If you want to delay your first pregnancy but worried about aging or if you are a cancer patient, consider freezing your gametes for future use.This helps you to have your own(genetic) child when you are prepared for it.

As you age, your egg reserve diminishes. Quality of eggs also decline with age which may lead to genetic/ chromosomal abnormalities in fetus.

Though the age at which egg reserve drastically declines vary in each one depending on genetics, environmental influences, Co existing diseases, food habits, stress etc; generally rapid decline happens around 35 years. There are females who show premature ovarian failure very early in life.

If you want to put off motherhood for your career, financial constraints or medical indications, do have a talk with your fertility doctor who can guide you after scan and blood tests. For collection of oocytes(eggs) for freezing, women has to undergo ovarian stimulation and IVF. Oocyte freezing is done by cryopreservation (Vitrification) where the rapid freezing of oocytes are done with cryoprotectant and stored in liquid nitrogen.This type of freezing prevents formation of ice crystals in cells and so the oocytes can be preserved with the same quality for years. Sperms can be frozen for those men who has to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy. After blood tests, sperms can be collected through masturbation and frozen. It can be used for IUI or IVF in future.

Written By Dr. Anupama S

Polycystic ovarian syndrome accounts for  50% of cases of menstrual irregularities

This is characterized by menstrual irregularity, infertility, excessive hair growth, acne, obesity, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

Irregular menstrual cycles are due to anovulation or oligoovulation which may lead to infertility.

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are found in 50-70% of women with PCOS

PCOS may present with features of metabolic syndrome like hypertension, abnormal glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia

Hormone abnormalities like raised LH, insulin, and androgens are laboratory findings in PCOS

Long term consequences include metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, miscarriage in pregnancy, depression, and anxiety

Treatment includes lifestyle modification, weight reduction, hormones for correcting menstrual irregularities and infertility

Even 5% of weight loss can reduce insulin resistance, restores ovulation, and reduce cardiovascular risk factors

Getting pregnant is one of the most vital turning points in the life of a woman. This bliss is always accompanied by apprehensions related to the care of the unborn. Most of these apprehensions are due to the myths, which we believe to be true.

Prenatal care is extremely important for the birth of a healthy baby. Prenatal care should begin right from the inception of the pregnancy. It encourages a healthy lifestyle for a pregnant woman.

Counseling is one of the most important steps that often goes unnoticed during the treatment of infertility. It acts as a bridge of trust between the treating doctors and the couples undergoing the treatment.