finding emotional support may be important. Some fertility clinics require counseling for couples undergoing the treatment of infertility.

Q : How Does Age Affect Your Fertility?

A : As we get older our fertility decreases. Most of us know that once a woman reaches menopause, it is impossible for her to get pregnant without the assistance of fertility treatments. It is not, however, just the lack of eggs in the ovary at menopause which contributes to decreasing female fertility. Other changes occur in women over time, including:

* The quality of the eggs in the ovaries decline with age.

* The ability of an egg to become fertilized may also decrease over time, lowering the odds of conception. This can be caused by more years in which older women have had a chance to acquire pelvic infections, uterine fibroids or polyps, or other conditions that impair fertility.

* There are fewer eggs with time (referred to as ovarian reserve)

* Over time, changes in hormones can cause difficulties with ovulation

* Miscarriage rates increase with age.

* As you age, general health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes can affect your ability to get pregnant, stay pregnant or have a healthy pregnancy.



Q : When should I see a doctor?

A: If you are under 35 and have no other health problems that affect your fertility, you should be having well-timed, unprotected intercourse for a period of one year before contacting a fertility specialist (also known as a reproductive endocrinologist). If you are over 35 or have known medical issues, the general recommendation is to seek evaluation by a specialist if you fail to become pregnant after six months of well-timed and unprotected intercourse.


For further medical information, please visit www.morulaivf.com or visit Bunda International Clinic, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 12, Menteng, Jakarta, Indonesia for free consultation.