Fertility food series - Nuts & Dry Fruits - Mother Nature's Boon !!

Fertility foods – Nuts & Dry fruits 

It is tea break !! don’t reach out for those samosas, vada, pastries , biscuits or any other fried or sweet snack, instead  choose to munch on dry fruits, nuts or fresh fruits. The choice and power is entirely in your hands and you can make a vast difference by taking a little bit of effort. Always keep a container filled with nuts and dry fruits in your office draw or wherever you have easy access. You can get a fruit on the way to office daily or alternatively take a  small break from your work to stroll down to the street vendor to get your fruit of the day. This will also help you to get some fresh air  and a  much needed break from the office chair and work.

Nuts like almonds (badam), pista, cashew, walnuts, peanuts etc.  are packed with proteins, omega- 3 essential fatty acids, zinc and vitamin E. You can conveniently carry them as snack and if taken in limited quantities,  nuts can make a great snack at breaks.   But don’t forget that too much of anything is bad even if it is good, so consume nuts only in limit, as they are loaded with calories. One fistful of nuts a day is considered safe. Sprouting  raw nuts will help in easy digestion. Avoid roasted nuts and seeds, especially those roasted in oil as they may be high in free radicals, which damages cellular health. 

Nuts are one of the most nutrient dense and delicious foods on earth. They are not only an important part of fertility nutrition,  but also supply the body with necessary fiber, protein, minerals and essential fatty acids. It is best to consume them in their raw form, which will ensure that all nutrients stay intact. Essential fatty acids and zinc in the nuts can be destroyed when heated. Dry fruits like raisins have antioxidant properties which will help in reducing free radicals. Have you ever tried munching raisins and almonds together? it is really delicious. You can better your culinary skills by using nuts in various forms of cooking. Sprinkle some nuts on the top of the salad, add them to oats porridge, you can even grind and add them to your curries to get a rich and creamy texture. Tickle your imagination and creativity.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Numerous researches suggests that men with poor sperm counts saw vast improvement in their counts after taking fish oil supplements high in omega-3 fats.

The popular EFA omega-3 supports healthy fertility by helping to regulate hormones, increase cervical mucous production, promote ovulation and improve the quality of the uterus by increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs.. Omega-3 is also important for proper sperm production.  Walnuts and flax seeds are very good sources of omega 3

Zinc

Zinc is important for fertility because it plays an important role in proper development of ova and sperm, maintenance of hormonal balance, prevention of chromosomal defects and avoidance of recurrent miscarriage.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E can help in improving the sperm parameters  like motility and help in spermiogenesis. (sperm production) This is prescribed widely by infertility specialists. This vitamin  essential for fertility is also shown to support  nerve cells, red blood cells, the liver and the immune system.

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.

Fertility food series - Carrots, melon, tomatoes for Male fertility !!

The average sperm counts in men have fallen by over half, due to pollution and life style changes.

Research conducted in Harvard university has proven beyond doubt that eating habits can affect sperm quantity and quality. Many yellow and orange-colored fruits and vegetables can improve men’s fertility, but the carrot produced the best all-round results. Carrots have beta-carotene which helps create antioxidants and Vitamin A.  Carrots are not only good for your vision, they can also improve fertility in men by boosting sperm quality. Researchers from Harvard University School of Public Health discovered that carrots have the greatest impact on the ability of sperm to swim towards an egg.

The sperm-boosting qualities come from chemicals called carotenoids, which give such foods their familiar colour and the body converts some of these into health-boosting antioxidant vitamin A. They have the greatest effect on improving motility and help to counter asthenoteratozoospermia. (reduced motility of sperm).  Carotenoids will help in providing high sperm motility and provide good sperm morphology.

Antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals, the destructive groups of atoms which are a by-product of metabolism and which can damage cell membranes and DNA. DNA fragmentation ( broken DNA ) is a common concern in male subfertility.

Sweet potatoes are jam-packed with  Vitamin A,B &C, beta carotene, Antioxidants, Potassium, calcium and iron and is also a good source of complex carbohydrates which help to stabilize the blood sugar.

Water melon and  tomatoes, which contain chemical lycopene, can reduce abnormally shaped sperm ( teratozoospermia) and was found to  increase  the production of healthy sperm. Men who consumed these foods had fewer abnormally shaped sperm due to the presence of anti-cancer chemical lycopene

Sweet potato and melon can enhance the quantity and quality of sperm, but carrots were found to improve sperm performance by between 6.5 and 8 per cent, according to a report in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

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 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.

Gooseberry/ Amla - A treasure chest of Vitamins and minerals

Gooseberries have been used by our forefathers from several generations to treat many ailments. Modern scientific research also proves that it is a treasure of vital elements like Vitamin C, Vitamins B complex, Ellagic and gallic acids, tannins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and carotene which has antiviral and antimicrobial properties

Health benefits of gooseberries

They are packed with significant amounts of phenolic phytochemicals especially flavones and anthocyanins. These compounds have been found to have numerous health-benefiting effects against cancer, ageing, inflammation, infertility and neurological diseases.

They have moderately well anti-oxidant values. At 3277 umol TE/100g, gooseberries have oxygen radical absorbency capacity (ORAC) value comparable to that of red currants (3387umol TE/100g).

The gooseberries are moderate source of vitamin-C. 100 g of fresh berries provide 27.7 mcg or 46% of daily-recommended intake values of vitamin C. Research studies have shown that consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop immunity against infectious agents and help scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals from the body. Vitamin C content in gooseberry aids in digestion, fast absorption of food and balance stomach acid.  

They also contain some amount of vitamin A. 100 g berries has 290 IU or 10 % of RDA. Vitamin A is required for maintaining integrity of mucus membranes and skin, and essential component of visual cycle. In addition, consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamins and flavonoid anti-oxidants has been found to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

Fresh gooseberries contain small amounts of essential vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folates, and thiamin (vitamin B-1). They also contain adequate levels of minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and potassium.

  

Indian gooseberries (amla) are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. Drinking amla juice will cool your body and it has been proven that drinking  the juice mixed with honey  is  beneficial for improving your eyesight. Amla juice tastes somewhat like lime juice. It is very easy and simple to prepare

Grind the seeded amla with little water, seive it, add more water and a pinch of salt. Add some ice cubes and the  refreshing and nutritious drink is ready to drink.

Gooseberry Tea

  Small Indian gooseberry, which is not hybrid  is more beneficial, but since it is difficult to get to see these days, you can opt for what is available. Take 2 gooseberries, deseed and crush in a mixer  with little water and strain the the juice .

Add this to the prepared light black tea, but don't boil it, as  we want to preserve all the vitamin c in it, which will be lost in the  boiling process. Add sugar, as required. The colour changes, but the taste changes too and you will have the sweetness lingering in your mouth long after drinking.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

Reduce stress to improve fertility

Is stress taking a toll on your fertility ??

It has been proven beyond doubt that stress causes sub-fertility .

How to reduce stress?

Take regular breaks from work in the form of short holidays, or at least a day off on Sunday. A picnic with family and friends can work wonders. "A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation is the medicine that puts all ghosts of fear on the run".

Shopping malls actually increase stress rather than reducing it, as the brain is constantly studying while window shopping. Movies are again strain for eyes  and lack of pure fresh air inside the closed theater might give you headaches. Instead, take a leisurely stroll in the park with your partner, listen to music or sing along. Dance is great stress buster, join a class ( men can dance too) and you will be surprised to know how much pleasure and relaxation it gives you and yes you will realise you  never had 2 left feet.

Along with your spouse, go walking on the beach , trekking forests , rock climbing, you will not only feel closer to nature, but also move closer to your partner, as the endorphins works miracles.
Soak in a river or stream the whole day, hydrotherapy is a great stress buster and relaxant. Nature’s jacussi is the best .

Do little bit of gardening and sweat it out, whether you have green thumbs or not. ( Mud removes toxins from body and exfoliates dead skin ) Pheromones are active ingredients found in the sweat of all animals including man, which is the chemical communicator to initiate mating. Human is the only foolish animal to mask their own pheromone by applying artificial perfumes .

Humor is the best form of stress buster and the light moments help to strengthen your bond with your partner."Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine". If people only knew the healing power of laughter and joy, many of our fine doctors would be out of business.

Yoga and meditation will be the first and last word in stress relief , try at least easy asanas at home, if you cannot go for professional classes .

Regular late night outs are not good for a relationship , as the couple end up drunk and tired, instead try to spend quality time with each other. The irritable mood due to lack of sleep + alchohol = relationship disaster .

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

bangaloreivf.blogspot.in

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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.

Fertility food series - Orange tea refreshes your mind and body !!!!!!!!!

Orange tea for your health

Did you know that Vitamin C is an  important factor for fertility?  Try to meet your daily requirement of Vitamin C , drinking fresh orange juice  every day can help defective sperm drop.( teratospermia) 

If you don’t like   orange juice , you can start the habit of adding fruits to your  tea, which anyway you might be drinking daily. This will ensure that  the required vitamins reach your body.

To prepare orange tea

To prepare light black tea , you can just pour boiling water into a mug with tea bag. After removing the tea bag, squeeze in one orange , you can see that the colour changes.  Add sugar if you like  or substitute with one miracle fruit if available , which will make it divine .

There you have the orange tea , flavored with rich aroma  and the goodness of orange .

There you have the orange tea , flavored with rich aroma of orange , and the goodness of orange .

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

Fresh gooseberry ( nellikai / amla ) tea

Fresh gooseberry ( nellikai / amla ) tea 

We all know gooseberry is good , in fact excellent .

We all want to take it regularly ,  but do we actually do this? 

Just as all the other healthy habits which we want to practice  like, I will start exercising , I will start reading etc etc... this also  remains only a plan and we end up taking burgers and pizza regularly.

We can develop healthy habits , so that we actually do these things regularly. Starting your day with a healthy tea with fruits and herbs , whichever  is seasonally available will be indeed a good start.

Right now I am having a fresh gooseberry tea and it tastes and feels good .

We do take lot of herbal and fruit tea , but the expensive imported  dried  powders from shops will never give you the same satisfaction and goodness of a  tea brewed with   fresh fruits.

Tip for gooseberry tea 

Small Indian gooseberry, which is not hybrid  is more beneficial , but it is difficult to get to see these days .Take 2 gooseberries , deseed and crush in a mixer or stone with little water and strain it to take the juice .

Add this to prepared light black tea, but don't boil it ,as  we want to preserve all the vitamin c in it , which will be lost in the  boiling process . Add sugar , as required .

The colour changes , but the taste changes too and you will have the sweetness lingering in your mouth long after drinking.

Health benefits of gooseberries

They are packed with significant amounts of phenolic phytochemicals especially flavones and anthocyanins. These compounds have been found to have numerous health-benefiting effects against cancer, ageing, inflammation, infertility  and neurological diseases.

They have moderately well anti-oxidant values. At 3277 umol TE/100g, gooseberries have oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value comparable to that of red currants (3387umol TE/100g).

The gooseberries are moderate source of vitamin-C. 100 g of fresh berries provide 27.7 mcg or 46% of daily-recommended intake values of vitamin C. Research studies have shown that consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop immunity against infectious agents and help scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals from the body.

They also contain some amount of vitamin A. 100 g berries has 290 IU or 10 % of RDA of this vitamin. Vitamin A is required for maintaining integrity of mucus membranes and skin, and essential component of visual cycle. In addition, consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamins and flavonoid anti-oxidants has been found to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

Fresh gooseberries contain small amounts of essential vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folates, and thiamin (vitamin B-1). Some of these vitamins are essential in the sense that the body requires them for metabolism from external sources to replenish.

 gooseberries contain adequate levels of minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. 

Indian gooseberries (amla) are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. However, their anti-oxidant properties come from other anti-oxidant compounds tannins (emblicanin, punigluconin, pedunculagin etc).

Stages of Sexual Response Cycle and role of female orgasm

Stages of  Sexual Response Cycle and role of female orgasm 

In our infertility practice, We see many couple who are not fully aware of the basics of sexual intercourse , as this subject is a total taboo in our country. Proper intercourse at regular intervals is the basic requirement of reproduction and it also plays a key role in the emotional well being of a couple . Nature has created an enjoyable experience, so that, two different individuals from different backgrounds with different personalities and orientation can live together and reproduce. The lack of proper sexual relation between the spouses can not only lead to infertility problems but also build strain in the marriage and even result in separations .

 Role  of female orgasm in fertility

Orgasm in females, which is equivalent to ejaculation in men , does exist. But only 25%  of women experience it regularly may be due to lack of effort taken .

Many are unaware that the stimulation of clitoris ( small button like structure inside labia, just above urethra) produces orgasm in women , and not vaginal penetration. Female - Clitoris is equivalent to penis in men.

Orgasm is important for conception , because, during that phase the uterus and tubes contract in rhythmic pattern , producing negative pressure in tubes , by which the eggs gets pulled inside the tubes , because of the vacuum formed . The eggs are released by ovary , which is located outside the uterus ( womb). The fertilisation happens in tubes and the eggs don't move like sperm . So the only way for them to reach the tube is the tubal contraction .

According to another theory, contractions of the uterus and other genito-pelvic organs involved during the female orgasm create gradient pressure , which assists in transporting sperm into the uterus. Orgasm may play a more indirect role, as the pleasure women experience when they reach orgasm will urge them to have sex more frequently, thereby increasing  their chances of pregnancy.

   

 To understand this fully , we need to know the different stages of intercourse .

 Unfortunately there is a time difference between female and male orgasm , as it takes only 3 to 10 minutes of stimulation in men , but it can take upto 20 to 50 mts in women, to reach climax .

Many of the young couple have regular intercourse with a  frequency of 2 to 3 times per week , but there can be wide variations .

Sexual Response Cycle

The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Both men and women experience these phases, although the timing usually is different. So if the female partner takes long time to reach orgasm , the couple will have to spent more time on foreplay to stimulate the female partner , before the male partner is stimulated or penetration is attempted .

Phase 1: Excitement

This Phase which can last from a few minutes to several hours, produces increase in blood circulation, especially to reproductive organs , and can be the result of physical stimulation or mental stimulation.

Muscle tension increases and Blood flow to the genitals increases resulting in visible changes  including erection in men and lubrication in women. There are changes in breast , vagina in size , and skin is flushed . Heart rate quickens and breathing is accelerated.

mechanism of erection :It is initiated by parasympathetic nervous system . Nerve branches from the sacral plexus release neurotransmitter  acetylcholine , which causes endothelial cells of the arteries  to release nitric oxide , dilating them and causing filling of penile muscles (corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum ) with blood, and erection is nothing but pooling of blood in the penis .

Phase 2: Plateau

The changes initiated in phase 1 are intensified. During this phase the heart rate , respiratory rate , muscle tone , and arterial blood pressure increase . The urethral sphincter is contracted to prevent mixing of urine with the semen as well as to prevent retrograde ejaculation , pre-ejaculatory secretion begin to secrete . 

Phase 3: Orgasm

The orgasm is the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the shortest of the phases and generally lasts only a few seconds. Orgasms are controlled by the involuntary or autonomic nervous system. 

neuromuscular tension built up in the preceding stages is released in a few seconds. Involuntary muscle contractions begin. In the woman, the vagina and the uterus begins a series of regular contractions; in the man, the penis also contracts rhythmically to expel the sperm and semen (ejaculation). Blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing are at their highest rates, with a rapid intake of oxygen. There is a sudden, forceful release of sexual tension.

Phase 4: Resolution

The period after orgasm is often a relaxing experience, due to the release of the neurohormones oxytocin and prolactin, as well as endorphins . these are the feel good hormones released in the body .

During resolution, the body slowly returns to its normal level of functioning. This phase is marked by a general sense of well-being, enhanced intimacy due to effects of oxytocin, prolactin and endorphins. Men need recovery time after orgasm, called a refractory period, during which they cannot reach orgasm again. 

Factors affecting female orgasm 

Psychosocial factors may be key in determining when and if women will have orgasm.If the  women feel  relaxed and emotionally intimate at the time of intercourse it will help them to reach orgasm and satisfaction . 

Relationship quality

Woman’s ability to orgasm is associated with the perceived quality of her relationship and her satisfaction with her partner. 

Emotional health

 Psychological disorders such as depression and issues like self esteem and body image, decrease sexual response in women and  it is less likely that women with these conditions will experience an orgasm.

NACE test helped in avoiding amniocentesis

NACE

The NACE test is a non-invasive prenatal test. To perform the test, all that’s needed is a small sample of blood just like for any other routine blood test.

The NACE test compares foetal DNA with the mother’s DNA to detect abnormalities .During pregnancy, the baby’s DNA mixes with  mother’s blood DNA. Now it possible to detect fetal DNA in the mother’s blood and screen genetic data of the baby’s chromosomes.

This patient had  screening test for downs syndrome,. She was very anxious and tearful when double marker test was done, the result came positive for downs syndrome . This is an indication that the the baby maybe suffering from downs syndrome, but not a confirmation. Downs syndrome is an abnormality of chromosome number 21, and those babies are mentally retarded, and may have other abnormalities like cardiac problems as well. It is often very stressful for parents to receive such a report . They need to undergo further tests like NACE or Amniocentesis to confirm or rule out downs. NACE will further screen  and is done to avoid amniocentesis , but it is not diagnostic. Amniocentesis will be done to confirm whether it is true downs or just a false alarm. If NACE test is also positive, Amniocentesis should be performed directly , it is done by taking fluid around baby and doing genetic test on that .We did NACE test instead of amniocentesis ( which is an invasive test with 1% risk of miscarriage ). The result is negative and we are so relieved , along with the parents , as it was a precious pregnancy achieved through IUI,after severe oligoasthenoteratospermia .

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

Aerocide air purifier with NASA technology for IVF lab

Aerocide air purifier with NASA technology

There are several factors which ensure success in IVF, which is  ignored by many of the IVF labs. The quality of air is very important in ART lab to achieve good success rates .This air purifier, will monitor the quality of air by measuring volatile organic contaminants (VOC) in air constantly and  filter air in the IVF lab and keep it clean . Significant concentrations of (VOC) are found in the laboratory air, and in the compressed CO2 used for the incubators. The human embryo is a very sensitive cell and has no immune system. Air purifier  reduce air pollutants that have negative impact on embryonic development,  protect human embryos in culture and  improve the safety of the embryo culture environment,  thereby resulting in better in-vitro embryonic development. This will result in  overall increased pregnancy rates.

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

Frequently asked questions in IVF/ ICSI

There are many myths surrounding IVF and IfCSI, read through and I hope to clear all your doubts. IVF is the process by which eggs are removed from the ovaries and mixed with sperm in a laboratory culture dish. Fertilisation takes place in this dish and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus. ICSI is the most successful form of treatment for men who are infertile and is used widely in IVF treatments. ICSI  requires only one healthy sperm, which is injected directly into the egg. The fertilised egg (embryo) is then transferred to the uterus.

FAQ

1. What will be the total cost of IVF/ICSI?

The cost of IVF will be around Rs 1.5 lakhs and ICSI is around Rs 1.8 lakhs. Medication charges can vary case to case, so the  total charges will also diverge.

2. Why is IVF  so expensive ?

The medicines and media used for the procedure are imported and very expensive. The lab equipments are also very expensive and needs regular calibration and high maintenance.

3. Are the medications safe ? Any S.E.?

The medications are generally safe and do not have any major side effects.

4. Are the injections painful ?

The injections can be taken by self and they are not painful.

5. Do I have to be admitted in hospital ?

No. You may have to spent 1 day in the hospital, during the Egg pick up. The egg pick up is a minor surgical procedure and may need GA. 

6. How frequently do  I need to come to hospital ?

The patient needs around 3 scans for follicular study.

7. Do I need rest, Can I work ?

There is no need for rest, except on the day after egg collection. You can continue to work.

8. Can I have access to a female Doctor. ?

Yes. If you are particular that you want to consult only female Doctor during your  visit, please inform in advance while taking appointment.

9. Do you give information Leaflets ?

Information Leaflets are provided for all medical conditions related to your disease.

10. Will the procedure of Donor sperm / egg be confidential ?

Yes. The procedure of donor egg/ sperm  is highly confidential.

11. Do you provide separate room/privacy for semen collection ?

Yes. there is facility for separate room and full privacy will be there for semen collection.

12. Is there need for my husband to be there for every checkup, does he have to take leave from work?

No. Once the investigations are completed for the male partner, only the wife needs to come for regular scans.

13. Will you give us the reports  of lab tests ?

All the reports will be kept as a file of  Infertility Record, copies of results will be given to you.

14. Can I still conceive if am menopausal ?

Yes. You can, but you will need to have donor egg.

15. Can the sterilizations be reversed-- ?

Yes. Laparoscopically or  Laparotony surgical process can reverse sterilization.

16. Will I be seen by same Doctor each visit ?

Infertility treatment is done by a team and you will be seeing  one member of the same team.

17. Can I do my own injections?

Yes. You will be taught to take self injections, if they are sub cuticular.

18. What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In IVF, eggs are removed from the woman's ovaries and mixed with the man's sperm in a dish in a laboratory. Once the egg have been fertilized with the sperm, they are implanted in the women’s uterus.

19. Do I have to take medicines ?

Only vitamins are given as supplements  and after ET (embryo transfer) , progesterone is given for luteal support.

20. When are the eggs retrieved?

You will be closely monitored by following your follicular growth. Ultrasounds will be done regularly  to ensure that your eggs are getting ready to be retrieved. 

21. How much time does the entire procedure require?

Each cycle of IVF takes four weeks to complete. The process of IVF requires that both you and your partner need to spend about half a day at the clinic for the egg retrieval and fertilization procedures. The female partner has to return in a few days for the embryo to be transferred to the uterus.

22. How are the eggs retrieved?

Egg retrieval requires an anesthetic. After the  ultrasound is done and the eggs identified, with a fine needle, the eggs are retrieved under ultrasound guidance under general anesthesia. The entire procedure takes about 15-30 minutes and there is minimal pain after the procedure.

23. What happens to the eggs?

Your partner's sperm is combined with your eggs in a dish containing a special nutrient medium, which is then cultured in an incubator to fertilize. After about 48 hours, the embryo (fertilized eggs) is  transferred to the uterus for implantation.

24. How is the embryo transferred to the uterus?

The embryos are carefully transferred to the uterus under sterile conditions. The embryos are placed in the uterus with a fine tube. To avoid the risk of multiple pregnancy physicians never implant more than 1-2 embryos. Any extra embryos are frozen for future use, in case the present attempt at conceiving is not successful.

25. Is there an age limit to IVF?

There are no strict age limits but the protocol is that it is best for women around the ages of 35-45. The older a woman is, the lesser are the chances of conceiving .

26. When does one know if the IVF is successful?

If the implantation is successful and the embryo implants in the uterine wall, then within 10-14 days, the pregnancy test will be positive. If the pregnancy test is negative 2 weeks after implantation, it means that the procedure has failed. 

27. What is risk of multiple births?

The risks of multiple births is always a concern and can also affect the health of the babies in the womb.  The risks of multiple births are increased if more number of embryos implanted. There can be premature delivery , growth retardation and also there are more chances for abnormalities in multiple pregnancies.

28. What is the success rate?

The outcome is dependent on numerous factors. All data indicate that the younger the female, the greater the chance of success. Unbiased data indicate that the chance of success can vary widely and is between 20 to 60%. 

29. What are side effects or complications of IVF?

IVF treatments increase a woman's risk of ectopic pregnancy, wherein the embryo implants not in the uterus but in the fallopian tubes. The risk of OHSS is high in PCOS patient .

30. Is IVF associated with birth defects?

All the data available indicate that IVF is safe and not associated with any birth defects. However, long-term effects of IVF remain to be determined. 

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.