Care Ivf

Pregnancy is the most important and happiest time of a woman’s life. Yet, there may be many conditions where this time can be marred with complications which may even lead to the possible termination of the pregnancy. A situation like an ectopic pregnancy can turn out to be a fatal situation where termination of the pregnancy is the only way out. So let us find out more about this kind of pregnancy.

Definition: By definition, an ectopic pregnancy is one where the fertilised egg does not implant itself in the main uterine cavity. This can lead to several complications and symptoms. This implantation may get stuck in the fallopian tubes from where the fertilised egg is supposed to travel into the uterine cavity or the womb where it attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This kind of pregnancy is also known as a tubal pregnancy.

Symptoms: Initially, there may not be any signs and symptoms of this kind of pregnancy. A missed period and tenderness, as well as some amount of nausea, will be normal symptoms that one feels in any case, during any other kind of pregnancy as well. These symptoms can be reported to a doctor and one can even go through a pregnancy test, which will show a positive result in case the symptoms are due to pregnancy. Yet, this kind of pregnancy cannot progress as a normal pregnancy under any circumstances. The main symptoms will start to show up in the form of aches and pains in the abdomen region as well as light vaginal bleeding, which should be reported to a doctor on an immediate and urgent basis. Changes in the bowel movements and pain in the shoulder due to blood leakage from the fallopian tubes are also some symptoms of this kind of pregnancy.

Risk factors: When there is an infection that stops the travel of the egg all the way through the fallopian as well as inflammation and other fertility issues, then the lady is susceptible to this kind of pregnancy. The choice of contraceptive can also sometimes lead to this kind of pregnancy as an IUD device may lead to the blockage of the fertilised egg as well.

Treatment: Usually, early detection and treatment of this kind of pregnancy can help in guaranteeing that the future pregnancies will be safe and normal. To begin with, the doctor will carry out various tests and an ultrasound to find out whether or not it an ectopic pregnancy. If the egg is found outside the uterus, it cannot develop in a normal manner. Usually, a small laparoscopic procedure is carried out in order to terminate the pregnancy and remove the egg which is stuck, even as your HCG level is monitored. In some cases, if damage to the tube is widespread, it may also have to be removed.

There is a load of things which have the tendency to go wrong when it comes to a pregnancy. One of the many is something called intrauterine growth restriction which is often abbreviated to be known as IUGR. While the name may be long, but the effect it can have on the baby means that the baby can turn out to be smaller than what a baby should really be.

Due to this issue, there is a range of other problems which can crop up. Some of these problems are an ability to resist infection as well as a degree of trouble when it comes to the maintenance of the body temperature. In addition to this, there are quite a few problems which include a low birth weight and a red blood cell count which is a lot higher than what would normally be expected to be seen in a baby.

In order to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), what a mother should do is to cut out smoking from her life, in its entirety. Steps should also be taken with regard to diabetes and high blood pressure if these exist.

When a person is looking for the size of the baby, by the way of an ultrasound, the main symptom of the baby having intrauterine growth restriction is the size of the baby. If the baby happens to be smaller than about 90% of what babies at that stage of the pregnancy should be, it is a fair sign that IUGR may be the cause. However, that being said, it is not likely each and every small baby does, in fact, have IUGR. Another method which can be made use of in order to estimate the rate of growth of the baby is the dopper flow method. This means that sounds waves are used in order to find the rate of blood and the amount of the same moving through the vessels.

When there is a chance of IUGR, the things which would be good for a mother to be to practice even in normal circumstances should really be done. This means that she should get 8 hours of sleep, with possibly some rest in the afternoon. In addition to this, following a healthy diet is very important.

As long as the woman is in close contact with her doctor, it should be taken care of and the chances of a healthy baby will be as high as possible!

The fallopian tubes are a part of a woman’s reproductive system. This is the passage through which the egg travels to meet the sperm and attach the end result to the lining of the womb or the uterine lining. In many cases, the fallopian tubes may get blocked, which can cause a series of complications, including infertility and other issues.

Read on to know more about the complications as well as the diagnosis.

Fallopian tubes: These are two thin tubes that flank either side of the uterus. It helps the matured egg from travelling from the ovaries to the uterus. 

Blockage of fallopian tubes: Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs, as well as endometriosis, can cause a blockage in the fallopian tubes. The tubes can get blocked from one or both sides.

Complications: Blocked fallopian tubes can lead to major complications like early pregnancy loss as well as infertility. Every month, the ovaries release eggs during a cycle known as the ovulation cycle. During this period, the eggs leave the ovaries and travel through the fallopian tubes in order to reach the uterus, where they can possibly get inseminated with sperm, after which they will get fertilised and attach themselves to the uterine lining or the womb. In case the fallopian tubes are blocked, the eggs gets blocked and do not get a passageway to travel from the ovaries and into the uterus. This can lead to infertility as it will prevent fertilisation of the released egg. Furthermore, blocked fallopian tubes can also lead to tubal pregnancies, which will have to be terminated as it can lead to severe health risks.

Symptoms: So how can you find out whether your fallopian tubes are blocked? There are a number of symptoms that may be caused in the course of this condition. It is important to be even more careful about the symptoms because they may not be as obvious as other conditions, where irregular periods and heavy bleeding may point to the problem at the very onset. Pain in the lower abdomen and unusual discharge usually point to the problem. Also, loss of pregnancy due to the blockage is also a clear cut diagnosis.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of the condition is done with the help numerous tests and imaging examinations conducted by a gynaecologist. A specialised X-ray called hysterosalpingogram or HSG is used in order to diagnose the issue. In this kind of examination, a dye is inserted through the uterus. This dye has a lens at the end, which shows the blockage and its extent. The doctor then conducts tests to find out the causes of this condition so that proper treatment may be followed. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an IVF Specialist.

4 myths on IVF you should stop believing right now

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of the popular Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) for treating infertility and helping couples to conceive. The process involves the fertilisation of the egg with the sperm in a laboratory and thereafter, inserting the embryo formed, into the uterus. But lack of understanding about the topic has given rise to a number of myths such as:

Myth 1: IVF increases your fertility levels

Instead of making you more fertile, IVF stops your natural fertility cycle. This is usually done through hormones that are taken at the beginning of the process. The aim of such an action is to essentially put an end to your natural fertility process and create in its place an artificial cycle.

Myth 2: IVF hormone injections make you prone to uncontrollable emotions

In actuality, IVF hormone injections don’t cause you to suffer from out of control emotions but make you happier. This is because they come packed with the female hormone oestrogen, which produce endorphins (brain chemicals) that give you a sense of wellbeing.  The wave of emotions that you end up experiencing is a result of the stress and anxiety surrounding the success of a cycle.  

Myth 3: IVF never fails but is always successful

The success of the procedure depends on a number of factors such as quality and quantity of embryos and age. It is said that chances of conception decreases with age, with women above 40 reporting reduced fertility potential as well as success rate. On the other hand, women below the age of 35 have about 41% chance of getting pregnant.

Myth 4: It causes you to have triplets or twins

No, it’s not necessary for multiple births to take place if you opt for IVF. You can reduce the prospect of having twins or triplets by cutting down on the number of embryos that get inserted into the uterus. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an IVF Specialist.

The menstrual cycle is a natural part of a woman’s life. Most of the times, it has been seen that women have periods that have a standard or perfect timing. However, some women may have extremely unpredictable or irregular periods. There are numerous reasons that can cause these irregular periods. In such cases, there are some that are more serious than the others.

At the point when a woman stops getting her period, it is called amenorrhea. It is a strong sign that something is not right. Primary amenorrhea is the point at which a teenager never got her period in the first place during adolescence. Secondary amenorrhea on the other hand, is when a woman has had her period in the past, yet stops getting her monthly period for at least three months.

Irregular periods, missed periods, or exceptionally painful and serious PMS (post menstrual syndrome) symptoms are an indication that the levels of one or more hormones are either missing or are too high. Whether it is a basic health condition, constant stress levels, a bad eating routine, an excess of exercise or less body weight, frequently missed periods is not something that should be ignored, especially when you are sure that you are not pregnant.

1. In case your irregular periods are consistent, you need to be assessed for PCOS. PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome influences up to 10 percent of the women who are in their conceiving age. Apart from causing infertility, PCOS can expand the danger of diabetes and many heart diseases.
2. You need to likewise be screened for thyroid problems and other diseases and conditions that might be connected to irregular periods. For example, an overactive or an underactive thyroid can aggravate ovulation, which may cause a lot of hormone imbalance in your body.
3. An irregular cycle can also make it more difficult to get pregnant naturally, particularly in case you are not ovulating each month. Your specialist can run tests to check whether you are ovulating. Women with sporadic periods who are attempting to have a child are at times prescribed fertility medications to improve ovulation.
4. Women with irregular menstrual cycles may have a double danger of ovarian cancer as compared to the women who have standard month-to-month period cycles.
5. Untimely ovarian failure (otherwise called untimely menopause) is the point at which a woman’s ovaries quit working before she turns 40, making her stop ovulating.
6. Irregular periods can result in a thick coating of the uterus, which can be a hazard for creating uterine cancer.
7. Irregular periods that are very heavy can result in issues like a low blood count, weakness or anemia.

Hence, if you feel your periods might not be regular and are causing you a lot of problems along with being untimely, you need to consult a gynaecologist immediately.

In vitro fertilisation, commonly known as IVF, is the process of fertilising single or multiple eggs outside the body. This treatment can be performed by either using your own egg and sperm or using donated egg or sperm or sometimes both. The resulting sperms and eggs are evaluated for quality and then one or more of them are positioned properly in the uterus through the cervix. IVF is regarded as one of the most commonly opted treatment plans, and it accounts for more than 99% of assisted reproductive technology processes.

Who are suitable for IVF?
IVF can be helpful for you in case you have some issues with the egg quality or ovulation, fallopian tubes that are blocked in some way or endometriosis. It can also help you to get pregnant if your partner has problems with mortality and sperm count and when you have opted for donor eggs. About 1.5% of babies in the United States are conceived through the IVF process.

How does IVF work?
There are several steps through which IVF process works and the timeline follows the following steps:

1. Stimulation for ovary: You will have to take a special kind of fertility drug for 8 to 14 days near the start of your menstruation cycle. This drug aids in the stimulation of your ovaries for developing multiple mature eggs to fertilise instead of a single one. You may also need to take an artificial hormone-like cetrofelix and leuprolide for keeping your body from releasing eggs very early.
2. Development of follicle: When you are under all these medications, you will have to visit your doctor’s office often for checking the hormone levels as well as ultrasound measurements for the ovaries.
3. Getting the trigger shot: Once the follicles are ready, you are likely to receive a trigger shot, which is an injection causing the eggs for maturing fully and becoming capable of being fertilised. Your eggs are ready for being retrieved after about 36 hours of receiving this shot.
4. Gathering the eggs: At this stage, you are likely to receive an aesthetic or ultrasound probe that is inserted through the vagina for checking the ovaries and identifying the follicles. Normally, about 8 to 15 eggs are retrieved through the insertion of a thin needle.
5. Fertlisation: This is the most vital step, where an embryologist is going to examine the eggs before they are combined with the sperm and incubated overnight. Fertilisation happens at this particular time, but abnormal eggs are not fertilised.

Then the embryos slowly develop and are planted on the basis of your age and clinical condition. When the treatment is working, an embryo is implanted in the uterine walls and starts developing.

In case you have a diseased uterus, which makes you infertile, you can undergo a procedure known as uterus transplant or uterine transplant to get pregnant. In the process of sexual reproduction, a diseased uterus does not allow embryonic implantation. This factor is referred to as uterine factor infertility or UFI. As a result, you will not be able to get pregnant.

Who requires a uterus transplant?
This procedure involves women who have UFI and women who had their uterus removed by hysterectomy. Women who have a damaged uterus on account of an injury or infection, which does not function anymore, can also undergo a uterus transplant procedure. Women from the age of 21 to 45 are eligible for this procedure. Many women are born without having a uterus. This condition is called Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

Procedure
Uterus transplantation begins with undertaking a uterus retrieval surgery on the uterus donor. The uterus, which is recovered has to be stored and transported to the location of the patient undergoing the transplant. An ischemic tolerance may last over 24 hours. Three major surgeries have to be carried out with the recipient. Firstly, a transplantation surgery is required in which the donor’s uterus gets transplanted. In case pregnancy develops, a caesarean section surgery has to be performed. The patient is given immune suppressive therapy. After childbirth, a hysterectomy is done in order to terminate the immune suppressive therapy.

Will the women be able to get pregnant after having sex?

Women receiving a uterus transplant will not be capable of becoming pregnant without undergoing fertility treatments. The transplanted uterus is not connected with the fallopian tubes, which is the location of the normal fertilisation process. The women will require to carry out IVF or in vitro fertilisation to become pregnant after a uterus transplant. IVF is a process in which the eggs are removed from the ovaries and get fertilised in a laboratory. Then, they are implanted in the uterus. After undergoing the uterus transplant procedure, a woman has to wait for a period of one year. The uterus requires time for healing and after recovery, the embryo may be implanted for pregnancy. After giving birth successfully, a woman will be able to keep the transplanted uterus.

She has the option to get pregnant again. However, after giving birth twice, a hysterectomy must be carried out for the removal of the uterus. This is done so that the woman can stop using the immune suppressant drugs, which are associated with major risks. Uterus transplant is a relatively new technology. In October 2014, the first healthy baby was born to a woman who had undergone a uterus transplant. This surgery is kind of experimental in nature and is usually the last option for getting pregnant.

If you wish to discuss any other problem, Consult an IVF Specialist

Do you know that the future health of your baby is decided before you even conceive? Your preconception health is very important. Planning a baby is a demanding task, but if you plan it well you will have a healthier and easier pregnancy. 

These are a few tips which can do wonders

1. Relaxation at Work and Household Backup - Plan out your work schedule. You might need to change your work hours or may be change the job profile. You will also need someone to help you out with the household chores around this time.

2. Finances - Get your finances settled and insurance plan changed accordingly.

3. Lifestyle Modification - Eat healthy. Stop the intake of alcohol and stop smoking. Set aside a time for regular exercise if possible. Try to lose that extra flab and stay very active.

4. Reduce Stress - Create a support system for yourself. Engage in activities that uplift your mood.

5. Take Folic Acid - Take 400 mcg of folic acid tablet daily. It helps prevent birth defects of brain and spine in the baby.

6. Avoid Exposure to - Harmful chemicals, metals and toxic substances at workplace and home. Protect yourself from infections. Stay away from cats.

7. Up-to-Date Vaccination - Make sure your vaccination is complete. Vaccination against rubella and flu are very important. It is also important to maintain a gap of at least one month between your rubella shot and pregnancy planning.

8. Optimize your Medical Condition - If you have Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy or any other medical condition you must take complete advice from the physician. Blood pressure and sugar levels have to be under full control. The type and dose of the drug may need modifications.

9. Check Family History - Ask your parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts and cousins about any health problems in the family like genetic problems, mental retardation or malformations in babies. This can help your Gynaecologist to determine which problems to look for and how to prevent it. 

10. Visit your Doctor - Carry a record of your medical conditions, family history and a checklist of your queries. Get tested for Li Blood Group, Thalassemia, HIV, Thyroid Levels, and Blood Sugars.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as Menorrhagia, refers to the state of abnormally heavy bleeding during periods. It’s common for women at the premenopausal stage of their life to experience heavy bleeding during periods; but if you are not among them, heavy menstrual bleeding is a matter of severe concern.

If you normally lose a lot of blood during your periods or experience severe cramps that prevent you from leading your normal lifestyle, you must first identify the cause of it.

Here are some of the most common conditions that are responsible for causing Menorrhagia.

Disturbed hormonal balance: Menstruation involves the shedding of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), whose build up is generally controlled by the balance between oestrogen and progesterone, the two significant hormones of your body. It sometimes happens that there is excess endometrium generation due to disturbed hormonal balance, which results in heavy menstrual bleeding.

Polyps: Sometimes heavy menstrual bleeding occurs due to the occurrence of uterine polyps, which are tiny growths appearing on the uterus lining. This condition is mostly prevalent among women of child-bearing age caused due to raised levels of hormones.

Intrauterine device (IUD): People who use birth control methods like Intrauterine device or IUD are likely to experience certain side effects which include heavy menstrual bleeding.  If the cause behind your Menorrhagia is an IUD, you might need to remove it to get relief from the condition.

Pregnancy complications: If you experience your period later than usual and it is associated with excessive bleeding, it may be caused by a miscarriage. Moreover, you might also experience Menorrhagia in case of an ectopic pregnancy, a condition when the fertilized egg is implanted within the fallopian tube in place of the uterus.

Uterine fibroids: Women of reproductive age may develop noncancerous (benign) tumours in the uterus known as uterine fibroids. These fibroids can be responsible for giving you periods lasting longer than usual accompanied with excessive bleeding.

Cancer: Though it is a rare case, sometimes the reason behind heavy menstrual bleeding may be uterine cancer, cervical cancer or ovarian cancer.

Medications: Consumption of certain prescription drugs such as anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory medicines may lead to prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding.

A fibroid tumour is made up of muscle cells that have escaped and come together to create a knot or a mass in the uterus. These tumours can occur due to a family history, and are usually known to occur for women patients nearing menopause. One of the most common symptoms is unusually heavy menstrual cycles. Let us walk you through the rest of the details.

*  Types: Fibroid tumours can be of three types, mainly depending on the location. While submucosal fibroids can be found just under the lining of the uterus, intramural fibroids can be found between the muscles that lie on the walls of the uterus. Finally, the third type - subserol fibroids - go beyond the uterine wall to enter the pelvic cavity. 

*  Symptoms: Usually, there are no symptoms of these kinds of fibroids. There may be heavy bleeding during the monthly menstrual cycle, as well as swelling and pain in the abdomen. Also, prolonged bleeding is common when these kinds of tumours are present in the body. 

*  Cause: Fibroid tumours are mostly caused due to an overgrowth of the cells beyond the muscular walls that line the uterus. In such cases, the growth is further fuelled by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are usually at their highest level in the body, during the child bearing years of a woman. During menopause, these tumours are known to shrink before they eventually vanish. It is very rare to find malignancy in such tumours. 

*  Risk: Are you at risk? Well, that depends on your age, family medical history, weight and in some cases, even the ethnicity. These tumours are mostly found in women who are between the age of 30 to 40 years and continues through menopause. Obesity is also a major reason that gives rise to this condition. Further, women of colour are known to develop this more easily while a family history can also increase your chances of the same.

*  Tests and Diagnosis: A pelvic exam and an ultrasound as well as a history of your menstrual cycle will help the doctor in determining whether or not you are suffering from this condition.

*  Treatment: Non steroid anti inflammatory drugs can help in bringing down the swelling and pain, especially in cases where there is heavy menstrual bleeding. Birth control pills and patches with hormones can also help in such cases. Further, progesterone shots and iron supplements may be prescribed. Very severe cases may require surgery for removal with a myomectomy.

Remember to visit your doctor in case you see any nagging symptoms of fibroid tumours.