Treatment – Aspire Fertility Center

How to Have an Effective Consultation

admin — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:19:56 +0000

Many doctors, especially specialists, would want to spend no more than 10 minutes per consultation. I think these tips will help you achieve a meaningful conversation and exchange of information to get the best out of your doctor’s consultation. Please fix an appointment – Do it well in advance and reconfirm. Even if our office is supposed to inform you in case of change or cancellation or delay, there is no harm in making that call. At times we may encounter emergencies or in a extremely busy schedule there may be lapse from the reception to give you a call for a delay.

Be there on time – Reach 10 minutes before the appointment time. This will give you enough time to check in and have your preliminary assessments done. Please do make an attempt to furnish as much information as is sought by the reception or one of the team doctors so your time is not wasted.

Sometimes your appointment time may not be maintained due to lots of reasons like emergencies, some consultations taking longer time than anticipated in view of complexities involved or other unforeseeable reasons. It’s always desirable to have a backup plan for your other engagements in the event of a delay in consultation.

Be Prepared to meet the team doctor first – Sometimes you may be asked to meet one of the team doctors. There are lot of things to be put together – from your past medical history to current medications, immediate concerns, long time ailments etc. At times patients object having to be examined by one whom they consider a ‘junior’ doctor. However this can be counterproductive since seeing a team doctor contributes to better and more efficient care because minute details can be picked up which could have been missed otherwise.

Carry all your previous reports – It will help your doctor understand the tests that have been done (to avoid repeat testing) and those that need to be updated. Sometimes your previous reports are good enough to conclude the treatment plan.

Know your medicines – bring the list of the current medication you are taking. If you do not understand your medication, carry the medicine itself. This information is vital for us to treat you. It’s always wise to be educated a bit in the problems that you suffer from like thyroid disorders diabetes hypertension etc.

Be vocal about your concerns and apprehensions – Since sometimes what you think as a problem may actually be a normal phenomenon!

Avoid distractions – Remember, your doctor is dealing with your medical concerns. Utilize your time for this rather than complaining about the parking, consultation charges etc. Your feedback is extremely important, but do not waste your consultation time on this. Use feedback forms for this purpose. If you want to bring something to your doctor’s notice regarding issues other than your health concerns leave a note at the end of your consultation at the reception.

The post How to Have an Effective Consultation appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

IVF vs Other Fertility Treatments

admin — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:18:59 +0000

Over the years, IVF procedures have evolved and there has been a dramatic increase in success rates, attributable to advancements in the past decade.

In Vitro Fertilization, commonly known as IVF, is the most efficient treatment for couples suffering from infertility today. There are some other lines of treatment available too which can help with conception for a small cluster of patients for whom infertility is secondary to PCOS, endometriosis, fibroid uterus or borderline male factor infertility. These include procedures like ovulation induction, timed sexual intercourse or Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), to name a few. However, compared to all, IVF is still fares as the most efficient and effective procedure to reach a healthy pregnancy in record time today. In fact, it is the only form of treatment in cases where the fallopian tubes are blocked or where there is severe male factor infertility. Over the years, IVF procedures have evolved and there has been a dramatic increase in success rates, attributable to advancements in the past decade like blastocyst culture, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PFT-A), Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH), and Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA).

There is also a lot of improvement in culture media components, which have helped in getting better quality embryos. Back in 2005, we used to have pregnancy rates of 15 to 20 percent, which have now gone up to 55-60 percent with single embryo transfer.
The process of vitrification (freezing) has also emerged as a complete game-changer for women as it enables them to freeze their eggs or embryos and offers almost a 100 percent retrieval rate. After the maternal age of 35 years, there is a considerable reduction in oocyte numbers and quality, which leads to problems in fertilization, cleavage, and implantation. By using IVF, you can stall the biological clock by taking out the eggs and freeze them when you are still young and opt for pregnancy when you consider yourself ready for it.
But, while IVF has advanced a lot, it is important to remember that one of the most important factors for success is the age of the female partner and the ovarian reserve. This is why it is imperative that couples limit the number of months they spend on other fertility treatments. If they lose time and the age of the female partner advances, it can prove to be counterproductive towards an IVF cycle.
Normally, we don’t recommend a wait of more than 6 cycles of ovulation induction in PCOS women and 3-4 cycles of IUI. At the start of fertility treatments, we also check the ovarian reserve of the female partner. In several cases, this is found to be low even in young women. In such cases, fertility treatment procedures are fast-tracked as we don’t have the luxury of time. Here IVF is considered an emergency and sometimes desirable as the first line of treatment.
IVF is also more expensive than other fertility treatments and that is another reason why many patients try to get into other procedures before they decide on IVF. But, however, one may fail to realize that they end up spending money effort and precious time on multiple tests, consultations, and procedures in vain.
So, all couples who have been having unprotected intercourse for more than one year and are still not being able to conceive must see an infertility expert for a thorough assessment, and depending on the problem and the age of the female partner, the right procedure should be selected.

The post IVF vs Other Fertility Treatments appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

Polycystic ovarian disease & abnormal uterine bleeding – Treatment

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:42:56 +0000

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder amongwomen of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam.
Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In adolescents, infrequent or absent menstruation may raise suspicion for the condition. PCOS is also one of the leading cause of anovulatory infertility.
Evaluation and diagnosis of PCOS is based on clinical history, ultrasound findings and hormonal tests(blood tests).
Obesity plays a central role in the cause and aggravation of signs and symptoms of PCOS and hence weight reduction and maintaining an ideal body weight is an important part in management of PCOS and related issues.
Infertility in women with PCOS is usually due to lack of formation of mature follicle as a result of hormonal imbalance. And treatment is by taking medication for ovulation induction under the guidance of your doctor.
Menstrual cycle is normally 25-35 days with a flow of about 3-4 days. An average of 2-4 pads may be soaked per day without any significant passage of clot.
Excessive bleeding, increased duration of blood flow, short or long cycle duration, irregular menstrual pattern including spotting are classified as abnormal uterine bleeding.
Excessive bleeding is termed menorrhagia and causes fall in blood haemoglobin levels(anemia) and tiredness affecting daily activities and requires medical attention.
Irregular spotting especially if it happens in between cycles or after intercourse also deems evaluation by your gynaecologist.
Prolonged cycles or very short cycles may be due to improper ovulation (egg production and release) and may require further evaluation especially if there is delay in pregnancy.

The post Polycystic ovarian disease & abnormal uterine bleeding – Treatment appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

Preparing for IVF

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:39:16 +0000

Infertility has become an increasingly common affliction in the 21st century. Reproduction is what most would consider to be a basic need and to find it may be out of your reach can leave one disheartened and disappointed. Fortunately, good research and development in medicine have ensured infertility is not the end of the road, but merely a sharp turn along the way to fulfilling your heartfelt desire. Procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) have allowed a lot of couples to conceive, but going through the whole treatment can be stressful and emotionally challenging and one would need to be thoroughly prepared to ensure the best chance of success on the first attempt.

Getting Ready

The first step in preparing for IVF is to understand the current status of your reproductive system as well as that of your partner. This helps the doctor understand what needs to be done, how your ovaries may respond to the treatment and the number of embryos that will need to be transferred to ensure maximum chances of success. This will be determined through a series of screenings:

Ovarian Reserve Testing – A procedure that analyses hormone levels in your blood, this helps the doctor gauge the quantity and quality of your eggs.
Semen Analysis – This procedure is usually conducted during the early stages, but can also be conducted before the IVF treatment starts.
Infectious Disease Screening – A customary screening for sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS.
Uterine Cavity Exam – The doctor will examine the uterine cavity to check for any abnormalities that could affect the treatment.

Preparing your body and mind

As a hopeful mother, it is crucial to condition your body and ensure the best environment for your baby’s development right from the early stages. A healthy diet, particularly applied for a period of 30 days before initiating treatment, can help build the health of the egg and increase your chances of success. A good fertility diet would be rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins to prevent free-radicals from damaging egg and sperm health as well as provide sufficient nutrients to support the baby during the initial stages of the pregnancy. And while supplements aren’t ideal, they can help ensure you have all the right nutrients required for successful IVF treatment.

Now given stress can affect your chances of a successful pregnancy, it is important to go into IVF treatment mentally prepared to tackle emotional challenges. The treatment has more than its fair share of ups and downs and as each stage gives way to the next, the anticipation and stress levels continue on an upward curve with a failed cycle bringing it all crashing down. This can severely affect one’s marriage, relationships and even change you as a person. Knowing the challenges that come with each IVF cycle, it would help to keep your personal life stable so as to keep away other sources of stress. It is important for you and your partner to maintain a healthy relationship without making IVF the sole focus of your thoughts. An IVF cycle is without a doubt, a challenging experience and whether or not it ends in success, emerging from the treatment with a strong spirit is the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones.

The post Preparing for IVF appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

How does IVF Work – An Overview

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:38:34 +0000

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) begins with assessing the suitability of the couples for this procedure, and knowing the condition that is responsible for normal conception. Once it is determined that the couple can benefit from the IVF procedure and they have given the green signal to the doctors, the procedure is initiated.

The IVF procedure involves:

A hormonal medication is administered which hyper stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple follicles, each of which can produce an egg during ovulation. As eggs develop during ovulation, it is time to retrieve them.
Using a technique called transvaginal oocyte retrieval, in which a needle is inserted into the follicles, the follicular fluid is aspirated and is passed on to an embryologist to identify ova. At least 10 to 30 eggs are retrieved usually under sedation or general anaesthesia. This procedure takes anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes.
The eggs which have a high chance of ensuring a successful pregnancy are selected. In the meantime, the sperm is prepared by washing off the inactive cells and the seminal fluid. If the sperm was from a donor and was stored quarantined and frozen, it would be thawed and readied for use.
The egg and sperm are then mixed and kept under observation over a period of 2-5 days till it reaches the blastocyst stage.
Once the embryo is ready, it is transferred into the uterus using a flexible tube called a catheter, through the vagina and the cervix. To increase the chances of pregnancy, more than one embryo (usually three) is transferred, though this can lead to multiple pregnancy with health risks for the mother and the baby.
About two weeks after embryo transfer a pregnancy test is performed to determine the success of the procedure.

The post How does IVF Work – An Overview appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

Male infertility- An issue that has been ignored!

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:37:26 +0000

Infertility these days has become a very common issue in almost every household. It can affect both men and women, therefore, the social stigma of blaming only the woman when a married couple is childless should be erased from our minds. There is as much possibility for a man to be infertile as much as it is for a woman. Anyone can be a victim of infertility and to determine the causes there are several tests that are performed both for men and women.

Age

Almost all men are aware that the fertility of women starts to decline after 35 years, yet they are not aware of the fact that even a man’s age can affect their fertility and the capability to be a parent as well. Even though it is less known about the effect of age on male fertility, the evidence of older men losing their fertility is increasing day by day.

The fact is that for a man who is over 45 years old, it may take five or more times longer to conceive as compared to a man under 25 years of age.

Obesity

There is a significant confirmation that male obesity has negative effects on fertility through changes in hormonal levels and also direct changes to the function of the sperm and the molecular composition of the sperm. Impaired spermatogenesis along with sexual dysfunction have been shown to drive other variables towards poor fertility potential by various research studies. The increase in BMI is directly linked to lowering sperm concentration, serum testosterone, and serum estradiol increase research prove it.

Therefore, men who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk for infertility and thus need constant monitoring as it not only affects fertility but also causes several other complications like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and so on. Overweight and obese men are more likely to have low sperm count, or not have any viable sperm as compared with men who have normal weight.

There are several tests and treatments nowadays even for men to determine fertility and the cause of infertility in men.

Tests

To determine male fertility, it involves the production of healthy sperms and its movements towards the egg. The tests performed for male infertility is to determine if any of the processes are damaged.

It is likely that men should undergo a general physical examination that includes the examination of the genitals as well. Precise fertility tests can consist of:

Analysis of Semen- One or more semen specimens may be asked to be produced. The semen specimen is then analyzed in a lab but sometimes in some rare cases, the sperm can also be tested for in the urine.
Testing of Hormone- Blood tests are done to establish and verify the level of male hormones such as testosterone.
Genetic Analysis- Genetic analysis is the testing to find out if there are any genetic issues that are causing infertility.
Biopsy of the testicles- In some rare cases, a biopsy of the testicles is done to ascertain aberrations impacting infertility and to obtain the sperm to be used during assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF if required.
Additional Specialty testing- Sometimes rarely though, some tests may be done to assess the quality of the sperm so as to evaluate the semen specimen for DNA aberrations or abnormalities. Also, imaging studies like brain MRI, scanning of bone mineral density, ultrasound (trans-rectal or scrotal), or tests of the vas deferens could be done.

Treatments

The treatment for men usually comprises of treatment for common sexual complications or deficiency of healthy sperm. The treatment process can comprise of the following:

Changing the lifestyle aspects- Cultivating healthier lifestyle habits and behavioral aspects can help in improving the probabilities for pregnancy. Avoiding certain medications and alcohol, maintaining regular exercise are some habits that will help in keeping you healthy.
Prescriptions- Some medicines may improve sperm count and probability for accomplishing a positive pregnancy. These medications may enhance testicular function along with more sperm production and improving the quality.
Surgery- Surgery may be able to reverse a sperm blockage and restore fertility in some cases. Also in certain rare cases, improving the overall chances for pregnancy may be done by surgically repairing a varicocele.
Sperm retrieval- These techniques obtain sperm when ejaculation is a problem or when no sperm are present in the ejaculated fluid. They may also be used in cases where assisted reproductive techniques are planned and sperm counts are low or otherwise abnormal.

Generally, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is taken into consideration only if the other above treatments do not take effect. The ART techniques used more commonly during male infertility issues are IVF and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

At Aspire Fertility Centre, our expert doctors are ever ready to listen to your questions and problems in order to find a solution. So, so call us or visit our clinic and you can also write to us, always welcome to do so.

The post Male infertility- An issue that has been ignored! appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

10 Essential Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy | Expert Advice by Aspire Fertility

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:36:09 +0000

Maintaining a healthy pregnancy is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby. At Aspire Fertility, we understand the importance of providing informative and empathetic guidance to support you on your pregnancy journey. In this blog post, we share 10 essential tips for a healthy pregnancy. From adopting a nutritious diet to managing stress and seeking appropriate prenatal care, these expert tips will help you navigate the beautiful journey of pregnancy with confidence.

Prioritize Prenatal Care
Discover the importance of regular prenatal check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals to monitor your health and ensure the well-being of your baby.

Nourish Your Body
Learn about the essential nutrients needed during pregnancy and maintain a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Stay Hydrated
Understand the significance of staying hydrated during pregnancy and aim to drink an adequate amount of water daily to support your overall health and well-being.

Exercise Safely
Explore safe and appropriate exercise options during pregnancy, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, to maintain fitness and promote a healthy pregnancy.

Manage Stress
Discover stress management techniques, including relaxation exercises, meditation, and seeking emotional support, to reduce stress levels and promote a positive pregnancy experience.

Get Sufficient Sleep
Understand the importance of getting enough rest and sleep during pregnancy to support physical and emotional well-being.

Avoid Harmful Substances
Learn about the substances to avoid during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications, to protect the health of your developing baby.

Educate Yourself
Empower yourself with knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care through prenatal classes, reading reputable sources, and discussing with healthcare professionals.

Practice Self-Care
Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation, happiness, and overall well-being, such as indulging in hobbies, taking time for yourself, and practicing mindfulness.

Reach Out for Support
Understand the importance of seeking support from your partner, family, friends, and healthcare professionals throughout your pregnancy journey.

At Aspire Fertility, we believe in providing comprehensive support and guidance for a healthy pregnancy. By following these 10 essential tips, you can ensure the well-being of both yourself and your baby. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. If you have any questions or need further support, our caring team of experts at Aspire Fertility is here to assist you.

Contact Aspire Fertility to schedule a consultation and receive personalized guidance on maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

The post 10 Essential Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy | Expert Advice by Aspire Fertility appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

How does being overweight or obese affect fertility?

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:34:07 +0000

The 2016 report given by World Health Organisation (WHO) about the data on world obesity shows that obesity has tripled since 1975, 40% of the adult female world population was overweight and about 15% were obese. It is well known about the fact about the negative effects of these conditions on fertility. This is the outcome of several factors such as low endometrial receptivity. The endometrium is the temporary lining of the uterus and is shed each month during the menstrual cycle. Obesity is associated with the low receptivity of the uterus and makes embryonic implantation more difficult, thereby decreasing the chances of a normal conception or a successful IVF treatment. As the BMI increases in females, implantation and pregnancy rates decrease significantly as well.

Recent studies on the effect of obesity and overweight among men show that there is a significant effect on male fertility as well. The studies show that the motility and quality of the sperm are considerably affected when a man is obese or overweight. Many research studies are still being conducted to find the correlation between obesity and decreased fertility in patients and how being overweight affects fertility in both males and females.

In reality, the period of time needed by obese women is often longer when trying to become pregnant spontaneously and are triple times more likely to have infertility issues than those women who have normal weight. Additionally, in obese women, the risk of obstetric complications is again three times higher than women with normal weight, along with increased miscarriage rates and the risk of fetal death and premature delivery being twice much more. Hence the recommendation by doctors and specialists about maintaining normal weight during pregnancy so that there is the least risk and also to avoid the undesirable effects on the baby’s health.

However, with the number of people whose fertility is getting affected by being overweight or obese increasing drastically, there is clearly a significant value in enhancing their chances of reproductive success and to make improved and effective treatments available. As such, it is not a surprise when medical consultants make recommendations that one should maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise not only for a healthy life but to giving a chance of becoming pregnant successfully if one is trying to get pregnant.

The post How does being overweight or obese affect fertility? appeared first on Aspire Fertility Center.

5 Important Points on Obesity and its Effects on Fertility | Insights by Aspire Fertility

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:32:17 +0000

Understanding the impact of obesity on fertility is essential for individuals and couples who are trying to conceive. At Aspire Fertility, we recognize the concerns and questions surrounding the relationship between obesity and reproductive health. In this informative blog post, we highlight 5 important points that shed light on the effects of obesity on fertility. Gain insights into the risks, challenges, and steps you can take to enhance your fertility journey.

The Link Between Obesity and Fertility
Explore the strong correlation between obesity and fertility, as excess weight can disrupt hormonal balance, impair ovulation, and affect reproductive function.

Increased Risks for Infertility
Learn about the increased risks of infertility associated with obesity, including difficulties in conceiving, higher rates of miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy.

Impact on Hormonal Balance
Understand how obesity can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance in the body, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, hormone imbalances, and reduced fertility.

Challenges in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Discover the unique challenges that individuals with obesity may face when undergoing fertility treatments such as In-vitro fertilization (IVF), including lower success rates and increased risks.

Steps to Enhance Fertility
Find guidance on steps you can take to enhance your fertility journey despite obesity, including adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, seeking professional guidance, and considering preconception care.

At Aspire Fertility, we understand the impact of obesity on fertility and the challenges individuals and couples may face. By providing informative and empathetic insights into the effects of obesity on reproductive health, we aim to empower you with knowledge to make informed decisions. If you have further questions or need personalized advice, our caring team of fertility specialists at Aspire Fertility is here to support you on your fertility journey.

Contact Aspire Fertility to schedule a consultation and receive personalized guidance on managing obesity-related fertility challenges.

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