Important Considerations Before Choosing IVF Treatment

Today, IVF Treatment is one of the most effective and sought after methods for improving the chances of becoming pregnant and treating infertility related problems. When you receive this treatment from a specialist, they will work to guide you through the process and make every effort to help you get the best possible results. This is a highly detailed treatment method and the right specialist can explain everything and answer all your queries.

IVF Treatment centers in India are achieving increasing percentage of success rates. The chances of success mostly depend on many factors such as the reason behind infertility, the age and even the lifestyle of the couple. If you are under the age of 30, it is claimed that there is a 50% chance of becoming pregnant by IVF. If you are above 40, the chance of success comes down to 20%.

IVF Treatment

Fertility in women starts dropping after they cross the age of 35. The main reason is the reducing number of eggs and the other reason is the dropping quality of the eggs. Doctors would perform a basic blood test called AMH for finding the number of eggs based on the age of the person. However, further sophisticated tests are required to ascertain the quality of the eggs.

Similarly, the problem with conception also arises because of fertility issues in the opposite sex, men. Men’s fertility also reduces with age, although they keep producing new sperms. The reason their fertility drops is because of the drop in the gene quality in the sperms.

If you are considering undergoing IVF Treatment, keep in mind that the first major factor is the woman’s age and the second factor is male infertility that contributes to the chances of a woman becoming pregnant. The issues with men could include higher damage to the DNA, uneven shape, drop in quantity of sperm and movement. Once a man crosses the age of 50, all these factors become more common.

IVF is a quite popular treatment nowadays and most couples would consider it after they start finding difficulty conceiving. It is essential to understand that the success of IVF Treatment will depend on many factors, and you or your doctor will not have much control over these factors.

Checking the national statistics is one of the best ways to get an idea of how IVF is faring with others. However, each situation is different and your own success rate will not depend on those statistics. You will have to meet a specialist and go through an evaluation before your doctor could tell about your chances of success.

In fact, finding the reason of infertility could help your doctor to tell you  more clearly about what the treatment can do for you. Even after all these points and considerations, IVF has emerged as the single most effective treatment for infertility. Its rate of success is increasing at a fast pace and there is nothing wrong with evaluating your situation. These are the main considerations to be kept in mind before you visit an IVF Treatment specialist.

Surrogacy: All you need to Know about Donor Conception

Surrogacy—a maze of myths and facts can lead you to think that surrogates can keep the newborn, egg donors are in the field only for money, you will not have inkling about the background of the child and so forth. Read on for certain realities which promise to go a long way in dispensing your fears.

It’s not your Baby!

If you finally have a baby by using donor eggs, sperm or embryos then it’s not “your” baby. Wrong!

Donors of egg, sperm or embryo are expected to give up their parental rights on the embryo and the baby which eventually takes birth. Sperm donations are done in accordance to the regulations guiding cryobanks. Relinquishment of the rights of the donor, have to be documented in the presence of the recipient and the donor. This avoids any future hassles and establishes the “ownership” of the baby in no uncertain terms.

Lack of Genetic Connection = No Parental Connection

Since I am not genetically connected to the baby, I will fail to have parental association in future. Again wrong!

Before pursuing assisted reproductive modes of surrogacy, to-be-parents are advised to meet their mental health experts and counselors. Most parents of donor-conceived children feel that the arrival of a child in their lives is the most beautiful thing that ever happened to them. The level of gratitude towards donors is immense and this helps in developing a nurturing feel for the child which comes their way. 

Where is the Medical History?

There will be no medical history if I am not genetically related to the baby. This is again a myth.

Intended parents are the recipients of consistent and updated information regarding the medical health of the donor and her family. Apart from providing comprehensive genetic information about themselves, donors are also accessible in the event of any future medical complications or situations, which may require additional inputs-regarding their medical and genetic history. 

Fear of Unwanted Claims and Visits

What happens if the donor shows up on my front gate some day? Relax!

It is a well established fact that while recipients have an in depth knowledge in regards to the fitness, demographic and genetic information of the donor, the reverse is not true.

With negligible or no information about intended parents, donors find it difficult to get in touch with their counterparts. Moreover, contractual agreements between the donor and recipient outline the expectations of both parties and lay down the boundaries for all future contacts. 

Monetary Interests of the Donor 

I have heard that egg donors are exploited and indulge in the act only for monetary considerations. Concerning-- but rarely true. 

Though these myths have found their way into media due to some freak incidents, invasive medical screenings, clinic procedures, long time commitments and lifestyle disruptions rarely motivate donors into the act just for monetary compensation. Moreover, tremendous amounts of money are offered to donors for their eggs/embryos and this deters them from raising any unwarranted issues. 

Well, the list of myths goes on and often deters intended parents from going into surrogacy. However, it is important to note that most of these fears are unfounded and delay the process of gaining parental happiness.

 In a nutshell—they are best avoided.

Opting For Surrogacy - Advantages And Disadvantages

If you are longing to feel the breath of a child in your arms and are disappointed by the way destiny has deprived you of your own, then it’s time to turn to surrogacy. 

Surrogacy is a concept in which a surrogate mother agrees to bear the unborn child across the term until birth, and the intending parents take ownership of the child after delivery. 

Given below are some common advantages and disadvantages of Surrogacy. Read on for a valuable insight into the same:

Advantages of Surrogacy

1. A Good Alternative to Adoption

Proving to be a wonderful alternative for parents wishing to have their biological child, the process of surrogacy is oft considered more rewarding than adoption. You don’t have to worry about the lineage, background or family history of the child, who has your own flesh and blood.

2. Cells of the Parents Used for Conception

One of the important stipulations of surrogacy is that the cells of the intended parents have to be used for the conception of the child. There are certain other stipulations which need to be adhered to and help in safeguarding the interests of intended parents. This avoids any legal complications in future.

3. Confidential and Protected

Surrogacy is protected and legal. Several licensed agencies provide assistance to parents intending to go in for surrogacy. They are reliable and serve to maintain the highest levels of secrecy and confidentiality—factors which are important for the success of an agreement for surrogacy. 

Disadvantages of Surrogacy

1. Cumbersome and Complex

Finding a surrogate mother can be a tedious and complicated process for intended parents. Ranging from legal processes and medical procedures to financial concerns; the act of finding the correct person for surrogacy can be cumbersome and demanding. It also requires a lot of initial research and information about surrogacy. 

2. Expensive

Surrogacy can come at a high cost. You have to meet a never ending spate of medical fees, medications, fees of the attorney and payments o the surrogate mother. It is advisable to start saving ahead—much before you take the decision for going in for surrogacy.

 Of Surrogacy in India

India is a haven for infertile couples looking forward to having their own biological child. Though the concept is ancient in nature, it is taking time to catch up in the contemporary world. It is a blessing in disguise –both for distressed parents desirous of having a child and the surrogate mother who is finding it difficult to make her ends meet. The financial implications of surrogacy may be demanding, but they certainly yield good results. 

With an increasing rise in the number of advertisements which say “Surrogate mother wanted”, there exists a light at the end of the tunnel –for intended parents and the entire concept of surrogacy alike.

Cure for Infertility – Gateway to Parental Bliss

Infertility more than being a condition is a menace that devastates the life of a couple and sometimes of family. To add to the woes caused due to this condition, there are social stigmas attached to it, making it even more lethal. However, in the present time, people have started to open up about the problem and have started consulting infertility experts who offer best cure for infertility.

The cure to this condition is multilayered and requires patience. The experts also advise that other than medical treatment and other procedures involved in cure for infertility, the couples should also follow a healthy lifestyle. Several complications causing infertility is directly or indirectly linked to common lifestyle related irregularities.

The cure for infertility is the gateway to parental bliss and therefore only an expert fertility expert should be consulted for the cure. The experts focus on test of both male and female and only then they decide whom to treat. It is not a men or the women problem. It is the problem of the couple and sometimes both of them needs treatment.

In case of male partner requiring the cure, the experts run another round of check and tests. These tests confirm the actual problem, that can be either any one or all of these, namely; premature ejaculation, too few sperms or problem related to sperm movement.

In case of female partner requiring the cure, the problem can vary from, namely; hormonal problems, problems related to inability to conceive, cysts, blocked tubes or even inability to develop eggs. 

Then whatever, the case is, once the problem is diagnosed either with any one of the partner or in the couple, the experts start with medical treatment. Sometimes, medicines can treat the condition and couples who were trying hard to get closer to parenthood, become the proud parent of their own offspring.

In many a cases, advanced treatment methods or the assisted reproductive technology is used to cure the condition of infertility. The doctors and the specialized surgeons for fertility treatment counsel the couple for the assisted reproductive technology. And once the couple agrees for the treatment, the doctor starts with IVF, which is most successful and most widely used assisted reproductive technology.

Though this technique is widely practiced and one of the most successful cures for infertility, but it is highly advisable that a couple should move ahead with any type of cure for infertility, only in guidance of an expert infertility treatment doctor. In absence of such guidance, the cure is not appropriate and it could also lead to various other complications.

Thyroid Disease and Its Impact on Fertility- A Must Read

What is thyroid?

Thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland that is located in the lower part of the neck. It is the largest endocrine glands in the body and secretes hormones like triiodothyronine also called T3, and thyroxine which is known as T4. The basic function of these hormones is to deliver energy to cells of the body. Some dysfunctions of the thyroid gland can cause many complications like Hypothyroidism where thyroid gland is underactive and Hyperthyroidism where thyroid gland is overactive. In most of the cases these disorders usually go unnoticed because they do not have any obvious symptoms, while as in case of diseases like Goiter the disorder can be blatantly obvious.

Thyroid and Infertility, how are they related?

Thyroid dysfunction may or may not affect fertility, but it can halt ovulation in women by upsetting the balance of the body’s natural reproductive hormones. Studies also indicate that maternal presence of thyroid antibodies can lead to early miscarriage. There are no findings as to indicate the exact reasons for miscarriages in women who suffer from thyroid dysfunction, but the relation between thyroid dysfunction and miscarriages is confirmed.

How does thyroid disease affect fertility in men?

In men thyroid disease may cause problems like low sperm count in men or may significantly reduce sperm motility (movement).

How does thyroid disease affect fertility in women?

In case of women, hyperthyroidism can lead to miscarriages, premature births and intrauterine growth retardation but timely treatment cut the chances of miscarriages to a significant level. In case of Hashimotos (a form of hyperthyroidism) separate treatment is to be followed. In case of women with Hypothyroidism disorders like hyperprolactinemia, luteal phase defect (LPD), anovulation (no ovulation, or release of an egg) and menstrual irregularities may occour. Hypothyroidism may also lead to polycystic ovaries, or cysts on the ovaries, which hamper ovulation and cause fertility issues. It can also lead high blood pressure, and are at greater risk of heart conditions.

Why is it important to treat thyroid and what happens if the disease goes untreated?

If thyroid goes untreated it may lead to various complications like heart rhythm irregularities, mental disorders, emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression, various eye disorders, excessive loss or gain in weight besides causing infertility. It also leads to complications like mental retardation and stunted growth in the newborns of mothers with thyroid disease.

Can I give birth to a healthy baby if I am suffering from Thyroid?   

While thyroid dysfunction is known to complicate pregnancy, but if managed properly you can have a 100% safe pregnancy. All you have to do is take your medications regularly and keep your thyroid TSH and T4 under control. Read everything you can about your condition and ask questions to your doctor about your condition.  There are many women who suffer from thyroid condition and manage to handle it smoothly even during pregnancy, all it requires is a little preparation and care.