Sunday 21 September 2014

Male infertility: Social Taboo!

Whenever any woman is not able to conceive, the family usually assumes the problem lies with her. However about 40% of infertility may be due to male factor problems. Most men find it difficult to accept that they can have infertility. Infertility is treated as a woman’s problem in a majority of the cases. Infertility in men is like any other ailment which, in most of the cases, can be treated with proper guidance and medication. However, in our society where potency and virility are the mainstays of manhood, it is very difficult to convince males that they might be the cause of infertility. The truth is always difficult to handle for men as it is perceived as a blow to their masculinity.
There is a wide range of phrases that are used for men facing infertility problems and such derogatory terms add more to their pain. Men hence  feel more insulted and dejected in society and their family. They think that their ability to father a child is either severely compromised or almost impossible which is a complete fallacy. Male Infertility is completely curable in most cases with the right medical treatment.

A couple should understand that it is the responsibility of both the husband and the wife to complete the family and if they are not able to do that then they both should see a doctor. The right diagnosis of the problem is the most important aspect of infertility treatment.  Proper medication and cure can help them build their family and perhaps save their marriage.

Thursday 11 September 2014

Infertility Talk: Still a TABOO??

At a certain point in life desire to have a family is of top most priority for married couples. However, when their longing to have a child turns out to be a failure then that can be distressing emotional blow on the sentiments of these couples.

Talking about sexual or fertility problems in our society is considered as a taboo and when couples face these problems they want someone to talk about it. People feel ashamed or embarrassed while talking about their infertility problems but it should be the other way round because when someone will talk about their problem then only they can find a solution.

Without appropriate treatment and support of family and friends success in overcoming these problems is very difficult. Impact of infertility differs greatly for different individuals and it is always influenced by cultural background and the society they live in. People in small towns and villages are not even aware about infertility treatments available, they prefer worshiping their gods and if they don’t succeed they prefer going for second marriage.
In some places, women who fail to have a child are even more socially stigmatised. Motherhood is considered to be the defining factor in a women’s life. It is a milestone achieved when a woman becomes a mother and it confers her adult identity with self respect and dignity.

We still need to aware and educate people about the options available and help them to talk about their problems instead of hiding them and getting depressed.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

What is IUI Treatment ? Ridge IVF Center Delhi, IVF Doctors Delhi, Infertility Specialist.

IUI or Intra Uterine Insemination is a new reproductive technique which helps those couples who are not able to conceive. Artificial insemination can help you conceive if you have a sperm allergy or if your partner has a low sperm count or poor sperm motility. The reason for not conceiving may be some medicines taken by men, couples staying away due to job, male or female tube blockage, sperm count etc. This technique is completely a painless technique.
Procedure:
In this process when an ovum is releases semen is introduced in women’s vagina or uterus. The semen inserted in vagina may be fresh or sometimes frozen. When semen is supplied by sperm bank it is in frozen state and need to be thawed before use.  Semen is usually placed in the vagina using a needleless syringe. A longer tube, called a tom cat, may be attached to the end of the syringe to facilitate deposit of the semen deeper into the vagina. The woman is generally advised to lie still for a half hour or so after the insemination to prevent seepage and to allow fertilization to take place.
A more efficient method of artificial insemination is to insert semen directly into the woman's uterus. Where this method is employed it is important that only washed semen be used and this is inserted into the uterus by means of a catheter. Sperm banks and fertility clinics usually offer washed semen for this purpose. Semen is occasionally inserted twice within a 'treatment cycle'. A double intrauterine insemination has been theorized to increase pregnancy rates by decreasing the risk of missing the fertile window during ovulation.
Myth:

With this technique there many myths are related like this technique gives multiple pregnancy, the child who are born are abnormal for example the babies conceived through ART will have problems such as birth defects, low birth weight, developmental delays. The overwhelming majority of babies born as a result of fertility treatment are fine!

Length of treatment:

The insemination takes less than an hour, but you may be on fertility drugs for about a week before you ovulate. Depending on the cause of their fertility problem, most women undergo three to six cycles of artificial insemination before getting pregnant or trying another treatment.

 

Success Rate:

Success rates depend on you and your partner's fertility problem and your age. Most couples who turn to IUI have a 5 to 20 percent chance of becoming pregnant with each cycle. Your chances will be closer to 20 percent if you take fertility drugs in conjunction with the procedure.

Monday 14 July 2014

How normal pregnancy happens explained by infertility specialist in Delhi, Ridge IVF Center Delhi.

Pregnancy happens in female’s genital organ during menstruation (day 1). There are 5-8 eggs in each ovary. During menstruation eggs try to grow in ovary but only one egg gets dominate during 5th-6th day and it keeps on growing and travels to tube. In normal pregnancy egg ruptures on 14th day and despatch from ovary and (a tube in female reproductive organ). During this period if partner has any contact then he releases million of sperms and one sperm go and meet that egg and fertilization happens in fallopian tube.
Initial life of embryo after fertilization starts in tube. It stays in tube for 2 days and has no attachment with mother. It gets nutrition from tube fluid. On 3rd day egg jumps into uterus and gets modified and attached to mother. “Uterus grows as baby grows.”

After 9 months female gets pain in uterus also called “labor pain” and delivery happens either through vaginal area called Normal Delivery or by abdominal route by surgical means.

Saturday 12 July 2014

Male and female infertility explained by infertility specialist.

Male and Female infertility explained by Dr. Sarabjeet , Infertility Specialist, Ridge IVF Centre, Delhi. While explaining infertility to male and female firstly, we examine both of them. We take their detailed history, for female we do basic hormonal investigation, ultrasound and some basic test. Then we test where problem is and then try to rectify it and ask them to try naturally, if it happens then its fine otherwise we suggest them for artificial method like IUI, IVF etc.

Explaining about these techniques is not very difficult as awareness has increased a lot about the same. People prefer to go to infertility specialist rather than going to a gyane. Earlier this was a general trend going to gynaecology for any problem but this has changed now. There are so many fertility centres available and people are aware for the same, so they prefer to go there for any kind of consultation.


People think that if they are opting for any artificial technique there are 100% chances to conceive but this a biggest myth. IVF or any other artificial technique just gives 40% chances to conceive. In case of failure it’s not that we can’t try again we do try again.

Friday 11 July 2014

What is patient's conception about infertility and how you treat them?

 Dr. Sarabjeet, Infertility Specialist at Ridge IVF and Infertility Centres, Delhi answers: About conception I would rather say its a misconception, couples think that the moment when they start trying for pregnancy it must happen. But chances of getting pregnant in first month (if both male and female are normal) are just 5-7%. They think the other one has conceived in first month why am I taking so much time? They must understand that this completely depends on chances. Today we are moving towards developing sector so our initial plans are like to have a 2BHK, Car etc. Due to this, planning for a family is taking a door. After this, when they (a couple) start trying, it takes few months or even a year to conceive.

About treating patients we treat them as unit. First we ask their basic history, how their sexual life is going after getting all personal details we come to medical part. If a couple has been trying for one year and they are unable to conceive, then we check them for various infertility problems.

Monday 16 June 2014

Infertility may be due to either male or female (hindi) : Dr. Shobha at Ridge IVF & Fertility Center, Noida.

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant. You may not have or notice any other symptoms.
In women, changes in the menstrual cycle and ovulation may be a symptom of a disease related to infertility
Infertility symptoms in men can be vague. They may go unnoticed until a man tries to have a baby.

Thursday 5 June 2014

My IVF successful what next ?

Dr. Shobha Chaturvedi explains about what are the next steps after IVf successful .
Ridge IVF center is committed to providing high quality, evidence based clinical service with a holistic approach to fertility treatment. Our IMAMMS certified hospital is aimed at helping couples in starting their family.

Wednesday 21 May 2014

Normal Pregnancy- How it Actually happens ? explained by Dr. Sarabjeet Singh, Ridge IVF Delhi

Pregnancy is the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as an embryo or fetus, in a woman's uterus. It is the common name for gestation in humans. A multiple pregnancy involves more than one embryo or fetus in a single pregnancy, such as with twins. Childbirth usually occurs about 38 weeks after conception; in women who have a menstrual cycle length of four weeks, this is approximately 40 weeks from the start of the last normal menstrual period (LNMP).

Friday 9 May 2014

IVF- In Vitro Fertilisation, Ridge IVF Delhi

Q1. What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)? 

For patients with irreparably damaged fallopian tubes profound oligospermia (Low Sperm counts )or failure to conceive after adequate attempts of intrauterine insemmination, In Vitro Fertilasationhas become the treatment of choice. 

The technology involves incubating the oocytes(eggs) & sperm in the laboratory & allowing the resulting embryo (s) to develop for a number of days prior to transferring them into the endometrial cavity (uterus). 

Q2. What is the success rate of IVF? 

In the 1980's pregnancy rates for IVF were relatively low, approx 15%. As the nutrition requirements for the embryo growth within the Laboratory became better understood, conception rates began to increase. As we head into the new millenium, anticipated pregnancy rates for many patients may exceed 50 percent. 

Q 3. Any risks involved in IVF? 

Increased emotional stress because of high cost & time consuming with success rate of 40%. Risks of multiple pregnancies & hyperstimulationsyndrome are all increased. 

Q4. How long does it take for one attempt of IVF & is hospitalisation essential during any stage of treatment? 

Patient needs to be in constant touch with the IVF center for about one and a half month from starting medication upto the result of IVF. Out of this period active treatment takes ten to fifteen days during which patient has to visit the IVF Lab. No hospitalizations essential during the treatment cycle. 

Q5. How are eggs collected? 

Prior to collection of eggs, patient is given medication in the form of daily injections starting fromday 2 of menstrual cycle & response to these injections is monitored with frequent blood tests & Vaginal ultrasound. Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries by a needle with the help of transvaginal sonography guidance. It is done under mild anaesthesia & is a day care procedure. It is done 32-36 hours after final hormone injection. 

Tuesday 6 May 2014

Treatments For Infertility

MALE INFERTILITY
We provide comprehensive management and treatment for Azoospermia, Oligospermia, Impotency, Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Treatment of Male Factor
Obstructive causes
Surgical Procedures such as Vaso-epidydimo-anastamosis might improve the sperm count in 40% of cases. If sperm count in low then IVF-ICSI is the only solution if the couple is keen on their own genetic child. Another options is donor insemination.

Non Obstructive causes
  • In case of genetic defects like KLINE FELTERS syndrome, Micro deletion in Y chromosome etc. donor insemination is the option. Adoption another alternative in case the couple is averse to treatment.
  • If the testes are atrophic due to infections again donor insemination is the option.
  • Varicocelectomy (Ligation of veins or embolisation) might improve sperm count.
  • Erectile dysfunction: medications like Sidnaphyll and counseling can help. If the sperm count is good then IUI is an option. In case of very low sperm count IVF-ICSI is the option. For impotency, penile prosthesis are available which can couples have normal sex.
  • Azospermia can be managed through the following procedures.

Sperm Aspiration
This is a procedure to obtain viable sperms from the male reproductive tract. The following methods are used to extract the sperms for use in ICSI.

  • Microsurgical Epidydimal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): To obtain sperms from the epididymus using an operating microscope.
  • Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (MESA): To retrieve sperms, epididymus is punctured with a needle & sperms are aspirated with a syringe. This is a simpler technique.
  • Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): This involves sucking out the testicular tissue &sperms are isolated from it.
  • Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE): It is an open procedure where a small portion of testicular tissue is removed through an incision. This tissue is placed in culture media &sperms are extracted from it.

Some Common Terminology
Hypospermia : low semen volume
Normozoospermia : Normal ejaculate (WHO Criteria)
Oligozoospermia : Sperm concentration fewer than 15 x 106/ml
Asthenozoospermia : Fewer than 50% of motile sperm
Teratozoospermia : Fewer than 4% with normal morphology
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia : Signifies disturbance of all three variables
Azoospermia : No spermatozoa in the ejaculate
Aspermia : No ejaculate (absence of semen)
Necrozoospermia  : All spermatozoa are dead as defined by vital staining

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Can I become a father despite low sperm count by Dr. Sarabjeet Singh at Ridge IVF, Delhi

30% of fertility problems, which delay conception, are caused by male infertility, and a low sperm count is one of those fertility problems. Fortunately, a low sperm count doesn’t mean that you cannot become pregnant. Your doctor may take several approaches to helping you overcome the low sperm count. If the sperm count is moderately low, your practitioner may simply recommend that you start using ovulation kits to better your chances of having sperm (regardless of the number!) and egg meet at exactly the right moment. 

Saturday 5 April 2014

Age related decrease in Female Fertility

Women are born with a finite number of eggs. Thus, as the reproductive years progress, the number and quality of the eggs diminish. The chances of having a baby decrease by 3% to 5% per year after the age of 30. This reduction in fertility is noted to a much greater extent after age 40.

 

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Frequently Asked Questions on infertility.

Dr. Sarabjeet, Fertility specialist at Ridge IVF, Bensups Hospital, Dwarka answers a few commonly asked questions on fertility.

Is infertility a common problem?
Yes, About 10 percent of women in ages 18-44 have difficulty getting pregnant.
What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)?
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a group of different methods used to help infertile couples (couples who face difficulty in conceiving, despite trying to conceive for more than 12 months). Various popular ART methods are IUI, IVF, ICSI, Surrogacy, and more specialized methods. ART works by assisting the egg and sperm to come together, fertilize, form an embryo and grow inside the Uterus of the woman, as in pregnancy.
What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an infertility treatment that is often called artificial insemination. In this procedure, the woman is injected with specially prepared sperm. Sometimes the woman is also treated with medicines that stimulate ovulation before IUI. This procedure is often used to treat mild male factor infertility, Women who have problems with their cervical mucus, Couples with unexplained infertility have has successful pregnancy through IUI.
What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
Today, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is practically a household word. But not so long ago, it was a mysterious procedure for infertility that produced what were then known as "test-tube babies." IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once an embryo or embryos form, they are then placed in the uterus.

How often is assisted reproductive technology (ART) successful?
Success rates vary and depend on many factors. Some things that affect the success rate of ART include:
·         Age of the partners
·         Reason for infertility
·         Clinic
·         Type of ART
·         If the egg is fresh or frozen
·         If the embryo is fresh or frozen
We do not have collated data for India, in U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention (CDC) collects success rates on ART for some fertility clinics. According to the 2006 CDC report on ART, the average percentage of ART cycles that led to a live birth were: 39% in women under the age of 35; 30% in women aged 35-37; 21% in woman aged 37-40; 11% in women aged 41-42.
Is infertility just a woman's problem?
No, infertility is not always a woman's problem. Both women and men can have problems that cause infertility. About one-third of infertility cases are caused by women's problems. Another one third of fertility problems are due to the man. The other cases are caused by a mixture of male and female problems or by unknown problems. Dr. Sarabjeet, at Ridge IVF says, he encounters more cases of infertility due to the male partner than due to the female partner.
What causes infertility in men?
Infertility in men is most often caused by (a) A problem called varicocele (VAIR-ih-koh-seel). This happens when the veins on a man's testicle(s) are too large. This heats the testicles. The heat can affect the number or shape of the sperm. (b) Factors related to exposure to excessive pollution in the enviournment (like Delhi city), (c) Movement of the sperm. This may be caused by the shape of the sperm. Sometimes injuries or other damage to the reproductive system block the sperm, (d) Cystic fibrosis in males also causes male infertility.
What increases a man's risk of infertility?
A man's sperm can be changed by his overall health and lifestyle. Some things that may reduce the health or number of sperm include: Heavy alcohol use, drugs, Environmental toxins including pesticides and lead, smoking cigarettes, Age, health problems, such as mumps, serious conditions like kidney disease, or hormone problems, medicines
How does age affect a woman's ability to have children?
Many women wait until after a few years of their marriage, often reaching their 30s to have children. Age is a growing cause of fertility problems. About one-third of couples in which the woman is over 35, have fertility problems. Aging decreases a woman's chances of having a baby in the following ways: Her ovaries become less able to release eggs, she has a smaller number of eggs left, Her eggs are not as healthy, She is more likely to have health conditions that can cause fertility problems, she is more likely to have a miscarriage.
How long should women try to get pregnant before calling their doctors?
Dr. Sarabjeet, Fertility specialist at Ridge IVF suggests at least one year. However, women 35 or older should see their doctors after six months of trying. A woman's chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30. Some health problems also increase the risk of infertility. So, women should talk to their doctors if they have irregular periods, very painful periods, Endometriosis, Pelvic inflammatory disease or have had more than one miscarriage in the past.

Ridge IVF offers a free consultation with fertility specialists this Sunday, February 2, to couples who are facing problems in getting pregnant. To register, please call 8800100326