Dr. Shefali Bansal

Senior Infertility Specialist and Currently working at Newlife Fertility Clinic

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Here’s What You Should Know About PCOS

PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an issue that has been affecting millions of women who are of childbearing age in India The cases of PCOS in particular have risen in the present times owing to the unbalanced diet and lifestyle of Indian women

Childbearing age refers to the age between the ages of 15 to 45, typically when a woman is most likely to reproduce and is sexually active. In most cases, PCOS remains undiagnosed since it does not show symptoms. In only a few cases, PCOS is diagnosed and proper medication or treatment method is suggested by the doctor.

PCOS may be caused due to a number of reasons, few are genetic, inherited, or diet or lifestyle issues. The name PCOS is derived from poly or multiple cysts in the woman's ovaries. The main issue that PCOS causes is imbalanced hormones in the woman's body and difficulty in the conception process.

Symptoms Of PCOS:

There are certain symptoms that are typical of PCOS and with the help of these symptoms, doctors can come to a final diagnosis of PCOS which is confirmed by an ultrasonography test to check the cyst(s) that are occupying the region in and around the woman’s ovary and uterine region.

●       PCOS is typically characterized by a hormonal disorder in which the male hormone androgen is produced more and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced in much fewer amounts than usual.

●       The woman may feel irritable and continually lethargic due to hormonal disorders in her body. She may have the urge to have excess food or may eat very less.

●       The woman might have an excess of hair growth in her body, especially in undesirable areas of her body such as her face or chest. This may also lead to social embarrassment on her part.

●       There might be an excess of fat accumulation in the woman’s body. This is also caused due to imbalanced hormones.

●       Ultrasound test shows that the woman has either a single sist or multiple cysts present in her ovaries. If the size of the cysts are small, they can be reduced to even smaller sizes and finally released through the urinary passage. However, if the cyst size is large and causes pain in the woman’s body, surgery might be needed to remove the cyst from her body.

●       The woman might experience irregularity in her periods. She might even skip her periods occasionally, and if this becomes regular, the PCOS might become severe, and she needs immediate medical care and attention.

PCOS is treatable medical condition. With proper medication, PCOS can be easily kept under control. A healthy diet and lifestyle is also needed so that the condition does not become worse. In case a surgical intervention is needed, the family and the patient herself need to consult an expert gynecologist who is experienced in their domain of work.

However, a complete cure for PCOS has not been invented yet. It is medical researchers are still working on bringing about a complete cure for PCOS so that women experience top-notch reproductive care and remain healthy in the future.

For more queries you can always consult with the best Fertility Specialist.

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The journey of Egg to an Embryo

What is egg donation?

Egg donation is when a woman (donor) gives her eggs to another woman (recipient) to allow the recipient to have a baby. To donate eggs, the donor must be given medications that will cause her to develop multiple eggs over a single cycle. The eggs are then removed from the donor by placing a needle that is attached to an ultrasound probe through the vaginal tissues. The eggs are then gently aspirated (suctioned) from the ovaries. Once the eggs are removed, they are evaluated by an embryologist. Then sperm from the male partner or a sperm bank is placed around or injected into each egg. This process is called in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Couples who have complications in conceiving they opt for fertility treatment. Treatments need a lot of diagnoses and a prolonged time frame. Under Fertility experts whom one can trust upon.

How is the recipient prepared for the embryo transfer?

The recipient’s uterus must be synchronized with the donor’s stimulation so that they are ready at the same time. There are several ways to achieve this. If the woman still has regular menstrual cycles, a medication is often used to suppress her ovaries and her menstrual cycle. Once the donor starts the medication to stimulate her ovaries, the recipient begins taking estrogen to develop her uterine lining. Around the time of egg retrieval, the recipient will begin taking progesterone to enable implantation of the embryo (fertilized egg). The embryo(s) will be transferred to the recipient’s uterus three to five days after fertilization. Hormones continue to be given until the pregnancy test and then, if the test is positive, during the early part of the first trimester of the resulting pregnancy.

 Who should consider using an egg donor?

Egg donation is used for a woman who wishes to have a child but cannot get pregnant with her own eggs. This may be because she was born without ovaries, is in menopause, did not respond adequately to hormonal stimulation of her ovaries in the past, or has had poor egg or embryo quality with previous IVF attempts. Women may also choose to use a donor if they have a genetic disease that they do not want to pass on to their children.

Who can become an egg donor?

Egg donors are women, usually between the ages of 21 and 34, who are willing to provide their eggs to a recipient. They may be anonymous (unknown) or known to the intended parents. Anonymous donors are recruited through egg donation programs or agencies and are not known to the recipient. The complete safety of both the end is kept in mind.  A renowned fertility clinic does keep in mind that couples come with complete devotion for their future baby.

What tests are performed on the donor?

The donor is tested for infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. The tests are to be sure that they are not carrying of the cystic fibrosis gene. Other genetic testing should be performed based on the donor’s history and ethnic background. Psychometric testing is often done as part of the mental health screening. These high end testing can only be possible under experienced doctors who are fertility expert. Practicing these medical treatments with utmost care.

How should the recipient be evaluated?

Evaluation of the recipient is similar to that of couples undergoing routine IVF. This should include a comprehensive medical history from both partners, including blood type and Rh factor, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, hepatitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. The couple should be counseled by a mental health professional about the complexity of the decision to use donor eggs.

The recipient should have a pelvic exam and an assessment of her uterus. If she is over 45 years old, a more thorough evaluation should be done, including an assessment of heart function and risk of pregnancy-related diseases. She may also be advised to see a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancy. The male partner’s sperm should be analyzed and appropriate genetic screening should be obtained based on his history and ethnic background.

What is the chance that a donor egg cycle will result in pregnancy?

The success of egg donation depends on many factors but is not considered to be related to the age of the recipient. The condition of uterine wall and other health condition matters the final result of pregnancy. IVF treatments are now dawned in North Bengal region. With new hope in the medical field. Regions of Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Coochbehar, Kishanganj covers Fertility treatment under renowned fertility doctors.

Egg donation and the process of it being an Embryo to a whole new being is one of the most miraculous medical advancement done. The process of reproduction has got a new age touch.

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How to be aware when buying fertility medication?

We all search on the internet while booking flights, hotels, travelling to any destinations, buying presents to others. But what do we do when we are purchasing the fertility medication? Do we do the same as the other things or directly go and buy it? Everyone might have their own opinion regarding these questions but the foremost thing is proper knowledge and understanding about the medication for the upcoming fertility treatment.

 We all are cautious about the medicines that we are going to take it and the same thing should also go with the fertility one as well. Yes, the fertility medications can be expensive and only looking at the prices of the medicines will never work. The ones who need it must know the benefits and essentiality of it, the price doesn't indicate the value of fertility medications, it's the improving features of the medication that does. It may or may not be fit into the budget but it's always best to go with the medication which is being trusted by most of the people.

 Look after the medication that has the highest rating on the internet and also check the experiences of the people after taking it. Learning the experience of the people before purchasing is the best way to be aware of the fertility medication. Hearing to other feedbacks will give you lots of confidence and positivity to purchase the best one. You might be thinking that price saving is always the smartest and the best move but beware in this context. When you buy the fertility medication from the unknown sources, a huge risk arrives along with it. You may start to feel insecure and worried about taking the fertility medication as it includes the concerns of quality, sterility, expiration, storage, and validity verification. There are some few things that you can clearly focus on while purchasing a safe and effective fertility medication and they are-

 Ø  Have a good talk with your fertility clinic and get the list of the best and the verified drug vendors. By doing this you will not go to purchase the medication to the wrong vendor.

 Ø  Check the vendors online that you've got from your fertility clinic. Know about their exact location and also see the overall site content as many useful information are given over there as well.

 Ø  Directly call those pharmacies and ask about the medications to their representatives. Your questions must include the prices, storage and shipping, these three things are the most important ones.

 Ø  Do the same process of calling to the pharmacies for all listed vendors then, compare the collected information.

 Ø  At last, make the purchasing decision of the fertility medication from the best one with not only based on pricing but also focusing on other major things.

 This is all to make you sure about your upcoming fertility treatment as large part of the success is also dependent upon the fertility medication. Always consult with your fertility experts regarding the medications, they have the best knowledge of it and will also recommend you the best that you can go for.

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Abnormal sperm production, a cause of male infertility

The abnormality of sperm matters with the size and shape of the sperm. It is the main thing that indicates the fertility capability of male. Yes, like as female infertility there is also the problem of male infertility. The abnormal sperm have the defect of head and tail which is usually seen with large or misshapen head or double tail. The defects stop the regular and proper functioning of sperm that is to reach and penetrate an egg. In the male, not only sperm production but also the shape matters because it also has a big impact on fertility.

 Common Causes of Male Infertility

 Azoospermia

The lack of sperm in the seminal fluid is known as azoospermia. This lack of sperm in the ejaculate is due to the blockage of the male genital system. It may occur due to an obstruction in the reproductive tract. The non-obstructive azoospermia needs to be carefully evaluated and search for the possible sperm in the testis. This is done by using the technique called a testicular biopsy and that sperm can be used for the procedure of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The medical diagnosis for this reproductive issue will help in solving the major male infertility problem.

 Oligospermia

Oligospermia is one of the main fertility issues which is known by a low sperm count. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the sperm counts at or above 15 million sperm per millilitre (mL) of sperm is average. If the semen is below that it can be considered as oligospermia. Various health condition and lifestyle factors causes oligospermia in male. A low sperm count has a high chance of decreasing the fertilization ability with the partner's egg. However, it is not same for all, many people can still be a father to a child regardless of the low sperm count.

 Teratospermia

Teratospermia is the problem in the quality of semen producing morphologically abnormal sperm. The best chance of fertilization increases if the sperm cell has a shape like spindly tadpoles. Teratospermia is diagnosed with the help of the semen analysis. A fresh semen analysis will give all the information about the sperm quality that affects the fertilization. The abnormal sperm cannot make contact with the female egg which stops pregnancy. Some studies have indicated that the main cause of Teratospermia may be oxidative stress.

 Low sperm count and the morphological sperm abnormality causes male infertility. In some cases, the sperm cells also get malformed or die before they reach the female egg and chromosomal abnormality can also be the cause of male infertility.

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ENHANCING FERTILITY AT THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE

Whether you're brooding about getting pregnant or have already been trying, it's never too early (or too late) to gauge your lifestyle choices. Starting healthy habits - or getting obviate bad ones - can measurably improve your overall health. And a few lifestyle changes may promote fertility in both you and your partner.

How to Improve Male Fertility

·       Stop smoking

Men who smoke tend to possess lower sperm counts, and therefore the sperm they produce might not be properly formed.

·       Lose weight

Research suggests that obesity affects male fertility in some ways. Excess weight leads to hormonal changes that reduce fertility. It’s also linked to lower sperm counts and sperm that do not move quickly enough.

·       Reduce your alcohol consumption

Frequent drinking can lower testosterone levels, reduce sperm count and cause male erectile dysfunction.

·       Don't take drugs

There are many well-known reasons to avoid illegal drug use, but their impact on male fertility is usually overlooked.

·       Practice safe sexual activity

Unprotected sexual intercourse, especially with multiple partners, increases your chances of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Men infected with an STD like chlamydia or gonorrhoea may experience fertility problems like lower sperm count, poor sperm movement and sperm DNA fragmentation.

How to Improve Female Fertility

·       Stop smoking

Some evidence shows that smoking ages the ovaries and reduces your supply of eggs. It also harms your cervix and fallopian tubes and increases your risk of extrauterine pregnancy and miscarriage.

·       Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity can harm your health in several ways, including interfering together with your ovulation. But women who are severely underweight also are at increased risk for ovulation problems. Whether you would like to reduce or gain it, aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI) to assist maintain normal ovulation.

·       Reduce your alcohol consumption

It's normal knowledge that ladies shouldn't drink alcohol while pregnant. But you'll not remember that frequent drinking before pregnancy is linked to ovulation disorders. If you're trying to urge pregnant, attempt to avoid alcohol completely.

·       Limit your caffeine intake

Scientists still aren't sure what proportion caffeine is "too much" when it involves infertility. you do not get to rule out caffeine completely, but try limiting your daily caffeine consumption to 200 mg per day, especially when you're trying to conceive. That is the equivalent of about two, eight-ounce cups of coffee per day.

·       Practice safe sexual activity

Having unprotected sexual intercourse, especially with multiple partners, increases your chances of getting chlamydia, gonorrhoea or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These infections can permanently damage your fallopian tubes and uterus.

 Fertility Tips for Both Partners

1)   Tweak your diet

If your busy schedule has you reaching for packaged snacks and other processed convenience foods, your body might not get the nutrition it needs. Preparing more meals reception and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein to your diet is a simple place to start out. Besides nourishing your body, you'll shed excess weight and gain energy along the way.

2)   Acknowledge and manage your stress

None folks can avoid stress. except for some couples, trying to urge pregnant can cause extra worry or anxiety, especially if one or both of you've got concerns about infertility. If you are feeling like stress affects your health or your relationship, consider lecture a licensed counsellor or psychologist who can assist you with coping strategies. you'll also enjoy trying new activities which will help relieve stress, like yoga, meditation or massage.

3)   Bump up your exercise

Moderate physical activity, like taking a walk together with your partner after dinner, can do wonders for your health. Regular exercise not only helps promote weight loss and a healthier body but also can help ease stress. But the keyword is "moderate" - women who participate infrequently, intense exercise may experience ovulation problems. For that reason, many doctors suggest limiting vigorous activity to no quite five hours per week.

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ROLE OF AGE IN THE INFERTILITY TREATMENTS

If you opt to possess a baby later in life it’s very likely you'll do so without having problems. However, it'd take longer to urge pregnant and a few people may have medical help, which is named assisted conception.

Your age isn't something you'll control. many ladies are having babies later in life for very valid reasons like not feeling stable enough to support a toddler (for example, with money or housing), not eager to have a toddler before or not having a partner to possess a toddler with.

However, as women grow old , it becomes harder to become pregnant and therefore the risk of miscarriage increases. Men’s fertility also declines with age, though to a lesser degree.

Why does age affect my fertility?

Fertility decreases with age, particularly after the age of 35 because both the amount and quality of eggs gets lower.

An egg is shipped from your ovaries to your womb monthly from once you hit puberty to the menopause. When the egg binds with sperm within the womb you get pregnant. Although it's going to appear to be your body is making a replacement egg monthly , this is often not the case. Women are born with all the eggs they ever have and that they are stored within the ovaries. As you grow old your eggs grow old too.

More than 8 out of 10 of couples where the lady is under 40 will get pregnant naturally within a year of getting regular unprotected sex (having sex every 2 to three days without using contraception).

There are several causes for fertility problems, but sometimes a particular cause can’t be found. this is often called ‘unexplained infertility’. Unexplained infertility is rare when the lady is in her 20s but becomes the foremost common explanation for infertility in women over 35 years aged .

There are treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilisation) which will assist you to conceive if you're struggling. you ought to see your GP if you haven’t conceived after a year of trying or within six months of trying to conceive if you're over 36.

If you recognize you've got the other health concerns associated with fertility, like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid problems you ought to also make an earlier appointment together with your doctor.

Remember that age isn't the sole thing which will affect your fertility. Smoking, alcohol and drug use, obesity and sexually transmitted diseases also can have an impression on your ability to urge pregnant.

What if my reproductive partner is older?

Men’s ability to possess a baby also declines with age, though not the maximum amount as women’s.

If the male partner is over 40, this will make it harder for the lady to urge pregnant, especially if she is additionally over 40.

Other reasons why older men may have less chance of pregnancy:

Reduced sexual drive

Poor sperm quality

Lower levels of male sex hormones

How can my age affect my pregnancy?

Most women over the ‘ideal’ childbearing age have healthy pregnancies and babies, but complications in pregnancy like miscarriage also increase with age.

The risk of miscarriage occurs in around:

1 in 10 pregnancies in women younger than 30

2 in 10 of pregnancies in women between 35–39

1 in 5 of pregnancies in women older than 45.

Women over 40 also are at higher risk of problems in pregnancy including:

High vital sign and diabetes In pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

Having twins or triplets, which cause complication

Pre-eclampsia, (a pregnancy condition which will be dangerous for mother and baby)

Longer labour or cesarean delivery

Stillbirth.

Women over 40 can also have an increased chance of getting a baby with Down’s syndrome. 

Any extra care in case of pregnancy over 40?

Yes. If you're over 40 your midwife, GP, obstetrician or specialist teams may all be involved in your care during your pregnancy.

Because you're at a better risk of complications you'll probably be offered more tests to see that you simply and your baby are healthy as a part of your antenatal care. for instance , you'll have extra scans, tests, and your vital sign could also be checked more actually because of the upper risk of pre-eclampsia.

Your midwife will explain more about what your care plan will appear as if at your booking appointment. You’ll even have the prospect to ask any questions or mention any concerns you've got .

It’s vital that you simply attend all of your antenatal care appointments in order that midwives can spot any problems early and treat them.

What am I able to do to form sure I even have a healthy late pregnancy?

The best thing you'll do if you're getting to have a baby at any age is to form sure you're healthy before you get pregnant. you'll do that by:

being as close as you'll to a healthy BMI

doing regular physical activity

eating a healthy, diet

stopping smoking

cutting caffeine right down to under 200mg each day

avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs

talking to your doctor or specialist about any existing medical conditions and pregnancy

being tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) if you've got any reason to believe you'll be in danger of getting one

having a cervical screening within three years

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FERTILITY PRESERVATION - what is IT ALL ABOUT?

Fertility refers to one’s ability to own biologically connected offsprings. Several treatments for cancer as well as therapy might decrease your child’s ability to conceive within the future. Therapy is additionally accustomed to treat different diseases that will conjointly place your child's fertility in danger. Your treating team can provide you with info regarding the chance your child’s illness and its treatment might wear their future fertility.

Fertility preservation helps produce the potential for kids and adolescents in danger of impaired fertility to own the choice to hunt interventions to assist reverse their fertility.  

There square measure strategies obtainable that will facilitate in preserving fertility. A number of these strategies involve prices not lined by governmental insurance. Ideally, fertility preservation procedures occur before your kid starts treatment. For a few youngsters, it is necessary to start out treatment forthwith, which can keep them from the victimization of these strategies.

FERTILITY PRESERVATION IN MALE

SPERM BANKING:

Boys have entered a time of life could also be able to bank (store) gamete. Usually, boys- thirteen years of age and older are able to contribute to the depository.  If for any reason a male has undergone a time of life is unable to supply a gamete sample, different strategies are obtainable for gamete preservation. Once the patient is prepared to conceive on his own, his preserved (frozen) gamete could also be accustomed to conceive (make a baby).

TESTICULAR TISSUE PRESERVATION:

Younger boys who have not entered a time of life do not create gamete. A way, which may facilitate these boys, to have their biological children within the future is male reproductive gland tissue preservation. During the surgical treatment, a tiny low quantity of male reproductive gland tissue is removed and so preserved (frozen). This method might also be utilized in boys who have reached the time of life however do not seem to be able to manufacture a sample on their own. Within the future, we have a tendency to believe that we will own technologies to use this tissue to create gamete that will then be accustomed to conceive a baby.

FERTILITY PRESERVATION IN FEMALES

OOCYTE (EGG) PRESERVATION:

Girls who have entered their puberty phase could also be able to preserve their eggs. This method involves secretion stimulation to mature many eggs. These eggs are generally collected during surgical treatment and preserved (frozen) until the adult female is prepared to own a baby. This method takes many weeks to accomplish and is the most accepted one. It should not be a potential choice for several women.

OVARIAN TISSUE PRESERVATION:

Young women and women who have entered their reproductive phase might have their gonad tissue preserved. Ovaries contain immature eggs. Throughout surgical treatment, a chunk of the ovary is removed and preserved (frozen). When the woman has completed medical aid, this tissue could also be reinstated in her body to revive her gonad perform. Within the future, it is believed that we will be able to manufacture mature eggs within the research lab from this tissue that these women will use to treat their infertility solutions.

Fertility preservation utilizes advanced and modern techniques and is really seen to be useful in serious medical conditions like cancer or chemotherapies. It needs an advanced apparatus and laboratory. Consult a good fertility expert and learn more about the details of it.

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GENETIC COUNSELLING FOR INFERTILITY

You must have heard of terms like ‘hereditary’, ‘genetic’ or ‘family history’. What do these terms specify? When someone tells you, that this condition might be hereditary or you might have gotten it from your mother or grandmother. What do they mean?

There are certain medical conditions that run in the family. For instance, if your mother or grandmother had Polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOS), there is a great chance that you might as well face it.

Are you going through fertility treatments? Do you wish to know about genetic explanations and aspects of it? Are you worried about transferring your genetic disorders to your child?

All you need is an interactive session of suggestions and advice from an expert. A Genetic Counsellor is your stop for doubts and questions.  

What is Genetic Counselling?

A genetic counselling is like an informative talk therapy where the expert (genetic counsellor) can come up with solutions to your queries in the form of advice.

During your infertility problems, a genetic counsellor takes care of not only the factors related to your infertility and genetics, but also help you deal with emotional factors related to it.

Who should go to a genetic counsellor?

Anyone who has queries related to genetic defects and hereditary issues running in their family can seek advice from a genetic counsellor. There are several occurrences that people visit a genetic counsellor.

1.    The couples facing infertility issues are most likely to take a visit. They must ensure that their family history is not an explanation for their infertility.

2.    Those who undergoing infertility treatments must get a complete study of any genetic disorders present to avoid complications in the future.

3.    In case of detected chromosomal deformities, the experts recommend Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) during their In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to the individuals. It prevents the child from attaining the genetic disorders of their parents and ensures healthier babies. Therefore, prior to PGD or Pre-implantation screening (PGS), genetic counselling is very important to know about all the aspects of the screening test.

4.    Parents, who already have a child with birth defects and do not want it to pass on to their next child, can take help from the professional advisors.

5.    Women with failed pregnancies or multiple miscarriages in the past can talk with a genetic counsellor for their treatment options and advice.

6.    Patients going through infertility treatment can seek emotional support from counsellors.

 What will the Genetic Counsellor ask you?

The genetic counsellor will ask a few questions based on which he/she will conclude about your situation and guide you accordingly. The counseller will discuss two primary topics with you.

·       Your Family History

The counsellor collects family tree information of your 3 previous generations. This is done to achieve a concise knowledge of your genetic aspects.

·       Detailed PGD or PGS discussion

Your counsellor will cover all the aspects of Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) or Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) in an elaborated way. He/she will introduce you with the methods, risks and doubts in the consent form for PGD.

What you need to do before making the visit?

Are you considering a visit to the genetic counsellor? Make you first visit informative and effective.

·       Gather all relevant data of your family and birth defects that run in your family

·       Assemble as much information as you can about the medical conditions of your family members

·       You must know if a family member is going through any kind of diagnosis for certain illness

·       Information about the reason for deaths in your family tree

Your infertility problems do not only affect your physical health but it has several social and emotional aspects to it. Consult with a good fertility clinic and expert to know more about genetic counselling and make your treatment more fruitful.

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Do You Know the Real ABCs of In Vitro Fertilization? Let's Uncover

When couples or individuals facing infertility, they should go for In Vitro Fertilization treatment. Read this blog to know about the real ABCs of IVF.

Understand your Infertility Condition better 

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CHANGES “In India, according to IMD data released by the statistics ministry, average temperatures have increased by 0.6 degrees Celsius (°C) between 1

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Some Trusted Treatment Options for Infertility - Newlife Fertility Center Blog

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Facts about Menopause

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a part of the normal physiological function of a woman’s body. It begins with the last menstrual period. The transition of your reproductive system from monthly menstrual cycles, ovulation to no more periods is menopause. It naturally happens when a woman reaches her 50s (average). It differs in every woman depending on her body.

Why does Menopause occur?

It is a natural process and it comes about as a woman starts ageing. Every female has about 2 million eggs at the time of birth and this count keeps on decreasing throughout her life. Menopause occurs when a woman’s eggs are no more released every month from her ovaries. This results in no ovulation and no periods.

Symptoms of Menopause

Although every woman faces distinctive symptoms, there are some common symptoms linked to menopause.

1.    Change in periods (irregular, frequently occurring, heavy blood flow, scanty flow, etc,)

2.    Increased body hair growth

3.    Insomnia

4.    Mood swings (anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, memory problem, insomnia, etc,)

5.    Weight gain

6.    Joint or muscle pain

7.    Dry skin and mouth

8.    Headache

9.    Reduced sexual drive

10.           Frequent urination

Complex Symptoms include

1.    Weak metabolism

2.    Osteoporosis (weakening of bones)

3.    Reduced strength

4.    Painful intercourse

5.    Extreme conditions of mood alterations

6.    Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

7.    Gum infections

8.    Problems in heart or blood vessel

9.    Cataract

10.  Heat flashes

Early Menopause

The confirmation of menopause marks the period of no occurring menstrual cycle for 12 months. Women reach the menopausal phase after 45 (on an average). However, due to several factors, menopause takes place at an early stage in her life. This condition is early menopause or premature menopause.

Causes of Premature Menopause

Many factors influence early menopause. Any disturbance causing the ovary to rupture egg release might lead to menopause.

1.    Hereditary- You must note down your mother’s menopausal age. Early menopause might be a result of genetics.

2.    Medical conditions-

·       Chronic illnesses leading to ovarian failure or stop in the production o progesterone and testosterone hormones cause menopause before time.

·       Auto-immune disease like thyroid, diabetes etc,

·       Premature ovarian failure

·       Treatments during cancer or tumours (chemotherapy) can destroy the ovary

·       Any surgeries of the ovary have the potential to cause premature menopause

3.    Lifestyle factors- Your eating, drinking and sleeping habits play a huge impact on your reproductive health. Smoking and drugs lead to premature menopause. Women who smoke face menopause earlier than those who do not smoke.

A well-balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding toxic substances prevent premature menopause.

4.    Chromosomal defects

Complications

Premature menopause is devastating if it occurs at your childbearing age because it leads to Infertility. As a result, it causes emotional stress and frustration.

Other health issues related to early menopause

1.    Heart diseases

2.    Osteoporosis

3.    Stress, anxiety and depression leading to psychiatric conditions

4.    Premature death

5.    Weakening of bones

Seek Help

Menopause is irreversible. However, if the conditions are unbearable there are medications to lower the complications.

The symptoms of premature menopause and menopause are almost the same. Therefore, if you are facing symptoms at an early age, you must consult your doctor at the earliest.

When to see a doctor?

1.    Facing early menopause

2.    Facing the extreme symptoms of menopause (body ache, severe joint & muscle pain, heart problems, uncontrollable bleeding)

Early Menopause and infertility

Women who face premature menopause consider themselves as unfortunate infertile individuals. There are infertility treatments for women with menopause (IVF using donor eggs).

There is a solution to every problem. There are also other positive ways to think about your role in life. Support your friends and family in this difficult time and educate them about the various options available.

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WHEN TO ACTUALLY CONSIDER IVF

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), babies are also known as test-tube babies.

Test-tube babies? The process of IVF is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ARI). It is a technique used to grow embryos outside the mother’s womb in a dish. The suitable sample of egg and sperm from female and male are chosen, allowed to grow in a petri-dish in sterile conditions and environment. The fertilization and formation of embryos take place in the dish. Then it transferred into the mother’s uterus.

Who should go for the IVF way?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an advanced infertility treatment for couples who cannot conceive on their own.

When should you go for the IVF?

There are several other treatments for infertility. So, when should you actually consider the process of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for your infertility.

·       Failure of other infertility treatments- When all the other treatments for infertility like medicine, donor egg or sperm, intrauterine insemination (IUI) does not work, IVF is used.

 ·       Risks of a genetic disorder- If the male or female possess the chances of passing severe genetic disorders to their children.

 ·       A problem in the fallopian tube- If the reason for infertility is the damage of fallopian tube of woman, then IVF is the option. However, an issue in the fallopian tube is often treated by a tubal surgery. When the tubal surgery cannot treat the fallopian tube then IVF is the only way.

 ·       The age- If the male or female is above 36 years old and infertile, they can conceive through IVF.

 ·       The male factor- The reason for infertility is the ‘male factor’. Male factor in male infertility is due to low sperm count in male. It is also a good option if the sperm motility is low.

 ·       Certain diseases in women- Infertility in women is due to disorders like endometriosis, fibroids or polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOS). They can conceive with the help of IVF.

 ·       Ovulation problems- Women, who do not produce healthy eggs and are unable to ovulate, might consider IVF as the best infertility treatment.

 ·       Cancer- Patients, who have a history of cancer and chemotherapy or radiotherapy, lose their ability to conceive. IVF is the best method for them to bear a child.

 ·       Unexplained infertility- Doctors or professionals cannot detect - the reason for infertility sometimes. This is known as unexplained infertility. In such cases, in vitro fertilization is done to bring about pregnancy.

 ·       Earlier sterilization- If either of the individuals has been sterilized (no more capable of conceiving), then IVF is used.

 ·       Specific gender baby- If the families wish to have a particular gender baby for the purpose of family balancing, IVF is a good option for them. However, it does not guarantee 100% success in this field.

 ·       In case of STIs- If either of the individual has Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), then IVF might help them to conceive their child.

 There are several risks associated with IVF like multiple births, premature delivery, and low weight of the babies. It can harm the mother also like ectopic pregnancies, ovarian problems. However, the risks usually increase with age.

IVF is usually a complicated process and involves time. The couples going through it also face a lot in terms of psychological aspect, as IVF is a social stigma. Let us aware of the people and normalize IVF. It has given hope to the couples who thought they could never conceive.

Let us take a step and bring joy by sharing this piece of information. All they need is a good doctor and lots of patience.