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Giving birth to a baby is one of the happiest experiences for a mother. However, there are times when a woman runs into problems while trying to conceive. This is where the technique of IVF is very useful.

What is IVF?

In vitro-fertilisation, a type of assertive reproductive technique or ART involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries of a woman and then fertilizing them with sperms taken from a man. The fertilized egg also called an embryo is frozen for a long time in an incubator and then put into a woman’s uterus so that she gets pregnant.

The embryos can also be implanted inside a surrogate mother. IVF has been a proven and effective method to treat infertility among both men and women. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) states that the average women who fall under the reproductive age develop a 20% to 35% chance of getting pregnant via IVF.

Reasons why couples opt for In Vitro Fertilisation-

1. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

One of the major causes of infertility, fallopian tubes can block due to a number of reasons like Pelvic infection, Appendix burst, Gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted diseases, Abdominal surgery, Hydrosalpinx or swelling at the end of the fallopian tube and others.

Both the ovaries inside the female body is linked to the uterus by a fallopian tube. If one of the tubes is blocked, there are low chances of producing a fertilized egg. But if both the tubes are blocked, the chances of conceiving are nil.

IVF doesn’t involve fallopian tubes for pregnancy.

2. Anovulation

Sometimes the egg does not mature during the menstrual cycle. As a result, the woman does not ovulate. This is called anovulation. It either develops as a chronic problem where they experience an anovulatory cycle at one time and a regular cycle in the next or they experience no periods at all. It mainly prompts from the disruption of the hormone levels in the body, which further interferes with the pregnancy.

IVF method is used when the woman cannot conceive even after the intake of ovulation-inducing pills.

3. Miscarriages

A type of pregnancy loss, miscarriage usually occurs when the pregnancy ends after the first 20 weeks of gestation due to certain complications.

In the first trimester, a miscarriage can occur due to the chromosomal abnormality of the baby inside the mother’s womb. Other possible causes include hormonal problems, the age of conceiving, maternal trauma, an unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, doing drugs or exposure to toxins etc.

With IVF, the number of candidate embryos increases and creates chances of a successful pregnancy.

4. Infertility among men

Male infertility lowers the possibilities for a woman to get pregnant. It contributes to about 45-50% in all cases of infertility.

The doctors suggest IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm ejection, a laboratory procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of a woman’s egg taken from her ovary.

5. Low Ovarian Reserve

A woman can also have a lower count of eggs in her ovaries. Also called Diminished Ovarian Reserve or DOR, the woman’s ovaries lose their potential for reproduction and result in infertility.

IVF stimulates in the development of healthier eggs. With reproductive endocrinologist, the matured eggs are collected directly from the ovaries. However, younger woman has more chances of success with the IVF technique.

6. Endometriosis

This is the condition when the tissues lining your uterus or endometrium grows outside the uterus or the fallopian tubes and is largely associated with fertility problems. About 40% of unexplained infertility results from endometriosis through anatomical distortion or inflammation.

Although it can be successfully treated with surgeries and medication, IVF is a favoured option among many couples. Since it fertilizes the eggs and the sperm outside the body and later transplants it into the uterus, it bypasses the toxic pelvic environment and helps overcome endometriosis-related infertility.

7. Unexplained infertility

Most of the causes behind unexplained infertility are said to be epigenome or genetic. However, with IVF, the chances of getting pregnant are higher.

IVF can also determine the causes of your infertility. For example, if the fertilization of the sperm and the egg fails to result in pregnancy, it is a direct sign than embryonic development or implantation is the root cause.

8. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS is the condition where small cysts form inside your ovaries triggers irregular periods, excessive stomach cramps and hormonal imbalance. Immature ovaries do not assist in ovulation and produce complications infertility. Women with PCOS also develop high levels of ‘androgen’ or male hormones in their body, which is converted to estrogen and in turn, impairs the conception process.

Assisted reproduction or in vitro fertilization (IVF) sharply improves the chances of pregnancy despite PCOS.

A bone fracture occurs when a strong external force is applied on the bones causing it to break. It is an extremely painful condition that results in days of immobility and rest. There are several reasons which can result in bone fracture, some of them being:

1. Injuries caused in sports

Any sport requires and demands extreme physical exertion and participation. Being involved in any sport therefore automatically increases your risk of incurring injuries. Bone fractures therefore are mostly reported during sports.

2. Osteoporosis

Due to the deficiency of calcium, the bones of both men and women tend to get weak and more susceptible to fracture and breakage. It is one of the primary causes that lead to bone fracture.

3. Osteomalacia

This also refers to a condition wherein the bones become weak and brittle. Much like osteoporosis, osteomalacia too significantly contributes to instances of bone fractures.

4. Osteosarcoma

This is a rare form of bone cancer that most often develops either near the femur or near the shinbone. An instance of this form of bone cancer is most often found in children and weakens the bone, consequently leading to fractures.

Though there may be different causes of broken fractures, its symptoms remain similar. Some of them are-

1. Swelling

One of the most common symptoms of bone fracture is perceptible swelling. If any of your bone is fractured, that particular part will be visibly swollen.

2. Deformity

Bones give your body the shape it has, thereby, any fracture anywhere would inevitably manifest itself as a clear deformity of that particular part.

3. Extreme pain

It goes without saying that a bone fracture would entail excruciating and extreme pain. This pain sharply increases with mobility thereby necessitating complete rest.

4. Temporary loss of function

The part of the body where the bone is broken temporarily becomes dysfunctional. For instance, if the bone in your hand is broken, you will find it extremely difficult to move and do any work with it.

Achalasia is a very rare disease. Normally, your esophagus squeezes food down by making the muscular valve in between the stomach and esophagus relax. Achalasia occurs when this muscular valve is unable to relax and thus the esophagus is unable to squeeze the food down. The most common reason why this happens is because the nerves in your esophagus are damaged. The nerves most commonly get damaged because of abnormalities in the way your immune system responds. Till now, there is no cure to achalasia; however surgery or minimally invasive therapy can make the symptoms of achalasia more manageable.

Here are all the causes and symptoms of achalasia:

Symptoms

1.  Difficulty swallowing
The difficulty you face when swallowing food is the most common symptom of achalasia. Both liquid as well as solid food will be hard to swallow.

2.  Regurgitation
If the food is regurgitating in the night, then the lungs may have been inhaling some food. This is very serious and you should see the doctor immediately if this occurs.

3.  Chest pain
You may suddenly experience chest pain from a completely unknown cause. 

4.  Weight loss
You may also suffer from sudden weight loss if you have achalasia. This is due to the reduced amount of food you will be consuming.

5.  Heartburn
Heartburn is when you have a very intense burning pain in your chest just behind your breastbone which is most commonly caused by regurgitation in your esophagus. 

Causes

The exact cause of achalasia is not yet known. However, there are some theories on what causes achalasia. Here they are.

1.  Genes
The most common cause of achalasia is genes. 

2.  Autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disease is when your immune system attacks your body's own cells. Achalasia is a type of autoimmune disease.

3.  Infection
There have also been a lot of claims that infections are the cause of achalasia.

Similar to blackheads are whiteheads, which develop on our skin. Both blackheads and whiteheads are caused due to clogged pores. However, as opposed to blackheads, whiteheads cannot be extracted. Whiteheads are a form of acne that is referred to as closed comedones. They appear on the skin as small round white-coloured bumps. When excess oil is secreted in the skin, oil along with dead skin cells clog the pore area and block the pore opening resulting in whitehead formation. Unlike blackheads that keep the pore open, whiteheads, on the other hand, keep the pores closed.

However, they may evolve into a pustule or other acne lesion when bacteria gets involved.

Causes of whiteheads
Clogged pores are the prime reason that causes whiteheads, and they can occur due to any of the following reasons:

• Excessive oil secretion or sebum
• Hormonal changes occurring due to puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation
• Birth control pills
• Sweating and humidity
• Use of certain cosmetics or products that are harmful
• Eating excessive oily or greasy foods
• Genetic predisposition

Treatment of whiteheads

With extreme conditions, oral medications like isotretinoin may be prescribed, but these come with potential side effects. Here are some remedies you can try to get rid of whiteheads: Tea tree oil: Dab a cotton swab with tea tree oil and apply it on the whiteheads to prevent bacterial infection.

Self-care tips 
Practising some of the following preventive self-care measures will prevent the formation of whiteheads:

• Wash your skin twice daily with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Don’t squeeze pimples.
• Practice caution while shaving.
• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.
• Use oil-free skin products.
• Remove makeup before going to bed.
• Opt for non-comedogenic or non-pore-clogging products.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of non-synthetic fabrics to let your skin breathe.
• Wash your hair regularly.
• Change of pillow covers periodically is essential as oil and dirt may accumulate in the covers.

Here are some remedies you can try to get rid of whiteheads:

The above are just some measures to avoid whiteheads. If the problem persists, then it's time to seek medical assistance and schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to eradicate these pesky whiteheads.

The skin has a protein called keratin that protects it from infections and other harmful toxins.  For various reasons, mostly unknown but likely genetic, there could be a buildup of this keratin leading to small, light-colored, hard bumps under the skin that can feel like sandpaper. This condition is medically known as keratosis pilaris.  These pillars of keratin block the hair follicles that open onto the surface of the skin, and when a number of follicles are blocked, it leads to dry, bumpy feeling. In common words, it is also referred to as chicken skin, chicken bumps, or goose bumps.

Occurrence:  The onset is usually in the first decade of life, continues to grow in number in teenagers (80%), and slowly subsides as they grow older (40% of adults).  People with dry skin are more likely to have these bumps than people with oily skin.  The most commonly affected areas include upper arms, thighs, buttocks and very rarely on the face.

Cause: This is a genetic disorder, and the bumps are due to excessive formation and buildup of keratin due to faulty genes.  There could be surplus skin formation under these follicles or hair follicles trapped under these bumps.  There could be a small area of inflammation and redness around the bumps.
Weather Correlation:  Keratotis pilaris is more common and evident during the winter months when the skin is normally drier than in summer months.  Some people could have this condition lifelong, with only manifestation seen in winters and complete absence of bumps in the summer months. 

Symptoms: The condition is usually asymptomatic, except for the dryness, and does not cause itching or medical harm. The esthetic concern, especially if in upper arms, is the only concern.  Some people could be affected by the hard, bumpy feeling of the skin.  There are no long-term medical symptoms or harmful effects of this condition though.

Treatment:  No treatment is required; however, moisturizers may be required to prevent the bumps from drying up. In very severe cases, creams may be used to remove dead skin cells and to prevent plugged follicles.  Alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid containing creams can be used to remove the dead skin cells. These also help moisturize the skin and reduce dryness.  Vitamin A containing creams can be used to unplug the hair follicles.

A word of caution though - these creams can cause itching and redness.  Since this condition is prevalent in children, these creams need to be used only if absolutely essential and with medical prescriptions. The condition is harmless and self-limiting, so no treatment is mandatory.  Patient education is of utmost importance in these cases

Our skin has a tendency to become harsh, dry and aggravated during specific seasons and with age. As per Ayurveda, it happens because of the collection of vata in the body. When there is excess of vata, we are inclined to dry skin, acne, dry hair and weak nails. Vata can appear in the body even faster in case you are under stress. Here are some Ayurvedic tips that will decrease the vata accumulation in the body and will help you remain young and keep your skin healthy:

1. Have some tea: Vata is dry and cool by nature so your skin will remain healthier looking, if your keep these two qualities under control. Remain hydrated for the duration of the day and have warm fluids, for example, herbal tea. Making some hot tea with crisp ginger and lemon will wake you up toward the evening and keep your absorption healthy, which is important for shining skin.
2. Keep exercise regular: Exercising is fundamental in keeping the Vata from spreading further. Exercising is recommended to keep your muscles and joints sound and healthy while helping you sweat out the toxins. Exercise will likewise enhance blood flow, absorption, and give you a solid skin
3. Practice yogic breathing: High levels of mental anxiety are one of the significant reasons why Vata gets disturbed. It truly sucks out all the good juices from your skin making it dried out. Breathing can be an exceptionally powerful anxiety buster that you might need to consider.
4. Snooze off with sunset: Aggravated Vata frequently causes anxiety, which can lead to a sleeping disorder. Any healthy skin proficient or Ayurvedic specialist will tell you that getting no less than seven hours of rest is something worth it in order to have a scar-free glowing skin.
5. Use skin moisturiser: Staying hydrated within is vital yet you should not disregard dealing with your outer skin all things considered, too. Purging and saturating are the most essential to keeping your skin sound and youthful.

Ayurveda is an age old system of medicine that is holistic in nature. Treatment in Ayurveda focuses on getting rid of the cause of the disease. The medicines in Ayurveda are natural and thus, do not have any side effects. There are various remedies in Ayurveda to balance your blood sugar level. Blood sugar occurs either due to decreased insulin sensitivity or inefficient absorption of glucose by the cells in the body.

The various remedies to balance blood sugar in Ayurveda are

1. Diet: You should pay close attention to your diet, as diet plays a primary role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Eating foods that can cause your blood sugar levels to hit the roof should be strictly avoided. Simple sugars are the main culprit, and any food that contains simple sugars like refined foods and most fruits need to be avoided.

2. Exercise: Exercise is a must if you want your blood sugar under control. Include cardiovascular exercises like running and swimming that helps in burning calories and regulate blood sugar. It also helps you lose fat and reduce weight. Exercises also uses the sugar in your blood thus, causing a drop in the blood sugar levels.

3. Avoid stress: If you are feeling stressed lately then you may employ relaxation techniques such as meditation. You can start off with simple meditation techniques such as focusing on your breath. Count to 4 while you inhale and then hold your breath for seven seconds, then exhale while you count to 8. Repeat this procedure for 10-15 minutes on a daily basis.

4. Herbs: You can include fenugreek in your diet, you may consume them by soaking them overnight in a glass of water and then drinking the water after straining it. It has been known to reduce blood sugar levels. Holy basil or tulsi is another herb that has a beneficial effect on the blood sugar level in the body. It also corrects hormonal imbalances and improves your overall wellbeing. You can also add cinnamon powder while cooking to maintain insulin sensitivity.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are two commonly used methods of fertility treatment, which increase a couple’s chance of becoming pregnant.

The Procedure

IUI- IUI is a procedure during which processed and concentrated motile sperm are inserted directly into a woman’s uterus. This procedure is timed according to a woman’s ovulation, and may be performed one to two times in the days immediately following the detection of ovulation. After ovulation a woman’s egg is picked up by the fallopian tube and waits there for the sperm. Since the IUI procedure deposits higher concentrations of good quality sperm close to where the egg is waiting, the chances that the egg and sperm will find one another are increased.

IVF- IVF is the most successful method of fertility treatment utilized today to help couples to conceive. The basic components of the IVF process include stimulation of the ovaries to produce multiple eggs at a time, removal of the eggs from the ovary (egg retrieval), fertilization of the eggs in the laboratory, and subsequent placement of the resulting embryos into the uterus (embryo transfer). The chance of pregnancy from IVF depends primarily on the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, and factors related to the quality of the IVF laboratory.

Success Rates Of Both Treatments 

IUI Treatment: There is a marked difference between IVF and IUI pregnancy rates. IUI has a success rate between 5% and 20%, but it can even be as low as 1-2 %, depending on the woman’s age and fertility levels. The chances of conceiving through IUI is higher if fertility drugs are administered along with the treatment.

IVF Treatment: IVF has a high success rate – between 20% and 35% and it can even go as high as 40%. This may not seem like a lot, but it is very high, considering that an average young and fertile couple has only a 15-20% chance to conceive in a month. It is important to understand what IVF and IUI success rates mean and the factors that affect it before deciding on a fertility treatment. You can also use any reliable online IUI vs IVF comparison tool to determine your approximate success rates with each of these treatments, depending on your age, lifestyle, and medical history.

You should use online sources of information to understand more about fertility problems, how age affects fertility levels, and whether freezing your eggs is a good option for you. However, discuss all these issues with your doctor to ensure that you have the right information and that you have understood it correctly. Fertility specialists provide you with personalized fertility plans based on your health which is why you should always talk to them before you make any decision.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or Disease (PCOS) is a very common condition, wherein there are multiple cysts in the ovaries. As a result, there are many changes which the body undergoes and it is not limited to the gynecologic system. A woman with PCOS may also find it difficult to conceive, and so, once she is pregnant, precautions are essential to ensure there are no complications.

Pcos predisposes women to diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular complications, lipid metabolism disorders, uterine cancer in long run. Some of them are listed below:

1. Preeclampsia: When the blood pressure readings are high during pregnancy, it is known as preeclampsia. It brings with it a whole lot of complications including the need to cesarean section, premature birth, etc. So, it is best avoided, and diet can help to some extent.
2. Diabetes: Gestational diabetes which manifests as higher sugar levels only during the pregnancy is very common in women with PCOS. The increased hormone levels in PCOS increase insulin resistance, thereby increasing sugar levels. This needs to be managed through a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
3. Preterm labor: Women with PCOS are at a slightly higher risk of premature labor.
4. Weight-related issues: PCOS leads to weight gain, and this could be a problem during pregnancy. It is essential to discuss with the doctor as to what would be a good weight range and stay within that range throughout pregnancy. Weight gain brings with it a host of complications and so best avoided.

Dietary changes:

With PCOS, during pregnancy, strict cautious diet planning can help in avoiding complications and allow for an easier pregnancy. Though they may not solve every problem associated with PCOS, dietary modifications can have a significant effect on the overall health and well-being. Listed below are some easy-to-make changes:

1. Increase consumption of fibres like greens, nuts, pumpkin, berries, whole grains, almonds, etc. are included. This ensures that digestion is a prolonged and gradual spike in blood sugar levels.
2. Increase protein-rich foods like soya, tofu, eggs, and chicken, which help in avoiding binging. They are light on the stomach and help in weight management.
3. Foods which are generally anti-inflammatory including tomatoes, olive oil, spinach, fresh fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids help in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
4. Supplements to include omega-3 fatty acids, prenatal vitamins, vitamin D, and calcium if required ensure that the baby gets the required nutrients for optimal growth.

What to avoid:

Anything that can spike up calories and is of low nutritional value should be avoided.

1. Avoid whites – pasta, rice, and bread
2. Baked and processed foods
3. Candies, chocolates, snacks
4. Salty and spicy fried snacks
5. Aerated drinks and soda

PCOS in pregnancy presents a combination risk, and dietary changes and weight management are essential for a safe pregnancy.

A left ventricular assist device is an electromechanical device used in cases of advanced heart failure. In later stages of heart failure when the heart is weakened and no longer able to pump the necessary amount of blood, a left ventricular assist device can be surgically implanted to assist the heart’s functions.

A left ventricular assist device is often used as a short term solution and is different from a pacemaker, which is a long term cardiac assist device. The cases in which a left ventricular assist device is often used are:

• As a temporary solution while a cardiac failure patient is on a transplant list or otherwise waiting for a heart transplant.
• During recovery from cardiac surgery when the heart is not strong enough to function on its own. The device would soon be removed as the patient recovers.
• During recovery from heart attacks

Having a left ventricular assist device implanted gives the heart time to rest and recover, leading you to the point where your heart can go back to functioning on its own. However, there are cases where a left ventricular assist device can be implanted as a long term solution. This treatment is called Destination Therapy and requires implanting a left ventricular assist device for several months or several years.

How a Left Ventricular Assist Device works?
A Left Ventricular Assist Device can only be surgically implanted. It has both internal and external components with a pump attached to your heart and a controller on the outside of the body. The pump is attached to the heart with a tube that directs blood into the aorta. The pump and the controller are connected through a cable called the driveline. Since the Left Ventricular Assist Device is powered by electricity or batteries, a power source is also worn outside the body and is attached to the controller, powering both the controller and the pump.

How a Left Ventricular Assist Device can affect your lifestyle?
Many people around the world have Left Ventricular Assist Devices implanted on both a temporary and permanent basis. While a person should be resting while recovering from a heart attack or cardiac surgery, it is possible to go about your normal daily life whilst having a Left Ventricular Assist Device implanted. While certain exercises and stress should be avoided when having a heart condition or when implanted with a Left Ventricular Assist Device, with carrying cases for power sources and controller that can operate from various different power sources, it is easy to live a normal productive life.