Tag: <span>infertility</span>

infertility

What is Infertility and can it be Medically Corrected?

June 9, 2022March 28, 2024
by Eva Hospital

Even though there is a clear-cut demarcation between problems in conceiving a baby and infertility, the twin issues are often referred to as one and the same. However, know that problems in conceiving can be branded infertility only when a couple has waited for a specific time period while actively trying to conceive.

Infertility: The official definition

The World Health Organization describes infertility as a “disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse”.

Infertility may occur because one of the partners — male or female— is not able to contribute to the conception. Infertility can also be caused by the female partner’s inability to carry the pregnancy for the full term.

Infertility in India: The rising numbers

Even though infertility is a world-wide phenomenon, fertility-related issues have also been on the rise in India due to social-economic and lifestyle changes in the past three decades. While official estimates peg infertility issues affecting nearly 15% of couples in the reproductive age-group, the actual number can be much higher.

Infertility treatment

Thanks to the great advancements made in the world of medical science, infertility can be treated through medical treatment as well as interventions. Aside from medication, break-through technologies that have made headway in the field have made it possible for couples to deal with infertility.

How is male infertility treated?

Treatment of infection
Counselling
Surgery
Hormonal therapy
Use of Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IVF & ICSI

How is female infertility treated?

Fertility medications
Counseling
Laparoscopic surgery
Tubal surgeries
Use of Assisted Reproductive Techniques like IVF

What infertility? IVF to the rescue!

Today, various forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) are used to help a couple have their own biological offspring through procedures like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Treatments like IVF help a couple achieve pregnancy, irrespective of the cause of infertility. Even in cases of structural deformities in the reproductive organs, IVF treatments are known to be successful. With a high success rate, IVF, the most popular of all the available ART options, is, in fact, becoming the go-to option for most couples facing infertility issues.

Lifestyle changes affecting fertility

Smoking
Alcohol
Drugs
Diet consisting primarily of high junk food
Lack or complete absence of work-out
Obesity

Social changes affecting fertility

Late marriages
Stressful jobs & daily lives
Excessive use of technology

Eva Hospital

IUI vs IVF: Know What is Right for You

January 22, 2021
by Eva Hospital

IUI and IVF are two infertility treatment options for couples who have trouble conceiving. The main difference between the two being that fertilization happens inside the female’s body in IUI, while it occurs outside the body in IVF. Since every case of infertility is unique to each couple, the option considered entirely depends on the type of abnormality.

We will discuss the scenarios where IUI is considered, and those where IVF is preferred.

What is IUI & IVF? Basic differences.

IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination and IVF stands for In-vitro Fertilization. Both are Assisted Reproductive Techniques ( ART), that aid in conception or pregnancy.

IUI is an alternative way of putting the sperm directly into the uterus, using aids and instruments.

During the IVF ART, reproductive cells are retrieved from the female and male, combined in a glass dish for fertilization, and the resulting embryo(s) implanted in the uterus.

IUI is less invasive and kinda more natural. IVF is a little invasive, but more advanced and includes the use of donor eggs.

InVitro process includes several steps, such as ovary stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. On the other hand, intrauterine insemination only involves injecting sperm inside the uterus during ovulation to facilitate sperm’s entry into the egg.

Reasons for choosing IUI vs IVF

According to Dr. Shivani Bhutani, Infertility Specialist at Eva Hospital, in some cases IUI is tried before going ahead with IVF. With an evaluation of the reproductive health of the couple, the right ART is suggested via discussions.

Reasons for choosing IUI

Intrauterine insemination is mainly used when you fail to conceive with normal intercourse or hormonal supplements. It could be due to the following reasons:

Poor sperm motility – In some cases, the sperm cells contained in the semen do not have good mobility. So, they fail to reach the eggs and fertilize them. Sperm motility can be easily tested by providing a semen sample of the male partner.
Physical issues in consummating sex – Some women suffer from vaginismus, an abnormality where the vaginal muscles contract involuntarily while having sex. Intercourse becomes painful and infrequent for both partners.
Endometriosis– It is a condition in women where the uterine tissue starts growing outside of it. Abnormal tissue growth in fallopian tubes or ovaries stops semen from meeting the oocytes. Mild cases of endometriosis are fairly resolved via IUI.
Hostile environment- Though uncommon, sometimes the vaginal fluid contains sperm antibodies that kill the sperm in the semen. IUI solves this problem by injecting the sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing the hostility of the cervix.
Irregular Ovulation – Irregular or absent ovulation often caused by a deficiency in one of the sexual hormones makes natural conception difficult.
Low sperm count – If the sperm count is only a little low, IUI helps by screening the semen and inseminating artificially.
Ejaculation problem – Anatomical or psychological problems with erection, penis, or retrograde(reverse) ejaculation also find a solution in intrauterine insemination.
Unexplained infertility- All tests are normal, you have been trying, but there is no natural conception. We call it unexplained infertility. IUI can remedy it.

Reasons for choosing IVF

In- Vitro-Fertilization is a choice for couples for many varied reasons. Any of the following could be right for you.

Low sperm count or motility- When the male has a low quantity of sperm in the semen, IVF facilitates fertilization with a high concentration of sperm from you or a donor.
Ovulation problems – Faulty ovulation due to conditions like PCOS may not be solved with IUI alone.
Fallopian tube problems – A damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes doesn’t provide enough access for intrauterine insemination.
Timing your baby – IVF provides more control over the timing of the baby. You can freeze and store sperm as well as eggs. Also, for immediate pregnancy, there is no wait and watch interval.
Acute Endometriosis – In acute cases of endometriosis, the sperm is unable to fertilize the eggs inside the body. In vitro technique is preferred in this condition.
Using donor eggs – Whenever donor eggs from another woman are utilized, the embryos are developed in the lab and transferred to the mother to carry the pregnancy forward.
Surrogacy – Due to age, fibroids, or other factors, a female partner is unable to go through a successful pregnancy. So, you provide the gametes, they are fertilized in-vitro and implanted in a healthy woman’s uterus to carry the child to full term.
Genetic Disorder Screening – If you are afraid that one of you may pass on a genetic disease to the child, IVF helps you out. After fertilization, the resulting embryos undergo genetic screening. Only healthy embryos are chosen for implantation.

Don’t give up hope

Never lose hope! Visit an infertility clinic and evaluate your candidacy for the procedure that is best for your, your partner’s, and your future baby’s health. Your miracle baby is waiting for you.

Eva Hospital

How Pcos/pcod Affects Your Fertility and How to Manage…

January 13, 2021March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

PCOS/PCOD is a common disease affecting 10% to 20% of women (in India), affecting their fertility. It is marked by irregularity in periods.

Females with PCOS get only 7-8 periods in a year. There is no single exact reason that causes PCOD. there can be myriad causes, including genetic ones.

What is PCOS/PCOD?

It is short for PCOD vs PCOS. A polycystic female does not complete the menstrual cycle that stimulates ovulation.

The eggs contained in the ovaries do not become mature enough to be released into the uterus. Consequently, ovulation does not occur and the immature eggs stick to the ovarian walls and form cysts. Hence the name.

What causes PCOS

PCOD can be induced due to several reasons. The exact cause is not distinct. However, it causes a hormonal imbalance that hampers ovulation. women with PCOS have inadequate production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone(FSH & LH).

Consequently, they undergo limited follicular development. Hormonal imbalance is also found to be linked to insulin resistance.

Does PCOS affect fertility?

PCOS causes an imbalance of female hormones which leads to fertility issues. Also, levels of male hormones such as androgens and testosterone increase. Abnormal hormones formulate a range of symptoms and some of them affect conception.

Generally, affected women need medical assistance to get pregnant. It is because then they do not ovulate every month. Moreover, weight gain decreases fertility and can delay conception.

However, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is treatable and women can get pregnant and have healthy children.

Such patients have higher chances of infertility than other women, even so, they require contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

How can I Manage My PCOS Condition?

With help from your doctor, you can remarkably reduce PCOD symptoms, be fertile, get pregnant, and lead a healthy life generally.

According to Dr. Shivani Bhutani, you can very well manage the impact of polycystic ovaries by adopting a combined therapeutic approach.

You can manage PCOS on three levels

Medical treatment
Lifestyle
Natural ways

Managing PCOS with Medical Treatment

As your doctor would advise, various medical therapies are available to overcome fertility problems, as well as manage PCOS symptoms.

The main objective of medicines is to control symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, abnormal hair growth, acne, and weight gain.

Various drugs given to the patient maintain the appropriate hormone levels, decrease insulin resistance, control weight, and reduce stress. These may

include:

Metformin- for insulin resistance
Contraceptive pill- for regular menstruation
Gonadotrophins- to stimulate FSH & LH
Drugs to induce ovulation
Anti-anxiety pills- to relax nerves

Managing PCOS with Lifestyle Changes

Dr. Shivani from Eva IVF & Infertility Hospital, Ludhiana advises lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms of PCOD and prevent future complications.

Reduce Carbohydrate & Sugar intake

Most polycystic women suffer from insulin resistance. As a result, the body doesn’t utilize the insulin hormone to metabolize sugar and carbohydrate intake.

This causes abnormal blood sugar and calory release. Focus on foods that are low in fat and sugar, but high on fiber.

Put a cap on carbs, especially refined ones. Avoid soda, canned juices, and load up on vegetables, fruits, poultry, and grains.

Optimize body weight

Not all, but most women with PCOS are overweight and become obese. Losing excess weight substantially brings down the severity of symptoms.

Exercise Regular

Regular workouts correct the body mass index decreases insulin resistance and reduce stress. Exercising also balances the production of important hormones such as testosterone.

Managing PCOS in natural ways

Adopting healthy habits and letting go of harmful things like smoking, or excessive drinking is great.

So are some natural and alternative ways, whichever may suit. You can take your doctor’s advice on them.

There are yoga asanas, supplements such as vitamins, fish oil, and herbal naturopathy in the form of tablets or concoctions. It entirely depends on the individual case and the problem you want to address.

Wrapping up

PCOS or PCOD does affect your fertility but it can be entirely handled. Apart from pregnancy, one can manage its symptoms very effectively with advice from your specialist doctor and cover all the risk factors and complications that may occur in the future.

Last but not the least, the earlier you treat your condition, the better it is in the long run.

Eva Hospital

Have PCOS? Yes, you can still get Pregnant!

December 30, 2020March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

If you have PCOS, you can still get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy with various treatment options available.
PCOS is a condition where the female fails to ovulate regularly.

Ovulation is the process of release of eggs by the ovarian cells – once in every menstrual cycle. When the eggs do no release, they remain in the ovarian cells as cysts. This is called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Infertility is the first consequence of PCOS because fertilization can not occur when the eggs are not available.
Most women can conceive with a combination of :

● Fertility drugs,
● IVF, and
● Lifestyle changes

Fertility Medications

Clomiphene Citrate- Most women with PCOS can get pregnant with Clomid. Clomiphene or Clomid stimulates the ovaries to regularise ovulation. Nevertheless, it’s not effective for everybody.

Females with Clomid resistance do not respond to the drug and ovulation does not occur. A combination of metformin with Clomid is found to benefit such women and enable the release of eggs.

Metformin- One of the reasons for PCOS is the imbalance of insulin level in the blood. This interferes with conception. The imbalance may be caused by insulin resistance.

Metformin can cure insulin resistance, help in weight loss, and in conceiving. Although it is a medicine for diabetics, it’s used is safe for treating infertility.

It regulates ovulation, regularises the menstrual cycle, and considerably reduces the chances of miscarriage.

Letrozole – This medication is an ovulation stimulator for women with PCOS. According to Dr. Shivani Bhutani, Infertility& IVF specialist at Eva Hospital, some women respond better to Femara( letrozole brand name) than to Clomid.

Global research has substantiated its effectiveness for the treatment of polycystic ovary and ovulation disorder.

Fertility Injections – When the above drugs and their combination does not facilitate a woman with PCOS to get pregnant, hormone therapy is the next step.

It might be the first line of treatment if the infertility specialist thinks that hormonal imbalance is the underlying factor. Injectable drugs are called Gonadotropins. These consist of hormones such as FSH and LH or a combination of the two.

The doctor may even suggest gonadotropin along with oral medications( such as Clomid), or intrauterine insemination( IUI).

IVF or In Vitro Fertilization

IVF is a standard procedure for making pregnancy a reality for women with PCOS. When the medicinal treatments do not work, infertility specialists suggest in-vitro fertilization.

It involves using injectable fertility drugs to stimulate multiple ovulation, retrieving the eggs, and fertilizing them with sperm, in a petri dish. The sperm may be from your partner or a donor.

Agreeably, the sperm fertilizes some of these eggs. After allowing these embryos to grow for a while, one or more are implanted in the uterus. A pregnancy test confirms the success of the procedure.

Lifestyle Changes

To increase your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS, diet and lifestyle changes must be followed, with or without ongoing treatment.

Weight Loss

PCOS can be a consequence of obesity or vice versa. The occurrence of polycystic ovaries may also cause obesity. It is a condition where either there is no ovulation or irregular ovulation.

Weight loss can help with both. Regularizing your body weight can start ovulation as well as make it normal.

Diet and Exercise

Exercise and diet play an important role in pregnancy for women suffering from PCOS. Insulin production and weight management are the factors responsible for controlling the impact of the condition.

All dietary changes should be aimed at controlling insulin levels and weight. Take a low carb diet, push up the protein,s and stay away from alcohol and caffeine when you are trying to get pregnant.

A regular, (but not too heavy)workout regime helps in controlling body mass index, weight management,t and reducing stress levels.

Here Are a Few Dietary Tips to Try:

Boost Vitamin D: Studies have shown that good levels of vitamin D help women with PCOS to conceive and have a successful pregnancy. Low levels of vitamins may lower the odds of conception.

Include cinnamon: According to a study, taking 1.5 grams of cinnamon every day helps regulate insulin levels and stimulate ovulation.

You can sprinkle cinnamon powder on salads or vegetables and add it to your drinks. It is known to regulate periods

Eva Hospital

Endometriosis – Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

December 27, 2020
by Eva Hospital

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition wherein the endometrial tissue that grows normally in the uterus, starts to grow outside of it.

This kind of abnormal growth may occur anywhere but usually, it is found in the pelvic region, affecting the fallopian tubes, ovaries, peritoneum, and lymph nodes.

The tissues are not as much a problem as their behavior. The cells in these endometrial tissues respond to the hormonal cycle and shed blood during menstruation.

Since there is no outlet for this blood, it gets trapped inside.

Secondly, it makes the organs stick to each other, causing disorders and pain. For example, it may block the fallopian tubes and affect a woman’s fertility. In rare cases, tissue growth may spread to other parts of the body.

Endometriosis affects 5-10 percent of women of their reproductive age. It

is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are very generalized but controllable with treatment.

Symptoms

Endometriosis is a painful condition, with symptoms similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ovarian cyst, or pelvic inflammation. The common symptom of the disorder is pelvic pain, just like in periods.

Symptoms include:

Blockage of fallopian tubes or ovary function.
Extreme menstrual cramps, difficult to control with NSAIDs
Long-term lower-back and pelvic pain
Long periods extending to seven days and more.
Hemorrhagic- extremely heavy menstrual flow requiring changing the pads after every hour or two.
Bowel and urinary problems including pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
Pain during sexual intercourse
Inter-period spotting or bleeding
Traces of blood in urine or stool
Nausea and vomiting

Although all women experience menstrual cramps, the pain in endometriosis is very intense and severe. Symptoms get eased when hormone levels fall, such as in pregnancy or menopause.

Risk factors

Infertility – The most common risk associated with endometriosis is infertility. 30 percent of females suffering from the condition have problems in conception. IVF provides a solution for endometriosis women to get pregnant.

The tissue growth in fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and get fertilized by sperm.

Infertility also may result from damage caused to the egg or sperm cells.

Nevertheless, women with mild or severe endometriosis can become pregnant and deliver a healthy child. Dr. Shivani Bhutani, Infertility, and IVF specialist advises patients to not delay childbirth as the symptoms usually deteriorate with time.

Cancer

Although low, there is a risk of developing ovarian cancer for those with endometriosis. Another kind of cancer called adenocarcinoma is associated with it too, though less prevalent.

Altogether, the risk of ovarian cancer is pretty low in women, it gets enhanced.

Causes

There are several reasons for endometriosis and the resulting abnormal cell growth. Possible causes include:

Retrograde Menstruation- This is a problem with menstrual flow. The blood flow passes into the fallopian tubes and the pelvic area instead of leaving the body in a natural way.

Embryonic cell growth: Sometimes, times, embryonic cells present in the abdomen and pelvis begin to convert into endometrial tissue.

Transformation of peritoneal cells: These are cells that form the inner lining of the abdomen. Hormone and immune conditions transform them into endometrial tissue.

Surgical scar: Movement of endometrial cells may occur during surgical procedures such as a section or hysterectomy.

Endometrial cell transport: Endometrial cells get transported to other portions of the body via the lymphatic system.

Heredity: There may be genetic factors involved. A history of endometriosis in close blood relatives puts you at risk.

Immune system disorder: Immune system disorder can also prevent the descent of extrauterine endometrial tissue growth.

Treatment

Early detection and diagnosis of endometriosis by skillful experts, followed by treatment results in better management and control.

Eva Hospital’s specialist team first conducts a pelvic exam, Ultrasound, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Laparoscopic diagnosis to identify the disorder. Dr. Shivani Bhutani says the treatment is aimed at relieving the patient from symptoms and preventing further consequences and risks.

Advanced treatment is available for endometriosis including:

Hormone therapy
Medical procedures such as Cauterization, Electrocoagulation, and endometrial Ablation
Electrosurgery and Laparoscopic surgery

See Your Doctor

Endometriosis is invariably misunderstood for other disorders that cause pelvic pain.

If you notice any signs and symptoms such as those discussed above, see your specialist doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

infertility

Is Infertility Related to Lifestyle?

September 14, 2020December 12, 2023
by Eva Hospital

Modern-day lifestyle or the fast tech-gizmo age, as you may call it, has deeply affected the lives and health of many. The modern age comes with a lot of boons but the benefits of technology and the western lifestyle have entrenched so deep in our lifestyle that it has actually hampered the health and the body mechanisms. Surprisingly the rate of infertility affects nearly 10-15% of the population according to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction. The urban population is worse affected where nearly one out of six couples are infertile. “The high rate of infertility, especially in urban population, can be traced to the root cause of it and that is unhealthy lifestyle,” says Punjab’s best infertility expert gynecologist, Dr. ShivaniBhutani, EVA Hospital, Ludhiana.

Delayed marriages because of focus on careers, late nights, eating quick-food and sedentary lifestyle are the major vices that have struck the couples in a fix when they endeavor to plan a family. Eating healthy food is an age-old adage but in this fast-paced life, the young generation tends to pick up ready-to-eat, pre-processed food with a westernized life which involves partying or working late up till night and not adhering to the lifestyles of the bygone era of the yogis. Infertility can be due to one or more explained reasons or unexplained infertility, and this can be difficult and challenging for the couple mentally, physically, and financially. If you agree so far, read the blog as you will get some simple ideas to maintain a lifestyle that keeps you fit and fertile.

What are the Lifestyle Changes that can help you gain Fertility?

Usually, the gynecologists will recommend a trillion of scans and tests to diagnose the root cause of infertility. Dr. Shivani recommends mending the lifestyle early in the stage so that infertility can be avoided at the outset. A comprehensive list of ideal lifestyle changes is curated by Dr. Bhutani and adopting the following measures can prevent infertility and help you conceive soon:

Monitor your Weight

Ideal weight may be a high goal for you but being overweight can be challenging for attaining pregnancy. Obesity can interfere with the reproductive system and pose hormonal imbalances. Sexual hormones imbalance make fertility a far-away dream.

Being underweight also is not in sync with pregnancy. The irregularity in the menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalance because of being underweight can pose challenges to fertility. Dr. Bhutani advises her clients to focus on ideal body weight and work on achieving a consistently normal body weight. The ideal weight helps you to conceive naturally without any complications.

Exercise your way to Good Health

Exercising is the key to fit body and mind. You may undermine the importance of exercising in pregnancy but this is the tool to achieve a positive mindset, perfect hormonal balance and it opens the gateway to fertility.

Various forms of exercises like yoga and meditation can nourish the body holistically, while walk, swimming, aerobics, and Pilates can balance the hormones. The modern-day adage is- ‘Fertile hormones reside in a healthy body.’

The other benefits of exercise like stress reduction, anxiety control, weight check, and muscle strengthening contribute significantly to fertility. Dr. Bhutani recommends that you must indulge in light exercise regularly and consistently. Strenuous exercises can interfere with the process of conception, so you should adhere to mild and consistent exercise patterns.

Also read: What are the alternate ways to cure infertility?

Eat Healthy- What goes in matters

This is the biggest factor that is sometimes ruled out by binge eating or mood swings. Sometimes you may land in a pool of emotional eating driven by a gust of emotions. Dr. Bhutani strongly recommends a balanced proportion of nutrients, vitamins, minerals along with proteins to be a part of daily dietary portions. Your diet should be sans saturated fats and processed foods. Essential supplements like folic acid along with what goes in the body as food will affect the level of fertility in the body.

Due to stress and ever surmounting pressures, one can easily succumb to cravings and indulge in food that is considered junk. You must restrain and keep your mindfulness intact so that you eat all that is pure, freshly prepared, and healthy.

It is no rocket science that you must have to give up addictions like drinking and smoking and also avoid caffeine intake. Fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and dairy are highly recommended in the food chart.

Must Read: What should be the diet and nutrition plans for PCOS?

Check the Sleep Quotient

Adequate sleep is really important for an ideal body. Rest makes your mind and body productive. Mindfulness is the key to happy living and a happier body, and this is the reason Dr. Bhutani advises her patients to strictly avoid screen time and technology an hour or two before bedtime, have dinner by 7.00 pm and live a stress-free life. Quality sleep is essential for the hormones to function appropriately. It is not the number of hours you sleep; what counts is the quality of sleep.

Gadgets like few digital watches have sleep settings that tell you about the quality of sleep and you may work on the lacuna of sleep by practicing meditation and relaxation. A warm water bath before bedtime works as a therapy for a sound night sleep to make the mind productive and the body fertile.

Drink the Potion of Goodness- Water

Adam’s ale or water is the magical drink that is underrated by the youth. Drinking adequate water per day is the magical therapy that can heal the damaged cervical mucus and be a silent cure for many ailments. As it is a well-known fact that the human body is made of 60% water and to be hale and hearty you must consume an average 3 liters of water and stay hydrated all through. This does not include the water in the caffeinated drinks but includes the liquid content in juices.

“Half the infertility woes will be eliminated if you stay well hydrated,” points the most experienced gynecologist, Dr. ShivaniBhutani and adds, “Cervical mucus transports and protects sperm in the fallopian tubes that lead to fertilization. A well-hydrated cervical mucus facilitates the easier movement of sperm without any hindrance.” Hence stick to a strict water regime and stay hydrated.

Last Words

It is no surprise that a well-nourished and well-looked after the body will be more fertile than an over-weight and undernourished body. If you plan to make babies, you must plan well in advance the right time and quantity to eat and drink along with a well-framed exercise routine. Planning conception should go hand in hand in planning a balanced lifestyle so that infertility does not crop in. For best fertility-related tips and lifestyle-related guidance, feel free to seek help from the best gynecologist in Punjab, Dr. ShivaniBhutani, EVA Hospital, and plan an easy pregnancy. Fertility is your right and you must not hesitate to make a few lifestyle changes to see a baby cuddling in your arms.

Eva Hospital

How can you deal with infertility as a couple

July 29, 2020March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

How does Infertility add to Stress in a Couple’s Relationship and Ways to Deal with it?

“Nervous breakdown and depression were just at the doorsteps after three consecutive failed IVFs and prolonged infertility,” shivers Natalie (name changed), thinking about the toughest five years when she had to deal with the marital pressure, infertility, and the agony of not being able to conceive. Each day would bring hope and would end up adding stress to the insurmountable woes. Childbearing and pregnancy are the two most important stepping stones for a happy married life.

Dr. Shivani Bhutani, a leading gynecologist in Punjab at EVA Hospital, addresses her patients asking her the mental and psychological issues they face as they experience the challenging times of infertility. Natalie admits what was once pleasure (sex) had become so timed and mechanical and neither she nor her husband would enjoy it anymore. The zeal to be parents had taken a major chunk of their happiness and was testing their relationship.

Do you Experience Stress and Tension during Infertility?

“A new life, a baby, and the joy of being parents may not be easy for some,” says the infertility expert, Dr. Shivani Bhutani. Infertility or constant failed pregnancy attempts can hover like dark clouds over the couple. While a baby can make your couple bond stronger, infertility can test the relationship to bits and check the strength of the couple bond.

Dr. Shivani says the following are a few reasons why a couple can go through strained relationships during infertility:

Who will take the Onus?

This question as to who is infertile can actually create stress among the couple. Neither the male nor the woman would want the label of being ‘infertile’ and this can delay the procedure of seeking medical help and tests. It takes no time for casual one-to-one talks to become heated arguments, blame-game, and fights which can turn into violent brawls in the worst case. ‘How to bell the cat’ is a stressful question.

Financial Strain

The incessant medical check-ups, the frequent visits to doctors, infertility treatment, expenses on trying various drugs, and hitting the right medical treatment can cause a financial dent in your pocket. Most of the expenses may not be covered under insurance and can further cause a financial burden. Various decisions like how and where to arrange money from, whether to involve family, or whether to utilize old-age savings can further aggravate the financial burden.

Emotional and Mental Stress

Enduring infertility and the effort of trying to conceive is seen as a struggle by many. The relationship of the couple can be on a standstill as they see their beautiful dreams being shattered. You may be on the verge of a breakdown with the continuous litigations and arguments of when to seek medical help, when to step up to next level infertility treatments, and whether or not to disclose the problem to friends and family.

The infertile partner may be embarrassed or maybe feeling ashamed to talk out or reach out for help. This could further add fuel to the fire. Isolation, depression, and self-rejection may become ways of life for you.

Also, read- How many times is IVF possible.

Societal and Family Pressure

The most often asked question or the fact that bothers the couple is what people will think. The judgment or ignorance of the friends and family can add to the agony and worsen it further. Sometimes half-knowledge is dangerous and the myths and tips generated by friends and family can be a bane adding to the delay in pregnancy.

Differences in Opinion

The problem ensues when one of the partners over-reacts while the other partner wants to take it easy. The differences in opinion of the choice of the doctor, when to seek help, and how to proceed with the surrogacy or infertility treatment can become the ‘touchy’ points flagging anger and stress.

How can You Mitigate the Stress of Infertility?

All you need is a baby and some comforting words of assurance from an experienced gynecologist who can guide you to the right path. Dr. Shivani says treating the patients with empathy helps in counseling them and keeping their mental health sane. Infertility can test the strength of marital strands and lead to couples fighting over trivial issues.

The best gynecologist in Punjab, Dr. Bhutani, reiterates that some ways like meditation and communication can help you keep mental health intact during the testing time. The couple must freely communicate with each other and also with the gynecologists. They must open up with any issues in their minds so that a positive solution can be dealt with. Dr. Shivani suggests the couple should ‘cool down’ and find ways to engage themselves in fun activities like dating each other or joining a mutual hobby together. Let the emotions wane off the sleeve so that the couple is relaxed.

Also, read- What are the alternative treatments to cure infertility

“Infertility is not forever and you should not leave onto the hope of having a baby,” says Dr. Shivani. The modern Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), IVF (in-vitro fertilization), donor eggs, and gestational carrier can go a long way in helping the couple achieve pregnancy. IVF is the most common, result-oriented ART technique. One cycle of IVF takes about three weeks and the success rate of IVF depends on the age, health status of the couple, cause of infertility, and the skill of the gynecologist. “IVF not only gave life to the baby but also gave life and spark to our married life!” adds Natalie.

Over to You

Your relationship with your spouse should remain strong under all circumstances. Infertility is not a permanent hiccup. As a couple, you should seek help from the best gynecologist like Dr. Shivani Bhutani, EVA Hospital, and move on to gear up for the new phase of life. Contact Dr. Shivani and get away with the woes and depression syndromes due to infertility. Her expertise in IVF and words infused with positivity are sure to bring rays of hope.

Eva Hospital

How many times is IVF Possible

July 20, 2020March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

Pregnancy and parenting a baby are a dream for many. It becomes a fond dream when you are unable to conceive and get pregnant.

Thanks to modern science and technology, there are many new ways in which you can target to get pregnant and raise a baby.

The infertility drugs and various procedures of ART- Assisted Reproductive Techniques are a scientific blessing to achieve the state of pregnancy.

The most common ART procedures are intrauterine insemination (IUI), In-vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm or egg donation, and Intra-cytoplasmic

Sperm Injection (ICSI). However, the most commonly used procedure with a high success rate is In-vitro fertilization (IVF). Over 200000 babies were conceived with IVF successfully in the US alone in a year and you are no exception.

“Don’t give up!” advocates Dr. Shivani Bhutani, the best gynecologist of Punjab, from EVA Hospital, “With calculated actions and appropriate treatments, pregnancy can be achieved.”

How successful is IVF Treatment?

IVF is the process where the woman’s eggs are extracted and fertilized under controlled laboratory conditions and then the resulting embryo is transferred into the women’s uterus through the cervix.

If you have been trying to get pregnant in natural ways and haven’t been successful, with further investigation, the doctor will examine the causes of infertility. The most likely infertility causes are as follows:

Premature ovarian failure
Ovulation disorders
Hormonal imbalances
Endometriosis
Blocked Fallopian Tube
PCOS
Male infertility (in case of low sperm count, poor motility, and poor quality sperm)
Failed IUI treatment cycle
Unexplained infertility

Patients with any of the above lacunas have known to benefit from the cycles of IVF. Usually, patients around the age of 40 are known to have recommended IVF at the earliest.

IVF has been successful in all countries in the world. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 4 million births per year in the US. This implies that nearly 1% to 2% of births in the US are IVF babies. This clearly signifies that IVF and other ART techniques are the new buzzwords in combating infertility.

What Are the Factors That Affect the Success of Ivf?

There are a couple of factors affecting the success of IVF. Dr. Shivani Bhutani says, “The age of the woman is a predominant factor in the success of IVF.

Patients between the age brackets of 35-41 are more likely to get a successful IVF. There is a 4% success rate of patients who are over 42 years of age. Chances of success of IVF are higher at a younger age than older women with fewer eggs or poor quality eggs.

The fertility problem or the reason for infertility also determines how quickly the patient can get pregnant. Sometimes a large dosage of ovarian stimulation drugs is needed to be administered to patients with ovarian dysfunction. Male infertility problems and unexplained infertility may, however, take longer than anticipated.

Previous pregnancy, miscarriages, age of the donor in case of donor eggs and the duration of time over which the couple has been infertile have been a few other factors affecting the success of IVF.

Dr. Bhutani strongly says apart from medical abnormalities, the lifestyle of the patient plays an important role in determining the success of IVF.

Overweight or underweight women, women who smoke, women who do not exercise or eat healthy have higher chances of prolonged infertility.

How Many Cycles of Ivf Are Recommended?

Depending on the factors mentioned above and the expertise of the doctor, the numbers of cycles of IVF vary from individual to individual.

The cost of IVF hovers between Rs.90000 to Rs.3,00,000 depending on the city and the facilities at the clinic. Research has shown that about 70% of the patients are usually successful after 6 or more cycles of IVF if the woman is about 40 years in age.

Dr. Bhutani recommends patients stop using their own eggs after 3-4 failed IVF cycles. The woman may not be producing sufficient eggs or eggs of good quality, so the doctor usually advises them to go for the donor eggs.

Dr. Shivani is known among her patients to endorse optimism and positivity and not to lose hope in such despairing times. She understands that the patient spends a fortune in each cycle and also adds to the mental agony with each failed IVF cycle. So she always advises her patients with empathy and positivity.

“There is no guarantee with each cycle and the process and the results vary from person to person,” says the best gynecologist in Punjab, dr. Bhutani.

You may be lucky to get pregnant in the first IVF cycle, but it may not hold true for any other couple. Dr. Bhutani says an average couple may need tentatively six IVF cycles before entering the threshold of parenthood.

Final Words

Pregnancy is a dream for many couples and lets the best team on board turn your dream into reality. Analyze the facilities the clinic provides and study the expertise of the gynecologist you plan to approach.

With finesse in skills and expertise and the best modern facilities at EVA hospital, Dr. Shivani Bhutani is the most trusted name for IVF in Punjab. Seek the help of the best team at EVA and get your queries solved and let the aim of parenthood achieve a real shape.

Eva Hospital

What are the Alternate Treatments to Cure Infertility?

June 24, 2020March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

Getting married at the age of 32, Shiva, tried her best to mother a baby. After a few months of unsuccessful attempts, she consulted a gynecologist who recommended In-vitro fertilization (IVF). But Shivia knew she could not afford the cost of IVF at any point in time. Shattered, she was upset for a long time. Little did she know that there are alternate treatment therapies that can help the body gain the vitality to nurture a baby.

Dr. Shivani Bhutani, an expert gynecologist in North India, says that getting pregnant is the process of mating two healthy bodies and two healthy minds.

The onus lies in creating a sound body where the embryo can grow and stay. Dr. Bhutani suggests a few alternative therapies that can aid the body to get its nutrients and gain strength to bear a baby.

What are the Safest Alternative Therapies to Get Pregnant?

Dr. Bhutani says that the following alternate therapies are mechanisms, which along with medical treatment, can ensure a healthy and sound body to get pregnant and fight infertility:

Yoga

Yoga is an age-old therapy from the yore of the yogis of the bygone era. Yoga was the secret of their ageless skin and health. Dr. Bhutani says the specific asanas in yoga can help increase the libido, make your body and mind stress-free, improve the blood circulation and heal the vices (doshas) in the body which prevent you from getting pregnant.

The calming techniques in yoga are good for all age groups for holistic development in the body and definitely make you calm enough to deal with the stress of infertility.

Acupuncture

The age-old Chinese practice of using needles and energy, Acupuncture, has now proved that this can be an effective aid to help avoid miscarriages and enhance the success rate of IVF. The anecdotal success of acupuncture as an alternate source of treatment is commendable. Studies have shown that IVF patients can get huge success with the help of acupuncture treatments done at the hands of specialists.

Dr. Bhutani, an experienced infertility expert, says that cases of unexplained infertility, where the cause of infertility or miscarriages cannot be known, can be dealt with with this alternate therapy.

Diet rich in Nutrients

The old saying –

‘You are what you eat, holds true in magnanimous proportion in pregnancy and fertility.

Also, read- What is the right diet to boost fertility?

IVF alone cannot help you get and stay pregnant if your body has been exposed to too many vices like alcohol and cigarettes. A sound body can be prepared by incorporating healthy nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and herbs that promote fertility.

Healthy oils, Omega-3, flaxseeds, green vegetables, sesame, plant-based proteins, and dairy products help in controlling hormones production, keeping insulin in check, and enhancing regular ovulation.

Dr. Bhutani advocates a healthy diet much before you even plan to get pregnant. She emphasizes a healthy diet for both the man as well as the woman to be able to conceive a baby.

Exercise and Meditation

You need to gain control over your lives before entering parenthood. Exercise stimulates the pregnancy hormones and meditation helps alleviate stress due to infertility and other tensions. You need to be at peace to get pregnant soon. Shiva realized that stress was the most important factor that was curtailing pregnancy. Meditation helped her gain peace of mind to welcome the baby and get pregnant.

Last Words

Pregnancy is a feeling of utmost joy in the world. The thought of parenting the little bundle of joy can be the happiest feeling.

If infertility or miscarriage are the obstructions, get in touch with Punjab’s best and the most reliable gynecologist, Dr. Shivani Bhutani at EVA Hospital, Ludhiana and seek consultation regarding IVF and effective alternate sources of treatment to enter the world of parenthood.

COVID-19

Covid19 and Pregnancy

June 16, 2020March 30, 2024
by Eva Hospital

How does Covid-19 affect Pregnant Women?

Covid-19 or Coronavirus has impacted the economy and the global dynamics world over. Anything from businesses, Sensex, production houses, travel industry to the economy at large, has taken a nose-dive in the growth charts.

The virus is contagious and has touched millions of people all over the globe. It is observed that children and older people are more vulnerable to the deadly virus.

For a pregnant woman, it is a well-stated fact that pregnancy makes immunity weaker. Now with the virus prevalent all around, you have all the reasons to fear that it might affect you earlier than others.

Ace gynecologist in Punjab, Dr. Shivani Bhutani, at EVA Hospital, Ludhiana says, “There is nothing about pregnancy itself that makes a woman more susceptible to being infected. Pregnancy suppresses a woman’s immune system to some extent but this does not mean pregnant women are more likely to contract COVID-19.”

Dr. Shivani is known to alleviate her patients from Corona’s stress and anxiety by guiding them with the right precautions and she advocates staying indoors to avoid contacting many people or being in a marketplace unless unavoidable.

When can Coronavirus affect Pregnant Women?

You will be more susceptible to Coronavirus in pregnancy if you answer ‘YES’ to one or more of the following conditions:

Are you above the age of 35?
Have you been overweight or obese?
Are you already suffering from medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that worsen immunity?

Affirmative answers to these questions can put you in the vulnerable category. You must adhere to all the cautions and precautions judiciously.

What Are the Changes That May Happen in Antenatal and Postnatal Care?

As a pregnant woman or recently-delivered mom, you require frequent and timely visits to the doctor and diagnostic centers.

However, Dr. Shivani Bhutani, the best gynecologist in Punjab, makes sure she delivers the best care by calling her patients with appointments only. The following precautions at EVA Hospital have helped her in seeing her patients at ease:

Seek Appointments

The first and foremost precaution against Coronavirus is staying away from crowds or groups and avoiding contact with people. Dr. Bhutani sees her patients strictly with appointments to avoid overcrowding in the clinic and follow the protocol of social distancing.

Telephonic Consultancy

A good gynecologist must not hesitate in giving advice over a phone conversation, especially in these testing times.

Dr. Shivani makes sure she is able to diagnose and administer medicines over the phone in case the nursing mother (post-natal) or the pregnant lady (pre-natal) needs help.

This avoids the unnecessary trip of the pregnant lady to the clinic and avoids exposure to people at such times.

Staff Health

Adequate precautions must be taken so that the clinical staff is in good health and adheres to all the Corona precautions carefully.

Dr. Bhutani has always been a rock-solid support for her staff and she guides and counsels them in a way they are not overwhelmed.

The overnight patients and the relatively higher number of patients needing care might flummox the staff keeping coronavirus anxiety in mind. A good gynecologist will help keep her staff patient and calm to be able to serve others.

Mental Health

Coronavirus has affected everyone mentally and created anxiety about meeting friends and family, the pandemic spread of the virus, and the fear of no cure for it yet.

Dr. Bhutani takes consultations on a telephone call over a clinic visit and makes sure her patients are calm, well-guided, and not frayed by the anxiety of the changing societal norms.

Focus on Sanitizing

Pre-natal and post-natal visits are mandatory in some cases. To entertain patients, a stringent sanitization drive is followed regularly at EVA Hospital to rule out even an atom of risk or fallacy.

Right from sanitizing the clinic and the hospital, the staff is also under strict sanitization vigilance.

Dr. Shivani cares for the physical, mental, and moral well-being of her patients. Pre-natal and post-natal care and follow-up are mandatory for the patients and full care and support are needed in such times.

The frequency, appointments, treatments, and care of pre-natal and post-natal treatment changes with the changing scenario at EVA hospital.

What Precautions can you take to Avoid Covid-19?

Coronavirus is termed novel coronavirus and there has been no evidence of what would be the impact on the fetus or the baby if the mother is diagnosed positive with Covid-19. It is a well-known saying-‘prevention is better than cure’. Here are a few tips by the best gynecologist in Punjab for pregnant and nursing mothers to avoid getting infected:

Avoid Social Gathering

You must avoid family gatherings and social outings at all costs. Refrain completely from going to leisure centers, pubs, or similar venues where people can gather and the infection can be easily spread.

Use Online Facilities

Even if something urgent has to be purchased or the opinion of the doctor is to be sought, prefer online shopping or online consultation over actual shopping and running to clinics for insignificant purposes.

Sanitize is the Mantra

Wash your hands as often as possible and do not touch your nose or mouth when outside the home. Practice sanitizing each thing you bring from outside and wash the fruits and vegetables as thoroughly as possible before stocking them in the refrigerator.

Use disposable tissue when you or anyone around sneezes or coughs.

Virtual Friendship

Even if you are feeling gloomy or lonely, get in touch with your friends virtually, and alleviate your own spirits. Avoid meeting friends and family at this time. Safety and care of yourself and the baby should be the priority.

Eat Healthy and Nutritious

Your diet should be full of nutrition and you must consume your vitamin and calcium pills as prescribed by the doctor. A healthy body can fight any virus easily. So make sure your diet in pregnancy is well planned and full of nutrition.

Last Words

COVID-19 has created panic all over the globe. You are a new mother or would-be-mother and you are supposed to enjoy the new phase of life.

Let the panic of Coronavirus not affect this beautiful phase of life. Eat healthily and stay fit. If you feel anxious or perturbed, feel free to consult the most humble and expert gynecologist, Dr. Shivani Bhutani, and get a genuine suggestion.