Artificial insemination (AI) is a fertilisation procedure

Miracle for bundle of joy

AAROHI KESHAV

Patna, April 14: Dhannu Devi has come all the way from Nepal, clutching onto what might be a straw of hope. But for her, and for many in her situation, Dr Himanghsu Roy’s clinic Srijan in Kankerbagh is no less than a place of worship. Reason: Roy, a specialist in infertility and endoscopic surgery, has helped more than 7,000 patients from across the world become proud parents at his clinic through assisted human reproduction. “I have been married for eight years but I have been unable to conceive,” said Dhannu. She added: “I have gone through all possible methods of treatment in Nepal but it has not helped. Then I heard of Srijan from a friend. I thought why not give it a try? I will be happy if I can conceive. It will be a dream come true for me.” That is exactly what Roy has been doing: nurturing dreams, literally. Though the medical technique was developed in the 1970s, it was Roy who brought it to Patna in the 1990s. Now, more than 100 couples, affected by male or female infertility, visit his clinic with the hope that he can help them become parents. Explaining the process, Roy said: “Artificial insemination (AI) is a fertilisation procedure in which the sperm is artificially placed in a woman’s cervix (intra-cervical insemination) or uterus (intrauterine insemination). During AI treatment, the woman’s menstrual cycle is closely monitored using ovarian kits, ultrasound and blood tests. The semen to be implanted is ‘washed’ in a laboratory. This improves the chances of fertilisation and also removes potentially harmful chemicals. Then, the semen is inserted into the woman. If the procedure is successful, she conceives.” The success rate is half that of the natural fertility rate. The women who choose to undergo an artificial insemination have a five per cent to 25 per cent chance of becoming pregnant, added Roy. He said: “Three kinds of patients come for artificial insemination — those who cannot conceive because of lack of sperm formation, couples where the male partner has HIV, and couples who suffer from hereditary diseases. “Human artificial insemination is a revolutionary fertility procedure with a large number of benefits. Couples suffering from male or female infertility can benefit from this technique. The donated sperm is also tested prior to insemination, reducing chances of passing on a genetic disorder. It also allows same sex couples to have a child,” said the doctor. For instance, Anita Ranjan, employed as a human resource executive in a private firm, said she had opted for artificial insemination as her husband suffers for the genetic disease achromatopsia or colour blindness. In Patna, the expenses for the process are not too much. Couples have to shell out around Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 to undergo treatment. But there are not too many options for couples as only three doctors — Dr Anita Singh, Dr Neelam and Dr Vibhasini — have been treating infertility for the past two years. Vibha Sinha, who has come from Nasik, is an example of how the treatment can be a source of endless joy for couples. A resident of Bihar, she had heard about Srijan from Patna Medical College and Hospital doctors, while she was undergoing treatment at the health hub. “I am two months pregnant. I got treated here and by god’s grace I conceived within the treatment period,” said Vibha, hardly able to conceal a smile. Even as Vibha leaves, Puneeta Srivastava and Kumar Gautam enter the clinic. They said they have been married for the past seven years and have come here with great hope. “I heard of this clinic from my sister who lives in the neighbourhood. We are a little scared because we know that the rate of success is as low as 25 per cent. But we are keeping our fingers crossed,” said Puneeta. Hope, after all is what’s needed for a miracle.