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Impact of Lifestyle on Male and Female Infertility

Understand how change in Diet and Lifestyle will impact your fertility with Dr. Richika Sahay Shukla, Fertility Specialist, India IVF Clinic.

Obesity, Stress, Anxiety, irregular daily routine are the major causes for infertility in male and  female. Change in diet, consumption of alcohol and junk foods effects your hormones and ultimately causes PCOD in females.

Breast reconstruction is the surgical procedure of creating a new breast shape. In some cases, it is done after the removal of the whole breast or part of the breast. In typical cases, breast reconstruction surgeries take place during or after mastectomy, which is the surgical procedure of removing a woman's breast. But it can be done even years after a mastectomy.

1. Factors to consider before opting for the surgery - Conditions like obesity, smoking, diabetes, cardiac dysfunctions and high blood pressure are few of the many points that should be considered before opting for reconstruction. The presence of these conditions may complicate cases and in some episodes may pose a significant threat to a patient's life.

Also, women diagnosed with breast cancer or at a high risk of developing such in the future may have to opt for mastectomy. In such cases, the doctor may suggest breast reconstruction after the process.

2. The process of the surgery - Typically, breast reconstruction surgeries are done using an implant. Implant breast reconstruction includes the restoration of the shape and volume of the breast. The newly formed breast will not droop with age and may appear higher than the other one.

Implant reconstruction is also useful for women with small and firm breasts as it avoids the need for other extensive surgeries. 

Another type of breast reconstruction would include a procedure where one's own tissue is used. Tissue from the abdomen, buttocks, and inside of the thigh is generally used to replace the existing breast tissue. Similar to this is the procedure where a patient's own fat is processed and used to create a breast. This is commonly known as fat injection.

3. Limitations of a breast reconstruction surgery - There are certain limitations present in the process of breast reconstruction. Reconstructed breasts will not look or feel exactly the same way as before. Several appointments and cosmetic treatments might be required to obtain the best results. In usual cases, reconstructed breasts do not have a nipple. But one can be created using surgery at a later date.

Getting pregnant can become an immensely frustrating experience for women with endometriosis or cyst with IVF treatment. Many women with endometriosis worry about whether they will be able to conceive and bear a child. This is because, in such a case, there is a collection of endometrial tissues outside the uterus that results in a painful inflammation along with the formation of blood-filled cysts in the ovary and bands of scar tissues.

How does PCOS or endometriosis affect the process of reproduction?
When a woman has any of these fertility issues, there could be endometrial growths of the tissue hindering the normal functioning of the reproductive organs. When the endometrial tissue formation involves the ovaries, there is a restriction on the release of eggs. On the other hand, when the fallopian tubes are affected, it would prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or it may also stop the fertilized egg from travelling to the uterus. Though each of these instances may sound challenging, experts suggest that IVF treatment can be helpful in offering desired results. It is estimated that about one-third of women suffering from endometriosis can conceive naturally without any treatment whatsoever. But for the rest of the women that suffer from endometriosis, IVF can be the best bet.

How can IVF help in getting pregnant in this scenario?
In order to make pregnancy possible for women with multiple adhesions, endometriosis or PCOS, the doctor would definitely begin with a comprehensive evaluation of hormones along with the presence of other chemicals in the body. Diagnostic tests such as hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography, and laparoscopy can also be of great value in offering an insight into the individual patient’s condition.

When the IVF process has been successful, the embryo will get implanted in the uterus and cause the much-desired pregnancy. If there is any embryo remaining, it may be stored for use in future or donated to other couples. IVF is deemed successful for overcoming most of the female factor caused infertility including cyst, PCOS, and even endometriosis. There are 5 fundamental steps in IVF and they are:

1. Super-ovulation or the process of stimulating the reproductive organs of a woman for releasing numerous healthy eggs. This is the first point of contradiction between IVF and normal pregnancy where a single egg is released and ovulated.
2. The second step constitutes retrieval of eggs and sperm collection
3. Then there is insemination as well as fertilization of the eggs with the help of the sperm
4. Development of embryos and subsequent genetic evaluation when needed
5. Transfer of the embryo in the uterus of the woman

Since IVF allows a controlled interaction between the egg and the sperm, it offers a high rate of success even when the patient is affected by complex disorders such as endometriosis, PCOS or cyst. Hence, discuss with your doctor if it is a viable option for the given situation.

The body produces a number of chemicals called hormones which are essential for the regulation of various functions including growth and metabolism. These hormones are produced by endocrine glands which are located in various parts of the body. One such important gland is the pituitary gland which produces the important growth hormone. This is essential for regulating optimal growth during the growing years and for maintaining proper amounts of body fat, muscles, and bones in the later years of life.

Causes: Deficiency of the growth hormones can occur due to a number of causes, some of which are listed below. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
The congenital issue could be due to problem in the pituitary gland structure, leading to complete absence or reduced secretion of the hormone.
With age, there is a decrease in the amount of secretion. However, infections, injuries, brain tumors, surgery and radiation can also lead to altered amounts of secretion.

Symptoms: While growth hormone deficiency can occur at any age, symptoms differ depending on the age when the deficiency sets in.
In the early ages:

• Lower rate of growth for a given age
• Delayed developmental milestones
• Delayed onset of puberty
• Short stature/reduced height
• Younger looking compared to other children their age
• Fat deposition around the waist
• Delayed dental development

When the deficiency sets in during the later years, there is

• Low energy levels, constant tiredness
• Decreased strength
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Decreased overall muscle mass
• Thin and dry skin
• Increased fat deposition and weight gain around the waist
• Changes in social behavior including alternate cycles of anxiety and depression
• Lack of motivation
• History of pituitary tumors
• High levels of fat and cholesterol

The diagnosis depends on the age of the person

• Blood tests are carried out to check the hormone levels in circulation
• In children, in addition to the hormone levels, x-rays to see the status of growth plates is very helpful.
• An insulin hypoglycemia test where insulin is given intravenously to see the levels of the growth hormone after 30 minutes.
• Total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels can be used to supplement the above tests.
• CT scan and/or MRI of the brain may be needed if tumors are suspected.

Treatment: Once diagnosed, replacement therapy is given as shots a few times a week under the skin. This restores normal growth and helps in controlling the symptoms in adults too.
In cases of tumor, radiation or surgery may be required, but most cases are managed with hormone replacement.
Watch out for the symptoms if your child has delayed developmental milestones and early intervention can help restore growth and function to normal levels.