All You Need to Know About IVF

In Vitro Fertilization has been a boon to innumerable couples all over the world as it has brought them the joy of bearing a child. In the recent years, demand for female infertility treatment has gone up owing to a number of lifestyle changes which lead to increasing incidents of female infertility. In such a scenario, when people realize that they can still conceive, thanks to IVF, the anticipation of it can be both exciting and nerve wrecking. While a number of people would want to get IVF done as soon as possible, here are some things related to the process you should be aware of and take into consideration before deciding to go ahead with IVF:       

•It requires a lot of time and work: From the get-go, IVF treatment is highly labor intensive and involves a number of visits to the doctor. From the first phase itself, you will have to visit the doctor for blood work and ultrasound, almost daily. Then the eggs are removed from the body and three to five days later the embryo is placed in the uterus. Whether IVF has been successful or not is determined around two weeks later, which entails another visit to the doctor.

•Side Effects: You may experience a number of side effects. You will be on a number of hormones and may be highly emotional during the whole process. Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) can be caused due to the fertility drugs, which can lead to an increase in the number of eggs produced by the ovary. Symptoms for the same include weight gain, dizziness, severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, etc. You should immediately contact your doctor if such symptoms are experienced.

•Slight risk of birth complications: Generally, a number of embryos are planted in the uterus which can lead to multiple pregnancies, thereby resulting in higher chances of a premature birth and reduced weight at birth. This problem can be tackled by testing the embryo for the strongest one and implanting only that embryo in the uterus.

•Doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get pregnant: The most unfortunate fact related to IVF is that pregnancy is not guaranteed. Some women get pregnant within the first try, some get it done multiple times and for some, this method doesn’t work at all. The rate of success of the process mostly depends upon the age of the woman.

It is very important that you get the treatment done from trusted centers only. IVF centers in Delhi are equipped with the latest technology and best facilities. The decision of whether to go ahead with IVF or not should be made after considering all risks and benefits of the process.

All You Need to Know About Ectopic Pregnancy

Attachment of a fertilized egg by itself in a place other than the inside parts of the uterus is called ectopic pregnancy. Almost all types of ectopic pregnancies usually occur in the fallopian tube and hence they are also called as tubal pregnancies. Actually, the fallopian tubes of a woman body are not designed to hold a growing embryo and are not meant for pregnancy. Thus, the fertilized egg cannot develop properly in cases of ectopic pregnancies and require treatment in the best maternity hospital in Delhi, Mumbai, or any other city. Ectopic pregnancies happen generally at the rate of 1 out of 50 pregnancies. There are some risk factors including in such cases. The condition becomes critical for women of age between 35-44 years or if they have previous ectopic pregnancy experience and pelvic surgery. Several induced abortions, smoking, fertility medications, and endometriosis are some other risk factors for women facing ectopic pregnancies. 

CAUSES

• If the fallopian tube has an infection or an inflammation, it can lead to either partial or entire blockage of the tubes. Thus, the blockage leads to ectopic pregnancies as fertilized eggs cannot reach uterus for normal pregnancy. 
• Sometimes a scar tissue from previous cases of infection or a tube surgery can impede the egg’s movement in the fallopian tubes. 
• Adhesions can also cause ectopic pregnancies resulting from previous pelvic or abdominal surgeries.
• A birth defect or abnormal growths can also result in the abnormal shape of tubes.

SYMPTOMS

Typical signs and symptoms might be common but some are useful in recognizing a potential ectopic pregnancy.

• Severe pain with varying intensities in the pelvic region, abdomen, or shoulder and neck. 
• Vaginal bleeding which can either be heavier or lighter than your normal period.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.

DIAGNOSIS

Best gynaecologist in Bangalore or any other city can easily diagnose ectopic pregnancy which can be confirmed by your physician. They usually perform a pelvic test to locate pain, tenderness, or a mass in the abdomen. Physicians also use an ultrasound scan to determine if your uterus contains any developing foetus. Progesterone levels will also be tested and you might also have to undergo culdocentesis that involves the insertion of a needle at the top of the vagina, behind the uterus, and in front of the rectum. Presence of blood in this area indicates a ruptured fallopian tube.

TREATMENT

Methotrexate saves the fallopian tube allowing the body to absorb pregnancy tissue. If the tube is ruptured and bleeding, a part of it has to be removed and, in such cases, bleeding should be stopped promptly requiring emergency surgery. Laparoscopic surgery can also be performed. Laparotomy can be done if the ectopic pregnancy cannot be removed by normal laparoscopy. 

Tips for Embryo transfer during IVF Treatment

IVF Treatment in India has proven to be a hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally. While the procedure is going on, the female partner must take extra precautions to avoid any risks. The embryo transfer is one such process in which everyone is on tenterhooks, but with a few tips you can remain absolutely stress-free. Worry will only cause problems, so follow the advice below for a smooth and efficient embryo transfer.

Do a mock run of the Procedure

To take away anxieties you may have about the procedure and to address any queries, ask your doctor to do a sort of dummy run of the process before the actual transfer. While the doctor may disagree and consider it unnecessary, insist on it and ask why it cannot be done. It may sometimes help in evaluating the uterine cavity, can find any potential barriers such as a cervical growth, and can suggest whether an alternative catheter is needed.

Check for a Hydrosalpinx

A hydrosalpinx is a fluid in one or both of the fallopian tubes, which is usually associated with previous experience with a sexually transmitted disease or endometriosis and can make normal pregnancy almost impossible. The thing is, it can affect IVF treatment as well if the fluid leaks into the uterus and affects the womb lining. This can prove to be an issue with the transferred embryo. Thus, it is suggested and sensible to have an ultrasound scan and/or a hysterosalpingogram, also called HSG before you begin your IVF treatment. In this case, if it is found, the tubes may have to undergo treatment before the transfer process can begin.

The Importance of Testing

Do not rely on clinics that do not take essential pre-treatment tests seriously. If they do not ask for the results of these tests, especially the important ones, you can conclude that you are not taking the right path in the treatment. You may want to take a second opinion, and before starting the treatment, a few tests are a requirement. A few examples are the hormone profiling for the female partners who wish to use their own eggs, a semen analysis for the male partner, and a trans-vaginal scan of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus mid-cycles for female partners even if they are not using their own eggs.

Nutrition

Stay in contact with your doctor or nutritionist who will guide you on what you need to eat during the process. Certain vitamins and folic acid may have to be taken to reduce the risks of birth defects and other problems. Ensure you stick to the plan that your doctor charts out for you.

Understanding The Prime Cause Of Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a medical condition in which fertilization occurs outside the lining of uterus. It is a very critical medical condition as this kind of pregnancy cannot be easily detected and if not attended at the right time, can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs. Fallopian tubes are actually the most common location for such fertilization. Many ectopic pregnancies go unnoticed and lead to complications in the long term. So, how does a woman know of the ectopic pregnancy? 

The three characteristic symptoms of ectopic pregnancy which includes abdominal pain, absence of menstrual periods and vaginal bleeding and it should not be taken lightly and reported immediately to the doctor. Here we mention some prominent symptoms and reasons leading to ectopic pregnancy, also approved by doctors of the best gynecology hospitals and IVF center in India. Have a quick look.  

Late Pregnancy 

Ectopic pregnancy can take place in women of any age, who are sexually active and ovulating. Women aged between 35-44 years have the highest likelihood of undergoing an ectopic pregnancy as their body is somewhat fragile to handle a pregnancy at this stage. 

A rough medical history

The greatest risk factor for an ectopic pregnancy is if a woman has experienced an ectopic pregnancy or a number of miscarriages previously. Prior history of an ectopic pregnancy increases the risk.

Fallopian tube abnormalities

Any disruption of the normal structure of the fallopian tubes can be a risk factor for a tubal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy in other locations. After the age of 30, women must go for ultrasounds on regular basis to check if there are some abnormalities rising in their reproductive organs.   

Previous gynecological surgeries

If a woman has had surgeries on the fallopian tubes such as tubal sterilization or reconstructive procedures in the past, then this can result in scarring and disruption of the normal anatomy of the tubes, thereby increasing the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Re-occurring Infections

Sexually transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia or N. gonorrhea, typically lead to pelvic infections. Infection causes an ectopic pregnancy by causing damage or blocking the fallopian tubes. 

Certain gynecological conditions, history of infertility and IUD use, cigarette smoking can also cause an ectopic pregnancy. Visit a hospital as you notice a pattern of the disease in the family or experience symptoms. In case you have been suffering from PCOD from a long time, chances of you getting diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy are quite high.    

PCOS: Causes, Symptoms & Affects

Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the hormone levels of women are affected during 15 years of age to 44. Women diagnosed with PCOS produce male hormones, androgens more than the normal amounts. This hormone balance causes them to skip their monthly menstrual periods and chances of pregnancy gets reduced in the future. PCOS in general also causes the growth of hair on face and body along with baldness. Birth control pills and diabetic drugs can fix the hormone imbalance and improve the symptoms of PCOS. PCOS affects the ovaries and the process of ovulation. 

CAUSES OF PCOS

Doctors believe that the high levels of androgens prevent ovaries from producing hormones and forming eggs normally. Genes, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance have been linked to excess production of androgens in women with PCOS.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Some women may start seeing symptoms around the times of their first periods but in most cases, others only discover it after they have gained a lot of weight and with pregnancy troubles. Irregular periods and heavyweight gain are the most common symptoms of PCOS in women. Some other common symptoms include heavy bleeding, hair growth, acne, baldness, headaches, and darkening of the skin. These symptoms are easily diagnosed and treated by the best gynecologist in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, or any other city.

AFFECTS OF PCOS

1.INFERTILITY

Ovulation is compulsory to get pregnancy. As women with PCOS ovulate irregularly, they may not release eggs to be fertilized. In very rare cases, women with PCOS remain fertile. PCOS is one of the most important reasons leading to infertility in women.

2.SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea might not occur in every woman with PCOS but mostly occur in them who are over-weight. This condition causes pauses in breathing repeatedly during the night interrupting the sleep. 

3.METABOLIC SYNDROME

PCOS along with obesity increases your risk for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, low good cholesterol, and high bad cholesterol. This shift in metabolism is called metabolic syndrome. Which also increase the risk of heart diseases, strokes, and diabetes. 

4.ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

The lining of the uterus sheds during ovulation. The linings can keep building up if ovulation keeps skipping every month because of PCOS. This increases the risk of endometrial cancer. The best endometriosis treatment in India can provide a solution to this problem.

5.DEPRESSION

Hormonal changes and symptoms like unusual hair growth on face and body can negatively affect the emotions which sometimes leads to depression and anxiety.

Identifying The Best Clinic For Infertility Treatment In Delhi

Infertility is rising at a high pace nowadays. Given our present lifestyle and mental and physical health, it has become difficult for couples to conceive naturally. The medical reasons for the failure to conceive could be at either of the ends, i.e., in the males or the females, or both. In India, 35-40% of the males face the issue, while in 20-30% of the cases it is both of them. 

But medical sciences and the advancement in technology has made it possible to address this issue and find solutions. Couples now have a chance at conceiving and enjoying the pleasures of parenthood. The treatment is available across the country and depends on the cause of infertility. It is essential to identify the reason and choose the appropriate treatment. Here comes the tricky part. Segregating the right clinics and finding the right doctor who you’re comfortable with. 

We have listed some of the best places for infertility treatment in Delhi. 

1.Fortis La Femme

The team at la femme is very efficient and make the patient comfortable enough to undergo the treatment without any stress or doubts. With extremely qualified doctors and nurses, they use advanced diagnostic techniques and development of the treatment plan as per every patient. They aim for success in each of their case.

2.BLK Hospital

One of the most reputed hospitals in Delhi, they possess highly advanced equipment and facilities. Meticulous in their treatment, the doctors at this hospital don’t leave a stone unturned to ensure a successful result. They have a set of standard procedures to ensure the safety of the patient and reduce the hassle. They help minimize the difficulty for the already distressed patients. 

3.Medicover Fertility Clinic

With over 24 years of experience, this clinic has been bursting myths related to IVF and helping people become aware of the treatment. They ensure that the patient has no concerns or questions regarding any of the procedure. They have been making people comfortable with the concept of IVF and have proved that it is nothing to be ashamed of. They understand the uniqueness of each case and guide the patients all the way through the treatment, till the time the baby is conceived. 

It is essential to identify the right place and qualified doctors for yourself. It is after all, one of the biggest steps as a married couple, leading you to the gift of parenting!

Qualities To Look For In A Gynecologist

There has always been a doomed silence attached to sexual and reproductive health, especially of young, unmarried women in India. The problem finds its roots in the lack of sex education provided to school children in their formative years, which play a very critical role in shaping the kind of individuals they grow up to become. A girl who has been told that it’s shameful to talk about her sexual health would never have the guts to express her concerns when she finds that her period is not on time or the flow is unusually heavy.

Thus, the onus falls on the shoulders of the medical  service providers to create a safe space for women, where they can openly talk about sexual health related problems and queries. A gynecologist has a major role to play, far beyond providing the patient with medical knowledge. When looking for the best gynecologist in Delhi, Bangalore, Gurgaon, or any and everywhere else for that matter, keep in mind to check the following boxes before going in for the consultation.

Goes The Extra Mile: A gynecologist should be willing to travel the extra mile to make their patient feel comfortable in the clinic. They should refrain from passing judgmental comments or launching into a condescending speech shunning pre-marital sex when an unmarried woman inquires about contraceptives. The doctor should make it easy for you to tell them your problem as candidly as possible.

   Taking Quick Decisions: Being a doctor means that one will be faced with difficult situations which will demand of the professional to make split second decisions. A gynecologist should be confident of the knowledge they have and should be able to take informed, quick decisions to help their patients.

   No Intrusive Questions: Intrusive questions into the patients personal life is a huge red alert. If your gynecologist makes you feel uncomfortable by asking questions of intrusive nature, which try to invade your personal space, then it’s probably a good idea to change your doctor. If you are a resident of Delhi, you would never find this problem in the best gynecology hospitals in Delhi, considering how professional the doctors there are.

 Communication: A number of times, gynecologist will avoid having direct, straightforward conversation about certain issues like STIs or pre-marital sex/ child birth. A professional and trustable gynecologist will never shy away from a difficult conversation and will spell out the whole situation and its solutions out to you in clear, understandable language.

     The situation of accessibility to sexual health services in India is in the doldrums in the current times. Having horrible gynecologist experiences can take a toll on women’s mental and physical health, considering that they would think a number of times before approaching a gynecologist again, until and unless the problem has become severe. Thus, we cannot emphasize enough to look for the qualities mentioned above when choosing a gynecologist.