Infertility

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Food for healthy pregnancy

Nutrition intake during pregnancy significantly contributes to the development of an individual, it’s a crucial period which often decides the overall health of the person for years to come. Little care and caution during pregnancy can ensure that you will have a hale and healthy baby who will develop into a healthy adult. We are what we eat, so this is the time, when maximum care is required. In addition to the usual diet, we can add some amazing stuff to the diet to increase the nutritional value of the food during pregnancy.

An ideal diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and the goodness will be amplified if it is organic. Fiber intake is essential to keep bowel movement smooth and a good portion of veggies like banana flower(kodappan) and banana inner trunk (pindi) will really help. Green leafy vegetables and an assortment of different bright coloured fruits and vegetable should be made a part of the daily diet, so that all the vitamins reach your baby. Fresh fruits have more vitamins than their shelved and preserved counterparts, so pluck fresh fruits from the backyard and have a bite, instead of consuming old/preserved fruits from supermarkets, which are packed with insecticides.

Whole grains like wheat, ragi and boiled rice will provide the much needed carbohydrates and fibers. But make it a point to avoid maida (refined flour) and white rice. Innovative ideas like making chappathi or roti with a combination of flours like wheat, ragi, bajra (pearl millet), Makkai (maize) and jowar (white millet) is great, especially if you are intolerant to gluten (wheat contains gluten). The soluble fibres and low glycemic index of these flours are good during pregnancy. Do not try to substitute rotis with whole grain breads, as it contains preservatives, yeast and vegetable fat

The nutritional value increases when the seeds are sprouted, hence include them in salads after washing thoroughly so as to reduce the risk of infections. Sprouting is a simple process of germination, which can be easily carried out at home and all the pulses like green gram, chick peas, peas, lentils, fenugreek and cereals like wheat, buckwheat, rice, amaranth, oil seeds like sesame and peanuts etc can be sprouted effortlessly.

Omega 3 fatty acids found in fishes like sardine helps in the development of infant’s brain. But too much intake of fish is not good as some fishes like tuna, shark, sword fish and king mackerel contains higher concentration of mercury which is not good for the baby. Nuts and dry fruits will make a healthy snack, as most of the nuts like walnut and almonds are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, fibers and vitamins. Lean meats and eggs can be taken in limited quantities.

Coconut oil is excellent for skin nourishment, it helps in keeping the skin supple and soft and will help in avoiding stretch marks which occur in pregnancy.

Lactobacilli are extremely useful in keeping the vagina healthy, so taking curd or fermented foods will not only help in getting protein and calcium, but also aid in avoiding infections.

Equally important is avoiding some food items, minimize eating out at hotels, especially Chinese food should be a strict no because of their ajinomoto content. Fast foods and fried foods, bakery items and sweets can be very bad for the carrying mother and the unborn baby and should be replaced with healthy home cooked food. To know in detail about foods to avoid during pregnancy read http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/11/food-items-which-should-be-avoided.html

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.

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

Facts and information on PCOS discussed in World PCOS conference 2015 - Seattle, USA

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ) is a common condition affecting numerous teenage girls in the present scenario, causing obesity, irregular periods and excessive hair growth. Recent studies and researches reveal that a shocking 20% of teenagers are affected and the numbers even go up to 60% in some urban cities. PCOS results in abnormal hormones in the body which often leads to infertility and other metabolic disorders like diabetes and heart diseases. The psychological issues like anxiety and depression and social problems like feeling of isolation are often inadequately recognised by both healthcare providers and the parents.

It was indeed a great learning experience for me to attend the first annual world Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Conference held on November 16-18, 2015 in Seattle, Washington, USA. The conference highlighted scientific studies and discussions on PCOS.The selection of top 42 research fellows from all over the world, was impeccable. The expert doctors from around the globe shared creative ideas about the various aspects of research and also various measures to help create public awareness on the subject.

Professor Richard L Stouffer presented a paper on PCOS, after studying the effect of western style diet on monkeys and concluded that the diet developed PCOS in the animals. He is the Senior Scientist in the Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, ONPRC and has published over 200 papers. Presently, the dangerous trend in India is that lot of fast food chains are coming up and we, especially the young generation are embracing this diet with open arms and mind, which could be catastrophic. This could be one explanation for the recent rice in cases of PCOS among Indian teenage population.

Professor Dimitrios Nikolaou from the Imperial College School of Medicine, London, tried to establish that PCOS is a misnomer ! He is considered as one of the most original thinkers in the field of Reproductive Medicine. He argued that women are protected against early ovarian ageing and have a number of social characteristics due to male hormones that are advantageous.

Dr. Angeline Beltsos from Fertility Centers of Illinois, USA advocated single frozen embryo transfer in IVF cases for PCOS . Higher IVF implantation rates and improved pregnancy outcomes can be achieved by pre-implantation genetic screening, followed by single frozen embryo transfer which may improve placentation and infant health as well.

Dr. Yen Hao Chen, a researcher from Georgia Regents University, USA, established a new study to prove that Adipose tissue ( fat cells ) dysfunction is present in PCOS. This may help in finding new treatment in future.

Dr.Sheng Wu, from Johns Hopkins University did Study of PCOS through the interaction of androgens and insulin. High levels of male hormones and insulin are believed to play prominent roles in the genesis and progression of the disease and study revealed intricate cellular mechanism.

Dr. Lora Shahine, had done fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Stanford University. Her work was a proof that women with PCOS suffer not only from difficulty in conceiving, but a higher rate of early miscarriage compared to women of the same age without PCOS because of obesity, endometrial defects and hormonal imbalances.

Professor in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, Dr.Brian keevil
focused on the simultaneous measurement of testosterone, androstenedione DHEA, DHT, DHEAS and 17 OHP and their potential use in the investigation of PCOS. The possible use of salivary androgen assays were interesting, which offered a possibility of no blood tests in future.

Dr. Janelle Luk , who graduated from Yale University , and did residency at Harvard, presented paper on IVM ( in vitro maturation ). This is a technique in which immature eggs are collected from women with PCOS and is matured and used in IVF/ ICSI. This technique is probably going to be employed in the future treatments, as it helps in reducing injections and also risks of hyper stimulation.

The matter of increasing public health concern, as the incidence is highly associated with the metabolic syndrome was highlighted by Dr.Donna Vine. She is the recipient of McCalla Professorship in Teaching, Service and Research.

Russian Professor, L. A. Ivanova did a study on the effect of thioctic acid on PCOS, and it is now available.

We had expert doctors from various fields who emphasized the side effects of PCOS on different parts of the body. The Dermatologist from Sweden, Dr. Maria Palmetun indicated that quality of life is very badly affected by PCOS and the dentist Dr. Ozgun Ozcaka, from Turkey Spoke about the connection between PCOS and gingival inflammation.

Dr. Awatif Al Bahar, from Dubai Health Authority, UAE, threw light at the epidemiology of PCOS and the economic cost which it is causing to the healthcare sector. It is shocking that every year the health insurance companies incur huge costs to cover the direct and indirect medical expenses related to PCOS !

A new era of medicine has started with study of bacteria in our body. Dr. Felice L Gersh from USA gave a wonderful insight into this new topic titled - The care and feeding of the microbiome: A new approach to lowering the inflammation of PCOS. More DNA exists within us which derives from the trillions of bacteria comprising our microbiome than from our personal genetic DNA. Bad news is that, the standard Western diet, comprising of huge amounts of processed foods, which are nutrient deficient, chemical laden, antibiotic containing and which are devoid of sufficient quantities of both soluble and insoluble fiber, kills rather than supports a healthy microbiome. Women with PCOS frequently experience gastrointestinal problems, have irritable bowel syndrome and tend to develop chronic low grade systemic inflammation as a consequence of the unhealthy state of their gut bacteria.

Exercise is an extraordinarily effective way to reduce systemic inflammation and lower oxidative stress and should be an integral part of every PCOS treatment program, explained Bob tygenhof, the exercise specialist.

Julie Booker, rightly pinpointed that Stress and anxiety have been found to suppress the ovarian and menstrual cycle. She provided a treatment plan including acupuncture, diet, lifestyle, Chinese herbal medicine and supplements.

My presentation on long term managment of PCOS highlighted that Life style changes including diet, exercise and weight loss should precede any medicines. Protocols should be provided to doctors to assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. (currently this protocol is not widely followed, although recommended by Royal colleges of London and Australia) Medicines are rarely needed ,as in gestogens to induce periods atleast 3-4 times a year to reduce risk of endometrial hyperplasia/cancer.

Recent studies suggests that Insulin-sensitising agents like metformin, which is commonly prescribed for PCOS does not seem to have any long-term benefits and should be restricted to only diabetic / glucose intolerant PCOS.

Ovulation inducing agents like clomiphene should be used only for 6 to 12 months, as prolonged use of this medicine increases risk of cancer, the option of IVF should be considered after this period.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling will induce ovulation in 60% of the subjects for 20 years, especially in PCOS patients who are not overweight. Psychological issues are often easily overlooked, problems like depression and anxiety must be screened, assessed and referred to professionals.

Creating public health awareness on healthy eating and the necessity of regular exercise is very essential and should be included in the school curriculum. Specialised PCOS clinics with a trained team of doctors, dieticians, exercise specialists and counselors is absolutely needed in proper long-term management of PCOS.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Wednesday, 6 January 2016

The yellow gold turmeric !!

When we speak about world’s healthiest food items, the name of turmeric can never be forgotten. The gifted Indian and Chinese folks had recognised the power of turmeric way before us, as history suggests that it was widely used in Ayurveda and Chinese treatments centuries back. Turmeric, also known as Indian Saffron is derived from the Curcuma plant. This spice is an inevitable ingredient in everyday Indian cooking and is a must in all kitchen shelves in Indian households. The list of benefits of turmeric is so long that it won’t be an exaggeration to say that a book can be penned on this. Nevertheless, I have tried to briefly combine all the goodness of turmeric into this blog.

Turmeric derives its strong antibacterial and antioxidative properties from its component curcumin. Turmeric is a good source of iron, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, and potassium. It not only adds colour and taste to food, but is also a solution to a wide array of medical conditions, which includes arthritis and joint pains, gastric problems, jaundice, Endometriosis, diarrhea, PCOS, problems during menstruation like pain and cramps, ovarina cysts,liver problems, hemorrhage, cuts and bruises, chest pain, and even cancer. For appropriate absorption of turmeric into the body, it is advised to be taken along with pepper which will help to increase the absorption rate.

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or crohn’s patients can get a lot of relief by adding turmeric amply to their daily diet. Unlike other medicines, this miracle spice is free of any side effects and packs only goodness.

Cystic fibrosis is a condition which affects the lungs severely and causes death in many cases. The scientists from Yale have found that curcumin is effective in treating this condition. Anti-carcinogenic properties of turmeric are widely accepted across the globe and helps in prevention of colon, breast, lung, cervical and prostate cancer. The anti - oxidative properties defend the colon cells from free radicals and prevent the creation of cancerous cells. Curcumin also helps terminate the mutated cancer cells.

Turmeric helps in digestion and prevents flatulence. It helps in preventing and curbing liver diseases like cirrhosis, jaundice and hepatitis. It stimulates the production of bile which in turn helps in digestion of fats.

Turmeric can curb the onset of diabetes in people who are in the pre - diabetic stage, as it is known to reduce insulin resistance.

Good news to the cholesterol patients is that turmeric can check oxidation of cholesterol, which narrows the blood vessels, causing stroke or a heart attack. Vitamin B6 in turmeric helps to keep homocysteine in control, excess of which can cause atherosclerosis and heart diseases.

Turmeric is even considered effective against the dreaded neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s disease.

In India turmeric is used as home remedy to treat wounds, swellings, cold, cough and skin ailments. It is also widely used as a beauty product to enhance the quality of the skin and is used in ceremonies like weddings.

The bottom line is that, the humble turmeric which sits on our kitchen shelves can be the key to a multitude of medical problems and is a great immunity booster. So don’t be stingy in using turmeric, increase the goodness of your food by generously using turmeric in everyday cooking. Eating right can work miracles on your body ad mind

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Hazards of smoking on male and female fertility

“Love yourself enough to lead a healthy life "

We know that smoking can be a ground for cancer, heart problems, stroke and pulmonary diseases. Sadly, the list doesn’t end here, studies and analysis conducted worldwide indicates that smoking can cause infertility in both men and women. Smoking is not good for the health of sperms and in turn has adverse affect on fertility. The fact is that smoking can actually cause infertility, miscarriages, preterm labours, growth retarded babies and the worst - childhood cancer.

Shocking fact is that more than one-third of the world’s population over the age of 15 years are smokers. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 harmful chemicals. It has around 60 carcinogens and mutogens including nicotine, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, benzopyrene, dimethylbenzanthracene, dimethylnitrosamine, naphthalene, and metanaphtalene.

Negative consequences of smoking on male fertility

The smokers semen samples showed reduced sperm count, motility and viability. This low quality sperm is less likely to fertilize eggs, which in turn inhibits the chance of conceiving.

Mechanism of action

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme, expressed by various tissues and cell types that require high energy. This enzyme reversibly catalyzes conversion of creatine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to phosphocreatine and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). CK activity in seminal plasma, sperm cells and total semen considerably diminished with smoking.

There is permanent and severe DNA damage leading to prevention of oocyte fertilisation or the development of the embryo resulting in miscarriages. This damaged sperm loses its power to ward off destructive free radicals in semen. Toxic materials have also been detected in smokers semen. Nicotine is also known to alter the hormonal balance through stimulation of cortisol, the growth hormone, which in turn will curb the release of LH,FSH and PRL. Smoking can also lead to erectile dysfunction due to circulatory problems caused by the blocking of arteries.

The reactive oxygen species ( ROS) are atoms with unstable electron and are byproducts of metabolism of glucose in living cells. They grab electrons from surrounding atoms, making them unstable, which ultimately becomes like a chain reaction, making the cells damage, degenerate or mutate. The ROS is found to be high in smokers. In normal conditions anti oxidants repair the negative effects by donating the extra electron that the ROS requires. The levels of antioxidants are found low in smokers, even their capacity to neutralise ROS is found to be less.

Leukocytes (WBC) are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ejaculate and elevated leukocytes impairs fertility by the formation of reactive oxygen species, which are in turn harmful to sperm DNA and membrane phospholipids because of oxidation, thus damaging sperms and causing mutation of genes leading to abnormalities. For more details on antioxidants read http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2015/10/what-are-antioxidants-and-their-benefits.html

Negative consequences of smoking on female fertility

It is highly advisable for women to quit smoking before they plan their pregnancy. A pregnant smoker is risking her unborn baby’s life, as smoking aggravates the risk of spontaneous abortion, premature birth, very low birth weight, sudden infant death and ectopic pregnancies. I advice my patients to quit smoking at least 3 months prior doing the IVF procedure, as smoking unfavorably affects the procedure through premature aging of ovaries. Physiology of the men is such that they keep producing semen throughout their life. But women are born with a fixed number of eggs, if these eggs are damaged or depleted no amount of treatment can bring them back. Heavy Cigarette smoking has proven to cause tubal and cervical problems and DNA damages to the ovarian follicles. Even early menopause caused by premature aging of ovaries has been linked to smoking.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Sunday, 6 December 2015

Myths and Facts About Infertility

Infertility is a women's problem

This is untrue. It is shocking that even some of the educated people are quite surprised to know that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases. It is commonplace that most of the cases of failure to conceive are blamed on women

I don't have to worry about my eggs until I'm 40.

As a woman ages, the ovarian reserve declines. A woman's egg supply starts to decline in the late 20s, again in the 30s and then most notably after age 35.

Under the best of circumstances, even in the case of a healthy young fertile couple whose timing is perfect, on the average, there are just about 25% chances of conceiving per month.So as the age factor goes up, chances of conceiving comes down drastically.

Maybe you two are doing something wrong!

Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder in most of the cases.

Men with Azoospermia ( zero sperm ) Cannot have kids

Obstructive azoospermia is a medical condition when the person produces sperm, but it does not come out in semen due to blockage in the male reproductive tract, Testicular aspiration can be done to aspirate sperms and ICSI can be done to achieve pregnancy.

Women without womb ( uterus ) cannot have babies

Infertility does not affect marriage

Researchers found that, over a span of 12 years, 27 percent ( one-third ) of women who did not have children after their fertility treatments were no longer living with their partner. The study comprised of 47,515 Danish women.

IVF is only the last option

IVF can be the first treatment option for women with bilateral blockage of tubes, severe male infertility, and advanced age. Unnecessary delay and risks of prolonged treatment can be avoided by timely IVF.

IVF is only for affluent people

The cost of IVF has not increased over the years. it is less than buying a vehicle / furniture these days and results in a lifetime of happiness.

Women cannot conceive after menopause

Through egg donor IVF, women can easily have children at any age.

Adoption is difficult
Earlier, many couples found that adoption was costly and time-consuming.

New guidelines for adoption of children has become operational and under the new system, parents in India need not approach adoption agencies for registration. Parents can register online and upload relevant documents to determine their eligibility.

Infertility is nature's way of controlling population.

Zero population growth is a goal pursued now in this time of world overpopulation, but logically speaking couple can still have two children.

It is not an easy situation when you are struggling with infertility. You know what loving parents you would be, and it is painful to have to explain to others that you have a medical problem.

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Saturday, 28 November 2015

Fenugreek for PCOS, Diabetes and other medical conditions

“One quarter of what you eat keeps you alive. The other three quarters keeps your doctor alive”.

Since ages, fenugreek has been prescribed in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for curing and preventing of many diseases. This plant is widely cultivated across the world and its seeds are used in many international cuisines as taste enhancers. In India, along with the seeds, the leaves of the plant is also widely consumed. It is known as “ Methi” in Hindi and “Uluva” in Malayalam.

To name a few, fenugreek can resolve digestive problems like heartburn, acid reflux,abdominal pain and constipation, skin problems like eczema, inflammation, cellulitis, hair loss and dandruff. The mucilage present in these seeds aids in smoothing of intestinal inflammation. Cholesterol and triglyceride patients can also benefit from the use of fenugreek.

Fenugreek seeds contains protein, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and phyto nutrients.

One of the most remarkable quality of fenugreek is that, it stimulates milk production in nursing mothers. According to aurveda, fenugreek can augment the quantity and quality of milk produced by the breastfeeding women.

Research have proved that, daily intake of fenugreek in the prescribed form can control and prevent diabetes. It has great soluble fiber content and amino acids, which seems to have the property to induce more insulin production and reduce the rate of absorption of sugar in the stomach and improve glucose resistance.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition affecting women population and is one of the main causes of infertility. One of the characteristic of this condition is glucose intolerance, which may eventually lead to diabetes, obesity and excess secretion of testosterone. Fenugreek is considered to be one of the natural foods which can aid to control this condition.

During pregnancy, excess use of fenugreek is not advised, as it is said to induce labor.

Chinese medicine recommends fenugreek for treatment of various kidney ailments. It also poses anti carcinogenic properties and is effective in preventing colon cancer by protecting the colon’s mucus membrane.

Women suffering from menopausal symptoms and menstrual discomfort can benefit from this plant. Fenugreek has chemicals similar to estrogen, hence mood swings, hot flashes and depression associated with menopause can be taken care of by taking in fenugreek. This herb is also said to be helpful in increasing libido and preventing erectile dysfunction.

The seeds have a distinct aroma and flavor and can be used widely in many dishes. You can powder and store the fenugreek seeds and sprinkle them in most of the curries and add them to Dosa batter (That’s the secret behind the delicious Dosas in hotels). The sprouts are easy to make and quite nutritious. The brave ones can soak some seeds overnight and have it in the morning along with the soaked in water. Though little bitter, researches indicate that this can do wonders in controlling diabetes and improving the general health. The leaves of the plant can be added to the wheat dough before making chappathis or rotis and believe me, it tastes awesome. The dried leaves called “Kasuri Methi” is incredibly flavorsome and is easily available in stores. This is a must ingredient in Indian dishes like butter chicken, chicken tikka, and malai paneer.

watch this video and learn how to easily grow fenugreek in your garden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFqEohtVF_0&app=desktop

Dr. Anita Mani

Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Tuesday, 27 October 2015

What are antioxidants and their benefits ?

Quite often we hear about the benefits of antioxidants, their indispensability for maintaining a healthy body, their magical power to ward off cancer, Alzheimer etc. etc…. But most of the public do not have a clue as to what are these antioxidants. To know how the antioxidants work in our favor, we will also have to know about free radicals, which are being produced in our body.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are chemical substances naturally found in Vitamin C, E, A, flavonoids, phenolic acids and beta-carotene in fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses and cereals which inhibit oxidation and prevent cell damage. It is also found in synthetic form, which is used as preservatives in processed food, but the effectiveness of synthetic antioxidants is not clear or established. The antioxidant donates an electron to the free radical, thus neutralizing it into harmless. An antioxidant assist in countering oxidative stress, caused by free radicals.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals, also known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are chemical species that are naturally produced in our body during metabolism as a byproduct. However, some free radicals are produced in the body due to external factors like pollution, alcohol, smoking, medications, pesticides, infections, poor diet, toxins, radiation etc. If free radicals are not controlled, it can attack the healthy cells of the body, resulting in oxidative stress posing danger to our health. Oxidation damages the cell membranes, cellular proteins and DNA. Preventing or fighting oxidative stress can go a long way in defending our body against tumors, cancer, heart problems, premature aging and scores of other body ailments. Deficiency of antioxidants will lead to piling up of free radicals in the body. A healthy dose of antioxidants will ensure that free radicals are deactivated before they start attacking the cells.

Sources of antioxidants

All the berry fruits, especially blueberry, blackberry, cranberry and straw berry along with other fruits like apples, plums and grapes are loaded with the goodness of antioxidants. Phytochemicals, a form of antioxidant is found in tea and wine. Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C is a very effective antioxidant present in most of the fruits and vegetables like capsicum, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables. Pulses like red kidney beans and black beans are also loaded with antioxidants. Vitamin E is fat soluble and found in abundance in nuts, fish, seeds, spinach, avocado, mango etc. Vitamin A is profoundly present in carrots, tomato, sweet potato, peaches and apples. Flavonoids have their presence in red wine, tea, soya and tomato and watermelon has lycopene content.

Role of antioxidants in pregnancy and infertility

Several studies conducted on pregnant women has indicated that a healthy dose of natural antioxidants do play a role in smooth pregnancy and in preventing miscarriages. Oxidative stress can be a reason for causing miscarriages, and some researches suggests that antioxidants may be helpful in preventing Pre-eclampsia (High blood pressure and protein in urine, during pregnancy can result in a fatal condition called Pre - eclampsia, which can cause preterm delivery.) Oxidative stress is also known to affect male fertility adversely by causing defective spermatogenesis. So infact, anioxidants can aid in improving the quality and quantity of the sperm.

Researchers have different opinions on whether, artificial supplements can give the same result as natural antioxidants. So to be on the safer side, it is better to consume variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, which will ensure a healthy dose of antioxidants.

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.

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

Medical terms and definitions associated with IVF and ART procedures

Following are the medical terms and their definitions associated with IVF and other ART procedures, according to the assisted reproductive technology regulation bill issued by the Ministry of Health and family welfare

“artificial insemination” means the procedure of artificially transferring semen into the reproductive system of a woman and includes insemination with the husband’s semen or with the donor’s semen
“assisted reproductive technology”, means all techniques that attempt to obtain a pregnancy by handling or manipulating the sperm or the oocyte outside the human body and transferring the gamete or the embryo into the reproductive tract of a woman
“assisted reproductive technology bank” means an organisation that is set up to supply sperm or semen, oocytes or oocyte donor to the assisted reproductive technology clinics or their patients
“assisted reproductive technology clinic” means any premises, equipped with the requisite facilities for carrying out the procedures related to the assisted reproductive technology
“biological parent” means the genetic parent
“commissioning couple” means an infertile married couple, who approach an assisted reproductive technology clinic or assisted reproductive technology bank for obtaining service’s that the assisted reproductive technology clinic or the assisted reproductive technology bank is authorised to provide
“couple” means a relationship between a male person and female person who live together in a shared household through a relationship in the nature of marriage which is legal in India
“cryo-preservation” means the freezing and storing of gametes, zygotes and embryos
“donor” means the donor of a gamete or gametes but does not include the husband who provides the sperm or the wife who provides the oocyte to be used in the process of assisted reproduction for their own use
“egg”, means the female gamete namely the oocyte
“sperm” means the male gametes produced in the testicles and contained in semen
“embryo”, means the fertilised ovum that has begun cellular division and continued development up to eight weeks
“fertilisation”, means the penetration of the ovum by the spermatozoon and fusion of genetic materials resulting in the development of a zygote
“foetal reduction”, means reduction in the number of foetuses in the case of multiple pregnancies
“foetus”, means the product of conception, starting from completion of embryonic development until birth or abortion
“oocyte” and “ovum”, means, the female gamete present in the ovary, and an ovulated oocyte in which the first polar body has been released
“patients” means an infertile married couple who comes to any registered assisted reproductive technology clinic and is under treatment for infertility
“gamete”, means sperm and oocyte namely the egg
“gamete donor”, means a person who provides sperm or oocyte with the objective of enabling an infertile couple to have a child
“implantation”, means the attachment and subsequent penetration by the zona-free blastocyst, which starts five to seven days following fertilization
“infertility”, means the inability to conceive after at least one year of unprotected coitus or an anatomical or physiological condition that would prevent a couple from having a child
“Legitimate” means in accordance or in compliance with the existing/ established law or accepted patterns and standards
“Medical Visa” means an official authorization/endorsement in a passport or similar documents issued by Indian High Commission or Indian Embassy permitting entry into and travel within India for treatment of infertility at an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinic registered under National Registry of ART Clinics
“Foreigners Regional Registration Officer/ Foreigners Registration Officer” means an officer having jurisdiction over the area for implementation of the Acts/Rules pertaining to foreigners where the assisted reproductive technology clinic is located
“Non Resident Indian (NRI)” means an Indian citizen who is ordinarily residing outside India and holds an Indian Passport
“Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)” means a person registered as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955
“People of Indian Origin (PIO)” means a person who or whose any of ancestors was an Indian national and who is presently holding another country’s citizenship/ nationality i.e. he/she is holding foreign passport
“Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis” includes the technique in which an embryo formed through in-vitro fertilisation is tested for specific disorders prior to the transfer
“Record” means documents pertaining to infertile couple, gamete donor, diagnosis/screening, types and steps of treatments/ procedures and their complications, if any and final outcome, written consent’s, agreement’s, No Objection Certificate’s (NOCs), other related documents etc.

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.

courtesy : assisted reproductive technology regulation bill issued by the Ministry of Health and family welfare