How do food supplements add a value to IVF?

How do food supplements add a value to IVF?

Treating each case of infertility opens a new window of knowledge to me. I have no hesitation in accepting the fact that treating infertility is a taxing job. However, the challenges and thrills keep me excited about it.  Resolving queries of childless couples and giving them correct and authentic information is a major part of the treatment.

Patients always wonder about the variety of food supplements prescribed during infertility treatment. They are not able to realize the importance and relevance of it. We all know that food supplements are prescribed when there is a deficiency of particular nutrients in the body.  Since they support our daily diet by fulfilling the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, they are called dietary supplements also. As an infertility expert, we prescribe various supplements after analyzing the physical condition of the patient. It varies from patient to patient.

Role of food supplements
When we prescribe these supplements to an infertile couple, there are two reasons. Firstly, they correct the deficiency, if any. Secondly, these supplements improve the quality of eggs and correct the hormonal balance by reducing stress. They provide micronutrients that are available in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. Though it is possible to provide them through a balanced diet also, but it is not possible during infertility treatment.  Stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors affect the intake of food in females resulting in malnutrition. The process of conception may get hindered due to inadequate nutrients. Therefore, we prescribe dietary supplements.

Types of supplements
Food supplements prescribed to IVF patients can be categorized based on their characteristics. I prefer antioxidants and essential amino acids because they help greatly in the success of IVF procedures. PCOD mimetic or Insulin sensitizers are given in specific cases if needed. It is a fact that these supplements play a vital role in the success of the treatment.

Antioxidants extracted from the natural sources are considered goodfor treating infertility patients. These antioxidants delay the process of aging and thus, remarkably improve the health of a reproductive system. Pycogenol, Melatonin, and co-enzyme Q are some of the popular antioxidants. They all are extracted from the natural sources like wheat grass or a pine tree.Myo-inositol is an insulin resistant that improves the ovulation process.

Folic acid is another vital supplement that is prescribed during the treatment.  It is an important element that helps in sustaining pregnancy. Folic acid also plays a critical role in the development of the fetus.
Extracting the maximum benefit from it

It is a reality that dietary supplements alone do not help. The success of infertility treatment or IVF depends on the treatment method, physical and mental readiness of the patient, and the overall health. It is a combined effect of dedicated efforts of the patient and the doctor.

 We decide food supplements according to the physical condition of a patient. Though there are hardly any side-effects of these supplements, but still we need to monitor them for some time. Anything unusual needs immediate consultation.

Study shows that frozen embryos are better than the fresh ones

Study shows that frozen embryos are better than the fresh ones

The treatment of infertility takes advantage of the modern techniques. We infertility experts talk to the infertile couples and discuss various aspects and possibilities of bringing the joy of parenthood in their life. One such remarkable technique is the use of frozen embryos for In Vitro Fertilization.  Infertility experts have been using them from a long time with a great success rate. According to the specialists worldwide, it is one of the leading reproductive techniques. Modern tools have increased the possibility of successful childbirth manifold. IVF with frozen embryo is bridging the gap between having no children and having children. 
Though the techniques have been in use from years, it was not so much developed and sophisticated earlier.

Statistical research reveals the effectiveness of frozen embryo in making the pregnancy effective in multiple ways. Infertility experts worldwide have admired the technique of frozen embryos for easiness and convenience. However, these findings establish their credibility in terms of improving the quality of pregnancy and childbirth.

Does frozen embryo affect the quality of pregnancy?

It is a fact that frozen embryos have better success rate as compared to the normal one. According to statistics, women in the age group of 36 to 42 have shown more than 75% successful pregnancies with frozen eggs against 54% with fresh fertilized eggs. This is a major contradiction to the popular belief that fresh embryos show better success rates than frozen ones.

Not only the better success rate, but frozen embryos show fewer miscarriages and longevity of the fetus. In addition to that, chromosomal screening proves that frozen embryos show fewer birth defects as compared to the normal embryos. A single embryo implantation makes sure that the couples will have only one child per birth reducing the most common problem of multiple births, the biggest nuisance in IVF Treatment.

It is a biological fact that pregnancy through frozen embryo is much stable because women are free from the hassles of hormonal treatment and painful procedure. Stress and strain affect the quality of pregnancy. Earlier it was believed that immediate implantation of embryo needed for a successful pregnancy. However, research in the later years showed that frozen embryos are equally effective in a successful pregnancy.

How are frozen embryos convenient?  
                                
I work in two steps as an infertility expert. First, I give hormonal treatment so that the body starts producing quality eggs. Modern technology makes it possible extracting multiple eggs and keeping them preserved for subsequent use. It is obvious that the facility gives us a chance to use frozen embryos in each case we treat. Since IVF depends on various factors, multiple attempts may fail. Frozen embryos are helpful in trying pregnancy for multiple times.

The procedures are time-taking and tedious. Therefore, I extract matured eggs with hormonal treatment.It is especially helpful for patients above the age of 40 years where women can’t undergo stressful treatment.  The latest findings give a positive thrust to the infertility treatment. With the coordinated efforts of patients success can be achieved quickly.

Being pregnant at 40 with infertility treatment

Being pregnant at 40 with infertility treatment

Pregnancy at the age of 40 is surely not a recommended thing in the normal case. However, we infertility experts consider it quite a normal thing. Today, women diagnose infertility problem quite late, and they don’t have any option than trying for pregnancy till the age of 40. Recent studies indicate that the modern techniques have made it easy to conceive in the later life. Thousands of women are experiencing the joy of motherhood with the help of advanced infertility clinic. Due to the intense care and constant supervision, it is possible to carry out pregnancy safely and give birth to a healthy child. Infertility treatment is the process of correcting the fundamental medical problem and establishing the natural balance of the reproductive system.

What helps in the journey of successful pregnancy at 40?

A few factors make the journey of pregnancy successful and smooth. Infertility is a condition affected by several internal and external factors and we experts work on resolving these conditions. Several physical and psychological factors contribute to the issues related to fertility problem.

1.    Understanding that it is not a local problem: We need to understand that infertility is not a local problem, but the disruption of various systems including the reproductive system.  We infertility experts work on the problems in totality and not on an individual basis.

2.    Establishing the natural balance is important: Factors like pollution and toxic elements affect the inner environment of the body. For infertility expert like me, the biggest challenge is to bring the balance in the body. The internal environment shows incredible improvement when we establish the natural balance back.

3.    It is important to achieve an early breakthrough: The journey of infertility treatment is not easy. It is important to achieve success as early as possible. If we repeat the cycles of IVF especially after the age of 40, then there are multiple times increase chances of miscarriages or premature birth. It is possible that babies born with deformities or they are mentally challenged. It is a painful experience for the couple. Though advanced medical science reduces the chances of such mishaps, but it is recommended going through the procedures as early as possible.

4.     Step-by-step holistic treatment helps: When we work on the cases of infertility treatment at the age of 40 or above, the prime focus is on a step-by-step holistic process. Understanding the capability of the reproductive system is the first step. Various methods are used for assessing it. Physical and mental capability are tested through physical examinations and counseling. We explain the painful and arduous procedures to patients and analyze the readiness; Treatments and procedures are explained to them at length and also told about the probability of success. These efforts set the expectations well, and the journey becomes easy.
The combined efforts of infertility experts and infertile couple dramatically increase the chances of having a healthy baby. It is a remarkable moment for the childless couple, a joint success of the patients and the infertility expert!

The latest finding could save infertile men from biopsy

The latest finding could save infertile men from biopsy
It is a fact that male infertility is much complex, and we infertility experts need to put a lot of efforts to dig out the cause. Moreover, the diagnostic procedures involve many evasive surgical procedures to determine whether the infertility is caused due to obstructive reason or non-obstructive. It is a depressing and painful experience for the patient. However, the recent findings have shown a ray of hope for painless diagnosis.

According to the researchers, two distinctive proteins ECM1 and TEX101 can help in diagnosing the cause of male infertility and deciding the plan of action. They are hopeful that the findings can give as accurate results as biopsy, and it is an encouraging fact indeed. Thousands of infertile men would feel a great relief to know about it. They will be relieved from the painful holes in the testicles.

Statistics reveal that almost half of the cases of male infertility are caused due to a physical blockage in some part of the male reproduction system. It prevents the sperms from entering into the semen before ejaculation. The above-mentioned research is based on the analysis of various proteins found in the semen.  Researchers are hopeful that the analysis of the protein itself would indicate whether the patient is suffering from obstructive infertility or not.

Types of male infertility

a.    Structural infertility: It occurs when there is a congestion or obstruction in the male reproduction system. Swelling in the nerves or structural problems in the testicles cause this type of infertility. The treatment involves surgical procedures. Male infertility surgery is highly complicated and prone to risk. We need time to diagnose the exact cause of infertility.

b.    Functional infertility: Functional infertility is associated with the quality and quantity of semen. The most frequent causes are low count of sperms and low motility of sperm. Genetic issues and hormonal disorders also come under this category. Absence of semen or low production of semen can also cause functional infertility. We treat the symptoms by prescribing drugs. In some cases, minor surgical procedures may also be needed.

Treating obstructive male infertility

We treat obstructive male infertility in two ways:
a)    We fix the problem by a surgical procedure
b)    We extract sperms from testicles by sperm retrieval process that lasts around three hours
In case of men suffering from obstructive infertility and absence off sperms, we have to undergo sperm extraction surgery without any guarantee of finding sperms.  Even in case of men who do not produce any sperm we need to perform sperm extraction surgery. It is a total waste of resources because there are no sperms present in the testicles.

The latest research indicates that it is possible to determine the presence of sperms by testing protein TEX101. We need not perform the painful operation for sperm extraction. It is assumed that with the completion of the research it is possible to derive simple and cheap infertility treatment for men. The latest findings will open further options for effective treatment of male infertility.

Is it a reality that embryo transfer needs complete bed rest?

Is it a reality that embryo transfer needs complete bed rest?
Infertile couples talk a lot about the treatment to their friends and relatives and collect loads of wanted/unwanted information with them. It is further easy to search information on the Internet, irrespective of its validity or necessity. We infertility experts and our technicians struggle hard to clarify these misconceptions. Believe me, it is a marathon task. Sometimes, these concepts are so deeply rooted that we have to spend immense energy in clarifying them. Counseling is an important aspect of infertility treatment. We use it not only for clarifying the technical facets of infertility treatment, but to clarify the doubts and misconceptions also.

Bed rest after an embryo transfer, the popular misconception
One of the biggest worries, especially for the working women is about the so-called “mandatory” bed rest after an embryo transfer.  It is hard to believe, yet true that many women postpone the decision of embryo transfer due to non-availability of leave. Patients believe that the transferred embryo is very “fragile” because it is inserted by the doctors. Jerks, movements, or exertion may result in falling out from the uterus since it is not a “natural” embryo!

The truth
It takes quite a long time for us to convince patients about the reality. Various arguments need to be given justifying it:

•    The structure of our body has been designed quite wisely by the nature. An embryo is placed at such location that the normal bodily activities could not cause harm to it. Jerks during the routine activities like coughing, sneezing or walking do not harm the embryo at all.
•    Technically there is no difference between the so-called “natural” embryo and the “transferred” one. Both get placed at the same location in the uterus and body responds to them in the same way.  Once it gets attached to the uterus, it hardly matters whether it was created in a bedroom or in a laboratory.
•    When the pregnancy happens in the normal way, women have to follow certain precautions. They are just the normal ones like not lifting heavy weights or not doing too much exertion. It is restricted to participate in activities like athletics and gymnastics during pregnancy. The same restrictions are applicable to the embryo transfer also.
•    There is no need of forcible bed rest after an embryo transfer unless there are valid reasons for the same. Rather, it can be quite demoralizing and devastating for a woman to be confined in the home without any apparent reason.  You tend to think endlessly about the pregnancy and possible outcome after 9 months.
•    Infertile couples face a dreadful time during the notorious two week’s waiting period (technically referred as 2WW) when they wait for the pregnancy test after a successful embryo transfer. These two weeks are considered the longest weeks in the life. A bed rest followed by it could be fully miserable to the couples.
Embryo transfer is just a biological process performed with an external aid. There is no need to make an awe of it and follow unnecessary misconceptions!

The latest finding could save infertile men from biopsy

The latest finding could save infertile men from biopsy
It is a fact that male infertility is much complex, and we infertility experts need to put a lot of efforts to dig out the cause. Moreover, the diagnostic procedures involve many evasive surgical procedures to determine whether the infertility is caused due to obstructive reason or non-obstructive. It is a depressing and painful experience for the patient. However, the recent findings have shown a ray of hope for painless diagnosis.

According to the researchers, two distinctive proteins ECM1 and TEX101 can help in diagnosing the cause of male infertility and deciding the plan of action. They are hopeful that the findings can give as accurate results as biopsy, and it is an encouraging fact indeed. Thousands of infertile men would feel a great relief to know about it. They will be relieved from the painful holes in the testicles.

Statistics reveal that almost half of the cases of male infertility are caused due to a physical blockage in some part of the male reproduction system. It prevents the sperms from entering into the semen before ejaculation. The above-mentioned research is based on the analysis of various proteins found in the semen.  Researchers are hopeful that the analysis of the protein itself would indicate whether the patient is suffering from obstructive infertility or not.

Types of male infertility
a.    Structural infertility: It occurs when there is a congestion or obstruction in the male reproduction system. Swelling in the nerves or structural problems in the testicles cause this type of infertility. The treatment involves surgical procedures. Male infertility surgery is highly complicated and prone to risk. We need time to diagnose the exact cause of infertility.
b.    Functional infertility: Functional infertility is associated with the quality and quantity of semen. The most frequent causes are low count of sperms and low motility of sperm. Genetic issues and hormonal disorders also come under this category. Absence of semen or low production of semen can also cause functional infertility. We treat the symptoms by prescribing drugs. In some cases, minor surgical procedures may also be needed.

Treating obstructive male infertility

We treat obstructive male infertility in two ways:
a)    We fix the problem by a surgical procedure
b)    We extract sperms from testicles by sperm retrieval process that lasts around three hours
In case of men suffering from obstructive infertility and absence off sperms, we have to undergo sperm extraction surgery without any guarantee of finding sperms.  Even in case of men who do not produce any sperm we need to perform sperm extraction surgery. It is a total waste of resources because there are no sperms present in the testicles.

The latest research indicates that it is possible to determine the presence of sperms by testing protein TEX101. We need not perform the painful operation for sperm extraction. It is assumed that with the completion of the research it is possible to derive simple and cheap infertility treatment for men. The latest findings will open further options for effective treatment of male infertility.

Infertility is an issue to be taken seriously

Infertility is an issue to be taken seriously
Infertility experts are one of the busiest people in the medical field. Not because they treat more patients than they can handle, but because they need to spend a lot of time with patients. The treatment is lengthy and tiring. It drains out the energy and enthusiasm from patients and doctors. According to the researches, one in six couples faces some kind of infertility problem. Some of the couples don’t even notice it till they realize the delay in conception. They waste valuable time in waiting for conception. It causes delay in the treatment and eventually in the pregnancy. Therefore, it is highly recommended taking infertility seriously.

Why should couples take it seriously?
2009 was the turning point when WHO formally declared infertility as a disease and declared that it needs treatment just like other diseases. It opened new possibilities of research and development towards effective treatment of the ailment.

Infertility is a severe mental and physical issue for the couple, especially for women. It is difficult to face the reality and cope up with the mental trauma. In spite of being the most advanced medical advancement in the medical history, IVF is quite complicated and cumbersome treatment. Infertility is a major crisis and not only gets the couple, but the entire family and society affected by it.  Infertile couples need love and understanding.  Counseling helps in fighting with the crippling effect.

Infertility treatments usually last long and there are multiple iterations of treatments. Hormonal treatment is an integral part of it causing mental ups and downs. There are moments of joy and devastation.  Hence, couples need perpetual motivation and support. They need encouragement and positive thrust. Though infertility experts work in resolving the mental and psychological problems, but they need equal support from family and friends.

Some myths and facts about infertility
The more a couple takes it seriously, the better are the chances of recovery. Early treatment helps a lot in eliminating the fundamental cause and making the pregnancy possible. A few myths and facts about the infertility problem are:

•    Infertility is caused in women only: It is the commonest myth about infertility. As a matter of fact, only one third of the infertility cases are contributed by women. Rest two-third is shared by the male infertility and unexplained infertility. Therefore, find the fundamental cause of the problem as early as possible.

•    Every other couple is able to conceive as so as we: Couples think that conception is possible at the drop of a hat.  In reality, every third couple is facing infertility issues. Infertility experts convince and counsel patients about the reality.

•    Stress does not have correlation with infertility: In reality, stress has a direct correlation with infertility problem.  It affects the hormonal secretion that is a vital element of the reproductive system.  Deep rooted tensions and emotional problems make the impact severe.

•    Infertility problem gets cured with time: Infertility is an ailment that needs treatment. Waiting for years without a treatment makes the condition worse.

Take the infertility problem seriously to overcome it quickly. The joy of parenthood can be experienced after serious efforts only.

Why do I counsel my infertility patients?

Why do I counsel my infertility patients?

Well, truly speaking a lot of my energy goes in the process of counseling my patients. People sometimes feel strange about it. Why counseling plays such a critical role in resolving infertility issues when it is a physical problem?

In reality infertility problem is not a physical problem completely, but involves a lot of mental and emotional aspect. Therefore, infertility experts have to put great amount of time, energy and resources in counseling the patients and keeping their morale level high.

In some cases, the couples are so frustrated that they do not have belief in the process of infertility treatment. In such cases, we call expert counselors that use psychological techniques to regain the faith level. Regular sessions improve the situation and the clinical procedures can be resumed. Counseling is an integral part of the treatment and hence, can’t be overlooked.

I categorize counseling process broadly in the following categories:

Emotional Counseling

It is the most important aspect. Infertile couples undergo a tough time. The moments of frustration and stress are unbearable. Men and women perceive infertility problem in a different way and the perception is entirely different. Therefore, I counsel both separately and then together to understand the common pain points. In some cases, it is needed to take professional assistance from professional counselors. I arrange individual sessions or joint sessions depending on the severity of the case.

Couples discuss their concerns, sorrows, doubts and worries about the problem. They discuss the probable cause and remedy of their problems. Couples find it extremely encouraging and exciting experience that recharges their spirits to overcome the problem.

Physical counseling

There are various cases where the couples are unaware about the reproduction system and its functionality. As an infertility expert, I counsel them to explain the human reproductive system and the exact problem they are facing. I explain the mechanism of various tests and the outcome to them.

Financial counseling

It may sound strange, but I spend considerable time on the financial counseling part. Infertility treatment is a costly affair and not all patients can pay higher fees for the treatment. However, a few offers reduce the overall cost to make it affordable.

Community counseling

When the infertile couple comes to me for infertility problems, I always counsel them to form community groups and support groups. While the modern special networking tools offer brilliant platform to do so, the conventional methods of forming support groups is equally effective idea. It is important to bring a feeling of self-confidence in the infertile couples. By making communities, the infertile couples realize that there are many people who are sailing in the same boat.

It is surely a physical, mental and emotional turmoil to go through a phase of infertility. When I treat infertility problem, it is not just treating the physiological aspect, but the mental aspect as well.

Counseling is, therefore, incredibly important in resolving the issue completely. I train the patients to leverage the strengths to boost the chances of a successful pregnancy!

Who Needs CGH Embryo Testing?

Who Needs CGH Embryo Testing?

When I treat infertility problems, there is an obvious need of tools and techniques. Modern medical science brings some of the best methods to understand, analyze and correct fundamental problems that were not possible earlier.

Transfer of embryo is a critical step in the treatment of infertility and testing procedures like Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) makes it possible to increase the possibility of success dramatically. We call this test a game changer in the history of infertility treatment.

What is CGH embryo testing?

CGH embryo testing is an effective technique to indentify the most competent and strong embryo based on chromosome testing.

A typical human genome contains 23 pairs or 46 individual chromosomes. If an embryo doesn’t contain these many chromosomes, then we call it an incompetent embryo that can’t produce successful pregnancy.  We call them aneuploid embryos. Most of the embryos will not reach to the stage of blastocyst. If some incompetent cases reach to the stage of blastocyst, then they will not get attached to the wall of the uterus. The pregnancy will get terminated in the first trimester.  In very rare cases, the pregnancy will continue with fundamental genetic problems.

To make the problem further complicated, it is not possible to find the difference between an incompetent embryo and a competent embryo by the conventional methods.

CGH Embryo testing, the effective tool
Experts say that the competency of embryo does not depend on the quality of the sperm, but on the egg.  A competent embryo will result in a live birth almost 80% of the times, provided all other factors like internal environment of the uterus, age, overall health  etc.

Since it is clear that competent embryos result in higher chances of pregnancy, we recommend doing CGH Embryo testing for such cases.

With respect to various research and studies, I emphasize CGH Embryo testing in the following scenario:
•    Female partners suffering from PCOS, it is recommended undergoing CHH embryo testing because higher percentage of eggs are problematic in such case.
•    In case of known disorders of chromosomes, I recommend it.
•    In case of women with old age (usually more than 35) will have to undergo this test to ensure higher pregnancy rate.  The chances of success in such case are relatively low and CGH testing will eliminate one major possibility of failure.
•    Cases of unexplained IVF failures or unexplained termination of pregnancy.
•    Older women with a decreasing trend of ovarian reserve must go for this test to ensure higher chances of pregnancy.
•    Women with genetic problems.
It is quite clear that CGH Embryo testing is the paramount technique of chromosomal testing. Although there have been new techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) emerging on the horizon, but it will take some time for credibility establishment of these methods. CGH has been a proven method with fantastic results.

Modern tools help us in identifying typical factors that cause infertility problems. With the help of such modern tools, we are able to bring happiness in the life of an infertile couple!

Uterine lining damage and infertility, a case study

Uterine lining damage and infertility, a case study

The severity of agony and frustration could be felt very clearly during the discussion with an infertile couple sitting in front of me. We were going through the case history and it was surely quite pessimistic.

It was a peculiar case of secondary infertility after successful full-term childbirth. The first baby boy was quite healthy and the pregnancy was smooth.

However, the secondary infertility has really tested their patience a lot and 3 IVF attempts and equal number of Frozen Embryo Transfers. Each pregnancy had resulted in bleeding, pain and a lot of physical discomfort. They had undergone every possible test and everything seems to be normal. Her ovulation was great, her tubes were fine and her husband was producing enough sperms! However, the pregnancy was not happening in spite of all these supporting factors.

I checked the case papers. To my surprise, they had tried all the aspects of infertility treatment;Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, IVF and FET. After getting disappointed from everything, they were sitting next to me for a second opinion!

The strange case of uterine lining problem

It wasn’t less than a Sherlock Homes mystery for me and I decided to play the role of master detective. First of all I convinced the couple to undergo fresh set of investigations. Not because I didn’t trust the earlier reports, but to do the investigations in my way. Secondly, I assured the couple about the success of the pregnancy. The female had conceived once and delivered a healthy baby, so there were always better chances of success.

As the first step, I decided to perform Hysterosonogram to confirm the uterine cavity and checked the IVF records to understand the thickness of the uterine lining. Hormonal tests were conducted to confirm the uterine lining and… BINGO!

I found the fundamental cause of her problem. Investigations concluded that basal Endometrium was incapable of getting stimulated by estrogen, the female hormone. It is the internal germinal layer that gets refreshed every year. The layer was damaged severely and the chances of recovery were nil. There was no option left other than trying for surrogacy!

The treatment

Treatment method was equally peculiar in this case. We found some surrogates and the couple selected the best according to their choice. We prepared both the ladies by giving hormonal stimulation. For the patient, it was done to achieve matured eggs whereas in the surrogate to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. The matured eggs were fertilized with her husband’s sperms in the laboratory and the embryos were transferred to the uterus of the surrogate.

Hormonal treatment was the most important part of the whole process. We need to match the timings of fertilization and transfer of embryo to make sure the success of implantation. The process was successful and the couple was blessed with a cute baby girl after full-term pregnancy.

The case was certainly a challenge for me and my team because of the symptoms of unexplained infertility. However, with the determination of the patient and a dedicated work by our team, we could achieve a happy ending!

Post Coital Mucus Test, the best tool to determine sperm quality

Post Coital Mucus Test, the best tool to determine sperm quality

As an infertility expert I use multiple tools to diagnose infertility. Some of the tools are not generic and used in very special case. Post Coital Mucus test is one of them. It is a post-intercourse test to determine the movement of sperms and their ability to survive in the mucus. We check the movement of the sperms immediately after the intercourse and understand the overall quality and quantity of the sperms.

How does it help?

This test identifies the problems in the cervical mucus and its relation with infertility. Also, it helps
in determining the level of bacterial infection, thickness of the mucus, disorders pertaining to the
ejaculation, antibodies in the mucus that reject the sperms and the semen related disorders. It gives valuable results about the probability of pregnancy. Importantly, this test gives significant information about the male infertility, in case the male partner is not ready to undergo fertility test.

The procedure

I suggest the patient to chart the menstrual cycle at least three to four months prior to the test. It gives accurate timing to perform the test. I call the female one or two days prior to the ovulation. Ovarian follicles release one mature egg during that time. The couple is asked to have intercourse before two to eight hours of the appointment.

There is significant change in the mucus at the time of ovulation. The body produces extra estrogen resulting change in the viscosity, thickness and color of the mucus. It becomes clearer, less viscous and more slippery to give favorable environment to the sperms. They are able to swim easily and survive for a longer time.

The test is very simple and quick. It doesn’t need any hospitalization and performed in the clinic. Post coital Mucus test is performed just like a Pap test.

The Results

The beauty of this test is the quick results. It takes hardly a few minutes to determine the results. This test is quite inexpensive. We share the results with the patients immediately.

The result of the test is NORMAL if:

• Adequate number of sperms are visible in the sample
• The sperms show forward movement through the mucus
• The mucus is at least 2 inch long
• The mucus shows a fern like pattern while drying

The result of the test is ABNORNAL if:

• Very few sperms or no sperms are visible in the sample
• Dead sperms are visible in the sample
• The mucus is less than 2 inch long
• The mucus does not show a fern like pattern while drying

Possibility of errors

Post Coital Mucus Test gives quite accurate results, but we infertility experts have to take utmost precaution while performing the test. Maintaining perfect timing is important to obtain correct results.

In some cases the inflammation in the vagina or irregular menstrual cycle could generate erroneous results. Therefore, we do it with extra care.

Infertility experts worldwide recognize Post coital mucus test a great tool to determine infertility.

Is there a dramatic increase of infertility problems recently?

Is there a dramatic increase of infertility problems recently?

Has there been significant increase in the infertility cases in the recent years? This is perhaps the most frequently asked question to infertility experts. Many people believe that it is true. However, to your surprise, the reality is not like that. In fact, the percentage of infertility has shown quite static trend. The awareness and acceptance of infertility has greatly increased. Now people come forward boldly for infertility treatment. The utilization of infertility treatment services has increased multiple times. The availability of modern methods and increase in the expertise of the doctors has given a boost to it.

The history

The history of modern infertility treatment goes back to 1978 when the first baby was born through a revolutionary technique called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It was popularly called as Test Tube Baby. The options to treat infertility were very limited that time. Tubal microsurgery and ovulation using hormonal drugs were the only options available to treat infertility.


The present
The times have changed now and so many effective treatments are available today to handle multiple aspects of infertility problems. There has been dramatic increase in the success rate of infertility treatment due to the modern techniques. Statistics reveal that more patients are visiting the clinics today to get rid of infertility problem.


We can see incredible change in the way people look towards infertility today. The stigma and taboo of infertility problem has been reduced considerably. Couples are ready to about it openly. People are more aware about the problems because of the information explosion. The Internet has become a major source of information today. Couples come prepared for the infertility treatment and they know the basics of their problem.

The future
Although we have not seen a dramatic increase of infertility cases in the past, but experts say that it will surely happen in the future. There are multiple reasons of it:


a) Delayed childbearing: It is a common trend today to delay the childbirth in lieu of career and education. As we know that the reproductive capacity decreases with the age, the cases of infertility problem will shoot up in the future. It is a trend in the upper crust of the society to think about expansion of the family in late thirties. It is very obvious that the chances of pregnancy lower about this age. Also, it increases the chances of interrupted pregnancies.


b) Lifestyle and pollution: Experts indicate that the human reproductive system has direct linkage with the pollution and lifestyle related issues. Exposure to various chemicals, living in a highly polluted areas and addiction of toxic elements are the major causes of infertility problem.


c) Stress and fatigue: Modern lifestyle generates a lot of stress and fatigue that affects human reproduction system adversely.

It is a fact that we infertility experts will have to work harder to get rid of infertility problems in the future. However, with the advancement in medical treatment and increased support and cooperation of the patients, we will be able conquer the battle against infertility!

There is no link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer

There is no link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer


When we plan infertility treatment, medication plays an important role. As an infertility expert I need prescribe several drugs to the patients. Some of these drugs are swollen and some are injected. It is a known fact that infertility drugs have some or the other side-effects because the drugs directly interrupt the hormones in the body. Some of these side-effects are hardly noticeable while a few are quite visible and irritating.


There has been a lot of misconception and misunderstanding about infertility drugs and as an infertility expert I spend considerable time in counseling the patients and convincing about these baseless theories. People come with the fear of ovarian cancer mostly and it is quite hard to convince them about no linkage between infertility treatment and ovarian cancer. The scary thought sometimes forces couples to stop infertility treatment. This is an unfortunate situation and therefore, we do not leave any chance to correct it.


What does the recent study say?


Undoubtedly there is no relation between the ovarian cancer and infertility drugs. These drugs neither induce nor boost the chances of getting affected by this fatal disease. However, there has been a recent study conducted that clearly suggests that there is no direct or indirect harmful effect on the reproductive system.


The results of the research indicate that ovarian cancer is rare as compared to uterine and breast cancers. It develops in the later part of life and therefore, no significant correlation with the age group that undergoes infertility treatment. However, researchers recommend doing further research for long-term use (more than a year) of infertility drugs.


What are the risk factors then?


It is a fact that infertility treatment is not directly associates with ovarian cancer, but there are some risk factors clearly associated with it:


a. Age of the female: Ovarian cancers normally occur after menopause because the female reproductive hormones prevent it.

b. Family history: If anybody in close family (mothers, sisters) have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, then the female is very likely to have it. Doctors recommend frequent checking of the disease in order to prevent it in the early stage.

c. Females who have never conceived: Ovarian cancer is more common in the females who have not been able to conceive even once.During the fertilization process body secrets hormones that prevent ovarian cancer.


d. Secretion of male hormones: Sometimes we have to prescribe drugs that cause androgen secretion in women. It increases the risk of ovarian cancer.


e. Endometriosis disease: It is very common in women and the treatment involves a few drugs that increase the risk of the ovarian cancer.


The prevention

When we convince the patients about no link between the ovarian cancer and infertility drugs, we also tell them about the probable symptoms of it. Menstrual irregularities or pain in the stomach is the common symptom. Normally women ignore it and the problem gets identified in the later stage. Regular check-up and immediate medical attention could prevent and treat the problem quickly.

Weight-gain during infertility treatment

Weight-gain during infertility treatment

Being an infertility expert, I need to answer various questions asked by the patients. There is a frequent question about the relation of weight and infertility. I always suggest my patients to lose a few pounds to increase the chances of pregnancy. They agree to it, work hard and come back with a young and charming personality. However, the things go wrong with the infertility treatment. As we move forward female patients see the weighing scale showing upward trend in later months!

Strange, isn't it? Infertility treatment certainly increases weight because of multiple reasons.

Depression: Women do not agree to it because they don't realize it either. However, it is a fact that depression of not getting pregnant triggers overeating and later weight gain. The urge to eat more, especially sweet substance is quite common during infertility treatment.

Drugs: Infertility treatment is a complex procedure where multiple rounds of drugs are given to control hormonal secretion. Weight gain is a side-effect of some of the drugs. It is inevitable and therefore, can't be controlled.

IVF procedures: Sometimes womensee a lot of weight gain during IVF procedure. Nevertheless, it is a temporary phenomenon that you should ignore. It is mainly because of extra fluid accumulated in the body that goes away with the next menstruation cycle.

Feeling of joy: Couples are in a state of utter disappointment when they start infertile treatment. As we move forward positivity tends to increase and they feel quite comfortable. In some females, it triggers eating temptation and they tend to eat more. It results in phenomenal weight gain during the infertility treatment!

The way out!

Surely it is a tough task to cut weight during infertility treatment, but not an impossible one certainly.

There is nothing much can be done for the weight gain due to medication. However, reducing the daily calorie intake and consuming less sodium could help greatly. Fruits and vegetables with high potassium content, fish and lean meat and a daily exercise are also important. Light aerobic exercises and walking is also equally useful. You need to be cautious about not giving unnecessary strain to the body.

Weight gain due to excessive eating can be easily controlled. Reducing the stress level would control the urge of eating. Brisk walking, light exercise and meditation help significantly. Breathing exercises and Yoga would calm the mind and body. It is always recommended that the exercise should be light and easy. Weight-training and heavy aerobic exercises should be avoided completely.

Make a support system: It is extremely important to create a support system. It helps in reducing the stress level. Sharing the experiences of infertility treatment is effective in reducing the trauma and agony. It will help in controlling the temptation and eating drives.

Weight gain is a common problem after infertility treatment. It can be avoided by conscious and serious efforts. Individual temperament and personal traits play major role in getting success. Females with strong will-power and determination can reduce the extra pounds gained during infertility treatment.

IVF, the role of the daddy

IVF, the role of the daddy

The process of infertility treatment requires a great degree of patience and mental strength. Not only for the couple that is undergoing the treatment, is it equally challenging for entire unit working for it in my team. Although I try to remain as neutral as possible during the treatment because it is necessary at my end, but still there are moments of distress and enjoyment that affect me up to some extent.

It is a fact that infertility treatment procedures and IVF primarily require physical and mental involvement of the female. However, participation of the father is equally necessary in relieving the stress of would be mother. It makes the relationship stronger and makes the bonding stronger. The couple feels more invested in the pregnancy.

There are various benefits of the involvement of husbands in the IVF process. I have detailed discussion with every couple during and after infertility treatment and try to understand their perception about the whole experience. We chat, discuss and analyze the phases we passed through together. There are a few feelings that come out prominently:


Feeling of pride: For husbands, it is certainly a matter of pride being the caretaker of the wife. They feel good reminding about the medication, accompanying her for the ultrasounds, making her comfortable for the procedure. The sense of responsibility and sharing shown by the husband makes IVF procedure a wonderful experience. The final outcome brings a wonderful feeling of involvement and accomplishment and it is beyond expression.

Feeling of involvement: IVF is a long running process and it is extremely important that the couple traverses through it jointly. A husband feels tremendously involved in the process by going through every phase along with the wife. The involvement brings closeness and he feels endowed in the complete experience with a better control over it. The fathers see every step of pregnancy and right from the stage of placing the embryo in the womb to the delivery of the baby, they witness every step. Husbands call the period of IVF treatment as period of highest attachment.

Feeling of togetherness: I have seen immense improvement in the relationship between the husband and wife during the infertility treatment and IVF procedure. There are very obvious reasons behind it. The process brings extreme closeness and togetherness between both of them. Most importantly this is not my perception, but I hear it straight from the horse's mouth!

Feeling of responsibility: The couple has to take too much pain and labor in achieving successful pregnancy. The involvement makes the husband aware about the difficulty and discomfort faced by the woman during the process. It makes the fathers more responsible towards the baby.

It is a good trend that nowadays husbands are eager to participate in the process of creation of a new life. They want to feel the difficulty and take their share of responsibility. Undoubtedly the physical discomfort would be suffered by the wife, they can share the mental distress at least!

Atelier diva' May' 2013

Take it is easy, its Menopause Dr.Rita Bakshi,

Senior Gynecologist & IVF Specialist-International Fertility Centre, GreenPark, New Delhi.
The end of your monthly cycles is the time that requires a healthy change in your life cycle¦

I know it's too early to ask, but I am scared of Menopause. Is it hard to handle? and she paused for a moment, forcing herself to smile.

I was inspired to write this column when I met this patient of mine. She was just 27 and was really scared of this word Menopause, probably she heard someone in her family talking as the difficult time in a womans life.

She further asked me Is this a stage of forgetfulness, hot flashes.

And I told her what I am telling you Its a new beginning.  True a woman becomes forgetful, she suffers with mood swings, vaginal dryness and night sweats that affect her sleep, but then these changes can also be due to normal aging which will subside after a while.

You don't need to be afraid, instead you need to be educated. Menopause is a natural biological event when ovulation ceases, menstruation gets less frequent and ultimately stops. In other words, it is a time when a woman passes from a reproductive to a non-reproductive stage.

What can never change about Menopause is the fact that you are not alone; remind yourself again and again that millions of women are dealing with the end of fertility. You don't know but many of them are muddling along in discomfort, irritation and they all claim that they are scared of this phase in their lives. The truth is every woman feels the same, and all you need to do is to take full charge of your health during this period.

The only problem that I see today is we are not educated about this. According to me, Knowledge is Power. The first thing to do is to identify the symptoms, then consult your doctor and always keep yourself abreast with information on Menopause. Keep telling yourself that I will deal with it wisely because there is no other way. All women are blessed with great will power and can deal with anything and everything. All you need to do is to educate yourself and things will follow.

I have had many patients who talk to me of Menopause as if it is a disease. It is not at all a medical condition, but a natural one, which could be easily taken care of by your right mental approach. Support it with a healthy change in your eating regime by incorporating a lot of fresh fruits, fiber rich foods etc.

Please follow these simple guidelines:-

Get enough sleep because if you are sleep deprived, even a simplest thing will also affect you badly. So get enough amount of night sleep by avoiding large meals, alcohol, caffeine or any sort of physical activity before going to bed.Â
Do not just sit in a corner, engage yourself in any kind of physical activity that you like 5 - 6 times a week. Spend time with your loved ones.
Read books, develop some hobby and try to stay as positive as you can in order to overcome daily stress. You can also try some relaxation techniques.
Do not keep your problems only to yourself but discuss them with your partner or friends so that you can feel relaxed & relieved. Move out, visit new places with your friends and family don’t you forget there is life after menopause.
You can ask your doctor for medicines or therapies that can reduce problems associated with menopause to certain extent.
The secret to a Happier Menopause is a Happier YOU. The truth remains the same for thousands of women You and I can live the healthiest and happiest lifestyle during this period” only if we want to. Your unparalleled energy, hope and power will see you through this with absolute ease.

Begin each day by telling yourself take it easy, its just Menopause

Are there any symptoms after embryo transfer?

Are there any symptoms after embryo transfer?

If someone asks me about the phase when there is the utmost anxiety and uncertainty during the infertility treatment, then I would promptly vouch for the phase when embryo plantation has been done and the couple is eagerly waiting for the pregnancy test. The touch time has been over, I have worked hard along with the infertile couple, the moments of agony and pain are now a history and there is an expectation of a new dawn! However, it is not as simple as it seems. The duration of 15 days between the embryo transfer and pregnancy test offers the most challenging time with a roller-coaster of emotions for the couple, especially for the mother. The father is busy in his daily routine and I am busy with the other patients waiting for their turn.

The lady goes in the state of utter confusion and dismay. She tries to seek help from the experienced ones, goes through the books and articles, Google the information and become part of the online support groups and forums. All these in vain due to the mutually contradictory information she gets.

The most commonly seen symptoms

When I implant the embryo after the fertilization and technically speaking it is no different from the normal pregnancy.  Therefore, the symptoms should also be the same. There is no doubt that the final confirmation will be done only when you go for the pregnancy test. However, there are a few signals that are very common after the embryo transfer.

Excess Weight during Pregnancy

Excess Weight during Pregnancy

When you are expecting, you get to eat as many inflatable donuts and Chips as you want, right? Wrong! You only need about 300 extra calorie consumption a day during maternity to support your child's growth. So you do not need to be chowing down everything in sight!


Be cautious about the quantity of pounds you obtain during your maternity. Getting too much or too little pounds can be dangerous to you and your child.


Is gaining the right quantity of pounds essential during pregnancy?You bet. It's essential to obtain the right quantity of pounds for your system. Doing so can help secure the wellness of your child. In comparison to females who obtain a proper and balanced quantity of pounds during pregnancy:Ladies who obtain too little are more likely to have a child with low birthweight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces), Ladies who obtain too much are more likely to have a large child or an early child. An early child is created too early, before 37 finished several weeks of maternity. These mothers also may also have wellness issues, like diabetic issues and hypertension. These circumstances can cause problems during maternity.


How much pounds should you obtain during pregnancy?

Fragmented DNA, yet another fragment of male infertility

Fragmented DNA, yet another fragment of male infertility


It is certainly very sad, but true that females are considered responsible for the infertility problem and surprisingly the misconception is not limited to our country only. When I get couples across the globe in my infertility clinic, almost 90% of the people are unknown about something like “male infertility”. Thanks to the awareness in the generation next, at least 10% of the couples know that there could be problem in the male partner too!


What is the reason for this pathetic situation? Undoubtedly it is directly associated with the age old concepts of so-called “male superiority” that says a male can reproduce at any age and there are no limitations of health and psychological factors. Although the research and finding of the modern science has debunked the theory, but there are still the majority of people believe on it.


The fact and figures
When I take a new case of infertility, the first thing that I do is counseling and convincing session with the couple to make them believe that there could be a problem in the male partner. They get stunned when I present the statistical findings in front of them that say 30% of the infertility problems are caused by male infertility and interestingly this is exactly same as their counterparts. The information comes out as a blow!


It is a fact that we infertility experts are much comfortable and relaxed while treating the female infertility because there are clear indications of problems and symptoms. The diagnostics can be absolutely pinpointed and the couple can expect a successful pregnancy.  On the other hand, a male infertilityis very complex and difficult to treat.

Does the gynaecologist have a good reputation?

How to choose your gynaecologist?
Visiting a gynaecologist should be a part of every woman's medical routine. Finding the right gynaecologist may take some time, but it's worth doing your research and choosing someone you feel comfortable with. After all, your gynaecologist will be the one helping you through your pregnancy and delivery so it is important to feel that you can speak to him or her freely. Here are a few tips to help you make your choice:

Does the gynaecologist have a good reputation?
There is nothing wrong in being particular about your standards when it comes to your gynaecologist. After all, your gynaecologist is privy to some of the most intimate facets of your sexuality, body and overall health. Start with the website of the hospital he or she is affiliated to. This should tell you about the doctor's medical credentials and for how long they have been practising. It may highlight their particular areas of interest or experience as well. See if the gynaecologist is also an obstetrician. If she isn't you will need to see a different doctor at the time of your delivery because only obstetricians are qualified to deliver babies.

You can also ask around among your friends, family, colleagues or your own general physician. You are bound to find someone who goes to that particular gynaecologist and if not, you will probably hear of a good gynaecologist you might want to consider.

What should I ask the gynaecologist?
When you go for your first "introductory" appointment, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the gynaecologist answer your questions willingly and accurately?
• Is she friendly and responsive?
• Do you feel comfortable asking her personal medical questions?
• Does she seem up to date?
• Is she listening to your concerns and answering accordingly?
• Is she gentle during her check-up?
• Does she seem to care about your comfort?

If you don't feel a rapport building with this doctor, try another one.

How easy is it to meet the gynaecologist?
Good doctors are always busy, but you don't want a doctor who always seems too busy to take her time with you or to speak to you. Most doctors are willing to give you their cell phone number or email addresses. Find out how this gynaecologist deals with emergency calls. Ask how quickly she aims to get back to people with non emergency queries. Check out how long you would usually have to wait for routine appointments, and how quickly you could be seen if you were unwell.

How far is the gynaecologist from your home?
Think about the distance you need to travel for your appointments with your gynaecologist. Do you want one close to home or would it be easier to visit someone close to your work? Think about how you will get there. If you need to use public transport check out how easy it will be. If you are pregnant or thinking of starting a family, you might find it easier to have a doctor closer to home since you will be going for more frequent check-ups.

Do you prefer a female gynaecologist?
Many women prefer female gynaecologists. But keep an open mind: you may also find a male gynaecologist who is understanding and helpful. Make your decision after you have had a chance to speak with several doctors.

How do you feel about the gynaecologist?
There is a reason that a women's intuition is so revered, it is often right! So do your researches, check background information, schedule an appointment and meet the gynaecologist, but in the end trust your gut.

Often family members have a common gynaecologist because it is easier to see someone known, tried and tested than to look for a new doctor. Do not feel bad about wanting someone else if for some reason you are not comfortable with the gynaecologists that your other family members have been happy with. It is about your health and your body so you have to be satisfied.