Thursday, June 20, 2013

Why follicular studies can be a waste of time


Follicular study ( also known as ovulation tracking ) is frequently the first test which many gynecologists advise for their infertile patients.  At first glance, this would make sense.  The process involves a series of vaginal ultrasound scans which will determine your precise ovulation time.  You then must engage in sexual intercourse at just the right time, the objective being to match the sperm with a ripe egg that will be fertilized.  Pregnancy occurs and the baby arrives several months later!  This seems like a failsafe solution if you are young and all your test results are normal.

Unfortunately, this is not the case and many patients have unrealistic expectations of follicular tracking.  The success rate of this practice is only about 10% in healthy women with perfect cycles.  Human reproduction is not very efficient and timing intercourse is probably not the solution if fertility is questionable.  Couples struggling with fertility are already stressed.

Gynecologists frequently forget the downside of follicular studies.  Taking the time from a work schedule or home life to have the ultrasounds done can create stress for the prospective parents.  What’s even worse is the emotional stress and loss of spontaneity during sex.  This can be deterring to even the most healthy sex life.  While women become focused on the exact time of ovulation and the need for perfectly timed  intercourse, men feel like all the fun has been taken out of one of their favorite pastimes.  This “baby lust” can negatively impact the emotional and sexual relationship between the couple and cause marital discord. Men begin to feel they are taking a backseat to the process of conception.  Male complaints include feelings of being sexually diminished and feeling like they are only being used as a sperm donor.  

Dr. Malpani does not want any of his infertile patients to feel this way.  Do not cheat yourself out of happiness just to have a baby ! 

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