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If you want to have a child in the future but are not mentally prepared to conceive right now, then egg freezing may help you keep the options open and become pregnant in the future – once you are ready to start a family.
A woman is most fertile in her 20s and early 30s because this is the time when her ovaries contain many healthy eggs. As the female ages, the quality and quantity of her eggs deteriorate. For the 10 to 15 years before menopause, despite having a regular menstrual cycle, an ovarian function might drop. This is especially so for women in their 40s who are unlikely to produce a healthy pregnancy.
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a technique whereby eggs are frozen soon after being collected. To collect and freeze eggs, a woman will go through ovarian stimulation. The process of Ovarian stimulation involves hormone medications that are undertaken for approximately 10-12 days which assist to stimulate your ovaries. The fertility specialist will explain the best treatment and medication plan for your case.
Commonly, hormone medication involves giving yourself an injection with a small needle under the skin. Do not be afraid, this is nothing to worry about, and your fertility nurse is available to help throughout your treatment. Whilst you are undertaking ovarian stimulation, you will be monitored with blood tests and ultrasounds.
During a normal cycle in a woman’s body, only 1 egg will mature and be released per cycle (ovulation). Ovarian stimulation helps several of the eggs to mature and once matured, they can be collected.
When your eggs are ready to be collected, you will be asked to go to the hospital for the day procedure where the eggs will be collected from your ovaries. You will have sedation administered by an Anaesthetist. The egg collection (or ‘egg pick up’) procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and you will be asleep during that time. You can opt for your egg to pick up under local anaesthetic upon request.
By the means of advanced ultrasound technology, a Fertility specialist guides a needle into each ovary (eggs are contained in the fluid within the follicles in your ovaries and invisible to the naked eye). The specialist will extract the fluid from the sacs that look like they have grown enough to have an egg inside. Before retrieval, your ultrasound gives a good indication of the number of eggs available for collection, the average number of eggs collected is 8-15.
Your collected eggs will be passed straight on to scientists, scientists will distinguish which eggs are mature enough to be kept, immature eggs do not generate successful pregnancies. Those mature eggs are then frozen via vitrification.
Recovery takes about 30 minutes and you will be able to walk out on your own. However, as with all sedation, you will not be able to drive after the procedure for 24 hours thus bringing a support person with you is recommended.
Frozen eggs can be kept for as long as you wish. When you are ready to use your frozen eggs, contact your fertility specialist to discuss the best plan for you.
When your eggs are ready to be used, they will be thawed by warming quickly to 37 degrees Celsius. Once at 37 degrees, the eggs are ready for insemination by ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) a process whereby a single sperm is injected into the egg. Once the sperm has fertilised the egg, the egg develops into an embryo, and a transfer may occur. Unfortunately, not all eggs will fertilise and reach the embryo stage.
Specialists explained, as 100% success is not assured, you would want to know your chances of success. Before you go ahead and decide to freeze your eggs, you should know the general success rate and that of the specific IVF centre you are visiting.
Some aspects come into play here. Primarily, egg freezing is a relatively new technology. This means there isn’t a large amount of data available on babies born after egg thawing. Also, the available data does not necessarily connect to your own country. Actually, as this technology is new so there isn’t enough data about any birth defects among babies born after freezing of eggs. The unavailability of long-term statistics makes it difficult to calculate the egg freezing success rates for the procedure.
From the women ‘respective, the most crucial information is regarding the efficacious pregnancy and live birth achieved after thawing of eggs. All-female are concerned about knowing the potential of the frozen eggs to produce a new-born. It means how an egg recovers after thawing and produces an embryo. The miscarriage rates also need to be considered as it is a common occurrence among older women.
In a nutshell, freezing of eggs is an excellent option of fertility preservation in women. There are factors to consider and you should do the necessary research on your behalf as well. You need to know whether it is right for you to use the option or not. You should weigh in the pros and cons of the procedure, before taking any decision.
Consult fertility expert, Dr. (Col.) Pankaj Talwar at the Fertility Department, CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon to discuss more the egg freezing success rate and the pros and cons of the procedure. Book your appointment today!
Aching back, swollen ankles and insomnia-sounds familiar? In other words, you’re likely to be pregnant! Is there anything you can do to minimise these uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy? Turns out, there is exercise. Maintaining a regular exercise routine during the course of your pregnancy can help you stay hale and hearty.
Working out while you’re pregnant provides a lot of health benefits — a mood booster, a diminution in many pregnancies-related uncomfortable symptoms and a speedier postpartum recovery. Some studies have presented that exercise may even cut down a woman’s risk of complications, like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, significantly
It doesn’t matter if you were an ironwoman or lazybones until now. You can still benefit from getting some exercise during pregnancy. It’s safe, as long as you get the go-ahead from your doctor before hitting any new or familiar workout routine and abide by a few pregnancy-specific revisions.
Overall and in the majority of the cases, exercise is safe during the duration of pregnancy. You should check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
Usually, as a rule, if you were physically active before your pregnancy, it can be said that it is safe to remain active during pregnancy. Chances are that your doctor will tell you to continue being active, as long as you are comfortable and there are no former or new health conditions signifying otherwise.
Undoubtedly, exercise is beneficial for both you and your baby, barring any complications
It can help you:
Strength workouts help build and tone your muscles. Stronger muscles, in turn, help you to endure the weight you gain throughout your pregnancy and keep your joints from injuries as your ligaments relax. Here are the top strengthening exercises for pregnant women:
A good way to increase your muscle tone when you’re expecting is weightlifting — just go for more reps using a lower weight than usual. You may also want to shift to machines, which bound your range of motion to reduce any chances of injury.
Pilates routine centres mainly on strengthening your core and lengthening your muscles with low- to no-impact, which will help reduce backaches and develop your posture as well as your flexibility, as long as it is a pregnancy-appropriate routine.
Barre classes — a combination of Pilates, yoga and ballet-inspired moves — are superb for expecting women because they encompass strengthening your lower body and core without much jumping. They also include balance exercises, which help keep you stable as your baby bump throws off your balance. Be sure to inform your instructor that you’re pregnant before you start so he or she can give you modifications for the few exercises that can put extra strain on your abdominal muscles.
Prenatal yoga is another ideal workout for moms-to-be: It boosts relaxation, flexibility, focus and deep breathing — an all – in – one preparation for the beautiful journey of birth.
All of these cardiovascular exercises increase blood circulation, tone your muscles and improves your endurance level:
Swimming and water aerobics are just the ideal pregnancy workout. A dip in the pool aids in relieving nausea, sciatic pain, and swollen ankles. It’s gentle on your loosening joints and ligaments as the baby’s floating along with you.
It is advisable to step or slide into the water compared to diving or jumping in. Your growing baby isn’t prepared to handle the bubbles that form inside the body when you swiftly change altitudes under the pressure of the water. Hence, scuba diving is strictly a no-no.
The simplest exercise to fit into your hectic schedule is walking… and it’s a workout you can carry on right up until your delivery date. You don’t need any special equipment or a gym membership to join in — just a pair of good sneakers.
Want to go to a higher level? Trained runners can stay on track for the duration of their pregnancy. Choose to work out on a treadmill or a level terrain and never overdo it as it makes you highly susceptible to injuries.
Both ellipticals and stair climbers are good bets during pregnancy. Adjust speed, incline, and tension according to your comfort levels. Remember that as your pregnancy progresses, you may have a tougher time with resistance and you will need to watch your step to avoid stumbles.
Low-impact aerobics and dance workout classes like Zumba are a good way to get your heart rate up and get those endorphins flowing if you’re a rookie exerciser. As your pregnancy progresses, refrain from any activities that require watchful balance.
If at least six months before pregnancy, you have been spinning, then you should be able to carry on as long as you reduce the intensity of the workout. Indoor cycling can be great exercise, as it allows you to pedal at your own speed without the risk of falling or putting pressure on your ankle and knee joints.
Many expecting kickboxers find they aren’t relatively as lithe or swift as pre-pregnancy, but if you still feel at ease getting your kicks in the ring and you have adequate experience, it’s okay to continue now.
High-intensity interval training certainly isn’t for every expecting woman. The workouts, which comprise of more hard-core moves to get your heart rate up followed by periods of rest, are simply too extreme to begin for the first time when you’re expecting.
However, if you’ve been at HIIT for some time and get the go-ahead from your practitioner, classes can be safe with adjustments to your routine, from your instructor.
Keep in mind that there are a multitude of ways to fit in fitness during pregnancy — as well as a few more exercises you shouldn’t do, too. If you’re at all uncertain about what’s safe, connect with our expert gynaecologists about what’s okay and what’s not for you. Whatever you do, try not to be too hard on yourself when it comes to exercising, and don’t forget to relax and enjoy!
Sports participation results in 70 percent of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears and the majority of these occur in the 15-45-year-old population, but these injuries are also seen commonly in non-sports cases. Majority of ACL injuries are non-contact injuries that occur at the time of sudden change in direction with a planted foot (i.e. cutting) or stopping suddenly.
The ACL is an important stabilising ligament of the knee that provides the hinge to keep the knee stable while moving. When a tear occurs the patient often reports hearing a pop and they usually cannot walk on the injured limb. During the injury it is common for the knee to partially dislocate, resulting in bruising and sometimes a small fracture at the back of the tibia and on the femur.
Females, particularly female athletes are two to eight times more prone to ACL injuries. This is primarily due to mechanical reasons. Another factor that increases the risk of ligament rupture is the interface between the player’s shoes and the ground that results in higher friction. High risk sports include football, basketball, volleyball & hockey.
Preventive programmes are based on analysing the mechanism of injury of ACL ruptures as well as the kinematics of the body position during landing and cutting. The goal is to train the athlete/patient to keep their centre of gravity forward and to encourage better leg rotation and control. These programmes aim reduce the incidence of ACL injuries by up to half.
Athletes and patients with ACL reconstruction often feel that continuing with a knee brace can prevent further such injuries. There is however no evidence to support use of braces in prevention of ACL injuries.
Speak with our orthopaedic expert, Dr. Praveen Tittal, Shoulder and Anthroscopy Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics at the CK Birla Hospital about exercises and programmes to help prevent ACL tears and injuries.
Breast soreness occurs due to stimulation of breast tissue by elevated estrogen levels which can occur during puberty. Also, during menses, various hormones cause variations in the breast tissue that usually leads to pain (called mastalgia) or uneasiness in some women.
Cyclical breast pain is often felt around the time of a woman’s menstrual period. It goes away after her period ends. This type of pain usually occurs in both breasts. It is more common in younger women and often stops after menopause.
Non-cyclical breast pain is not connected to the menstrual cycle. This type of breast pain is more prevalent in women between the age group of 30 and 50 years. It may arise in just one breast.
Pain may be felt in a part of the breast or the full breast. It may also be felt in the upper arm or armpit.
Breast pain may be described as:
Breast pain is usually not associated with breast cancer. It is majorly a sign of a non-cancerous (benign) breast conditions such as:
Breast pain is only usually linked to breast cancer in advanced stages when skin is involved, or the disease has spread to axilla. Cancer is majorly painless to begin with. Having breast pain or fibrocystic breasts does not mean you are at a higher risk of developing cancer.
In most cases, breast pain goes away on its own after a few months, without any treatment.
If in any case the pain persists, then connect with the expert breast surgeon, Dr. Rohan Khandelwal at the Breast Centre, CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon.
The female breast has been synonymous with femininity and hence a lot of focus has been given to the aesthetics of the organ. The ideal size and shape vary, depending upon the build of the individual and the cultural characteristics. Many a time, breast development does not take place adequately. Therefore, females with smaller than regular breasts feel that they have an uneven figure and they seek a modification through surgery. Breast enlargement is a procedure to make the breasts larger and rectify their shape. This procedure can also be named as breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty. It is, therefore, important that the surgeon also takes into consideration the patient’s desires, when planning an augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation can have a significant positive influence on body image.
Common reasons for breast augmentation: –
Many females opt for breast enlargement to rectify hypoplastic breasts. Those who have undergone significant postpartum involution also opt for augmentation, for further improvement. These women have experienced the fullness and want the volume back.
Since the introduction of silicone gel prosthesis in 1962, breast augmentation must turn out to be the most frequently performed procedure in cosmetic surgery.
Czerny attempted the first augmentation mammoplasty, in which he transferred a lipoma to the breast, in 1895. Longacre performed autogenous flap augmentation in 1950. Many injectable materials were being tried, since the 1950s. Uchida reported the use of injectable silicone in 1961. The introduction of the silicone gel breast implant in 1962 by Cronin and Gerow initiated the modern era of breast augmentation.
Mammoplasty procedures (also known as breast augmentation procedures) involves the use of saline or silicone implants to create larger and/or fuller breasts. Breast augmentation is among the most sought-after cosmetic procedure available, and the demand continues to rise.
Some of the most common reasons are: –
While breast enlargement procedure can yield remarkable results, one area that breast augmentation does not address is severely sagging breasts. If a patient has severely low hanging breasts, then a breast lift procedure may be the best option. Breast lift surgery can be performed with breast implants to achieve the desired effect.
There are many options in mammoplasty procedures, and each should be considered carefully before deciding to move forward with the procedure. Options for implants vary by the type of implant (silicone, saline, or cohesive gel), the shape of the implant (round or teardrop-shaped), and the size of the breast implant.
Being informed and having clear expectations during the consultation process is the best way to ensure that a patient will be satisfied with her breast augmentation procedure results.
Breast augmentation can be performed with saline or silicone gel-filled implants. The implants can be placed through several different incisions. Many factors should be discussed with your physician, such as the size and shape of implants, the location of surgical incisions, and whether the implants should be positioned on the upper part of the breast or beneath the chest muscle.
Breast enlargement is an outpatient procedure, typically performed using general anaesthesia. You can walk around on your own within a few hours after the operation, and most patients are comfortable enough in leaving their house within the next day or two.
You may feel sore the first week or so, and you will need to limit strenuous exercise for about 2-4 weeks. Your Doctor may also ask you to opt for a surgical bra or sports bra for a while after breast enlargement surgery—it is important to follow your surgeon’s advice to ensure your recovery optimally.
Once you are done with your breast implants, you’ll have to keep the following points in mind: It’s safe to have mammograms with breast implants, so be sure to maintain regular screening as prescribed by your doctor.
Upcoming pregnancies or weight variations may mark your results, and a second surgery may be needed to correct any changes you are unhappy with over time.
Nobody can break the normal ageing course; over time, breast tissue does change. You can aid in avoiding unnecessary sagging by opting for a bra with suitable support for your activity level.
Breast augmentation is an extremely gratifying aesthetic procedure. When done by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, breast enlargement is a safe procedure with long-lasting results, and most patients are very glad they chose to have the procedure.
Connect with Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, expert in breast surgery at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon to know more about this procedure. He holds one of the largest experiences in oncoplastic breast conservation surgery, autologous primary breast reconstruction with mastectomy. Book your appointment today!
Normally, after fertilisation, the egg becomes a zygote and develops in the ovary for a certain period before migrating from the ovaries to the uterus through the fallopian tube. In the uterus, the zygote gets implanted in the uterine walls and develops into a full-grown baby gradually.
An ectopic pregnancy is one that grows outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening because as the pregnancy gets bigger inside the tube, it can burst (rupture) causing severe pain and internal bleeding.
Approximately 2 out of 100 pregnancies turn out to be ectopic.
The following conditions might increase the chances:
In most cases, ectopic pregnancy develops in the initial few weeks of pregnancy only. At times the women may not even know that she is pregnant by the time she is diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. The Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may include:
The diagnosis can be made based on clinical examination. Pelvic examination, ultrasound findings and blood tests confirming levels of pregnancy hormone HCG.
It can sometime take few days to reach to the diagnosis as presentation can be varied. You may need to attend hospital for serial HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels and ultrasound scan to make a diagnosis.
The pregnancy cannot be continued, and all options will be discussed with you to end the pregnancy. Depending at the point of time when the pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment can consist of medication or surgery. In the initial stages of implantation prior to the stage of tubal rupture, medications can be given to inhibit the growth of the zygote which then gets absorbed gradually. In cases which have progressed further, a laparoscopic procedure (keyhole surgery) may be required to remove the ectopic mass. If the fallopian tube is damaged, then the doctor might have to remove the fallopian tubes.
There are fair chances that the affected female will have normal subsequent pregnancies. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before planning for next pregnancy.
There’s no definite preventive step for ectopic pregnancy. Practicing safe sex, avoiding smoking and alcohol, leading a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular gynaecological checkup can help in reducing the risk.
Ectopic Pregnancy Doctors at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon to learn more about the condition and treatment options. Book your appointment today!
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During the menstrual cycle, when the flow is not being expelled in the right manner the female might have abdominal cramps. There are some common reasons why an individual has menstrual cramps.
It is an infection of the female reproductive system which is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria that spreads from the vagina to the womb (uterus).
This is a condition in which the tissues that line the uterus start to grow outside the uterus, mostly on the fallopian tubes or ovaries.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that appear during women’s childbearing years.
Period cramps could be uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. Menstruation is the process in which your uterus sheds its lining every month. While some discomfort is normal during your period, there can be times when the pain can be severe or devastating.
Dysmenorrhea is a condition that causes unpleasant periods. It’s the most prevalent type of menstrual irregularity: Every month, more than half of menstrual women experience pain for at least the first two days. There are two types of menstrual pains
No matter the level of pain you’re experiencing, there are several ways to reduce the pain.
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body and may help relieve period pain.
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are:-
Dark chocolate has been considered as one of the snacks that can help relieve the period’s cramps immediately. Dark chocolate gives you that sugar rush needed to relieve the pain. It is both tasty as well as a good source of magnesium and iron.
Beans and legumes are high in iron and protein and consuming legumes and beans can help in the menstruation cycle. It is one of those healthy proteins which will keep your stomach full for long hours.
Being hydrated may not restrain your cramps directly but can help with reducing bloating. When you are nearing to your period, it is suggested that you should drink plenty of water. Avoiding alcohol and lowering down the consumption of salt are recommended as these two can pull out water from your system.
Avoiding fried foods (potato chips, doughnuts etc.) can help a lot. It is recommended to go for a diet which is rich is fiber and low fat.
Caffeine can make your cramps worse; you should avoid intake of coffee in any form instead switch to a smoothie packed with veggies.
You can take a painkiller to get relief from the pain, but make sure that these medicines that you might want to take are discussed with your gynecologist before you use them.
Usage of heat pads, heat wraps (rechargeable or disposable) can really help to deal with these cramps.
Exercise release brain chemicals that can make you feel good. Taking a walk, jumping, yoga, etc. can make you feel good.
Belly massage can help you feel better It is recommended to use essential oils as they have pain killing compounds.
Touching key parts on your belly, feet, back, fleshy parts between thumb and index finger that can help relive aches and pains, seek help of expert to help you find those points.
Sleep may be a problem during period because of cramps, you can try different positions to sleep, avoid usage of smartphones during bedtime and focus on following proper bedtime routine.
Warm water bath can really help you calm your muscles and mind.
Menopause is the time that reflects the end of your menstrual cycle. It is diagnosed after 12 months of you have gone without a period. It is a natural biological process. Menopause generally happens in the age group of the late 40s to 50s.
Listed below are symptoms which may help you understand that you are approaching towards your menopausal age:
Changes in menstruation vary from woman to woman. It is very common if you face irregularity in your period before it ends, skipping your period during this phase is common. Sometimes your period will come every alternate month or skip several months and start again for a few months. Your period may be shorter.
It is recommended that you visit your gynecologist regularly during the menopausal phase. Also, it is suggested to visit your gynecologist post your menopause. Always seek medical advice if you bleed post your menopause.
It’s one of the most precious moments in a woman’s life when she realizes that a new life is growing inside her womb. Pregnancy brings with it a lot of changes. This a time when her thinking about life is also likely to change, especially when she comprehends how unusual an experience is giving birth. Pregnancy also brings out the inner strength in a woman.
So what are the first signs which show that you may be pregnant. Before the pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, there are some specific signs and symptoms that give you an indication of whether you are pregnant or not. Every woman is different, so it is possible that these symptoms are different and show up at different times.
The archetypal symptom of pregnancy is missing a period. Once you are pregnant, your body starts producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. This hormone is responsible for maintaining the pregnancy. It gives a signal to the ovaries that it is the right time to halt the release of mature eggs for the next nine months. In most of the pregnancy tests an hCG strip is used for confirmation.
You suddenly start feeling a pain in your stomach. After the ovulation period, you might experience cramps in your lower abdomen alongwith spotting. The reason behind it is usually the stretching of the round ligaments that support the growing womb.
A sudden rise in the hormones inside the body can result in tenderness of breasts or tingly feeling. By checking the skin around your nipple, you can come to know whether you are pregnant or not. Do you want to know how? It becomes bumpier, and these bumps are known as Montgomery’s tubercles. These are responsible for secreting an oily fluid that prepares the nipples for breastfeeding.
A sudden exhausting feeling in the first trimester of pregnancy is experienced by most of the pregnant women. As time passes, this feeling also fades; but can return with a vengeance in the third trimester. This is so because it requires energy to build a life-support system for the baby to help in its proper growth and development. Also, the blood sugar level and blood pressure move to the lower side. It may happen as your body responds to the effect of pregnancy hormones. In such circumstances, it is essential to have protein and iron-rich foods.
In early pregnancy, it is seen that women will get the sense of peeing again and again, as their bladder works overtime. This is because of the expansion of the womb, which results in pressing the bladder, and you have to make frequent trips to the bathroom.
You may feel bloated or constipated due to the superfluous release of hormones. Your tummy becomes harder, even rounder and the tummy feels more gassy. The food passes through the intestines slowly because of progesterone resulting in sluggish digestion. So, you have to deal with bloating, burping, uncomfortable sensation. Drinking lots of water, and consuming high-fiber foods can help relive this symptom.
Is your temper rising more than usual without any specific reason? Feeling like crying or laughing at the same time? It is true that during pregnancy, a woman’s body tries to adjust to the flood of new hormones being producing inside. Don’t worry; mood swings are prevalent. Try to find ways to remain joyful.
Yet another common symptom is dizziness. There is a simple reason behind this, and it is the dilation of blood vessels resulting in dropping of blood pressure. Also, low blood sugar levels are more common in pregnancy and can cause fainting spells. To avoid such a scenario, you must eat enough and keep yourself hydrated.
These symptoms could at times be nagging. Connect with Dr. Astha Dayal, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon to enjoy this beautiful time to its fullest and for a healthy pregnancy. Book your appointment today!
