Understanding Female Fertility

Why Can It Be Hard to Conceive?

Did you know that a woman’s age is the leading cause of fertility issues? While age is a significant factor, there are many other reasons why conception might not be happening, including:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Tubal blockages
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Early menopause
• Thyroid disorders
• Unexplained infertility

If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant or simply want to understand your reproductive health a fertility assessment at Sri Garbha Fertility can help you take control of your fertility journey.

The Role of Eggs in Conception

A woman’s fertility is closely linked to the health and quantity of her eggs. Each month, multiple follicles (fluid-filled sacs) grow in the ovaries, and ideally, one develops into a mature egg.

Here’s how it works:

• Estrogen rises as egg increased in size.
• This triggers ovulation, Where the egg is released and take up by the Fallopian tube.
• Progesterone then prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy.

The Menstrual Cycle & Fertility

The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends the day before your next one starts. It’s typically 28 days long and has four phases:

• Menstruation – Shedding of the uterine lining
• Follicular Phase – Egg follicles begin to develop
• Ovulation – The mature egg is released (around Day 14 in a 28-day cycle)
• Luteal Phase – The uterus prepares for implantation

Ovulation timing varies based on cycle length: shorter cycles ovulate earlier; longer cycles ovulate later.

How Conception Happens

Conception occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg during the short ovulation window. The egg survives for only 12 to 24 hours, so timing is crucial.

If fertilization occurs:

• The embryo travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus
• Implantation takes place a few days later
• The body begins producing hCG (the hormone detected in pregnancy tests)

Take the First Step

Whether you’re just starting to think about having children or you’ve been trying for a while, a fertility assessment with our expert Dr Sujatha Reddy at Sri Garbha Fertility can provide clarity, reassurance, and a personalized plan forward.

Understanding Male Fertility

Why Male Fertility Matters

Did you know that male factor infertility accounts for nearly half of all fertility challenges in couples? In fact, it’s the second most common reason couples struggle to conceive, just behind a woman’s age.

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success or you’re simply curious about your reproductive health male fertility testing at Sri Garbha Fertility can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening and how to move forward.

The Importance of Sperm in Conception

In a healthy young man, the body produces around 100 million sperm each day. But producing mature, healthy sperm is a complex process that takes approximately 74 days—meaning factors like illness, stress, or lifestyle can affect sperm quality for up to three months afterward.

How Sperm Are Made:

• Production begins in the testes, which also produce the hormone testosterone.
• Sperm then mature as they travel through the epididymis.
• Once mature, they move through the vas deferens and are released through the urethra during ejaculation.

Anatomy of a Sperm Cell:

• Head: Carries the father’s genetic material (DNA).
• Midsection: Packed with mitochondria to provide energy.
• Tail: Propels the sperm forward on its journey toward the egg.

How Sperm Reach the Egg

To successfully fertilise an egg, sperm must:

• Swim effectively through the cervical mucus, uterus, and fallopian tube.
• Be normally shaped (morphology) to penetrate the egg’s outer shell.
• Have strong motility (movement) and healthy DNA.

Even if millions of sperm are released, only a small number will reach the egg—and just one can fertilise it. That’s why sperm quality is just as important as sperm count.

Take Charge of Your Fertility

Whether you’re actively trying for a baby or just want to better understand your reproductive health, a semen analysis and fertility evaluation at Sri Garbha Fertility can provide essential insights and peace of mind.