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Super User

Super User

You can Botox your face; not your eggs

Women are warehouses of eggs, unlike men where factories can produce sperm for a lifetime. There can be various situations wherein women find that they have exhausted all their eggs or do not have ovaries. With parenthood via egg donation a realistic possibility these days, more and more couples are considering this option to reach the family way.

Am I the right candidate to opt for Egg Donation?

Egg Donation is offered as a choice in following cases –

• women with poor ovarian reserve

• women with risk of passing a genetic disease

• women whose ovaries are affected by cancer or its treatment

• women with repeated IVF cycles indicating poor egg quality

The commonest reason of opting for egg donation is for women who are found to have low ovarian reserve; especially the ones who opt for fertility after 35 years of age.


I’m 37. Where am I on my ovarian reserve scale?

There are basically three ways to know about your ovarian reserve –

1. Blood levels of AMH

2. A trans-vaginal ultrasound for Antral Follicular Count (AFC)

3. Blood test on the 2 nd /3 rd day of your cycle

These test results give a reasonable direction of whether to consider conception with your eggs or to opt for egg donation.


I’ve 40 and have been advised to undergo IVF. Should I consider IVF with my own eggs or donor eggs?

At the age of 40, the quantity and quality of eggs is poor and hence has a very low success rate with IVF. In contrast, IVF with donor eggs has a very high success rate since the egg donors are in their 20’s or early 30’s. Apart from the technical ease these days through which donor eggs can be retrieved, the chance of the pregnancy being healthy and fewer chances of miscarriage point towards considering egg donation as the first option.


What is the reason for a low ovarian reserve?

Due to the changing trends in the society, families start a bit later than they used to a decade ago. Due to increased infertility, the scenario of the low ovarian reserve has come into picture.

Quantity and quality of eggs vary among women of the same age. There are fair chances of decrease in eggs with respect to age.


Is IVF with donor eggs a complicated and long drawn out process?

Not really; definitely not as much as the surrogacy program is. Basically the nuances involved include screening and counselling of the donor as well as the recipient, synchronisation of the donor and recipient cycles, growing eggs and its retrieval from the donor and transfer of the embryos into the recipient. After the counselling and consent of both the parties, the time required is around 2 – 3 weeks.

Biology beating mothers are not only a celebrity trend these days – more and more women are opting for egg donation to achieve their dreams of motherhood. Consider the egg donor no less than an angel, who has come up as a blessing in your lives, to take you to the world of motherhood!


‘Seeing you for the first time is the greatest awakening of my life.’ this is what a mother realises during her very first USG. A mother sees her baby only through USG for the entire 9 months. It is one of the most important forms of the effort that you and your doctors take to ensure your baby’s health and accurate development. There are many queries as well as concerns in a mother’s mind with respect to ultrasound like – is sonography safe for my baby? Will sonography give all the information about my baby, which sonography should I do, etc.? So, let get into an insight about sonography.


What is Sonography?

Sonography (USG, ultrasound or a scan) refers to a very simple procedure wherein; a device is used to check the development of the baby in the uterus. USG stands for ultrasonography. Average number of ultrasounds varies with each pregnancy.


I’m in the 2nd month of my pregnancy & my doctor has advised me sonography!!!

A sonography is one of the most important tools in the first trimester to know about the duration & location of pregnancy as well as whether it a single or a multiple pregnancy. Between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, sonography can pick up the heartbeats of the baby as well. It may also show up fibroids or cysts or any other abnormalities in the abdomen, if any.


What kind of sonography will I be subject to?

A sonography is usually done using a probe over the abdomen (trans-abdominal), wherein you’ll need to have your bladder full. In some cases, you may be recommended for a vaginal sonography (trans-vaginal) to get a clearer image of your baby.


Is sonography safe for my baby?

It is important to understand that sonography involves use of ultrasonic waves, unlike x-ray wherein radiation is used. Scientific evidence does not show any harmful effect on the baby and if needed, repeated sonography may be done.


What is an Anomaly Scan?

Anomaly Scan is the sonography that is done in the second trimester (18-20 weeks) during which a detailed view of the baby is obtained to rule out any kind of gross structural abnormality.


I’m into my 38th week of my pregnancy. Do I need a Doppler ultrasound?

After 37 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta starts maturing, which may affect the blood flow to baby’s body. A Doppler ultrasound looks into the amount of blood flow to the baby so as to help decide about the timing of delivery.

When asked, majority of the mothers say, that it was the sonography they used to enjoy the most. Sonography is just a way of keeping an eye over your baby. All a mother keeps saying is ‘It’s been a long time without you, my baby, and I shall tell you all about it when I see you again.’ Feel blessed, stay happy and carry yourself with grace as its pregnancy when a woman looks most beautiful!!

You never know about a life until it grows inside you. You keep imagining about what is your baby doing inside...you want to feel each and every moment of your baby being with you. And after some weeks, you feel the baby movement for the very first time. The pleasure, the excitement...feelings are just beyond explanation! Read through for some information about baby movements during pregnancy.


When do baby movements start?

Typical baby movements are felt during 18 to 25 weeks depending on whether it is your first pregnancy or not. Women who are in their first pregnancy usually tend to start feeling their baby movements at around 22 to 24 weeks. The ones who have been pregnant before will usually feel it early at around 18 to 20 weeks.


Will I be able to recognise my baby movements?

The first time that you feel your baby movement is known as quickening. Sometimes you may not be able to make out whether it was a baby movement or not. To begin with it usually feels like fluttering or bubbling or butterflies in the stomach. The type of movement that you feel will change as your pregnancy progresses, when you’ll start feeling obvious kicks.


How often should my baby move?

Every woman’s pregnancy is different from another woman, and the pattern of baby movements are best understood by the mother who is carrying the baby. There is no set pattern about the frequency and intensity of baby movements. The baby movements will usually be more in the second trimester. From 32 weeks onwards, they will become a little less and remain so till you go in labor.


Why is it important to keep a track of baby movements when ultrasound provides a real-time status to me?

Ultrasounds cannot be done very frequently. Keeping a daily check of baby’s movement is important because changes in the movement pattern may indicate potential problems with your pregnancy. Decrease in baby’s movement can sometimes be an important sign that the baby is unwell. So do not wait for the next ultrasound to be done.


What is Kick Count?

Pregnant women, especially the ones with high-risk pregnancy are asked to maintain a chart of the number of movements the baby makes usually from the 28th week. Each movement is noted as one kick. In non-high-risk pregnancies, mothers are asked to maintain a chart from 34 weeks onwards. The pattern of every mother is unique. Knowing what is a normal movement pattern for your baby is the key and any deviation from the same should alert you to see your doctor. You should usually have around ten movements in two hours.


I have not felt any baby movements since some time!

See your doctor right away. Do not put off till tomorrow to seek advice if you’re worried about your baby’s movement. You may be asked to undergo an ultrasound or a non-stress test (NST) to check your baby’s health.

Experiencing your baby wriggle, twist, punch and hiccup might put you into many questions. Indulge yourself in activities you love to keep yourself going. Stay positive and maintain a healthy frame of mind. A human version of happiness is on its way!


The realisation of the fact that you have a life inside you has taken you to the seventh heaven! You eagerly wait to see your baby inside you. You want to feel its presence in each and every manner possible. There is a hankering to hear your baby’s heartbeat and you’re up for your first scan!

First scans can be scheduled from anywhere between 5th to the 8th week depending on the history of the pregnant woman. Remember to not feel upset if baby’s heartbeat is not seen or heard on the scan done in your 5th week. The scan done at the 5th week will show only a pregnancy sac; the foetus (baby) is too small to be seen on the scan at this stage. In such cases you’ll be recommended to repeat an ultrasound after a fortnight during which heartbeats will be seen or heard.

An ultrasound scan done at around 6 - 8 weeks will be able to pick up your baby’s heartbeat. And for the very first time, you’ll experience a life existing inside you and that can quite be a life changing experience. The heartbeat at this stage is expected to be around 60 – 90 beats/min. The rate of the heartbeat will steadily increase till around 10 weeks; after which it stabilises to around 150 – 160 beats/min.

After the completion of the 3rd month, your baby’s heartbeat shall be heard using a Doppler on your tummy which is an amplifier. In case, if you do not happen to hear the heartbeats, do not assume as if there is something untoward; it only indicates that your baby is slightly hesitant to show up and is facing in such a direction where the Doppler is not able to reach and trace.

By mid-second trimester, you can wallow in the pleasure of hearing your baby’s heartbeats simply through a stethoscope! For a lot of women, this is the time when the reality of a life inside them begins to sink in and they start bonding with the bump. A foetal echocardiogram is usually done at around 22 – 24 weeks by when the baby’s heart is completely developed and its heart functions just like yours.

Expect to hear your baby’s heartbeats from the second trimester at each antenatal check to ensure foetal wellbeing. Stay calm and hopeful, stick to the most appropriate lifestyle and things at each step might be extremely smooth.

Wishing you a healthy and happy birthing!

Naa Jaane Kyun Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath

Becoming pregnant might seem easy for a lot of women but for others it may not be so simple. Young girls spend all their life saying that we’ll have kids in the future so when it doesn’t happen, you often wonder ‘Why Me’? The fact that young girls typically spend so many years trying not to get pregnant makes it a much bigger shock when they find out that it’s not happening. You wouldn’t know if you can make babies or not until you try for one. Not being able to have a baby can be, to a large extent, a very silent thing with no signs or symptoms of any underlying condition.

Infertility is a growing concern these days and it is important to detect the causes so as to be able to treat it. Not having children these days can be by choice as well as by circumstances. About 80% of women who don’t have children are childless by circumstances and not by choice.


Why can she have a Baby?

Before discussing a possible factor that can cause female infertility, it is important to know the factors needed for a pregnancy to occur naturally.

• A good quality egg

• A good quality sperm

• Healthy and functional Fallopian tube for the egg and sperm to meet

• A healthy uterus to house the embryo

• Ability to have sexual intercourse; and of course

• Good physical and mental health


Why can’t I have a Baby?

The act of becoming a mother is based on certain biological factors and every woman needs to meet those biological factors to have a baby. Humans aren’t that fertile to begin with. The chance for a young couple getting pregnant in one month of regular intercourse is only about 25%. The problems which may lead to infertility may be the ones which you were born with, ones which are caused by ageing and some that can’t be figured out.

Direct causes of female reproductive problems may be related to each organ within the reproductive system viz. the ovary / uterus / Fallopian tube / cervix / vagina. On the other hands the fault may lie at the brain (hypothalamus pituitary) that controls the female reproductive organs.


Too Many Eggs but still no baby : PCOS link to Infertility!!!

PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women. PCOS is basically a condition of hormonal imbalance leading to infrequent, if not persistent, anovulation (failure to release egg). PCOS is a condition wherein women have too many eggs in their ovaries but none of them reaches maturation to get released from the ovary. Release of an egg (ovulation) is mandatory for a pregnancy to happen. However, PCOS is not the worst thing in the world to have – it is better for a woman to have too many eggs than too few.


The Ticking Biological Clock : Age and Infertility

Let’s get it crisp and clear – Infertility Management, to a large extent, is Time Management. Female age is not only one of the biggest factors for female infertility but also one of the most important factors which determine the success of fertility treatment. Women are only ‘warehouses’ of eggs and not ‘producers’ meaning that as a woman ages, the number and the quality of their eggs decreases. Every menstrual cycle, many eggs are recruited from the woman’s ovaries but only a few reach maturation and are released. This means that there is a large wastage of eggs every menstrual cycle which leads to steady depletion of eggs over the years.

The rate of depletion varies from woman to woman and the numerical age of the woman may not always correspond to the age of her ovaries. There are quite a few younger women who have reduced fertility due to their compromised ovarian reserve. A woman at the age of 30 has approx. 20% chance per month of conceiving but only a 5 % chance when she is 40.


Still an Enigma : Endometriosis and Infertility

Endometriosis is one of those words that many of us have heard, but may not quite know what it means. Endometriosis is a condition when the tissue that normally lines the inside of a woman’s uterus grows outside of it.

Endometriosis not only actually impacts the ovary affecting both the quality and quantity of eggs but also leads to scarring and distortion, which also affects the Fallopian tubes and the fertilization capability of the eggs.

Apart from the anatomical distortion that endometriosis may cause, it may also lead to release of certain chemicals and immunological factors which also may contribute to infertility.


The Transport Trouble : Tubal Factors and Infertility

The Fallopian tube plays the role of a transporter of eggs and sperms. It is also the place where the female egg and the sperm meet to achieve fertilisation. Blockage of tube on both the sides makes natural conception impossible.

Infection, injury, scarring because of PID, endometriosis or surgical procedures like termination of pregnancy may affect the tubes. It may block the path of the egg from the Fallopian tube to the uterus as well as the transition of the sperm to the uterus causing difficulty in fertilisation.


The Woes of the Womb : Uterus and Infertility

The womb houses the embryo and is the place where ultimately the embryo will grow into a fully developed baby. Problems in the womb can be there from the birth or may develop later on spontaneously or because of certain infections and/or procedures.In some cases, the uterus may be absent from birth or in some cases may be double from birth.

In some cases, a growth known as fibroid may distort the womb and may prevent implantation of a fertilised egg. Uterus can get damaged in the form of sticking together of the womb lines – this condition is known as Asherman’s syndrome. Asherman’s syndrome may result from tuberculosis infection or following some surgical procedures. This may deny access to the sperms from reaching eggs leading to Infertility.


To Sum Up

Although from the outside, having a baby may look easy; in reality it can be much more complex. Reproduction is as much complex as it is to assemble the tiny parts in a computer for it to work; and it is no more than a miracle when everything gets assembled properly and leads to the formation of a baby. But then that’s only under the best of conditions and lately the best of conditions have been found to be hard to come by.

Motherhood is the only fuel that will make you do the impossible! Hoping that you bring the best piece of art into the world!


Fertility lies may seem to be a scare mongering phrase but it is sadly an accurate one; without a doubt. With quite a few celebrities flaunting a baby bump at 40’s, gossip magazines selling the lie that 40’s was the new 30’s and big companies offering perks to their employees for freezing their future, fertility has moved from being a natural choice to being an experimental one. Advances in reproductive technologies blending with the feminist principles make couples/individuals feel that parenthood can be completely planned according to their own timetable! But Biology can’t bend according to your plans and science cannot make miracles. It’s time we get more realistic and not hold on to fantasies when it comes to fertility.

Here’s throwing some light on the 5 lies that some of you believe to be true but unfortunately are not-


Lie - 1

In the pink of my health; I can get pregnant anytime I want!

Haven’t we heard of the famous Salman Rushdie’s ex-wife and model Padma Lakshmi’s fight with endometriosis? A beautiful woman suffering from a condition which has fertility implication and almost incapacitated her!

Having a fantastic figure or for that matter a six pack abs does not always indicate that you’re fertile. There’s no dearth of cases wherein some of the prettiest women have tubal block and some macho men have no sperm in their semen. It definitely is good to be in optimal physical health but a good physique of physical health is not synonymous with good fertility health. Maintaining a good lifestyle, not smoking/drinking and not doing drugs definitely improves your chances of conception, but does not guarantee fertility. Without a proper fertility check, it is impossible to know you can father/mother a baby or not.


Lie - 2

I already have a baby, a sibling can come along anytime

Most people think that if you’ve one child you can have other easily – a big misconception. Not being able to have a subsequent child is, in medical terms, referred to as Secondary Infertility. The trouble with secondary infertility is not only that you want a baby badly but also that your previous baby wants a sibling badly and that can be a big heartache.

Secondary Infertility can be because you have either waited too long to have a second one because of which you’ve run out of your eggs or you’ve developed a medical condition which is compromising your fertility. Secondary Infertility cases have almost doubled in last 2 decades and account for almost 30% - 40% of infertility cases.


Lie - 3

I need not worry about having a baby; I’ve my eggs frozen

With the Silicon Valley companies offering new benefit to women in the form of egg freezing; egg-freezing became more of a ‘social’ choice than a medical choice. Egg freezing as a concept was introduced mainly for young individuals who needed to undergo cancer treatment, which would compromise their fertility. From there on egg freezing is being now used for the purpose of circumventing reproductive ageing in healthy women. The debate of social freezing Vs medical freezing may continue for a long time. It is important for a woman to know that egg freezing still lacks medical evidence and has potential health as well as emotional risks. Currently there is insufficient information to advocate egg freezing; so far only 2 – 12% of thawed eggs have led to a live birth. Consider Social Egg freezing as a hope, not a promise; a Gamble, not a Guarantee


Lie - 4

My career is in full swing. Right now is not a time to have a baby

Fortunately or unfortunately women have to face their biological clock some day or the other. The time when your career is in full swing is the time that you’re at the peak of your fertility health. Delaying your baby plan though may seem to the most legitimate thing at that point of time but may not always be the right thing. Lot of times working women professional assume that they already know how they want their future chalked out to be; and sometimes being childless can also seem acceptable. But remember; things change, people change, feelings change and so do priorities. By the time you reset your priorities, time could have flown by in terms of fertility and you may find yourself left with very limited fertility options or sometimes may be none at all.


Lie - 5

Even if I find it difficult to get pregnant, IVF can surely help me.

IVF has become more accessible to everyone in recent years. But the biggest myth related to IVF is that it always works. Everyone who uses it is successful and has a baby. Though it would be great for all individuals and couples who are trying to get pregnant to be successful, unfortunately there is no fertility treatment including IVF that works for everybody. Lot of women these days start planning for a baby in their mid 30’s or late 30’s and think that even if they can’t conceive naturally, IVF will help them sail through. It is important for women to understand that if you do not have good quality eggs left, resorting to IVF cannot change it. Also with increasing age, there is an increase in other fertility related issues such as PID, endometriosis etc., which can compromise fertility. Not only women, even men who have low sperm count keep on delaying definitive treatment thinking that if nothing works, IVF / ICSI will come to their rescue; which is far from the truth.


Summary

We all have ideas about how our life – career – family should play out. But when it comes to creating a family, things may not turn out to be the way we want. When it comes to fertility decision making, lot of us take help from internet. Surfing can be a fabulous place for information and connection but at the same time a dangerous place filled with obsession and misinformation. It’s all important a thing to erase the lies regarding creating a family so as to help you for better fertility decision making.

Parenthood is the only fuel that will make you do the impossible! Hoping that you bring the best piece of art into the world!


Most women know about PCOS as a condition associated with ‘woman issue’ like weight gain, body hair, acne and in some patients, mood swings. But what women are less aware of is its strong link to infertility. PCOS comes with its perks (which girl would not be happy with having lesser periods in a year) but when it comes to fertility, the perk can be a problem too.

There are fewer solid facts about PCOS and its role in fertility than undisputable misconceptions and outright myths which causes needless panic. To put it straight, PCOS is the commonest cause of infertility in women. 60% of women with infertility issues have PCOS & this figure is certainly worrisome.

Let’s get some facts about PCOS & ways to get pregnant inspite of having PCOS.


1. How is PCOS linked to Infertility?

PCOS is the commonest female cause for Infertility

Normally there is an orchestrated signal path between the brain and the ovary each month which controls the growth and release of an egg. However, in PCOS this orchestration goes out of sync because of over abundance of androgen which disturbs the balance of the estrogen hormone preventing release of an egg every month. Release of an egg is prerequisite for a conception to occur.

PCOS is a vicious cycle. Abnormal hormone level leads to cyst in the ovary, which further leads to hormonal imbalance, obesity and infertility.

All menstrual cycles in a PCOS patient may not necessarily be anovulatory (no ovulation). There may be a couple of cycles in a year wherein you may ovulate but it is not possible for you to figure out which cycle would that be.


2. If that’s the case, then what exactly is happening to my eggs?

PCOS patients will grow many small follicles (sac that contains egg) in ultrasound, but there will not be a big one that will grow and release an egg. Since there is no release of an egg, there is no opportunity for a pregnancy to happen. Women with PCOS do not have problem in producing an egg; the problem lies in them not growing their follicle. They are stuck at the starting line.

Ultrasound is the best modality to know whether you’re ovulating or not.


3. Should I see a Fertility Specialist, if I want to plan pregnancy after 6 months?

It’s important, if not mandatory, for you to see a fertility specialist for the following reasons -

• Some medications needed to manage PCOS may be unsafe during pregnancy and these will need to be changed or discontinued.

• A consultation with a fertility specialist will help you increase your chances of conception naturally by altering your lifestyle leading to spontaneous ovulation.

• Your fertility specialist will ensure that you’re in the best of your health before you conceive so as to reduce risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes and/or pregnancy induced hypertension


4. What are my options if I’ve not been able to conceive naturally with PCOS?

The good news here is that infertility treatment for women with PCOS is very effective. Your doctor will prescribe you medication for your follicles to grow; the goal is just to get the eggs off the starting line. Usually these medications work since the problem isn’t in your egg.

If these basic measures do not work, you may be offered ovarian drilling (a small surgery to make holes in the ovaries to help the monthly release of the eggs); rarely IVF may be needed. A point to never forget – all the fertility medications will work only if you work on altering your lifestyle which includes healthy eating and exercise. Don’t take PCOS only as a fertility hurdle; take it up as a wake-up call.


5. Do I still need to be vigilant once I have conceived with PCOS?

The importance of hormonal support, exercise and diet cannot be stressed enough even after you get pregnant.

• PCOS patients who conceive are 3 times more likely to miscarry than expecting mothers without PCOS. You may be recommended to have optimal hormonal support for the first 3 months of pregnancy to avoid miscarriage.

• Exercise improves body's use of insulin, normalizes hormone levels and keeps your weight in check.

• PCOS patients have problems related to high insulin levels. A diet high in protein and fiber can help lower your insulin levels. It is important to limit your carbohydrate intake and pair your carbohydrates with fiber, protein and/or healthy fats. Eliminate all processed foods, refined sugar and starch.


Take Home Message

Every bad thing turns into a good thing in the end. It’s just a matter of patience... strive and wait for the right moment! Whatever method you may need to resort to, it is realistically highly possible for PCOS patients to conceive. Struggling to get pregnant with PCOS makes you appreciate parenthood even more. Do not let your faith, hope and love drop down because of the obstacles you face.

Maternal love is the only fuel that will make you do the impossible! Hoping that you bring the 'best piece of art' into the world!

Mera Number Kab Aayega?

Waiting to hear the “good news” after you have tried hard, is something that can test your patience. The scene of the pregnancy news coming as a surprise is no longer common. A 25 year old with a kid is more an aberration than a norm these days. Today, everything needs to be planned; even conception. We know about these women who need to plan, even a conception; cause we’re these women.

Lot of couples feel that stopping the pill is enough to lead to a conception, but that isn’t always the case. So, let’s get a know how on the 3 'C's of conception - Chances, Choices and Care.


What’s your Age?

If you and your partner are well without any known serious medical problems and are able to have regular sex and under 35 years, you should give yourself at least 6–8 months before you start to worry. Fertility evaluation is usually done after a year of trying because more than 80% of you will conceive by then.

• At the age of 30 yrs, a woman has a 20% chance per cycle of conceiving.

• At the age of 40 yrs, a woman has a 5% chance per cycle of conceiving.

• After the age of 40 yrs, the chance per cycle of conceiving reduces drastically. Even the fertility of men post 40 years goes downhill because of the inferior genetic quality of sperm due to ageing.


Where are you on your stress scale?

Couples who have or do not have fertility issues; stress can reduce your chances of conception every cycle. Studies have shown reduced chances of conception in woman who are stressed out during the ovulatory window. Having sex according to calendar can mechanise the process and can throw your hormones off balance reducing your chances of conception. A study has shown that stressed out women are 15% - 20% less fertile than the rest. So, relax especially during your most fertile time.

Do Yoga, Exercise & Meditate – do what helps you let go and feel at peace.


How long should I wait ?

• If you’re 25 years of age, there are 1 in 4 chances that you would achieve pregnancy within 4 months.

• If you’re 26 – 39 years of age, there are 1 in 7 chances that you would achieve pregnancy within 7 months.

• If you’re 40 years, there are 1 in 20 chances that you would achieve pregnancy within 20 months.


What can improve my chances of getting pregnant?

Once you’ve decided to take a plunge into the family way, certain tweaks can help you improve your chances of conception.

• Kick those bad habits - stop smoking and drinking since they not only have a negative impact on conception but may also affect a developing foetus. Cutting down on your caffeine can improve your fertility.

• Get into a proper shape - It is important to maintain a healthy BMI, being overweight or underweight can lead to hormonal imbalance and prevent ovulation. Exercise not only causes release of hormones which improves your fertility but also cuts back on your fat deposit leading to a healthier BMI. One must be careful not to overdo exercise as it may have negative impact on fertility. Have a wholesome diet inclusive of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc.

• Have regular sex - Though this seems to be the most obvious thing, it is pertinent to mention here that it is important to have sex at regular intervals instead of ‘trying for a baby’ during mid cycle only. By keeping sperm fresh with regular intercourse, you’ve a better chance of getting pregnant.

• See a Fertility Specialist -If you or your spouse have any concerns which you may feel can reduce your chances of fertility, see a Fertility Specialist.


What are my chances of conception with various fertility treatment options?

Not all women can become pregnant the natural and the traditional way; some of them may require the help of assisted reproductive technology. The techniques that may be needed can vary from basic techniques like Ovulation Induction and / or IUI to advanced ones like IVF / ICSI to Third Party Reproduction like Surrogacy and/or Egg/Sperm/Embryo donation. Success rate of various treatment options are as follows (these may vary from center to center) -


Ovulation Induction   8% – 12% per cycle

Ovulation Induction with IUI   14% – 18% per cycle

IVF / ICSI (with self eggs / sperm)   40% – 50% per cycle


You need to remember that you cannot always plan pregnancy. While it can take you up to six months to get pregnant, it might not, and you could become pregnant the first time you try.

To sum up, here's a quick snapshot on the 3 'C's of Conception -

• Chances of conception vary with the age of the female.

• Choices we, knowingly or unknowingly, make in our day to day life affect fertility.

• Care of yourself and your spouses health can go a long way in improving your chances of conception.

Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kate!!!

Misconceptions are fun as long as you don't confuse it with facts. Many of us believe something as true all our life; till one day we find that they are nothing but illusions. Conception is one of those beliefs most of us take for granted; until the day rolls around when we decide we want children and experience trouble conceiving?

Get to know what is real and you'll obviously have a better understanding of your own fertility and how it works.

Here are top 5 Misconceptions about Conception that should perk up your ears –


1. Focus on 14!!!

The 28 days long menstrual cycle in not universal, so is the conception that ovulation happens on Day 14. The magic of Day 14 is considered to always work out as it is regarded as the best day to conceive. It is important to understand that no 2 cycles are exactly the same: yours could be 30 days and your sister is could be 25 days and both of you’re sure to not ovulate on Day 14. Only the women who have 28 day cycle ovulate on Day 14, 65% of women ovulate outside of days 13 – 15.


2. No Expiry date for Men!!!

With the entire internet harping about the tick tock biological clock of women, it’s oft forgotten that fertility in men too declines with age. It is coolly assumed that men can wait their whole life to become dads; not true. The 2014 study has shown that children born to fathers over 45 have more risk of autism, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Also, a woman is more likely to have miscarriage if the sperm is from a man above 45.


3. Fixed Expiry Date for Women!!!

Use them or lose them is what the media shout. Every woman is served with a wake-up call every now and then. Fertility does decline with age in women, but it just doesn’t happen overnight. You eggs don’t suddenly disappear on your 30th Birthday. There is a steady and slow drop in your fertility from 27 years. However, after 35 years there is a steep decline.


4. Wait for a Year!!!

The definition of infertility sometimes seems to be too strict wherein couples before 35 years of age are expected to wait for a year before visiting a doctor for fertility issues. The time to wait before seeing a fertility specialist should be individualised on basis of other factors like irregular periods, painful periods, history of miscarriages, smokers and so on and so forth. In presence of these factors, it is advisable to have a fertility fitness check.


5. Healthy people are fertile!!!

Being young and being healthy will invite less trouble; True. But this may not always be the case when it comes to fertility. Fitness may be an important consideration for pregnant women but not always for the ones who are yet to get pregnant. Looking healthy and beautiful may not always suggest optimum fertility; remember you can botox your face but not eggs. This stands true for men too. It can come as a shock to healthy men to find that they may have less or no sperm in semen inspite of having peak fitness.


The lack of understanding about the basic facts about fertility can begin to invade even the most reasonable persons thinking and can lead to fear and irrational decision making. It is important to get your Doctors help to demystify fiction from facts.


Life has changed. Ethics mean different than what they meant a decade ago. Work was meant to earn a living. Today, earning a living does not seem to the prime purpose of life! A person, be it a man or a woman, earns for grading his or her lifestyle. Simple is termed as cheap! Peace and health are replaced with high society late night parties and cool addictions! No one realizes that all these new things that make you eat wrong, sleep wrong and stay wrong are actually taking you the world of infertility. Through this article, we share with all our readers the effects of 3 classy culprits of infertility - stress, smoking and lifestyle.


Stress

Stress is directly related to infertility. Stress affects ovulation. A woman who is in stress shall never be able to release good quality eggs. Stress automatically stops you from having sex, wherein your chances of conception go down. Excessive stress can even interfere with the fertilization of the egg and implanting itself on the wall of the uterus!

Among men too, stress degrades the sperm count and the quality. Once under stress, making love is never so easy and pleasurable!


Smoking

This is the strongest curse in disguise. Smoking affects ovaries and reduces the quality and quantity of eggs. Even when a woman conceives, there are fewer chances that she might carry her baby to term. After birthing too, the baby shall face some major growth issues.

Do not stay relaxed if you are a victim of passive smoking. Second hand smoking too is a big no no. It turns you infertile without much effort. It supports miscarriages! Preterm labor and ectopic pregnancies have been noticed on a large scale!

For men who smoke and feel good, you shall face severe trouble with your sex life! Loss of erection shall be a new trouble for you. Your sperm quality shall degrade and they might not have the strength to swim to a woman’s uterus!

Nowhere, do we see any trace of smoking lowering ones stress levels! Quit smoking for it has nothing to give you in return except problems which you cannot bear.


Lifestyle

People do hear and read about lifestyle changes and end up doing none as they feel, it’s impossible! We shall give some straight tips which when followed shall surely benefit you!

• If you are into a sedentary lifestyle, you can take a two minute walk at an interval of 30 min.

• Limit your carbohydrates and cut on the carb that accompanies gluten.

• Comfort foods are always bland! Pizzas, burgers and even biscuits must not be seen anywhere around you.

• Completion of an eight hour sleep is a must.

• Exercise three times a week stands to be perfect!

• Water intake must be around 3 litres per day! Water soothes your internal organs!

• Laptops on the lap might gift you infertility. Place them on the table while you work.

• No processed foods. Stick to consuming foods in their most natural form.


Try living a simple life. Electronic gadgets are not something for which a person struggles all day! In the end you shall surely become financially strong but on the other hand the same money shall be poured on expensive treatments! Success is when you attain things which money cannot buy!


For a couple trying to conceive, it feels punishing to accept the fact that they may not be able to conceive naturally. But then, it’s just going to be a bit difficult, not impossible! With the help of technology and various refinements in the existing treatment protocols, most of the fertility problems are treatable with high success rates.


Which factors will help decide my treatment?

• Age of both partners

• Duration of Infertility

• Condition causing Infertility

• Lifestyle factors

• Hormonal Status

• Stress Levels

• Your own choices

A thorough analysis of the above factors along with medical examination and testing is followed by a course of medical action best suited for you.


What are the treatment options available?

Due to the technological advancements in the field of medical science, infertility, to a large extent, is treatable. So do not push yourself to the edge of frustration, patience is the key. Once your physical and mental well being is ensured, you may be subjected to fertility treatment of help you out. Let us introduce you to some of the fertility treatments available -

• Ovulation Tracking

• Ovulation Induction

• Artificial Insemination

• In vitro fertilisation

• Fertility Surgery

• Third Party Reproduction


Will I be directly subjected to IVF / ICSI?

No. Not necessarily. Two of the most important deciding factors for the treatment options are the age of the woman and the cause and duration of infertility. Women with ovulation problems or unexplained infertility will usually conceive with treatment options like Ovulation Induction with or without artificial insemination. You may check on to the Fertility Management Ladder for more information.


Fertility Management Ladder

Women with poor ovulation reserve, blocked fallopian tube & cases of severe male infertility may be recommended to directly go for IVF / ICSI. Click to know more about IVF / ICSI.


I’ve been lately hearing a lot about Surrogacy & Donation. What is it?

The creation of a baby usually involves a male & a female partner. In cases, where two of you are not enough (or in some rare cases where your doctor recommends), involvement of a third person in the form of a donor (egg, sperm or embryo) or a surrogate (wherein a baby is grown in other woman’s womb) maybe required.


Depending upon your exact fertility situation, you will be offered the most optimal method to help you out. Do not drive yourself towards negativity. Half the solution to any problem lies in defining it. Stick to positivity and things shall change in your favour. We are here to assist you through your difficulties. We will try and make sure that life embraces you by bringing a healthy and smiling baby in your arms!


Introduction

If you have been trying to conceive for a while without any success, then it is high time that you and your partner do not delay a fertility fitness test. It makes sense to comprehend the implication of the term infertility and its reasons. In the medical world, infertility is a term that is used to denote failure to conceive after having a year of regular sex minus the use of birth control.

There is a difference between being sterile and infertile. Infertility does not mean that you cannot have a child. By seeking proper medical help, you can have a child.

Both men & women tend to face fertility issues. Around 20 percent of infertile couples have fertility problems in both partners. Astonishingly around 15 percent of the couples are diagnosed problem-free after all tests have been conducted, yet they have failed to conceive. It is termed as unexplained infertility.

Four causes of infertility in men

Commonly infertility in men is an outcome of issues with sperm which includes things like:

• Low Sperm Count implying that you have fewer sperms or no sperm in your semen

• Low sperm motility, which means that your sperm do not move well as they should

• Sperms that are formed abnormally

• Sperm ducts which are blocked

There is another usual problem related to a temporary reduction in the volume of sperm produced in your testicles. It may happen when your testicles are injured or if they were way above their normal temperature for too long. Your sperms may be adversely affected if you were taking drugs or chemicals for too long. Men who drink alcohol or smoke tend to have a low sperm count. If you are a man over the age of 40 and suffering from infertility, then you should consult a male fertility specialist in Pune.

Four Reasons for infertility in Women

• One of the most regular causes of infertility in women is associated with a problem in ovulation. It implies that your ovary does not release an egg. This condition is also known as polycystic ovary syndrome.

• There might be a problem with the fallopian tube that is responsible for carrying eggs from the ovary to the uterus resulting in infertility. Moreover, there is a chance that your tubes are blocked by scar tissue resulting from an infection or a condition called endometriosis.

• Fertility problems in women can be an outcome of smoking or when a woman is underweight or overweight.

• Despite an egg being able to make its way through the fallopian tube, there are many things that may deter it from being implanted in the uterus. For example, cervical mucus may be damaging the sperm or slowing down the progress.

• Age can also be a factor for infertility in women. Fertility rate drops when a woman crosses the age of 35. After the age of 45, a woman rarely becomes pregnant.

Conclusion

If you have failed to conceive after repeated attempts, it does not mean it is the end of the road for you. All you need is to visit the best fertility clinic in Pune. It is imperative to know the underlying causes and how long you have been trying to conceive. A fertility fitness test may uncover the reasons that have been overlooked for so long. Finally, you should talk to your partner and choose a treatment option that suits your preferences.

Gone are days when infertility was because of females only. The fact is one out of three infertility cases is due to men, and they are too, responsible for infertility half the time. Knowing about this problem can be a challenge for many men, as unable to become a father can make a man feel that he is failing in one of the prime responsibilities. Fortunately, there are treatments available for men, which are helpful.

Male infertility treatment

Most of the times, it is difficult to know the exact cause of infertility. But still, doctors can suggest some treatments which can allow a man to become a father. In cases of infertility, both the partners are examined. This will enable doctors to know whether she needs any specific treatment or can continue with advised reproductive techniques.

Male infertility treatment involves:

Examination of semen and sperm: The patient will be provided a private room along with some magazines for giving a semen sample. Experts will then examine the sperm count, its shape, and movement with other variables.

Usually, a man with a higher number of normal-shaped sperm has better chances of fertility. However, men with less sperm count or abnormal semen are also fertile.

Physical examination: This process can identify varicocele and can indicate the hormonal problem which can be treated through surgery. This surgery is usually done by an urologist.

Testicular Biopsy: This is done when no sperm is detected in semen. Through a needle biopsy of testicle, it is possible to know whether the patient is making a healthy sperm or not. In the case of sufficient sperm production in testicles, the possibility of blockage is expected somewhere, which can be treated.

How to boost male fertility

Below mentioned are simple things that you can implement in your life for boosting fertility.

Increase the intake of antioxidants: You might have heard that antioxidants fight cancer and heart problems. They can also treat infertility to some extent. There are antioxidants which are known for increasing the sperm count.

- Zinc: It is found in red meat, bean, and poultry.

- Vitamin C: Available in various fruits like oranges, lemon, kiwi, grapes.

- Selenium: Found in tuna, chicken, and beef.

- Vitamin E: Eat nuts, leafy vegetables, and oil for this.

- Folic Acid: Green veggies, beans, fruits, and peas are a good source of Folic acid

- Lycopene: Tomatoes, watermelon, and apricots are a good source of Lycopene.

Add these ingredients in your food, or you can also take supplements for the same.

Keep a watch on soy intake: Too much intake of soy can decrease your sperm count. It is a misconception that soy is only found in tofu. The fact is, it is also present in energy bars and many health drinks. However, it is suggested that overweight people should avoid soy intake. While for everyone else, consuming soy in excessive quantity may prove unhealthy for reproduction.

Check the presence of toxic chemicals in the workplace: In case of difficulty in conception, you have to check the presence of chemicals in your working area. Metalworkers, farmers, welders, varnishes’, and painters may have higher chances of infertility. The exact reason behind this is still unknown, but it is believed that chemicals present in the vicinity can cause harm to sperm count.

So what is the solution to this condition? Well! The one thing which you can do is avoid direct contact with these chemicals. Wear masks, gloves, or keep your body covered for less impact of chemicals.

Male Infertility specialist in Pune

Many big cities like Pune are known for the efficient treatment of male infertility. If you want yourself to be treated with the best specialist in Pune, then do check the rating of infertility specialist in Pune along with patients’ reviews before actually booking an appointment.

Be comfortable with the doctor and tell him about your problem without any hesitation. There are many male fertility specialists in Pune, who can help you in getting into fatherhood.

Secondary Infertility

Infertility or inability to conceive a baby is a mentally painful and extremely challenging situation for couples who are planning to extend their families, but unfortunately, are not able to do so.

The term may sound new for the newbies but has extremely simple to understand. Secondary infertility is a medical situation when a woman is not able to conceive a baby after planning for the second time. Theories have indicated a lot of critical cases where there are suitable remedies and coping mechanisms to deal with this medical condition but the ground reality has another face to this. Dealing with the challenges of secondary infertility comes with its terms and conditions and requires professional guidance to be driven until the end. So, let us first dive into various reasons and related questions that we crop in your mind in case you are looking for a solution to this tragedy.

Why can't I conceive for the second time?


Well, the most prominent and common question that may arise in your mind in this situation is why you are not able to make it. In most cases, secondary fertility may happen due to various common and obvious reasons that you might have ignored at a certain stage.

  • The age factor. Yes, the age gap certainly has a lot of impact in this case especially, if you had your first child after reaching the age of 32 or later, I'm still hoping to conceive the second one around 37 or 39. Believe it or not, but age is a major deciduous factor here that influences the case accordingly. However, the situation may get improved.
  • Secondly, you may also fall prey to secondary infertility in case you are trying to conceive a baby with a new partner. This may happen because of the fluctuations in sperm count resulting in undiagnosed infertility problems for the second time. However, the medical conditions may vary from person to person but the basic issue remains the same.
  • Another apparent reason for secondary infertility may be due to endometriosis, or fluctuations in your ovarian reserve of which you are always unaware.
  • Now, this is not that predictable but the weight factor also affects the possibilities of being prone to secondary infertility. Being overweight or underweight can result in various ovulation problems. In a lot of cases, new parents gain weight due to pregnancy and various other reasons like insufficient sleep or stress. Certainly, this becomes a major contributing factor here.
  • Women who have been a patient of diabetes or increased blood pressure are also likely to develop this situation. These factors mainly not found that relevant for secondary infertility but certainly, it has a lot of impact over the chances of a woman being entrapped into it.

Possible treatments

There are a lot of possible treatments in the field of medical science for infertility treatment that can be provided in cases of secondary infertility. However, the treatment for secondary infertility resembles a lot of methods to deal with primary infertility issues. Also, there may be a lot of hormonal and physiological causes for this but these can be avoided up to a certain level.

IVF Treatment: While going through Vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from the body and united with sperm in the laboratory to develop embryos.

These are then transferred back into the uterus to make the whole infertility treatment successful.

Undoubtedly, IVF treatment is one of the most successful techniques of treatment where the fertilisation of the ova is carried out by using conventional IVF techniques or by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in some cases.

What should be done then?

The first thing you should be aware of is definitely if you suffer from this situation or not. Secondly, the factor you need to take into consideration is your age, as this will decide the span of guidance and prescription you need. If you belong to the age group of 32-35, you should look for professional medical assistance in case you don't conceive even after 1 year of attempt. Often, you might get misled by your hope that if you keep trying you will conceive one day, even after the unjustified time has already passed. But continuous delay in seeking help may reduce the chances of you conceiving it at the earliest. So, never delay as in that case, still, there would be no guarantee if you will be able to get over this stage of infertility or not. In such a situation, Infertility treatment is still the most preferable option one should go for.

Remember, it is always advisable to seek medical assistance in a case expected results to not appear but the delay should never be considered as an option.