Monday 2 December 2013

ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection):



ICSI by Dr. Arun
When the number of good quality sperms are low IVF cannot be performed . In such cases, eggs can be directly fertilized by injecting the sperm into the egg by the help of sophisticated micromanipulator. This process is called ICSI.

Indication:
Severe oligospermia, asthenospermia,Teratospermia due to any cause. Azoospermia (absence of  sperm) due to any cause can also treated by ICSI after obtaining sperms by aspiration team testis. (TESE, TESA, PESA)

 Steps:-
 (1)  Initial consultation for detailed evaluation, fitness tests with blood and urine tests, Mock Embryo Transfer (MET), Counseling, Consent form completion etc are done in O.P setting.
Consent forms include:-
  1. Consent for ICSI
  2. Consent for embryo freezing
  3. Consent for OR/GA
  4. Consent for ET(embryo transfer)
  5. Consent for Laparoscopy (if required only)



     Counselling:-
       About procedure, method, duration, cost, side effects, success, frequency of visits etc: - are given
     Fitness Tests:-
    1. Detailed history of both(husband&wife)
    2. Medical examination of both partners
    3. Lab tests for blood routine, sugar levels, hormone levels like LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, infection screening HIV, hepatitis, syphilis
    4.  USS(Scan) is a must to check pelvis , and is done by Gynaecologist herself.

      MET (Mock Embryo Transfer):-
        
      Trial of embryo transfer, without actual embryo is conducted to check the position, length and ease of E.T. This helps doctor to decide how to perform E.T. Some time , sedation is given if patient is anxcious.
      Dilation (D&C) is done with GA if Cervix is tightly closed.
      Different type of harder cannula is used if cervix is curved.
      Infections detected in Cervix/Vagina are treated accordingly.
      (2)    Ovarian Stimulation:- Ovaries are stimulated by daily injections (FSH) starting D2 or D3. They are small injections given just under skin and needs to be taken daily for 9-12 days.
         Doctors will check the growth of follicules by scan on and off. When the eggs are matured , that is when it is around 20 mm, a final injection with  hcg is given.
      Egg collection (OR) is done under sedation/GA after 36 hours of hcg injection.

      (3)    Egg Collection (OR)
      The doctor uses a small long needle guided through the vaginal scan
      probe, to collect the fluid from the follicles. This is done with extreme
      precision, with the doctor watching the needle on scan, all the time, to avoid  injury to other internal organs.
      (4)    Embryology:-
      All the follicles are tapped using suction force, and the eggs which are obtained in the fluid are identified in the fluid are identified by the embryologist under specialized microscope in the IVF lab. The eggs are then mixed with washed sperms from husband, to fertilise on its own.
      The embryologist will check the embryos for growth , daily and will provide media for its growth and keep it in an incubator,  which provides set temperature & PH for the growth.

      (5)    Embryo Transfer (ET):-
      They are transferred on D3 or D5 into the uterus by Embryo transfer(ET). The technique of ET is highly skilled procedure. As they are very delicate, the  embryos need to be handled in a very gentle manner and they are loaded in very soft,  non toxic cannula.
      Difficulty, or presence of blood suggest high chances of failure. So the ET is  performed with great concentration and high precision.
      The skill and presence of mind of the doctor is crucial in this final step. Performing Yoga and listening to relaxing music helps in more accurate ET. Artistic skills may be helpful in this particular procedure. Doctors who are too busy or nervous should not do ET as valuable embryos will be lost.

      (6)    Luteal Support:-
      Medicines are given to support the growth of the baby as Vaginal preparations or sometimes as injections, called Luteal support.
      They need to be Report properly according to the advice given.

      (7)    Pregnancy Test:-
      UPT is done by 14th day to check result. Blood test (bhcg) can also be done.Depending on the result, doctors will give further advises.
      FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer):-  
      Embryos can be frozen if there are excess embryos. They are transferred (FET) later months according to cycle.

      Counseling:- 
      In cases if pregnancy does not occur due to failure of implantation or poor embryo quality, doctors will counsel to provide further options
      and to clarify your doubts.

      Success Rate:-
      Depends on quality of egg and sperm and physicians skill also plays a part. Generally we have 60% success in young healthy couple, 30% success in
      in aged (more than 35 years) we discourage IVF after 40, and offer DE if willing.

      Chances of abnormality:
                There is slightly increased chance of abnormality in baby in ICSI (2%) composed to IVF (1%) of general population (1%). It is quite logical to know that genetic abnormalities which may cause sperm problems will be, obviously transmitted to next generation.
      Success:
              Again, the success depends on quality of eggs and sperms . Our embryologist is highly skilled and the can offer 60% success if gametes are healthy.


      Friday 29 November 2013

      IUI


      IUI(Intra Uterine Insemination) Procedure:

      Inserting Sperm Into the Uterus

      IUI Preparation

      Abnormal Sperms
      IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a relatively simple infertility treatment, where a small tube is used to place specially washed sperms directly into the uterus. You may know of IUI by the more commonly used term artificial insemination (AI). IUI and AI are one and the same fertility treatment.

      Indication: Detailed consultation for counselling is done before IUI.


      Male sub fertility
      Unexplained infertility
      Female subfertilty
      Teratozoospermia (abnormal sperms)
      Cost: IUI is not expensive and is easily affordable to all couples.

      Success Rate: depends on cause and age. It varies from 10 to 60 %.

      Method:


      At GIFT the embryologist , prepare sperm depending on the quality,he uses double density method if count is very low and swim up technique for normal count this tends to give better results unlike the ordinary lab preparations. The andrology lab is attached to the IVF lab so the embryologist controls the lab.

      Thursday 28 November 2013

      Erectile dysfunction

      Erectile dysfunction
       
      The complaints related to sexual dysfunction are very common. From the infertile couple visiting hospital, 6o% men complain off some Problem.

      Premature ejaculation
      Premature ejaculation is common at earlier age , but some men has sustained problem after several years and is more common in men with habitual masturbation.This can be effectively treated with medications .

      Failure to attain erection
      Many patients attribute this to heavy workload and increased stress levels. Medical problems can cause difficulty in erection.
      1. Neurologic diseases like stroke
      2. Surgery damaging nerves.
      3. Kidney failure
      4. Diabetis and high cholesterol
      5. Medications like antihypertensives
      6.  Ageing and psychological causes are also quite common.
      Failure to sustain erection/failure to ejaculate  
      Normal physiological time for erection to ejaculation is few minutes in men. whereas, the average time for females to achieve orgasm can be much longer (e.g. Half hour or more).
      So a disparity between the couple is common, and conditions like diabetes make it difficult to sustain erection for longer time. This can be corrected medically with medicines like sildanafel (Viagra).

      Treatment 
      1. Diabetics properly treated will have improved sexual function.
      2. Psychological problems can be solved with proper counseling.
      3. Medications like sildanafel (Viagra), vardenafil and tadalafel has been successfully used, in selective cases.
      4. Herbal remedies have been boosted, but proper scientific evaluation is incomplete to prove evidence.
      5. Vacuum devices,  injectables, and implants are occasionally used by urologist.
      6. Electroejaculator or vibrator can be used to collect semen sample, in case of difficulty for the purpose of IUI or ICSI.
      7. Premature ejaculation can be treated with Dapoxetine to increase the duration.  
      General management for male fertility
      1. Increase in fruits, vegetables and nuts, will provide sufficient vitamins which are vital in fertility.
      2. Diet and exercise together will help in maintaining weight and proper blood circulation.
      Erection is maintained only by pooling of blood in penis.
      • Extreme heat and travelling long distance should be avoided. Proper hydration is necessary with 4 liters of water daily.
      • Wearing loose cotton clothes helps in reducing scrotal temperature and helps sperm motility.   
      • Stopping smoking and alcohol consumption has huge advantages.
      • Reduction of stress, avoiding heavy work load and excessive strenuous exercise will help.
      • Have a good laugh, humour has proven to improve vascularity and thus sexual function.
      • Avoid abstaining for prolonged periods, as more prostatic infections noted leading to liquefaction problem in semen.
      • Avoid unprotected intercourse with unknown partners, as it can cause STD.       

      Steps in IVF

      IVF(In Vitro Fertilisation)

      The procedure in which the eggs are fertilized outside the body with husband’s sperm to obtain an embryo is known as IVF     Indications:-
              When the tubes are blocked due to diseases like endometriosis, pelvic infections, ovarian cyst etc, the eggs and sperm will not meet. Surgical correction may not be possible or may not be successful in some patients. IVF is done for them.
      Sometimes, even with normal tubes , fertilisation does not happen, in PCOS. IVF can be used when other treatments do not work. Even in unexplained cases of infertility, IVF can be done. New indication of IVF include single parents or partners with same sex.

           Procedure:-
            Previously IVF was more complicated. Now it has become more patient friendly with easier regimes like antagonist regime as they require only 10 days.
       
       Steps:-
       (1)  Initial consultation for detailed evaluation, fitness tests with blood and urine tests, Mock Embryo Transfer (MET), Counseling, Consent form completion etc are done in O.P setting.
      Consent forms include:-
      1. Consent for IVF
      2. Consent for embryo freezing
      3. Consent for OR/GA
      4. Consent for ET(embryo transfer)
      5. Consent for Laparoscopy (if required only)

        Consultation by Dr. Anitha

         Counselling:-
           About procedure, method, duration, cost, side effects, success, frequency of visits etc: - are given
         Fitness Tests:-
        1. Detailed history of both(husband&wife)
        2. Medical examination of both partners
        3. Lab tests for blood routine, sugar levels, hormone levels like LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, infection screening HIV, hepatitis, syphilis
        4.  USS(Scan) is a must to check pelvis , and is done by Gynaecologist herself.

          MET (Mock Embryo Transfer):-
            
          Trial of embryo transfer, without actual embryo is conducted to check the position, length and ease of E.T. This helps doctor to decide how to perform E.T. Some time , sedation is given if patient is anxcious.
          Dilation (D&C) is done with GA if Cervix is tightly closed.
          Different type of harder cannula is used if cervix is curved.
          Infections detected in Cervix/Vagina are treated accordingly.
          (2)    Ovarian Stimulation:- Ovaries are stimulated by daily injections (FSH) starting D2 or D3. They are small injections given just under skin and needs to be taken daily for 9-12 days.
             Doctors will check the growth of follicules by scan on and off. When the eggs are matured , that is when it is around 20 mm, a final injection with  hcg is given.
          Egg collection (OR) is done under sedation/GA after 36 hours of hcg injection.

          (3)    Egg Collection (OR)
          The doctor uses a small long needle guided through the vaginal scan
          probe, to collect the fluid from the follicles. This is done with extreme
          precision, with the doctor watching the needle on scan, all the time, to avoid  injury to other internal organs.
          (4)    Embryology:-
          All the follicles are tapped using suction force, and the eggs which are obtained in the fluid are identified in the fluid are identified by the embryologist under specialized microscope in the IVF lab. The eggs are then mixed with washed sperms from husband, to fertilise on its own.
          The embryologist will check the embryos for growth , daily and will provide media for its growth and keep it in an incubator,  which provides set temperature & PH for the growth.
           
          Monitoring EggIncubatorEmbryo Transfer
          (5)    Embryo Transfer (ET):-
          They are transferred on D3 or D5 into the uterus by Embryo transfer(ET). The technique of ET is highly skilled procedure. As they are very delicate, the  embryos need to be handled in a very gentle manner and they are loaded in very soft,  non toxic cannula.
          Difficulty, or presence of blood suggest high chances of failure. So the ET is  performed with great concentration and high precision.
          The skill and presence of mind of the doctor is crucial in this final step. Performing Yoga and listening to relaxing music helps in more accurate ET. Artistic skills may be helpful in this particular procedure. Doctors who are too busy or nervous should not do ET as valuable embryos will be lost.
           

          (6)    Luteal Support:-
          Medicines are given to support the growth of the baby as Vaginal preparations or sometimes as injections, called Luteal support.
          They need to be Report properly according to the advice given.

          (7)    Pregnancy Test:-
          UPT is done by 14th day to check result. Blood test (bhcg) can also be done.Depending on the result, doctors will give further advises.
          FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer):-  
          Embryos can be frozen if there are excess embryos. They are transferred (FET) later months according to cycle.

          Counseling:- 
          In cases if pregnancy does not occur due to failure of implantation or poor embryo quality, doctors will counsel to provide further options
          and to clarify your doubts.

          Success Rate:-
          Depends on quality of egg and sperm and physicians skill also plays a part. Generally we have 60% success in young healthy couple, 30% success in
          in aged (more than 35 years) we discourage IVF after 40, and offer DE if willing.

          Diet and life style for male fertility

          Increase in fruits, vegetables and nuts, will provide sufficient vitamins which are vital in fertility.
          Watermelon and tomato contains lycopene which is a main ingredient in medicines for semen improvement. Citrus fruits are rich in vit.C, which is  needed for sperm function  like motility. Nuts rich in vit.E should be regularly consumed in small quantity (3-5 daily). Salads will provide all vitamins and minerals for improving health in many ways , it improves semen parameters increases genral health, improves circulation , gives better immunity and avoids diabetes and high B.P.

          Monday 25 November 2013

          Yoga for female fertility



          YOGA CAN COUNTER FEMALE  INFERTILITY:-


          The most powerful effect of Yoga on a person’s fertility is the calming, restorative effects on the mind and body. A stable mind and body promotes fertility. In addition to stress relief, Yoga improves the blood circulation, boost the nervous system, facilitate the hormone release, cause muscle stretching and relaxation and also sharpen the mind and  way of thinking.
             
          We will go through various Yogic Asanas (exercises) and find out, how it helps in boosting the female fertility.

          Vipareethathrikonasanam:The pelvis get tilted in this asana. The internal pelvic organs like uterus, tubes, ovaries gets mobilized in the asanas, where pelvic movement is involved.

          Veerbandhasanam:-The spine gets stretched bettering the nervous supply. This can improve blood supply to ovary & help ovulation.

          Padmasanam:-The posture helps in compressing ovaries towards the inner pelvic wall and stimulates it for ovulation. 


          Vajrasanam:-Here the heels are pressing  the area, where the pudendal vessels and nerves are passing. The structures provide nerve supply to the perineum. This is also good for hemorrhoids (piles) which can have associated dilated veins near the uterus also.

          Ardha Matsyendrasanam:-The pelvic tilt provides massaging effect to the uterus, tubes and ovaries.
          Numerous  problems in the uterus like tumors (fibroids), polyps, endometriosis can be prevented by this. The insufficient inner lining (endometrium) is a cause for failure for implantation of embryo (sticking of newborn fetus) even after IVF. The improvement of lining will help better implantation and pregnancy rates.

          Ardha Salabhasanam:-When the legs are stretched upwards, it  helps in calming down the nerves, which will  improve fertility.

          Dhanurasanam:- The body is  bent like a bow .The ovaries get freed from   minor adhesions by the forceful stretch.

           Navasanam:-The complete blood circulation is pooled in to the pelvic area in this particular posture and helps all the organs by washing away all toxins and supplying all the immune factors, hormones, vitamins and minerals.

           Shada parivartanasanam:-The pelvic tilt in this asana will similarly help the internal organs as the above asanas.

          Pavanamukthasanam:-The compresson of legs to the abdomen, will help to squeeze insulin from pancreas and thus avoid, contol or even cure diabetes and help in counteracting PCOS. This also aid in fighting obesity by boosting metabolism.


          Pranayamam:-This is the master of all the yogic  exercises. This helps in reducing the stress which will significantly  improve the fertility. It even improves the desire to have a baby as per studies done in Harvard University.  The voluntary slow and controlled breathing  is supposed to calm the mind



          Dr. Anita Mani
          anitadane@gmail.com 
          Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

          GIFT IVF CENTER
          #4, 3R Plaza HAL 2nd Stage,
          100 Feet Road,Indiranagar,
           Bangalore India- 560008

          Contact:    +91-8050888880


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          Near Cochin International Airport Jn.
          Athani, Ernakulam Dt, Kerala, India-683585

          Contact:    +91-974 5494804

          Email:     info@giftivf.com
          Web site: www.giftivf.com





          Thursday 31 October 2013

          Story of a PCOS Women

          THERE IS HOPE FOR CHILDLESS COUPLES SUFFERING FROM PCOS (POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME) AND OLIGOSPERMIA (LOW SPERM COUNT)


              Being the first child, Bubbly (named changed) was thoroughly pampered by her parents. While her mother showered her love by feeding her every 2 to 3 hours with ghee and rice, her father would return home with loads of sweets every day. She started growing into a cute and chubby baby.
              However, her problems started when she entered the high school. Bubbly had to struggle with obesity (weight 66kilos). Combined with this, peer pressure and taunts from boys put her under a lot of pressure. To counter this, she found solace in chocolates and ice-creams, also her parents wanted their only child to be happy.
              College was proving to be a nightmare, with her face full of acne and facial hair, but then her studies and entrance classes kept her busy. Though she was getting her periods only once in 2 to 3 months, however, she was not bothered. By that time her weight had jumped to 84 kilos. Joining engineering college meant living in a hostel and consuming canteen food, which was mainly rice, with hardly any protein source or fresh fruits. Long study hours took all the time. So she would hardly find time to undertake any physical activity, let alone play or exercise in the three years. Her weight was 96kilos after the completion of her studies.
              As she hailed from a rich family, marriage was surprisingly an easy matter. She got married to a well positioned engineer from Singapore.
              When she wasn’t able to conceive after one year of marriage, the couple consulted Gift Ivf Centre. After evaluation, it was found that she was having PCOS (Poly cystic Ovaries), while her husband had Oligospermia (low sperm count).
              She was surprised to know that she was malnourished, and was convinced after explaining whatever she was eating was excessive calories without proteins and vitamins. She was informed that she was not ready for the heavy exercise as she might get injured in her present condition. A slow and steady progressive plan for 3-6 months was prepared for her. On her husband’s insistence, she was administered medicines and injections for quick result to achieve the pregnancy, which did not work. As she failed to conceive with that, laparoscopy and ovarian drilling was done to get rid of old unhealthy eggs, but her husband had to go back to Singapore urgently leaving her at home.
          Despite all the efforts, she failed to conceive. This resulted in mounting tensions between the families to the extent there were talks about filing for a divorce.
          Her husband had been detected with low sperm count condition. A counseling session with him resulted in him agreeing to come down from Singapore and undertake a two-month intensive treatment without any unduepressure from the families.
              Although it had put tremendous pressure, she conceived through the very first cycle of injections and IUI (intra uterine insemination) as the laparoscopy worked well for her. She went on to deliver a healthy baby boy.
              The couple has started living together in Singapore, the baby being bought up on a good diet, as per the advice from paediatrician. As for Bubbly, she is maintaining at a stable weight of 80kilos with regular gym visits,a healthy diet that includes a lot of salads. It’s a happy ending to the story of a couple who faced harrowing time when they were not able to have a baby. The right advice from experts, proper diet and advanced treatment can truly change the course of any troubled couple’s life.


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          #4, 3R Plaza HAL 2nd Stage,
          100 Feet Road,Indiranagar,
           Bangalore India- 560008

          Contact:    +91-8050888880


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          Near Cochin International Airport Jn.
          Athani, Ernakulam Dt, Kerala, India-683585

          Contact:    +91-974 5494804

          Email:     info@giftivf.com
          Web site: www.giftivf.com

          New Techniques In IVF - Endometrial Receptivity Test

          There are several instances when IVF fails, even when the embryo might be good. It is not uncommon to see patients who have undergone 3, 5 or even 8 cycles of IVF/ICSI.
          In such circumstances, it is very important to evaluate to find out the reason. Of course, the quality of egg/sperm is important and if those are bad, the only option is to go for donor egg or donor sperm accordingly.
          In case gamates and embryo are good, the reason could be failure of implantation. Implantation is the process by which communication happens between the embryo and the inner lining of the uterus. It happens through some chemicals which results in adherence of embryo and subsequent growth in the lining.
           Endometrial Receptivity Test, now introduced in India can diagnose if the uterine lining is ready for the embryo implantation to take place. This occurs around days 19-21 in each menstrual cycle of a fertile woman
          This is a crucial step for pregnancy.  No matter how good embryo is, if the test is negative, it will not result in pregnancy. Thus, it helps in finding the cause in repeated ART failures. By changing the dates of the test, one may be able to find a different time frame when the uterus will be receptive to the embryo. This helps in changing the embryo transfer date.
          The method for the test is quite simple and is done in an outpatient setting by collecting a small sample of the endometrium and sending it for analysis. It is cost effective as it will avoid unnecessary repetition of IVF.

          Endometrial receptivity assay ERA - success story 


          She came to me for donor egg , at 37 yrs ,  she had 5 failed IVF cycles , history of PCOD and teratozoospermia (husband) . After a scientific analysis, we felt she needed to have hysterolaparoscopy, which was surprisingly never suggested . Flimsy tubal adhesions were released and ovarian drilling was done. We also performed endometrial receptivity test ( ERA ). The test was positive and she was very much reassured by the fact that she can conceive.
           

          While they were waiting for an IVF with donor egg next cycle , I suggested IUI. To our great surprise she conceived, had a smooth pregnancy and Caesarian at term. The mother’s joy knew no bounds when she held her beautiful  baby girl. All it took was scratching the uterus !! Psychology may also play an important role, which we ignore most of the time ....

          Dr. Anita Mani
          Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
          anitadane@gmail.com




          GIFT IVF CENTER
          #4, 3R Plaza HAL 2nd Stage,
          100 Feet Road,Indiranagar,
           Bangalore India- 560008

          Contact:    +91-8050888880


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          Near Cochin International Airport Jn.
          Athani, Ernakulam Dt, Kerala, India-683585

          Contact:    +91-974 5494804

          Email:     info@giftivf.com
          Web site: www.giftivf.com

          Laparoscopy The gold standard in infertility investigation

                                           Laparoscopy - The gold standard in infertility investigation

           The present generation is so busy, no one has time, even to make babies !!!  Infertility rate  is going up on an alarming rate!! Unless, there is a proper scientific approach to this problem, the treatment for infertility gets prolonged unnecessarily.
              Laparoscopy is very helpful in countering infertility. But if  the treatment is delayed  that, by the time a laparoscopy is finally done, the surgeon finds that damage to pelvic structures like fallopian tube blocks have became chronic and in-correctable. Only   the option of IVF is left  in such cases. The success rate is low, when the age of the women is advanced , so much that, they may even have to go for egg donation.
              In western developed countries,  they follow strict protocols and  medicines and injections followed by IUI (intrauterine insemination) is done only for maximum of 3 to 6 cycles . If pregnancy does not occur, diagnostic Hystero- laparoscopy is done to make a proper diagnosis and to correct problems.
              Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a camera is passed through the belly button and the pelvic organs like uterus, tubes and ovaries are seen (magnified ) directly on the screen. This enables the surgeon to make direct diagnosis of  problems of uterus like fibroid and remove it, to find tubal block and correct it, to check ovaries to see if they have PCOS (Polycystic Ovaries) and judge the severity and do drilling procedure. Ovarian drilling helps in opening up of old, unruptured follicles (which have abnormal eggs) helping the ovary to release fresh eggs and normalize the hormone profile.
              The diagnosis of early endometriosis can be made only through laparoscopy and can be corrected by cauterization of lesions. Endometriosis is one of the main cause for infertility and  is found in 40-60% of laparoscopies done in women with infertility. This can go undetected without laparoscopy.

            Laparoscopy is done as a day case,  the patient doesn't have to be admitted and  is able to go home by evening and do all the normal work from next day. It is painless as it is done under GA ( General anaesthesia) .Generally 80% of women conceive within 6 months after laparoscopy , if there are no major problems found. This  makes it highly cost effective, as most of the other prolonged treatments are expensive.
              The main drawback is the lack of proper laparoscopic  training, so the procedure is not widely available. The dexterity, hand eye co –ordinations and fine surgical skills are very important aspects of a laparoscopy surgeon which will affect the outcome.

          Dr. Anita Mani
          Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
          anitadane@gmail.com


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          #4, 3R Plaza HAL 2nd Stage,
          100 Feet Road,Indiranagar,
           Bangalore India- 560008

          Contact:    +91-8050888880


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          Near Cochin International Airport Jn.
          Athani, Ernakulam Dt, Kerala, India-683585

          Contact:    +91-974 5494804

          Email:     info@giftivf.com
          Web site: www.giftivf.com

          Common problems related to infertility






                                                                 How to tackle Infertility


          The moment of becoming a mother is a celebration for women. It not only brings a bundle of joy in the couple’s life, but also brings in more responsibility from the father. Many women silently suffer, just because they do not conceive within a short span after marriage as expected by the relatives, in laws and the society in general. Men are not exempted, but generally are in a better position, but this causes a strain in the married life.

          The invent of ART (Artificial reproductive techniques) has made the life of  those women easier, who are denied the luxury of early marriage or early motherhood. 

          Understanding the problems by an infertility specialist is the first step towards addressing the issue of infertility. A simple test of semen analysis, where the number and motility of sperm is analysed can be used as a basic test in men. For women, a good evaluation can be made by internal scanning , which will pick up most of the problems related to uterus and ovary. Ideally the initial scan should be done by the fertility specialist and laparoscopic surgeon, because they will be able to pick up subtle problems like adhesions between the organs.

          If there are any medical conditions which is preventing pregnancy, couple would be educated  with the latest techniques available for achieving successful pregnancy. Dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, exercises and  stress reduction techniques are advised to the couple to improve fertility. 

          Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very commonly seen in the younger generation due to several factors, but working under stress is the main cause. Men often suffer psychologically due to erectile dysfunction without taking medical help, as they are not aware that it is a treatable medical condition. 

          PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) has become very common in the girls (even as young as 11year old), due to improper dietary habits and lack of active life. This will make them prone to infertility in addition to the risk of obesity, acne and hirsuitism (excess hair growth). Time is precious, and PCOS should be treated as early as possible with life style modification. If they become sub fertile, medicines can help, but can result in repeated miscarriages, if egg quality is bad. A laparoscopic drilling of ovaries,  a non invasive surgery can be done to get rid of old unruptured eggs which will also stimulate ovaries to release fresh eggs and help in having a healthy baby. Proper evaluation for tubal blockage should be done to check for pelvic infections if any. 


          Couples who cannot conceive even after IUI (intra uterine Insemination) may have to go for ART ( artificial reproductive techniques) . They can try IVF or ICSI (done for men with reduced sperm count)  and there is even hope for men  without  sperm (azoospermia), in whose cases TESA/PESA   ( testicular aspiration) can be be performed. Last but not the least.

          Subfertility is something which needs a good evaluation and counseling and is not a disease which should be  treated at a regular hospital. Stress free environment, good ambiance, a caring and sensitive expert team of specialists , along with modern technology  will go a long way in helping to heal their wounds and for achieving a successful pregnancy. 



          Dr. Anita Mani
          Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
          anitadane@gmail.com
          www.giftivf.com
          bangaloreivf.blogspot.in


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          #4, 3R Plaza HAL 2nd Stage,
          100 Feet Road,Indiranagar,
           Bangalore India- 560008

          Contact:    +91-8050888880


          GIFT IVF CENTER
          Near Cochin International Airport Jn.
          Athani, Ernakulam Dt, Kerala, India-683585

          Contact:    +91-974 5494804

          Email:     info@giftivf.com
          Web site: www.giftivf.com