Dr. Geetha Muralidhara

While some couples conceive with ease, conceiving a child can be extremely difficult for others. In cases where a woman is not able to get pregnant despite having regular intercourse in tune with her biological cycle, infertility tests may be suggested to investigate the reason behind this. In most cases, these tests are suggested if a year has gone by without intercourse resulting in a pregnancy. Women may also be said to be infertile, if they cannot carry a foetus to full term.

Infertility can affect both men and women and can be triggered by a number of different reasons. In some cases, it is treatable while in others, alternative ways of having a family may need to be discussed. Hence, it is very important to understand the different types and triggers for infertility and to undergo complete infertility investigations. Some of the common types of infertility investigations are as given below.

1. Blood tests: A blood test of both partners is used to assess the general health of the couple and to identify any health factors that may be impeding fertility.
2. Tests for women: 
   1. Hysterosalpingogram: This is an X ray that can identify if a blockage or any other issue in the fallopian tubes are the cause for infertility.
   2. Pelvic ultrasound: This is used to have a look at the anatomy of the female reproductive system and to check for fibroids.
   3. Laparoscopy / hysteroscopy: This is used to get a clearer picture of the ovaries, uterus and other parts of the reproductive system.
   4. Tracking cycle: Ovulation and the thickness of the uterus lining may also affect infertility, This can be diagnosed by tracking and assessing the menstrual cycle.
3. Tests for men
   1. Semen analysis:This test is used to get an idea of sperm concentration, motility and the appearance of sperm in a man’s semen. In some cases, the semen may not include any sperm cells. In such cases, a follow up investigation may be required to assess if sperm cells are being created in the testicles. This is known as testicular sperm aspiration or a testicular biopsy.
   2. Sperm DNA: The DNA in sperm also plays an important role in fertility. This test is used to assess the sperm DNA integrity and to see how it may affect embryo development and chances of an on-going pregnancy.

Infertility treatment depends on the cause identified by the above tests and hence it is important for both partners to undergo complete testing. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

According to physiologists, human bodies are of three types: endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph. Endomorphs are round and fat; they find it difficult to lose weight. Mesomorphs are neither too fat nor too thin; they can lose the weight they gain very easily. Ectomorphs are usually thin and tall; they can eat whatever they want without gaining much weight.

If you are an ectomorph and you wish to gain weight, the bad news is that it will be difficult for you. Your metabolic rate is too high and your muscle growth is comparatively lower. If you want to gain muscles, you need a comprehensive workout routine and the right diet. Along with the right training, you need to remember to eat from the three major food groups: carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

I. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrate is the main energy source for your body and you need 50-60 per cent of it in your daily intake. The foods you can include in your diet are as follows:

1. Fruits
2. Oatmeal
3. Potatoes
4. Yam
5. Pasta
6. Whole grain cereal
7. Quinoa
8. Vegetables

II. Proteins: Protein is the most important macronutrient (food you need in huge amounts in your diet). Protein plays an important part in repairing your body and building muscles. You need 1.5 grams of protein intake as per your bodyweight. Proteins you can eat include:

1. Lean meat (Such as turkey or chicken)
2. Fish (Such as halibut, tilapia, cod, etc.)
3. Seafood (Such as crabs, prawns or lobsters)
4. Eggs
5. Skim milk
6. Whey protein
7. Cottage cheese

III. Fats: The correct fat intake will raise your testosterone levels (this hormone is responsible for muscle growth), protect the joints in your body, provide extra energy and improve your mood. You can add fat to your diet by consuming the following foods:

1. Nuts
2. Organic nut butter (Such as peanut butter or almond butter)
3. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, mackerel and herring
4. Healthy oils (Such as olive oil, fish oil or flaxseed oil)
5. Avocado

Motherhood is a life transforming phase that all women look forward to. With the conception of a baby, a number of physiological and psychological changes take place within the mother’s body. Soon there will be a number of restrictions in the kind of food a mother a can consume, the activities that a mother can perform, the way she sleeps or sits. These restrictions are put so as to allow the baby to grow and develop safely. The restrictions prevent injuries and accidents that can be quite fatal to both mother and child.

Sitting Postures You Must Avoid

1. Do not sit straight on the edge of the chair. Provide a support to your back.

2. Do not sit in a way that pressurises only one side of your hips. Evenly distribute your weight when sitting down. Be comfortable.

3. Do not sit at the same place and in the same position for extended time periods.

4. Do not twist from your waist when you are sitting on a rotating chair. Instead, slowly move the chair along with your entire body to turn around.

Standing Postures You Must Avoid

1. Avoid standing with your pelvis tilted forward or backward. You must stand straight with your stomach held in and up as much as possible.

2. You must not slouch while standing.

3. Do not stand in the same position for an extended period of time.

4. Do not put your weight on one foot. Shift weight occasionally if your feet are hurting, but make sure to evenly distribute the weight.

5. Do not bend too much backwards or forwards.

6. Do not keep your head tilted down or sideways when you are standing. Look up, look straight.

Sleeping Postures You Must Avoid

1. Lying on your stomach

2. Sleeping with pillows under your shoulders. Pillows should only support your head.

3. Do not sleep all curled up. Relax your feet and hands to allow the blood circulation to continue smoothly.

4. Do not jerk up from your lying position. Turn to the side, swing your legs down to the side of the bed slowly and sit up using the support of your hands.

Activities You Must Avoid

1. Hard core gyming

2. Weightlifting

3. Intense cardio

4. Intense aerobics that include a lot of jumping

5. Lifting heavy weighted objects

   1. Travelling by public transport on a jerky road.

      If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor.