In Pakistan, if a couple is unable to conceive within the first year of marriage, they and their families are worried about infertility issues. However, having trouble conceiving doesn’t always mean that one is infertile.
Infertility may be caused by an issue with you or your partner or a combination of other problems that prevent pregnancy. Regardless, if you are aware that you may have fertility problems, visit your gynecologist.
To discuss this, we invited Dr. Sumbal Afzal, one of the best gynecologists to our studio and share her professional opinion on infertility causes and treatments in Pakistan. Dr. Sumbal has 18 years of experience in the field of gynecology and provides a broad range of services, focusing particularly on infertility treatments.
Q. What are the major causes of infertility in Pakistan?
Well, a lack of pregnancy can be caused by infertility problems in both men and women. If I talk particularly about female issues, then, PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the major causes of infertility among women in Pakistan. PCOS causes hormonal imbalance in women that prevents the formation of the egg, resulting in infertility. Since youngsters these days prefer to eat junk food, bakery items, and sugary snacks, it causes the hormones to offset.
PCOS causes hormonal imbalance in women that prevents the formation of the egg, resulting in infertility. Since youngsters these days prefer to eat junk food, bakery items, and sugary snacks, it causes the hormones to offset.
Q. Why is infertility getting common in Pakistan?
Yes, as I mentioned previously, PCOS is the biggest cause of female infertility in Pakistan. And we’ll understand why PCOS is so common when we have a look at the diet choice of the youngsters. Chicken, unfortunately, has become a major part of our diets. Since the poultry is injected with hormone injections, those hormones impact our reproductive system as well.
But a bad diet and an unhealthy lifestyle don’t just affect female fertility. It adversely affects male infertility too, reducing sperm count and sperm quality.
Q.What lifestyle changes do you suggest?
Oh, for sure, we can do a lot to prevent infertility. A good diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, red meat, and healthy fats is a must change. Similarly, incorporating exercise in your weekly routine keeps your hormones in check. I would also like to mention that stress and anxiety is also one of the biggest causes of hormonal imbalances in both male and female.
Q. How do you treat infertility?
I would like to take this opportunity to mention that couples need to go through a counseling session to reassure their concerns about potential infertility. As doctors, we can’t really deem a couple infertile until necessary medical procedures haven’t been done.
If then you or your partner are found to be struggling with infertility then we prescribe medications to deal with it. There are many treatment options available for infertility.
Q. What would be your general advice to prevent infertility?
Well, in the end, I would really like to assert the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet in treating infertility. Eat fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food and make exercise an important part of your life. In addition, live a happy and stress-free life.
If you are still having infertility issues despite a healthy mental and physical lifestyle, then you can consult a top gynecologist. Book an appointment with a gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com. Moreover, you can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT doctor.
