Psychological Impacts Of Infertility

Conceiving a child and becoming a parent is a beautiful feeling. However, not all couples are blessed with this gift. The problem of infertility is experienced as a stressful situation by individuals and couples all around the world. This includes both societal repercussions and personal suffering. 

Psychological effects on women

Women always have a strong desire for motherhood. Failing to achieve this wish can have a significant influence on their minds and can cause stress. Stress eventually results in imbalances in the hormonal level, such as elevated prolactin levels, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and thyroid dysfunction. These hormonal imbalances gradually affect the menstrual cycle. In some circumstances, this will affect ovulation or ovulation that does not occur, and fertilization cannot take place.

Psychological effects on men

Psychological effects of the inability to conceive do not limit only in women. Men carry a more substantial psychological stigma than females. Men are very hesitant to open up as they fear the title ‘unmanly.’ And therefore, they suffer in silence. 

Being able to get their partner pregnant is often considered or defined as a sign of manhood. Being infertile can steal that title from a man and will leave him feeling emasculated. Thus male infertility is always stressful.

Psychological Outcomes of infertility

As a result of being unable to conceive over a long period can push the couples down into emotional and psychological imbalances. They might experience symptoms such as:

•  Loss of interest in normal activities
•  Depression 
•  Strained interpersonal relationships
•  Constant worry about infertility
•  High levels of anxiety
•  Difficulty concentrating
•  Difficulty falling asleep
•  Sleeping more than usual
•  Change in appetite or weight
•  Increased use of drugs or alcohol
•  Thoughts about death or suicide
•  Social isolation

Impact on a relationship

Infertility can hurt the relationship as well. The stress that evolves as a result of infertility can provide rejections and sadness. Lower success in infertility treatments can also cause anxiety and depression, which can negatively affect the relationship. 

Studies show that couples who are relaxed and free seem to get pregnant easily with assisted reproductive techniques than those who are under pressure and stressed.

Solution

One thing that couples should remember is that all these emotions, all these stress are temporary. Seek the right treatment, give some time, and be patient. Think positive. Every treatment will take its time and avoid feeling like a victim. 

If you think you are losing your control and things are slipping out of your hand, ask for expert psychological help. Medications and proper counseling, or both can offer the best treatment outcomes. Following a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, and ultimately keeping yourself busy is also essential.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Anitha Mani
Mail us: giftivfkerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment: giftivf.com/book-appointment

Gestational Diabetes

Article on PCOS - causes, symptoms and treatment

You will be shocked to know that at any given time, 20- 40% of teenage girls are plagued by a condition that many have never even heard of- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This disease usually leads to irregular periods, acne, excessive hair growth and sufferers are also likely to be overweight. PCOS is nothing but altered state of psychology and abnormal hormone levels. The three main complications in PCOS are Insulin Resistance, Anovulation (absence of ovulation) and Hyperandrogenia (high levels of testosterone).

The high intake of sugar in the form of carbohydrate, sweets, carbonated drinks etc leads to high level of Insulin in blood, which in turn causes an increase in resistance towards insulin. Thus diet becomes an important catalyst in contributing to this disease. High-fat intake also causes and aggravates insulin resistance, so a calorific western style diet (like unhealthy fast foods) is a typical example of the kind of diet that should be avoided in children to prevent PCOS. Insulin resistance typically causes symptoms like tiredness, lethargy, darkening of skin flexures (behind the neck) and increased the occurrence of diabetes even in young adults.

Another symptom in PCOS is the presence of high levels of androgen (male hormone) compared to the normal girls. This can lead to a myriad of psychological symptoms like irritability, aggressiveness, mood variations, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and poor body image. Physical symptoms may include acne and excessive hair growth, but these symptoms may be absent in some girls. These indications can be controlled by routine exercise and a low-calorie diet in most of the cases.

Unfortunately, these girls are repeatedly condemned to silently suffer from these symptoms, as the teachers and parents quite often misinterpret their behavior without attributing the cause to PCOS. As the girls have the tendency to put on weight and are likely to have extra facial hair, they are further ridiculed by peers and this adds to their predicament of loneliness and social isolation. It is common to find suicide notes by teenagers on the sites of counselors requesting for help, as they find no solace from friends/parents. Counseling of parents and girls greatly helps in the recognition and management of what is essentially a treatable problem, so that they grow up to become confident and healthy individuals.

Furthermore, studies show that in India many of the women who have PCOS fall under the lean PCOS group meaning that they have PCOS even if they are normal or even underweight. As doctors and paramedics traditionally associate PCOS with obesity, women falling under this category are many times under diagnosed.

In addition to the problems discussed earlier, PCOS also leads to long term complications such as sub fertility and pregnancy related problems. They are also at a high risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases and allergic disorders as the body produces inflammatory markers.

In my long career as an infertility specialist, I have seen that one of the main causes of female sub fertility is PCOS. Many of my patients who had previously undergone unsuccessful multiple IVF treatments at other infertility centres have conceived naturally under my treatment just by controlling PCOS. This prompted me to explore this subject deeply by comprehensive reading and understanding the problem by attending numerous international conferences and lectures on PCOS. I have been lucky to meet and gather medical information from prominent doctors and researchers on PCOS. Infertility treatment is quite expensive, making it beyond the reach of many couples and the medicines have side effects if used repeatedly. The long term implications of PCOS are frightful and the sheer volume of girls affected with PCOS is appalling. Hence, I have opened a specialized PCOS wing at GIFT IVF Centre, Kochi for controlling and prevention of this disease, so that many of the affected women can achieve their dream of having a baby and for building a generation of women who are equipped to deal with this menace.

It is the need of the hour that all members of society are aware of this condition that greatly affects the life of not just the woman suffering from PCOS but has a wider impact on her family and society. We need to give priority to introducing fitness programs in school and provide healthy home cooked food to growing children. It is high time to make our young girls healthy and save them from the huge catastrophe related to the pandemic disorder of PCOS.

As a major step towards addressing this concern and for the benefit of our doctors and patients, we are conducting an International Medical Conference on PCOS at Gift IVF centre, Athani( Kochi) on 18/02/18 in collaboration with PCOS Challenge Group USA, where distinguished and prominent International experts on the topic of PCOS will partake and share their invaluable knowledge . This symposium is going to be first of its kind in that PCOS patients and their parents are going to be a part of the conference wherein they can directly interact and clear the doubts with the eminent doctors and related medical faculty learning about the latest methods of treatment.

Dr. Anita Mani

Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com
www.giftivf.com 

+91 484 2475031,  +91 484 2475034, 

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 18 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.

An unforgettable experience

During the long course of my career as an infertility specialist, I have met thousands of patients yearning for their own kids and by God’s grace,  I could be instrumental in bringing happiness to quite a few of them. I treasure each of those memories, but some of the cases are very special and unforgettable. I would like to share the story of an amazing couple which is very close to my heart.

After several failed attempts of infertility treatment in another hospital, the couple came to me with the hope of conceiving. They were overjoyed when she conceived in the very first attempt of IVF  cycle. Although we never advise patients to get admitted or take complete rest after IVF, they insisted that they want to stay at the hospital for the full term. This is a stark contrast from most of the other patients, who are reluctant to get admitted even if there is medical intervention. I had advised them to go home, but this couple was so eager and concerned about their babies that they wanted to stay around and make sure that they get expert help. They felt more safe  & secure with us than in their own house. When twin pregnancy was confirmed, we were all overjoyed.

Staying at the hospital for so long, they became so close to us and the hospital staff that they were like part of our family. It was like a second home for them, the lady made lots of paintings in her spare time and the couple would walk around the organic farm around the hospital.  After eagerly waiting for nine months, the twin babies were delivered via caesarean as there was some obstetric indication.

The excitement turned into shock for us, when the second twin appeared to be suffering from down syndrome. Although we were not sure, prima facie it seemed like that. One of the most difficult experiences in a gynecologist’s life is when we have to disclose the possibility of down syndrome to the parents. With exacerbating pain, expecting an outburst I reluctantly gave them the news. But to my utmost surprise, they took the news very well, both the father and mother smiled at me and said that they would love and take care of the child, just like the other twin.

There were tears in my eyes when I came back from my rounds and joy filled my heart at the thought of the unconditional love and selfless commitment of the parents. It was not just a momentous decision on their part to make a baby, they were committed from the deep abyss of their heart to give pure and continuous love to their kids despite any adversities.

Even though they were discharged after a week, they requested to stay back for ten more days, which again proved the trust factor. I made an exception to my policy of not taking gifts from my patients and cherish the handmade ornaments, dress, and painting, which she gifted me before they left for the long journey back home.

Dr. Anita Mani

Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com
www.giftivf.com 

+91 484 2475031,  +91 484 2475034, 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 18 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.

PERILS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

What our forefathers believed centuries back makes sense today- “ Early to bed and early to rise makes a man- healthy, wealthy and wise." In today’s hustling and bustling calendar, it is almost unworkable to follow this wise thinking, but if you want to have a physically and emotionally stable life and want to be in the pink of health when you reach old age, unquestionably you need at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted quality sleep in a day. It’s interesting to learn that the sleep needs of respective individuals are dissimilar, so if one person’s sleep quota is completed in 6 hours, another individual may require ten hours, yes, you read it correctly ten hours. Some theories even suggest that women require more sleep than men.

WHAT IS KEEPING YOU AWAKE

Have you ever been puzzled why the new generation is tormented by so many chronic illnesses compared to our grandfather's and great grandfather’s generation? The answer may be traced to the deprivation of sleep, combined with increased stress along with other environmental factors. The main cause of sleeplessness can be attributed to smartphones and other modern gadgets. Before popping sleeping pills, try to find out the cause for your misery through self-evaluation and find solutions like yoga, meditation or other forms of relaxation like music or dance. Some people have medical conditions of insomnia and depression which needs to be treated with medicines.

WHY SLEEPING WELL IS IMPORTANT FOR KIDS

I have heard several parents complaining that their kids are not concentrating on their studies, they cannot remember anything even after hours of toil, they always appear tired and exhausted. I always advise these parents to see that the kids are getting proper sleep. It’s not only video games or smart phones which are stripping the valuable hours of sleep, often long hours of tuitions and training are the culprits of burdening the budding minds. If you do not want them to grow up into emotionally and physically drained individuals, please see that they get appropriate sleep.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED

You will be shocked to know that apart from depression, tiredness, mood swings and lack of concentration, sleep deprivation also leads to diabetes, heart and kidney problems, hair loss, early aging etc. There is a general perception that over- sleeping will lead to weight gain, but did you know that inadequacy of sleep can also lead to obesity. Hormone levels in the body are upset by sleep deficiency, which leads the mind to think that you are hungry, even when you are not and you keep eating and the result is obvious. Sleep deprivation can bring diabetes closer to you and it also shoots up the level of blood sugar in the diabetic patients. Sleeplessness can also indirectly cause sub fertility due to stress and depression.

SLEEP PATTERNS

Do not consider sleep as just a waste of time, your body is repairing and rejuvenating itself when you are under a deep slumber. The brain is not switched off during sleep, intriguingly brain activity is often accelerated in sleep. Sleep patterns can be broadly classified into two – REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non rapid eye movement)  and in the span of a night’s sleep, the body keeps changing between these stages in a cyclical pattern. There are stages of light sleep and deep sleep. In REM sleep, you might be dreaming and the eyeballs will be moving, but the body will be motionless and muscles are relaxed. This may be a body mechanism to avoid you acting out in the dream. This is the stage when a person is most difficult to be awakened.

After a good night’s sleep, you wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy, on the contrary, if you miss couple of hours sleep you wake up like a zombie, drained and tired.

"Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleave of care
The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,
Chief nourisher in life's feast."

-William Shakespeare, Macbeth

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in the UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI, donor egg/sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high-risk pregnancies.

Posted 1 week ago by Anitha Mani

Steps to be followed if you cannot conceive after trying for a year

The first and foremost thing to remember is ‘NOT TO PANIC’, keep in mind that anxiety and tension will stand in the way of your pregnancy. So relax and calm down, in many cases pregnancy is achieved over a period of time without any treatment.  Medical science has advanced so much that there is a solution for most of the problems. One small word to the friends and relatives as well, “please don’t taunt the couples with questions of the impending pregnancy. Do not trouble the already distraught souls”. Stress causes sub fertility, so try to reduce stress and spend quality time with your partner. http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/09/reduce-stress-to-improve-fertility.html

There are some simple tests and procedures which can detect the cause of infertility and more often than not, some simple procedures or medication can give you the result.  I frequently get patients who have undergone multifarious expensive tests and treatment in infertility centers, but some basic inexpensive tests which would have given the definite reason of the complication were omitted. Sadly as the years pass by, the chance for a successful pregnancy starts dwindling and the desperation and dismay along with the financial drain leads to depression and isolation.

The tests which are to be undergone varies from person to person,  I would like to suggest some basic tests which might reveal where the problems lie. In many cases, a simple laparoscopic drilling can give instant results. Detecting the problem at an early stage and following up with prompt and appropriate treatment will increase the chance of pregnancy.

Tests for Men

Basic test is Semen Analysis

Tests for Women

AMH, On Day2 - LH, FSH, prolactin

Baseline Scan to check reproductive organs

Follicular monitoring for ovulation

Tubal patency tests

Lab Tests required For  Husband  & wife

General tests

C B C

R B S

Group+Rh

Urine R/E

For Infection screening

H I V 1 + 11

H B S Ag

H C V

VDRL

For Systemic Disorder

T S H

L F T

R F T

Genetic screening - Karyotyping might be required in later stages if multiple miscarriages or unexplained infertility

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in the UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI, donor egg/sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high-risk pregnancies.

Biogas - Transforming waste into energy

One of the greatest challenges faced by present world is the accumulation of waste. Organic waste can be used to produce biogas, which will lessen pollution, the burden of landfill and reduce the cost of waste disposal and revolutionize waste management. Many of the European countries and developed countries use organic waste optimally to produce biogas. In the present scenario, where the cooking gas has become expensive and world is facing shortage of fossil fuels, biogas can be the solution for many socio economic problems. Biogas can be used for cooking, heating and power generation. The byproduct of this process, the digestate slurry can be used as manure and is an excellent substitute for chemical fertilizers.

Anaerobic digestion is the method used in the production of biogas, in which organic waste is decomposed in the absence of oxygen by microorganisms. Biogas comprises of methane and little carbon dioxide and is a combustible gas. There are various stages in the production of this gas like hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and the final stage is methanogenesis.  Through this process, harmful pathogens are destroyed and the waste is sanitized. The quality of the animal waste as a fertilizer is improved through this process and the digestate is a superb manure for plants.

Food waste, kitchen waste and animal waste can be used. Cow dung is most favorable in the production of biogas as the grass which the animal eats is converted into methane in the process of digestion. There will be no flies or bad odor as the drum used is tightly sealed and water proofed.

We have installed a small biogas plant in our premises and all the daily organic waste from our kitchen and hospital is put in this through a funnel and we get the gas through a pipe connection. I use the byproduct of this process, the liquid manure for all the vegetable and fruit plants and trees in my farm, thus avoiding the usage of harmful chemical fertilizers.

“PREVENT WASTING WASTE AND TURN IT INTO ENERGY”.  You can easily and economically install a mini biogas plant at home, this will benefit your family, the environment and the planet as a whole. 

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI, donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.

Link between alcohol and fertility

Numerous studies and researches conducted worldwide clearly point towards a direct link between alcoholism and male and female infertility. Fertility is inhibited not only by heavy drinking, even binge drinking has adverse effects.

Adverse affect on Male Infertility

If you are are an alcoholic having difficulty in having a baby, you have to realize  that alcohol may be hindering  your  dream of becoming a father. Alcohol can cause reduction in sperm count  and motility, result in abnormal sperms, impotency and  loss of mechanism of action.

Drinking reduces the LH levels and FSH levels, which are the main hormones responsible for spermatogenesis. It also has direct effect on testis by reducing the spermatogenesis.

Alcohol  reduces the testosterone levels and reduces the libido by acting at various levels. In heavy drinkers, there can be even complete failure, leading to testicular atrophy - meaning zero sperms.

When liver is affected, it stops producing Vitamin A and symptoms like gynaecomastia ( breast development ) can be seen in addition to other feminisation symptoms.

Effect on Female Fertility

It is not only the male fertility, even the women’s fertility also has to bear the brunt of  alcoholism.  The  ovulation process, menstruation cycle  and reproductive system of women is disturbed due the hormonal imbalances, often leading to irregular periods and problems in conceiving.

In addition to the physical and medical factors, psychological factors also play a major role in pregnancy. Alcoholism  tends to cause stress in the other spouse and often is the cause of many marital problems. Stress and unhappiness in the married life is often the indirect cause of inability to conceive. So it is highly advisable to quit drinking and adopt a healthy life style, if you are planning to extend your family.

Similarly, drinking while you are pregnant is a big NO.  Alcohol  reaches the baby through placenta and needless to say it is highly toxic to the tender fetus. It will damage the child’s undeveloped liver and there are chances of undeveloped brain, other  physical deformities or even miscarriages.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.

The distinctive and magnificent herb - "Mint" (Pudina)

When we list out the food items of healthy and medicinal value, time and again the name of herbs are left out. Nature has kindly bestowed on us a lot of herbs which have high nutritional and medicinal value and Mint or Pudina occupies a top place in this list. Mint is not only a flavor enhancer used in cuisines, but also has a plethora of medicinal benefits. The antioxidant properties of this herb are amazing. Mint comprises around 15 to 20 species including peppermint and spearmint. Mint oil, a product made out of mint is used in gums, pain balms, toothpaste, beauty products etc.

Indigestion and IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) 
The calming and relaxing effect of mint has a soothing effect on the intestine, which helps to control indigestion, flatulence, acidity and stomach cramps and upsets. 

Home remedy for cold 

From ages, mint has been used as a home remedy for treating common cold and cough. Natural menthol present in mint acts as a decongestant and helps to loosen up and oust out the phlegm. Taking a steam with few drops of peppermint oil will clear the nasal passage and bring relief to sinusitis. Mint has strong anti- inflammatory and anti- bacterial features, which can cure a  sore throat and prevent infection. For an aromatic and refreshing tea, just add a few mint leaves to the water, when you are making tea. 

Allergies 
In recent times, there has been a rapid increase in skin allergies and allergic asthma due to lifestyle changes and pollution. Rosmarinic acid found in mint leaves act as an anti – inflammatory substance which is a natural cure for allergies. This hinders the production of leukotrienes in the body which causes allergic rhinitis. The soothing effect of mint, the anti – inflammatory and anti – bacterial properties also aids to maintain an acne and blemish free skin. It is one of the ingredients widely used in natural beauty products to enhance the glow of the skin.

Painkiller 
Mint extracts and oil is a major component in many of the pain balms and medicines. It has the power to reduce aches and pains when applied externally. Even consumption in the form of tea is said to calm the nerves and muscles. Women can find relief from menstrual pains, cramps, and other associated discomforts by taking the mint.

Oral and dental health 

Toothpaste companies use mint as an ingredient not only for mouth freshness and preventing bad breath, this herb has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which will help in the overall dental and oral health. Chewing few leaves of fresh mint will ensure that you won’t get bad breath.

In addition to the above-mentioned uses, mint is also said to have anti - carcinogenic benefits and is useful in improving the overall immunity of the body.

  

The mint leaves which we buy from the market are often laced with pesticides, hence planting them in a pot is a great idea, just keep them near the kitchen window and pluck them fresh and use. Please don’t limit the use of mint leaves as a garnish or in biriyani or mint chutney.You can use them liberally in all curries, salads, cocktail and mocktail drinks to get the zing and flavor. When combined with fruits it imparts divine taste, so don’t be stingy while using them in fruit salads, fruit puddings, chocolate cookies etc. Tickle your imagination and sky is the limit.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 18 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies. She has also set up an Ayurvedic centre named SATYA, a holistic wellness center located in Athani near Kochi Airport Junction, where the ancient healing of Ayurveda, Yoga, martial arts, dance forms and farming will heal your body and soul

SATYA - Svasthya Ayurveda Treatment, Yoga & Agriculture

Sesame seeds for Infertility, PCOS, Diabetes, BP, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis

Sesame seed known as “Til” in Hindi and “Ellu” in Malayalam is an ancient condiment and is used widely around the world in different cuisines. It won't be a bad idea to include this in your daily diet as It is an excellent source of copper, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, vitamin B1, B6, zinc and dietary fiber.

It is also a rich powerhouse of high-quality protein, good for vegetarians and vegans. It prevents diabetes and reduces blood pressure and is also good for the heart as it protects against  atherosclerotic lesions. PCOS and diabetes patients can make this healthy food a part of their diet, as the glycemic index is very low.

The presence of Copper in Sesame seeds aids in bringing down the swelling, inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis and strengthens bones and joints. Magnesium content is helpful in preventing airway spasm in asthma, reduce blood pressure and the symptoms and side effects of menopause like irritability and hot flashes. Black sesame seeds are said to decrease testosterone levels, increase absorption of insulin and regulate the menstruation.  Rich iron content in sesame seeds is good for keeping anemia at bay.

These nutritious seeds occupy one of the top places in the list of food for fertility, as it acts as hormone regulators and enhancers. Zinc will help in ovulation in women and semen production in men. Zinc is essential for maintaining healthy bone density. So old men and women should increase their intake of sesame seeds. It also aids in the production of collagen, which keeps the skin young, healthy and elastic.

Sesame seeds are especially good for women, as the calcium helps to prevent osteoporosis, which often follows menopause due to hormonal changes and resultant bone loss. Calcium content reduces considerably in hulled seeds, so preferably go for the black seeds which are not hulled.

Phytosterol present in high quantity in black unshelled  sesame seed is known to reduce cholesterol and  also has anti-carcinogenic properties, which helps in prevention of cancer.

The rich fiber content helps in digestion and smooth bowel moments, thus preventing constipation and colon disorders.

Some studies indicate that regular consumption of sesame oil can bring down the readings of blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Sesame oil is an integral part of hair care products in Ayurveda and is used by south Indian women for healthy and glowing hair. Another specialty of this oil is that it doesn’t turn rancid for a long time, hence ideal for making pickles.

Sesame seeds are an integral part of the Middle Eastern cuisine, it is used to make Tahini paste, (roasted sesame seeds ground in olive oil)  used in dips and sweets and is a healthy and delectable alternative to mayonnaise.

Grind and add sesame seeds to the  curries for a rich and creamy texture, sprinkle toasted seeds on salads, soups, vegetables,dosa, oats, upma etc. for taste and visual appeal and who can forget the delicious Indian sweet "Chikki" Kerala speciality " Elleunda" – a  combination of sesame and jaggery.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.