Indian Authorities Pass the Ball in the Australian’s Court; Ask for Clarifications on Surrogacy row

The Indo-Australian surrogate debate has taken a new turn. The Indian government has stated that the Indian government has stated that it is up to the Australian government to decide on the fate of Australian couples seeking surrogacy treatments in India.

The statement goes back to the unfortunate incident in 2012 when a couple left a baby behind in India. From then, many Australian couples have been denied visas, and confusion is showing no signs of slowing down.

As per the rules, Indian authorities require an official letter from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with the clarification that the newborn surrogate child will not be denied entry in Australia.

Surrogacy advocates say a number of Australian couples have had their visa applications rejected in

Indian authorities require Australian couples to provide a letter from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) that stipulates that any child born to an Indian surrogate mother will be permitted entry into Australia. But, the letters issued by the Australian administration fails to clarify their stand.   

So, Indian authorities have no other option than passing the ball to the Australia‘s court. It should be further added that Indian government is already on the verge of surfacing regulatory measures for the surrogacy industry.

It is estimated that 200 surrogate babies were born for Australian couples in 2013.

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.

   Cryopreservation of Gametes

• Spermatozoa

It is a fact that cryopreservation of the male gametes is relatively easy and simple as compared to the female counterpart. The reason might be because of the huge quantity of sperms found in the semen. Even if the cryopreservation techniques are not that effective, you will still be left with good number of sperms.

There are some factors plays a major role in the effectiveness and success of cryopreservation technique of sperms.
• Semen quality – If you preserve the semen sample taken through normozoospermic method, then the survival is much higher, typically 25% as compared to a sample taken by oligoozoospermic method where the survival is 12%.

• Preparation of the semen – It is important to prepare the semen properly if the survival rate is required to be high. The method of semen washing also determines the survival rates. Typically normozoospermic semen samples survive 25% if they are taken just by normal preparation method. If the semen is taken by swim-up technique, then the survival rate is 36%. There is another method known as density gradient configuration that improves the survival rates significantly. Research indicates that there is an increase from 12% to 27% with swim-up technique and 23% with centrifugal technique.

Oocyte

It is certainly very difficult to cryopreserve Oocyte as compared to sperm. The eggs are usually very delicate and there is damage to the outer shell very easily irrespective of the techniques we use to preserve them. The latest cryopreservation protocols, however, have become very helpful in preserving the Oocyte in a better way. Although the survival rate for Oocyte is as high as 60%, but the rate of live births using the survived Oocyte is still much lower as compared to the fresh ones....

Acne Related To Hormones

                      Acne Related To Hormones

All cases of acne have their roots in hormone production, but some acne is a symptom of an underlying hormonal condition that can cause far more than facial blemishes. “Acne is caused by an excess of oil production, which in turn is caused by the action of testosterone,” says Dr Rita Bakshi, Chairperson of International Fertility Centre.

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, and each of these days is different hormonally. “In the first half of a woman’s menstrual cycle, the predominant hormone is estrogen; in the second half, the main hormone is progesterone,” explains Dr Rita Bakshi, Senior Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist. Then levels of both hormones fall to their lowest levels of the month as bleeding approaches.  

Meanwhile, the male hormone testosterone (made in smaller amounts by women) stays at a constant level all month. This means that before and during menstruation, testosterone is relatively higher than the female hormones.  These behind-the-scenes hormonal shifts do all sorts of things to a woman’s skin. For one, the mid-cycle progesterone rise stimulates the production of sebum. Sebum is a thick, oily substance that acts as a natural skin lubricant. And as levels of progesterone increase, skin swells and pores are compressed shut. As a result, pores never looked so minimized. But this tourniquet effect also causes sebum to build up beneath the skin’s surface. In addition, higher testosterone levels around menstruation further activate the sebaceous glands to make even more sebum.  

Sebum yields different effects in different women. For some, it produces a healthy glow; for others, it creates a chronic oil slick. The oil provides food for the bacterium P. acnes. This bacterium causes increased breakouts and inflammation around the time of women's periods.  

Unfortunately, you can’t change the relationship between acne and hormones. But there are some things you can do to make those breakouts less severe.