List of procedures to be followed before IVF/ICSI

  

            

If you have decided on IVF or ICSI for whatever indication, there are certain medical and nonmedical procedures you should follow.

NONMEDICAL PREPARATION FOR IVF

DIET

Add healthy fruits  & Vegetables to your diet. Include salads in your daily diet.

Cucumber - cooling effect

Carrot        - Vitamin A, Antioxidants

Lemon       - Vitamin C

Tomato      - lycopene + Vitamins

Watermelon - Vitamin A, C, Potassium

Add to Daily Diet

Oily fish- Omega 3 faty

Walnut  – Omega 3 faty

Almonds – Vitamin E

EXERCISE

Enjoyable moderate exercise

Walking

Yoga

Aerobics

Dance class

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Stop Smoking  &Alcohol

Improve Sleep pattern(no night shift)

Watch only ½ hr TV/Computer in a day

Use cell phone only for emergency

Reduce Stress  

Reduce social pressure (do not involve relatives unnecessarily)

SUNLIGHT

Daily 30 minutes exposure  to sunlight  improve Vitamin D levels

Do not take

• Genetically   Modified Food eg: corn/Soya

• (Ajinomoto)-MSG-Chinese salt 

• Chemical preservatives Eg:  Jam, Pickle

• Processed Food

• Hotel Food

• Bakery food/ Fried Food

MEDICAL PREPARATION FOR IVF

Counseling about the Procedure

Side effects

Duration Rx

Success rates

Costs

Re-Freezing +FET

Consent  Form – IVF/ICSI

Egg pick up (OR)

Freezing

DS/DE etc if needed

MET+ E.S

Mock Embryo Transfer

Endometrial Scratching

Screening +Rx injections

AMH +Hormone  Analysis

Screening + Rx Medical problems

Eg: Anemia, DM, HT

Screening +Rx Gynac Problems

Eg : PCOS , Endometriosis

Surgery if needed for (myomectomy ) Fibroids/Dilated tubes(Salpingectomy)Ø

Semen Analysis by Embryologist

Antibiotics for Husband if needed

Rx. For improving S.A if needed

Above all think positive and trust your team to do good work !!

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.

Lemongrass is an antidote for infertility and a plethora of medical ailments

Lemongrass is a  herb used in Asian cuisines to add flavor to the food, it is also used in the treatment of a wide spectrum of medical and therapeutic conditions. This is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and several other Asian countries.  Even though it is a wild plant, it can be easily cultivated at home in a pot on your terrace  or back garden. With proper sunlight, water and nutrition it can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

Lemongrass has a plethora of curing properties

1. It is known to assist with flushing of toxins from the body by helping to increase urination. It is good to detox with lemongrass tea before pregnancy, as a cleansed body will be ideal to carry a new life within.

2. Lemongrass is good for both men and women due to its abundant supply of folate. The Vitamin B9 aids in spermatogenesis in men and implantation and placentation in women. It Prevents birth defects of the brain and spine of babies.

3. It is also considered to be useful for the nervous system and can be used as a sedative and relaxant for both the body and the mind. These days, stress has become a part and parcel of life and  warrants extra effort to get relaxation. After all, only a relaxed mind can cultivate enough libido.

4. Another well known property of this plant is healing of infections, including vaginal infections and fungal infections.

5. For PCOS patients, lemongrass can be treasured as a skin tonic, as it makes an effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin, due to its astringent and antiseptic qualities. 

6. Lemongrass possesses antioxidant qualities and helps in protecting the body cells from the oxygen-derived free radicals, which is the main cause for male infertility problems like asthenozoospermia ( low motility ) and teratozoospermia (abnormal sperms). It also helps in the cleansing of blood and aids the spleen to discard the tarnished red blood cells.

7. It also acts as a remedy for Menstrual Problems, an infusion of the grass, combined with black pepper is offered in a painful monthly period which reduces the pain. It also helps in countering  the effects of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) 

8. Lemongrass helps in stimulating regeneration of cells. The folate and potassium content in the stem and leaves aids in DNA synthesis and promotes cell division which is an important requirement in sperm production.

9. It supports the function of the thymus glands which helps to produce white blood cells, which gives better immunity to the body. 

10.It can be used to relieve respiratory conditions like congestion, coughing and sore throats.

11.Additionally, it is used to treat cholesterol, bladder disorders, headaches, fever, stomach aches, digestive problems, diarrhea, gas, bowel spasms, vomiting and flu symptoms and even used as a deodorant and body tonic.

This aromatic and flavorful grass can be used in its dried or fresh form. It imparts a citrus and unique flavor to curries and is an integral part in Thai and Malaysian cuisines. The most common usage of this plant is in making tea which has innumerable benefits as given above. The tea making procedure is quite simple, just boil the fresh or  dried leaves and stems in water and allow to stand for half an hour before straining, add sugar only if necessary. It is a common sight  to see Chinese tourists carrying green tea with them whenever they are traveling, we can take tips  from them and  carry lemongrass tea as a cold drink  in a bottle which is an excellent alternative to the harmful aerated drinks.

 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.

Vitamin D supplement increases the chance of IVF pregnancy

Feeling tired all the time, no time for that walk in the park on a bright sunny day,  are you going around several  IVF Centres, without success ?  “Vitamin D " might be the answer to all your above problems. Right, it sounds simple and irrelevant, but vitamin D deficiency is so common that, upto 80% of the population is affected.

Some studies even show that it can cause depression and increase the chance for schizophrenia. Our body requires Vitamin D to absorb calcium and a deficiency of Vitamin D will eventually lead to calcium deficiency and further complications. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is produced in the skin as a consequence of exposure to the sun, and it is also absorbed from certain foods. 

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) found that women who are deficient in vitamin D are half as likely to conceive with IVF compared to women without vitamin D deficiency. So if you are trying for a kid or planning for IVF, it’s a good idea to get yourself tested.

Vitamin D status is measured by a 25(OH)D blood test (25-hydroxyvitamin D), also known as calcidiol test. Optimal serum vitamin D is considered to be at least 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL).

Vitamin D helps in production of good-quality eggs in the ovaries and improve the chances of successful embryo implantation in the uterus.

Among women, vitamin D appears to impact in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, endometriosis and  polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It also boost levels of progesterone and estrogen, which regulate menstrual cycles and improve the likelihood of successful conception.

PCOS and Vitamin D 

Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with the 67–85% of women with PCOS having the problem.  Vitamin D deficiency may worsen symptoms of PCOS, observational studies reveal that lower 25OHD levels were correlated with insulin resistance, ovulatory and menstrual disturbances, reduced pregnancy success, hirsutism, hyperandrogenism, obesity and increased cardiovascular disease risks. 

Male infertility and Vitamin D 

In men, vitamin D is essential for the healthy development of the nucleus of the sperm cell, and helps maintain semen quality and sperm count. Vitamin D also increases levels of testosterone, which may boost libido.

Methods to improve vitamin D 

The most natural and inexpensive way to get vitamin D is by exposing your bare skin to sunlight (ultraviolet B rays). Of course there are some regions in Europe and arctic where sunlight is a luxury, but even after living in a sunny zone lot of people does not expose their body to sunlight resulting in Vitamin D deficiency. These people have to go for vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D3 is a good way to get vitamin D if you can’t get enough sunlight, or if you’re worried about tanning your skin.

Our body gets most of the vitamins and minerals from the food that we eat. However, there are  few food items which naturally contain vitamin D. Even if it is present in the food, the  amount is negligible, so it’s almost impossible to get your  body requirement just from food.

Sources for vitamin D are - 

Fatty fish

Beef liver

Egg yolks

Fortified milk and orange juice

Fortified cereals

Recommended daily intakes from various organizations:

Vitamin D Council                5,000 IU/day.   

Endocrine Society               1,500-2,000 IU/day. 

Food and Nutrition Board    600 IU/day, 800 IU/day for seniors

Dr. Anita Mani

Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

bangaloreivf.blogspot.in

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

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.

Reference - Vitamin D Deficiency and Infertility: Insights From in vitro Fertilization Cycles. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2014; jc.2014-1802 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-1802

Soyabeans - too much can be harmful

Soyabeans - Even a good thing can become destructive if taken in excess !

These days, there is an ongoing craze for soya products like soya milk, soya chunks, soya meal, soya powder, tofu etc. It is counted among the top in the list of healthy food. Soybeans contains full range of amino acids and  high protein content, making them an ideal supplemental source, particularly for vegetarians and vegans. 

But there is another dark side to soya, which many people are not aware of. Soybeans is one of the most genetically-modified crop, a full 80% of soybeans grown around the world is  genetically modified.

It contains natural Estrogen  and too much of this hormone can prove bad for men as there is risk of feminisation in men. Even though Estrogen is a female hormone, too much of this   can cause disruption in reproductive organs in females also.

Soyabean also comprises certain substances like trypsin inhibitors, hemaglutinin, phytic acid and aluminium which can be harmful to the body if taken in higher quantities. 

Trypsin inhibitors in soy products interfere with protein digestion and can lead to disorders of the pancreas.

The Hemaglutinin is responsible for clumping of red blood cells together to form blood clots.

Phytates hamper the absorption of certain essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.

The phytoestrogens in soy products can cause hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Soy foods also contain aluminium, that can lead to several kidney diseases if consumed in large quantity.

So the bottom line is eat or drink soya bean products in moderation.

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.

Common Causes Of Male Sub Fertility

                                                                

For the fulfillment  of fertilization process, there are some parameters which has to be met both in men and women.  In men, it is not always possible to find the exact infertility causes like the low sperm count or other parameters, as in females. The reason being that the organs cannot be easily visualized in men as it is deep seated, where as the uterus, tubes and ovaries in women can be fully visualized through laparoscopy to find the exact cause for the problem. 

First of all there should be healthy sperm production and this requires the proper functioning  of at least one  testicle. Secondly the tubes should function normally, so that the produced sperm can be carried to the semen. The sperm count should also be high so that the chances of fertilization is high. In case of low sperm count,  the odds of fertilizing the egg decreases considerably.  The motility function of the sperms are also equally important, because otherwise it cannot reach the egg and the fertilization process do not happen.

Common Causes of infertility in men:-

Infections
Hormone problems

Genetic ( by birth)

Anatomical (structural problems like block)

Ejaculation Issues

Infections:-
Mumps caused by viral infection, which leads to the inflammation of salivary glands located beneath the ear and the upper neck has been known to cause testicular inflammation in some boys which may later lead to infertility.

Infections due to diabetes or sexually transmitted diseases can cause prostatitis (inflammation of prostate) leading to failure to liquefy semen and reduce the quality of semen. Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, syphilis, AIDS etc. often silently cause similar problems. TB can also cause block and is easily overlooked. Appropriate and timely administration of antibiotics will help in controlling infections.

Ejaculation problems :-

Diabetes, spinal injuries and some medications can cause retrograde ejaculation, wherein the semen is ejaculated into the urinary bladder instead of penis.  In these cases sperm can be retrieved using ART (artificial reproductive techniques) and pregnancy can be achieved.

Hormone problems:-

Inadequate hormones like reduced LH, FSH will reduce or altogether stop sperm production. Thyroid and prolactin levels should also be checked. These are easily treatable.

Genetic (chromosome):-

The cause for Azoospermia (absence of sperms) can be due to defective chromosome like as in klinefelter's syndrome(tall men with slightly subnormal I.Q)

Anatomical

Undescended testis in male babies, where testis is located inside Abdomen, should be corrected immediately or else it will result in male sub fertility later in their life. Hypospadiasis (abnormality of urethra and penis) can cause erectile problems due to the abnormal position of urethral meatus, IUI can be done successfully in these cases. Congenital absence of vas (the tube carrying sperm) can result in Azoospermia, PESA/TESA & ICSI can be done to achieve pregnancy. 

Varicocele is one of the main causes for male infertility. It is a condition where veins which drain the testicles  are dilated, surgical correction by Varicocelectomy can be done.

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

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

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.