September is PCOS Awareness Month

ONE IN EVERY 10 WOMEN has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a disorder that is the leading cause of female infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an extraordinarily prevalent lifelong disorder that many women don't know they have. It is noted that the exact cause of PCOS is unknown.

One of the most devastating effects of PCOS is its impact on fertility. Usually, women with PCOS have low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and high levels of androgens (male hormones), which can impact ovulation and make it difficult to conceive. Women with PCOS also have higher rates of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature delivery. Additionally, it appears to run in some families, which suggests that there may be a genetic link in the pathogenesis of the condition.

Symptoms of PCOS

1. Irregular periods

2. Excess androgens: Either measured in the blood or seen through symptoms such as acne or excess & coarse nature of hair growth, pigmentation & darkening of the skin around nape of the neck, underarms or under breasts.

3. Polycystic ovaries: Women suffering from PCOS may have cysts on their ovaries, which may hinder the regular functioning of their ovaries. This can be checked by Ultrasound Sonography.

4. Obesity: Obesity and PCOS are interlinked. According to one estimate, 40-80% of women suffering from this disorder are overweight or obese.

However, there is another association of Lean Bodymass with PCOS. Meaning that a lean person can also have PCOS.

The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman in their display and severity. Additional symptoms of PCOS can include, but are not limited to: irregular menstrual cycles and periods, weight fluctuations, acne, hirsutism (excess body hair), skin tags, absent or infrequent menstrual periods, hair loss at the scalp (Androgenic alopecia), dark skin patches, pelvic pain, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, high blood pressure, depression and/or anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, ovarian cysts, and infertility.

Early diagnosis of PCOS is important since it has been linked to an increased risk for developing several medical risks, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is impossible to diagnose PCOS with one test alone and symptoms vary from woman to woman.

Is PCOS Treatable?

There has not been an exact cause for PCOS but, early diagnosis and proper education can help women lower the risk factors and manage the symptoms associated with PCOS. 

Lifestyle Modifications include, Diet and Exercise play a very crucial role in the management of PCOS, not only for weight loss and maintenance but also to regulate insulin levels.

At Akanksha Hospital, we have treated many women suffering from this condition to fight Infertility and have their own genetic child without any further complication.

We run a "PCO Clinic" at our hospital, which provides comprehensive care for all aspects of this condition like:

Diet Management to control PCOS

Laser Hair removal for excess & course hair growth

Skin & Hair Analysis for acne & hirsutism

Fertility Preservation & IVF Treatment

Regularising menses in Adolescent girls suffering from PCO.

Akanksha Hospital - Best IVF Clinic in India

Breast Feeding Awareness is very important these days. At Akanksha Hospital & Research Institute, not only being the best IVF clinic in India. But also has an established Human Milk Bank, which one of the very first set up in a private hospital in India.

Breast feeding is one of the most effective ways to provide children everywhere with the best start of life. It can mean the difference between Life and Death.

According to UNICEF, delaying breastfeeding by between 2 and 23 hours after birth increases baby’s risk of dying in its first month by 40%. If breast feeding is delayed by 24hours or more, this risk increases by 80%.

Establishing exclusive breastfeeding – feeding infants nothing but breast milk for the first six months of life – helps young children grow, preventing under nutrition, promoting brain development and reducing the risk that children will become overweight.

Akanksha Hospital and Research Institute has incorporated Human Milk bank as a part of its strategy to improve breast-feeding rates. We have collected around 1305 Litres of milk, distributed 1254 Litres of milk to 654 babies in past years. Happy to announce that, it is the only private hospital to have its first Human Milk Bank.

Not only does this investment meant more babies get milk, but this strategy helps improve the perception of the importance of breast milk too.

It is noted that, Surrogacy is a well accepted option of treatment for a minority of infertile women with certain clearly defined medical disorders.

At Akanksha Hospital & research Institute, in order to give neonate the advantage of breast feeding, induced lactation is done to intended mother of the child.

Induced lactation is the process by which a non – puerperal woman is stimulated to lactate.

Breast feeding is not just for biological families. With the right preparation, expectations and professional support for successful induced lactation, a mother can provide her child the amazing benefits of breast milk and build a stronger nurturing and loving bond along the way.

As we mark this years World Breast-feeding Week, let us commit to help every infant, dn realize the life saving habit of Breast feeding.

Risk Factors and Causes of Male Infertility

Many people incorrectly assume that infertility is caused by the female partner, but it is not always true or often the case. Approximately 40% of cases of infertility are caused by male partner, and although there are issues that both partners can experience that may prevent them from being able to conceive, men are usually the factor that leads to either its failure or success. Here in Akanksha Hospital, also the best IVF Clinic in India, we help you in diagnosing infertility causes.

What is Male Infertility?

To put in simple words, male infertility represents a man’s failure to achieve pregnancy in a female partner. This can be caused by several factors – medical, physical and lifestyle - but the main factor they causes the ability is deficiency in semen and semen quality.

Ideally, a healthy male should exhibit a moderate sperm count with adequate motility through the semen. In addition, the sperm itself must exhibit a healthy flow through its various parts of the body, as well as produce an amount that promotes a healthy chance of insemination.

Examining and improving semen levels is the number one way to combat male infertility. However, to achieve healthier conditions, it’s important to know what signs and health risks can get in the way.

Symptoms of Male Infertility

Unfortunately, there might not be any noticeable red flags that indicate fertility issue, but there are several things to look out for that can give way to potential threat.

• Issues with Sexual Activity

• Testicular Problems

• Health Issues or Hormonal Abnormalities

Medical and Physical Causes of male Infertility:

Along with having a low sperm count and poor sperm quality, there are many medical and physical conditions that can cause infertility in men.

• Undescended Testicles

• Varicocele

• Various Infections

• Immune System Antibodies

• Blocked or Defective Sperm Tubules

• Genetic Disorders

• Celiac Disease

• Medications or Treatment

• Past Surgeries

Common Lifestyle Causes of Male Infertility

Living a healthy lifestyle is extremely important when trying to start a family.

• Drug and Alcohol

• Smoking

• Mental and Emotional Stress

• Obesity

How to Choose a Fertility Clinic in India?

Having a baby is an incredible experience for every couple, but not all couples are able to conceive naturally.

Dealing with a fertility challenge can be frustrating in and of itself. Choosing the best IVF Hospital in India doesn’t have to contribute to the stress and confusion.

Not all fertility clinics are the same and there is certainly a range of quality in the services. To help your research and decision, we have listed few points to look out for:

Clinical Environment: Fertility treatment is a bumpy ride at the best of the times, a fertility clinic must be welcoming and calming place where you feel comfortable, confident and are being taken care and respected.

     Types of Services: Different fertility clinics offers various range of treatments but may only have a certain amount of experience. Therefore, you can start by determining the types of services you know you need to get started. Since there are a continuum of fertility treatments available, make sure the clinic and doctors you chose match your time and speed with their availability and are in alignment with your personal and budgetary needs.

Embryology Laboratory: With commendable breakthroughs in medical science, the chances of conception have also rose remarkably. Henceforth, the skills of embryologist and the quality of lab can have a direct influence on the likelihood of success. Regular checks with your gynecologists regarding the potential embryology lab associated in the hospital is a must.

Success Rate: One of the most important parameters to choose while researching the treatment. Success Rates should be thoroughly considered when clinics offer comprehensive treatments like IVF, ICSI, IUI and all other fertility enhancing therapy. Most of it is already mentioned on website online. However, it is very essential to discuss in person as it may vary according to the procedure choosen and the age of the couple.

Billing and Costs: An efficient fertility clinic will follow ethics and transparency in the medical as well as financial process. 

Ensure the clinics provide the clarity in the costs. The inclusion of the costs pre and post treatment must to be informed in the counselling sessions. Also, to maintain patient confidentiality during treatment is an important aspect to be looked after.

Best Surrogacy Service in India at Akanksha Hospital

Akanksha Hospital and Research Institutes motto promotes "A journey of a Patient to a Parent", with advanced facilities like IVF, ICSI, IUI, IMSI, IVF with Surrogacy, Sperm and Oocyte cryopreservation, Embryo Cryopreservation, Sperm, Egg and Embryo Donation, Laser Assisted Hatching, PESA and TESA, world class facilities and Instruments for enhancing the success ratio.

Surrogacy is the form of Third party Reproduction. "Surrogacy", means an arrangement in which a woman agrees to a pregnancy achieved through ART, in which neither of the gametes belong to her or her husband, with the intention to carry it to term and handover the child to the person or persons for whom she is acting as a surrogate.

Indications for Surrogacy includes:

• Women with absence of uterus

• Women with huge fibroids, severe adenomyosis

• Women with hysterectomy for various reasons 

• Women who suffer repeated miscarriages

• Repeated IVF failure – due to non-receptive uterus 

• Women with certain medical conditions – severe heart disease, kidney disease

• Women for whom the prospect of carrying a baby to term is very remote single father

Steps in Surrogacy

• Proper patient selection

• Source of surrogate (ART bank) 

• Proper selection & screening of the surrogate

• Intensive counseling – the key factor

• Proper controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF technique

• Preparing the surrogate

• Synchronizing the cycles of the surrogate and the genetic mother

• Window period for embryo transfer

• Taking care of the legalities and financial contracts

• Transparency of the whole arrangement

We have been in the Surrogacy since 15 years and our first case was Asia's First and World's Fifth case of Grandmother Surrogacy. Since then the journey started and we are proud that Akanksha Hospital and Research institute has 1400 Surrogate babies delivered under one roof.

An unique Surrogacy agency in India which follow Proper ART guidelines. The surrogate mothers are strictly selected among 25-25 years age, with proven history of atleast one Healthy child Birth, thoroughly screened for all infections, physically, legally ans psychological fit individuals are properly counselled with all implications informed. They live in a special Accommodation in the hospital itself where 24*7 they are monitored and all the requirements are taken care of. With proper diet and medication.

Moreover, Vocational training like Sewing, Knitting, Art and Crafts, Beauty Parlour are been taught to the surrogates living in-house.

How to Choose the Best Fertility Clinic in India?

Having a baby is an incredible experience for every couple, but not all couples are able to conceive naturally. Dealing with a fertility challenge can be frustrating in and off itself. Choosing the best fertility clinic doesn't have to contribute to the stress and confusion.

Not all fertility clinics are the same and there is certainly a range of quality in the services. To help your research and decision, we have listed few points to look out for:

1. Clinical Environment: Fertility treatment is a bumpy ride at the best of the times, a fertility clinic must be welcoming and calming place where you feel comfortable, confident and are being taken care and respected.

2. Types of Services: Different fertility clinics offers various range of treatments but may only have a certain amount of experience. Therefore, you can start by determining the types of services you know you need to get started. Since there are a continuum of fertility treatments available, make sure the clinic and doctors you chose match your time and speed with their availability and are in alignment with your personal and budgetary needs.

3. Embryology Laboratory: With commendable breakthroughs in medical science, the chances of conception have also rose remarkably. Henceforth, the skills of embryologist and the quality of lab can have a direct influence on the likelihood of success. Regular checks with your gynaecologists regarding the potential embryology lab associated in the hospital is a must.

4. Success Rate: One of the most important parameters to choose while researching the treatment. Success rates should be thoroughly considered when clinics offer comprehensive treatments like IVF, ICSI, IUI and all other fertility enhancing therapy. Most of it is already mentioned on website online. However, it is very essential to discuss in person as it may vary according to the procedure chosen and the age of the couple.

5. Billing and Costs: An efficient fertility clinic will follow ethics and transparency in the medical as well as financial process.

Ensure the clinics provide the clarity in the costs. The inclusion of the costs pre and post treatment must to be informed in the counselling sessions. Also, to maintain patient confidentiality during treatment is an important aspect to be looked after.

Ovulation - How to Know?

Understanding and tracking your menstrual cycle is one of the key ways you can figure out when you are ovulating and releasing an egg that can be fertilized with your husband's or partner's sperm. 

The optimal period when pregnancy can occur is usually six days before ovulation.

Women who have a 28-day cycle, on average, ovulate on day 14, but ovulation can occur between days 11 and 21. Generally, ovulation occurs 14 days before the onset of your next menstrual cycle.

Tracking your cycle is the first step when you are planning for conception:

The fertility window:

The most fertile time for a woman without any fertility problems to get pregnant is six days before ovulation. You also can get pregnant 12-24 hours after your egg has been released if sperm is present. It takes about six hours for sperm to reach the fallopian tube.

Bodily signals of ovulation

Cervical mucus and vaginal secretions are two important signs that ovulation is near. They start to increase five to six days before ovulation, peaking at two to three days before the egg is released.

Cervical mucus becomes more transparent and 'stretchier' and has a consistency similar to egg whites, which helps sperm swim to the egg.

Some women experience a heightened sense of smell, breast tenderness, and abdominal pain and, perhaps, increased libido or light spotting as their body gets ready to ovulate.

Moreover, other ways to check on Ovulation includes; Ovulation Calendar (link), Checking Basal Body Temperature and Urine Tests Kit which are an Ovulation Prediction Kit (OPK) it will test your urine for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the two hormones that increase around 36 hours before ovulation when estrogen levels peak.

To understand Ovulation is cardinal as if a couple is trying to conceive, the first and the foremost task is to check your regularity or Ovulation Cycle. The timing of the Ovulation and continuity of the cycle should be regularly checked. If your cycle is irregular it is time you might want to check the above mentioned ways to check the ovulation cycle. 

Physiology:

Sure, you get a period every month, or every few weeks, or every few months, or maybe irregularly (every body is different!). But there's a lot you might not know about what's going inside your body.

Brain triggers Ovulation: Hypothalamus, a region of the brain that connects the nervous and endocine systems and release Gonadotropin releasing hormone which kicks off the ovulatory cycle. That hormone basically activates the pituitat gland in the brain itself to produce other hormones like Luteinizing hormone and Follicle stimulating hormone, which then stimulates ovaries to other hormones namely Estrogen and Progesterone that starts Ovulation.

Ovaries Overacts - Most women have two ovaries, one on the right and one on the left. During the first week or so after your periods begin, both ovaries work hard growing follicles that could become mature eggs. Around the day 7, one egg becomes Dominant Egg and the other follicles in both ovaries take a load off that is they eventually degenerate. These otherwise “lost eggs” are the ones that are matured, retrieved and preserved during egg freezing. The Dominant Egg continues to grow in preparation for her release around day 14.

Each month, only one ovary develops a Dominant Mature Egg. But which ovary develops the Dominanat Egg isn’t a simple left-right-left-right alternation, nor is it purely random. Multiple studies have shown, it is likely due to anatomical differences between right and left sides of the reproductive system, the right ovary is significantly more likely to serve as the palace for your Dominant Egg.