How to Increase Your Chances of IVF Success

Losing excess weight before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment can improve pregnancy

and birth outcome. The women with normal weight (BMI below 20) had higher live birth rates (38.6 percent) and embryo implantation (40.4 percent) compared to obese women (BMI above 30 -27.7 percent and 30.9 percent respectively). A body mass index (BMI) of 19 to 25 is considered to be the ideal weight for conceiving. A healthy body and optimum weight during pregnancy is crucial for having a smooth pregnancy and delivering a healthy child.

According to the WHO 1.2 billion people worldwide are officially classified as overweight. According to recent study 70% of India's urban population is obese and comes under overweight category. Both underweight and overweight women and men suffer from a higher incidence of infertility. I see at least 10 patients in a day coming to me for infertility out of which 3 to 4% are obese. Women who are obese are also at a greater risk for pregnancy complications like having a C-section, giving birth to a large baby or even developing gestational diabetes and hypertension. There are numerous potential complications for obese women trying to get pregnant. Some of these include:

Lower response to medication used to regulate or initiate ovulation.Greater need for carefully titrated dosing of medication, especially in patients with polycystic ovaries (PCO).

Greater frequency of over-response and the risk of over-stimulation and / or multiple pregnancies in response to medications used to induce ovulation. And if a multiple pregnancy is conceived, there are

How to change your diet and exercise routine if you have PCOS

PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome as we all know is one of the most common hormonal disorders for women. But when you've been diagnosed with it, no matter how severe your symptoms are, from excess hair to spots, irregular or absent periods and weight gain, it can be really hard to know what to do next. Firstly, it's important to remember that although PCOS is related to our hormone levels, and insulin production, it's not your 'fault' if you have it. The symptoms can sometimes, however, be managed and hopefully, improved through diet and exercise.

1. If you are overweight (with a BMI of over 25) even a small reduction in weight can significantly improve symptoms, including a low mood or depression. 

2. Keep your sugar controlled; as you can't handle high sugar levels in PCOS. So, your diet is a chance to really change things and this can also help you in future too, during pre-menopause and before and during pregnancy. By keeping your weight stable, your pregnancy is likely to be more straightforward health wise. 

Trying to have a baby but unsuccessful!

I have seen many cases in my career as an IVF Expert where over 10% of reproductive-age

couples are unable to conceive even after a year of trying. There are many possible reasons for this, including issues with the male’s sperm, the woman’s ovulation and hormonal issues; from being very underweight or very overweight, or from thyroid, cervical or uterine problems, or blocked fallopian tubes.

What to do if unsuccessful?

The first step is to identify the possible causes contributing to a couple’s inability to conceive. Both partners should undergo a physical exam depending on the risks identified; further testing is done to specifically identify the limiting conditions. This may include testing to examine the male’s sperm (amount, motility, etc.), evaluation of the female’s anatomy (for example a hysterosalpingogram, ultrasound, and/or other tests) and evaluation of the women’s ability to ovulate (possibly including hormonal testing and/or other tests). In fact out of 100%

Smoking affects during pregnancy

Smoking during pregnancy accounts for an estimated 20 to 30 percent of low-birth weight babies. Let’s see below some more dangers of smoking while pregnant:

Giving birth to pre-mature baby: Smoking increases the chances of pre nature birth. Baby’s who born too early are always at risk of high infections and their organs are too not developed properly. In extreme cases babies do die also because of low birth weight.

Harm to the placenta: As we know that placenta is an organ which develops in your uterus during pregnancy. Placenta helps to fight internal infection and also produces hormones to support pregnancy. If you smoke during pregnancy then it will prevent palcenta from giving proper nutrients and oxygen to the baby that is needed.

Risk of miscarriage: Women who smoke are twice as likely to have a miscarriage as compare to non-smoking expectant mothers.

Is thyroid affecting your fertility

Millions of people in India have an undiagnosed thyroid problem and don't even realize that

it is the cause of other health issues too faced by them. Thyroid is very common problem especially post 25 years of age and women are 4 times more prone to thyroid disorders than men. Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disease can be a cause for infertility or frequent miscarriage. The thyroid hormone regulates cellular function; abnormal thyroid function can affect your fertility. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain important hormones. For women, there is a link between hypothyroidism and infertility. Low levels of thyroid hormone can interfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility. 

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be of many types. Some patients show no symptoms, while others show some marked symptoms. The symptoms usually depend on the severity of the hormone deficiency and the rate at which it develops in the patient. The symptoms are usually milder at the beginning but develop gradually as the condition deteriorates.