Category: IVF

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), one of the best assisted reproductive technologies, is commonly used to treat couples suffering from infertility concerns. Several factors influence the success of the treatment, and one of the most important but sadly overlooked factors is sperm quality.

Yes, a lot of people know about female health and lifestyle factors affecting their chances of conception post-IVF. However, not many talk about factors concerning male reproductive health or lifestyle. As a hospital providing IVF treatment in India, we are liable to educate on these matters. Thus, this blog.

Sperm Quality

Sperm quality is a comprehensive term comprising several aspects like sperm motility, count, and morphology. The sperm quality is determined only after analyzing and assessing the three factors mentioned before.

Sperm Count/Volume: The sperm count in males plays a crucial role in fertility and associated treatments. An ideal sperm count can be anywhere between 15 million – 200 million and above; a count lower than this reduces the chances of fertilization during the procedure. To ensure that the sperm volume does not affect the female partner’s chances of conceiving, it is best to get checked.

Sperm Morphology: This is concerned with the shape and size of the sperm. If there are any abnormalities in the size and shape of the sperm, its ability to reach the egg is hindered. Thus, it becomes crucial to identify and address the abnormalities.

Sperm Motility: It refers to how efficiently the sperm can move. Sperms having good motility have a high possibility of penetrating the egg and vice versa. It is important to get motility issues identified and undergo the necessary treatment or lifestyle changes required to enhance the chances of conception during IVF.

How is Sperm Quality Related to IVF Success?

The quality of male sperm directly influences the possibilities of successful laboratory fertilization during IVF along with the healthy development of the embryo. The better the sperm quality, the better the chances of fertilization. Apart from fertilization, good sperm quality is also crucial for the healthy development of the embryo.

Overall, sperm morphology, motility, and count affect the effectiveness of the IVF procedure. Therefore, undergoing a test to determine that the male partner’s sperm quality will not hinder the IVF procedure is wise. You can also consult our best IVF specialist in India for the same.

Ways to Improve Sperm Quality

Sperm quality plays a crucial role in the success of IVF procedures. A few ways males can improve their sperm quality are:

Lifestyle Changes

Several lifestyle habits/factors affect sperm quality. Some among them are excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor eating habits, and more. Therefore, lifestyle modification by bringing in an exercise routine, eating healthy, and limiting alcohol and smoking is important to improve sperm quality naturally.

Stress Management

Stress can significantly affect fertility and sperm quality in males. Thus, men need to figure out and implement stress-management techniques like yoga and meditation to improve their mental health and relieve stress.

Medical Intervention

Couples suffering from sperm quality issues should consult medical professionals. They may recommend hormonal therapies, the latest assisted reproductive techniques, or medications to improve sperm quality.

Conclusion

Sperm quality is crucial for fertilization and the success of the overall procedure. Whether couples suffer from sperm quality issues or not, it is wise for them to consult with our best IVF doctor in India before the procedure begins. They will conduct in-depth evaluation, provide necessary guidance & medications, and even recommend relevant treatments (if required) to address particular issues concerning sperm quality, increasing the chances of successful fertilization and conception.

A female body is complex and consists of several hormones that contribute to repair, growth, and reproductive functions. One such is AMH – Anti Mullerian Hormone, indicating the ovarian reserve. AMH levels play a crucial role in infertility, and lower levels can lead to permanent infertility. Let us understand AMH in depth.

What is AMH?

Granulosa cells in ovaries produce AMH – Anti Mullerian Hormone. It plays a crucial role in the development of the fetus’ reproductive organs. The AMH level is high in male babies, whereas female babies only need a small amount of AMH for development.

AMH levels fluctuate depending on the number of eggs or ovarian reserve. A high AMH level indicates a high ovarian reserve or more eggs; low AMH levels indicate a low ovarian reserve or few eggs. To determine this, the best gynaecologist in Ahmedabad recommends the AMH test.

AMH Levels

The level of anti-mullerian hormone in every female varies according to their age. This generally increases between 10 and 19 and peaks when a woman is around 25. AMH levels are measured in ng/mL. The general categorisation is:

• Severely Low: 0.4 ng/mL.
• Low: below 1.0 ng/mL.
• Average: Between 1.0 ng/mL – 3.0 ng/mL.

These hormones decrease with age, which is why women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s have a low ovarian reserve.

Symptoms/Signs of Low AMH Levels

When the AMH levels go down, the body will display certain signs/symptoms indicating the need for an AMH test. Some of them are:

Irregular Periods

You might be recommended an AMH test in case you miss your periods frequently or struggle with irregular menstrual cycles.

Early Menopause

Early menopause is one factor responsible for infertility. Therefore, if you observe any symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor and undergo an AMH test as per recommendation.

Ovarian Cancer

Well, this condition can affect the AMH levels. Ovarian cancer can have different consequences on a different patient, especially their reproductive health. At times, this can also affect their ovarian reserve. Therefore, it is best to undergo AMH tests.

PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also one cause of female infertility. This condition can lead to other disorders or conditions in the reproductive system. Therefore, undergoing an AMH test is necessary for patients with PCOS. The test will also help you plan conception with the help of doctors.

IVF Success Considering AMH Levels and Age

Low AMH levels can considerably influence the chances of a successful pregnancy. However, age plays an important role too. Let us understand the relation between IVF and AMH levels as per their age.

Below 35 Years

For women below 35, the chances of successful conception are high with normal AMH levels. The success rate generally lies between fifty and seventy percent, depending on the overall fertility condition of males and females.

On the contrary, if women belonging to this age group struggle with low AMH levels, the live birth rate stands anywhere between forty to sixty percent.

Above 35 Years

For females between the age group of 35 and 40, the chances of successful pregnancy through IVF stand between 31.7-33.2% with normal AMH levels.

On the contrary, females with low AMH levels in this age category have lower chances of conceiving, standing between 18.6 and 13.3%.

Conclusion

Low AMH level is one factor contributing to female infertility; however, it is not solely responsible for it. Moreover, these levels only affect the quantity and not the quality of eggs. Therefore, it is possible to undergo IVF treatment, so you should visit the best IVF doctor in India at Sunflower Hospital.

Infertility, a reproductive condition resulting from several known and unknown factors, is one major hindrance stopping couples to conceive. But this does not mean the end of your parenthood journey. Thanks to the development of medical technology, several advanced fertility treatments have been developed to help couples struggling with infertility. One such is in vitro fertilization (IVF). Let us take you through a step-by-step IVF guide. This will help you understand the procedure better.

What is IVF?

IVF is a medical treatment wherein professionals retrieve eggs and leave them for fertilization in a specialized laboratory tray. After fertilization, the eggs are placed in the female’s uterus. IVF is generally recommended for couples who fail to conceive naturally due to some known or unknown medical issues. Our infertility specialist in India also advises IVF for couples who couldn’t benefit from other fertility treatments.

IVF Process Guide

IVF is a time-consuming procedure with several steps. They are:

Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation

The process begins with a special consultation wherein doctors will inquire and analyze the couple’s medical history. They will conduct necessary physical examinations and might advise specific tests to understand the ovarian reserve and semen quality.

People in India often hesitate to visit an infertility specialist; however, please know that it will only increase the chances of you conceiving.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

In this stage of the IVF process, doctors will prescribe medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce and release multiple eggs. The higher the number of eggs produced and released, the more the chances of fertilization. To check the maturing of the eggs, professionals will constantly monitor the patient’s progress with the help of blood tests and ultrasounds.

Step 3: Egg Retrieval

After the maturing process is completed, doctors will retrieve eggs with the help of a needle and ultrasound. This procedure takes around 20-30 minutes and is done under anesthesia.

Please know that this step can lead to mild cramps or discomfort but is not severely painful. Moreover, women might experience some vaginal bleeding or spotting post-procedure. In case any of this happens, please do not panic. In case of excessive pain or bleeding, please reach out to the specialist.

Step 4: Fertilization

The collected eggs are left for fertilization with the donor’s or partner’s sperm in a special laboratory tray. Specialists will monitor the eggs for a few days to make sure that they are developing properly. They might end up using ICSI in a few cases wherein the sperm is directly injected into the egg.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer

After successful fertilization and embryo formation, the specialists will use a catheter to place one or more embryos in the uterus. The transfer is done without uranesthesia, and the number of eggs transferred largely depends on several factors, including fertility history, embryo quality, and age.

Step 6: Pregnancy Test

Around two weeks post embryo transfer, the female will be advised to take a pregnancy test and check if the results are positive. In case of successful conception, she will have to undergo routine check-ups and monitoring.

IVF Success Rates

IVF is one of the most successful infertility procedures available; however, its success largely depends on multiple factors. The primary factors are age, the number of embryos transferred, and cause of infertility.

The procedure’s success also depends on the hospital’s experience, approach, and expertise. So, make sure to visit Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center – the best IVF center in India for all your infertility concerns.

Every couple dreams of holding their little sunshine, but on their way to parenthood, a lot of them face unforeseen challenges, one of which is fertility issues. These issues lead couples to seek fertility treatments, among which the most popular and sought is IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization).

While undergoing IVF, many patients need to be taken care of, especially their diet and physical and mental well-being. If we talk about physical health, many IVF patients have questions about exercising during IVF, which can help them stay active and healthy without causing any complications. Thus, this blog features useful exercise tips to help you maintain your physical health during IVF.

Exercising while undergoing IVF can significantly help increase your chances of conception. However, not every type of exercise is beneficial, especially heavy workouts or stressing exercises, which are a big no-no. So, consider sticking to mild and moderate-level exercises. While the tips we explain below are good, ensure that you stay transparent and in touch with our infertility specialist in India.

Exercise Within the Comfort Zone

Make sure not to go over the board or push your limits while exercising during IVF. In this case, the amount of exercise and type of workout routine you followed before the treatment can matter greatly.

Whatever your fitness level, avoid engaging in highly cardiovascular and high-impact activities/exercises, as they can lower your chances of a successful cycle.

Do Not Engage in High-Impact Cardiovascular Exercises

As we mentioned, it is advised to avoid strenuous workouts or activities for several reasons. The primary reason is that high-impact exercises can result in ovarian torsion, wherein the ovaries can twist, leading to complications in the process.

Moreover, any injuries or falls while exercising can cost your reproductive health up to an extent. We understand that cardiovascular exercises are crucial for your physical and mental health, and it is best to consult with the doctor to understand the most suitable exercises for your IVF period.

Avoid Exercising During Some IVF Stages

The IVF process involves several stages, and doctors highly recommend stopping engaging in any form of exercise or workout during some stages. For instance, doctors advise avoiding exercise before egg retrieval and around the embryo transfer stage. However, every patient’s condition and IVF cycle vary, and it is best to follow the doctor’s advice.

Focus on Doing the Low-Impact Exercises

Several low-impact exercises help relieve stress, and engaging in such activities during the IVF is best. It is also because large bodily movements might consume or take blood away from the uterus and ovaries, and this is not something desirable. Some of the best low-impact exercises are:

• Yoga, particularly prenatal yoga
• Walking
• Light stretching
• Use of light hand weights
• Water aerobics
• Low-intensity swimming
• Exercise weekly for not more than four hours

According to a 2006 Obstetrics & Gynecology study, exercising or working out for more than four hours during IVF can lower the chances of IVF success. Therefore, make sure to plan the weekly exercise schedule very well, and instead of exercising an hour for four days, break the routine for six or seven days.

A Note from Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center

IVF is a challenging process, and you will have concerns and questions. Please know that our team is led by the best IVF doctor in India, and we are dedicated to maximizing your chances of a successful cycle through consultation and our facilities.

In India, even today, the majority of girls/women shy away from going to gynaecologists or even talking about certain things concerning their reproductive health. The nation is developing, and we need to educate and encourage girls/women to visit gynaecologists for periodic check-ups. Having the best gynaecologist in Ahmedabad, it is our responsibility to do that and thus this blog.

Common Reasons to See a Gynaecologist

There are several common and patient-specific reasons to see a gynaecologist, but you need consultation and care for the following.

• Discuss birth control options.
• A screening test – pap smear to check for cervical cancer
• If you have painful, irregular, or heavy menstrual cycles
• Tests for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis
• Discuss changes in discharge that can be a symptom of vaginal infection.
• Discomfort or pain during intercourse
• Signs of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) include bloody or cloudy urine, a burning sensation when urinating, a strong urge to urinate, or urinating more often than usual.
• Bumps, irritation, or rashes around the vulva (outside area of the vagina)
• Menopause or perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, irregular menstrual, or vaginal dryness.

What Happens During Your Visit to a Gynaecologist?

Just like any medical professional, our gynaecologist will question your medical history. They will then proceed by asking questions about sexual intercourse if required, and the questions can revolve around the time you started, your current sexual life, and your wish/plan to grow a family.

Moreover, the gynaecologist will conduct necessary examinations, including belly, pelvic, and breast exams. Overall, your initial visit will involve discussions and tests to analyze your condition best. The following visits and recommendations will depend on the results of the examinations.

What to Discuss with Your Gynaecologist?

There’s a lot that happens in women’s bodies and determining what is normal, especially when it comes to reproductive and sexual health. Therefore, please feel free and not embarrassed to discuss issues with our gynaecologists. Some things that you should talk about are:

• Heavy or painful menstrual cycles, since it can indicate uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
• Changes in your vaginal odour, a fishy or foul smell since it can be a sign of vaginal infection or bacterial overgrowth.
• Abnormal growth or swelling bumps in the vagina or near the labia since it can lead to severe conditions.
• Sexual discomfort like pain during intercourse or vaginal dryness.
• Sexual history to ensure that there is no concern for STDs, cervical dysplasia, or HPV infection.
• Urinary leakage of faecal leakage is to receive timely treatment and prevent the condition from worsening.
• Low libido since it can be a symptom or a side effect of any medical condition.

How Do You Feel Comfortable During Gynaecologist Visits?

You are on your way to discussing topics that might make you uncomfortable or nervous but know that it is okay to talk about all those things. Here are some things you can do to stay comfortable throughout the visit.

• Let the gynaecologist know that you are nervous or anxious.
• Inform the caregiver if it is your first pelvic examination.
• Clear all your doubts and queries before the physical examination begins.
• Engage in relaxation techniques like mindful breathing during the examination.
• Be vocal about any sexual trauma or assault and inform the caregiver if you cannot participate in certain examinations or if they are challenging for you.
• Ask the gynaecologist to explain every exam and why it is necessary. Also, ask about stages that can feel uncomfortable during the exam.

A Note from Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center

Regular gynec visits are very important to ensure that your reproductive and sexual health is up to the mark. At Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center Our gynaecologists will check your condition thoroughly and recommend lifestyle changes or relevant medications/treatments.

Infertility is a serious issue affecting hundreds and thousands of couples globally. It refrains them from meeting their bundle of joy by acting as a huge barrier in their parenthood journey. While long back, there was no medically proven cure for infertility of both males and females, thanks to the advancement in medical technology and the contribution of medical experts, infertility is mostly now treatable.

There are numerous factors when thinking of beginning your infertility treatment, of which timing is one of the most important. As a prominent infertility specialist in India, we want to give you comprehensive information that will help you decide on infertility treatment. For those who are not aware of these medical terms, don’t worry; we will begin things with basics.

Infertility: what is It?

In simple words, infertility is the inability to conceive even after unprotected intercourse. For couples under 35, infertility is a concern if they are unable to conceive within a year of trying, and for those over 35, the duration is generally six months. However, you need to recognize multiple factors that can affect fertility, as conception is not entirely dependent on the timing.

What to Consider When Deciding to Undergo Infertility Treatment?

If you are planning to undergo infertility treatment in India, please consider the following factors.

• Age: Age is not just a number in your fertility case. It is a fact that fertility, especially in women, decreases with age. Therefore, women under 35 can wait for about a year before starting, whereas women above 35 should see our infertility experts immediately after six months of trying to conceive.
• Lifestyle: There are numerous lifestyle factors, including obesity, smoking, alcohol, and excessive exposure to chemicals that can affect male and female fertility. So, make sure to improve your lifestyle and address such factors before you begin with the treatment.
• Medical issues & history: Certain medical conditions like PCOS, sexually transmitted infection, endometriosis, and more can affect fertility, and if you have any symptoms of such disease, make sure to see our best IVF specialist in India. Additionally, if the female partner has a miscarriage history or the male partner suffers from fertility issues, make sure to get medical help from our experts.
• Psychological and emotional well-being: The mental state can significantly impact infertility, and if the situation becomes overwhelming, it is your responsibility to identify, check, and visit for infertility treatment if needed.
• It is your choice: In the end, when to go for infertility treatment is up to you, as some couples, including you, might not want to wait for the traditional time frames of six months and a year before seeking help.

Types of Infertility Treatments

In the current scenario, there are multiple types of infertility treatments, and couples can choose one that suits their condition the best with the help of our doctors. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Ovulation induction
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
• Surrogacy
• Donor sperm or eggs
• Adoption

A Note from Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center

Deciding to go for infertility is your personal choice. Also, it depends on multiple factors, but we want you to know that our infertility experts are always available to guide you throughout the process and ensure the best results, bringing you one step closer to your dream of holding your little sunshine.

Couples and families all over the world wait to embrace and celebrate the “good news” after undergoing IVF treatment in India. The good news here means being pregnant – a first step towards a dream of playing with their little one. But before that, women need to undergo a pregnancy test at the right time post-implantation, and we understand you might not be aware of the right time. Thus, let us take you through the information step by step.

What Happens During the Implantation and After the Procedure?

It is a myth that sperm and egg fertilize in the uterus. Instead, it happens in the fallopian tubes after the ovaries release eggs. The sperm travels to the tube and fertilizes the egg, which then enters the uterus through a tiny opening. The zygote, commonly known as a fertilized egg, will finally implant itself in the endometrium (uterus’s mucus surface).

The female’s body will respond differently when the implantation occurs and when it doesn’t. When the egg exits the ovary, the retained eggshell or the corpus luteum will produce and discharge progesterone. If that happens, the uterine lining will prepare to receive and implant the egg. If it doesn’t happen, the progesterone levels in the body will reduce, breaking the uterine lining and ultimately leading to menstruation.

Contradictory to that, when the implantation is successful, the body releases hCG, which signals the retained eggshell to continue producing progesterone, helping in strengthening the uterus lining and is also a signal of conception.

What are Post-Implantation Symptoms?

Once the implantation is successful, some women may start experiencing post-implantation symptoms. Some of the common ones are:

• Rise in body temperature
• Mild cramps
• Sore breasts
• Light bleeding or spotting
• Missed or delayed period
• Frequent urination

Please note that not all women will develop these symptoms, and it can also be false alarms. Therefore, to confirm pregnancy, it is best to undergo a test.

When to Take the Pregnancy Test After Implantation Bleeding?

It is common for women to perceive implantation bleeding as menstrual bleeding. However, that is not the case, and here are a few differences to help you with it.

• The color of implantation bleeding is generally dark brown or pinkish, whereas menstrual blood is generally red.
• Implantation bleeding generally begins 10 days after ovulation, whereas periods generally begin after 14 days.
• Implantation bleeding can last for a few hours to days, and the flow isn’t as heavy as the menstrual bleeding.

In case you are sure about the implantation bleeding, proceed with the pregnancy test.

What are the Types of Pregnancy Tests, and When to Take Them?

Even though hCG is present in the female’s body, the level increases with time and is always high after implantation, irrespective of whether the female is pregnant. It is usually observed that the hCG production doubles every two days during the first two months of pregnancy.

Therefore, if you miss the cycle, make sure to wait for a week before proceeding with the blood or urine tests to confirm pregnancy.

Types of Pregnancy Tests:

• Urine-based pregnancy test:

It is possible to take a urine-based test at home to check for the presence of hCG in your urine. Please take it at least ten days after ovulation. In case the result is negative, you can try again after waiting for a few days to confirm conception. If the result is positive, visit us to get a blood test.

• Blood-based pregnancy test:

This test is more accurate and reliable than urine tests and is generally conducted by professionals. The result will be positive generally after 6 to 8 days after actual conception.

A Note from Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center

Whether pregnancy or IVF treatment, visit us for the best consultation, treatment plan, and positive results. The team of experts at Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center – the best IVF Center in India are more than happy to solve all your queries, and we are with you throughout the pregnancy or infertility treatment journey.

People often blame lifestyle and dietary habits for negatively influencing a female’s fertility. However, egg quality is one of the most significant and often ignored factors. The quality, quantity, and availability of female eggs determine the quality of the embryo and the healthy pregnancy.

It is common for women aged 35 and older to have eggs of poor quality, which is a result of reducing ovarian reserve. What is surprising is that many women are not even aware of their egg quality and infertility unless they struggle with conceiving or planning a pregnancy. Upon discovering the egg quality in an IVF hospital in India, a lot of women wish to bring natural changes or try home remedies to improve their fertility. This blog sheds light on such natural ways or home remedies, but before we jump into it, let us understand egg quality.

Why is Egg Quality Important?

On fertilization, the egg quality encourages the development of healthy and strong embryos. The better the quality of the egg, the higher the chances of embryo implanting in the uterus, ultimately leading to successful pregnancies. The most important characteristics of a healthy and quality egg are the presence of chromosomes and their ability to mingle with the sperm. How to measure the egg quality?

Even though there is not a proper test to examine the egg’s quality, several factors allow you to judge the quality. It includes:

• Hormone Levels: Medical professionals recommend undergoing an anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test to determine reserved eggs. Please note that women suffering from PCOS generally have poor-quality eggs in high quantities.
• Age: With age, a woman’s eggs weaken, which can lead to infertility or miscarriage. Generally, the quality and quantity of eggs start declining from the mid to late 30s.
• Antral Follicle Count: It refers to the presence of follicles in the ovaries. Each and any of these follicles might mature and release eggs that can result in pregnancy.
• FSH: A follicle-stimulating hormone and an estradiol indicates the egg quality.

How to Improve Your Eggs Quality Naturally?

Some ways to boost the egg quality for IVF or conception are:

Eat Healthy

Eating foods, fruits, and vegetables rich in nutrition is one of the best foods to increase fertility and boost the quality of your eggs. Make sure to eat healthy and avoid processed or sugary foods with saturated fats. Minimize your alcohol and caffeine consumption as it can affect the overall fertility. Additionally, consume supplements that help in the production of healthy eggs along with fish oil, melatonin, and vitamins A and E to improve the quality of your eggs.

Boost Blood Flow

Proper circulation of oxygenated blood to the ovaries is essential for the production of healthy eggs. For this, it is important to stay hydrated. Ensure to drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of fluid or water every day. Exercising is also important as it increases the blood flow to the heart and regulates the circulation in the body. You can opt for massage therapy and yoga sessions to aid the flow of blood.

Do not Smoke

Females planning to get pregnant or undergo IVF treatment should not smoke as it speeds up egg loss in ovaries. In addition, the harmful chemicals can influence the DNA in the egg cells, making them unfit for conception.

Manage Stress and Maintain a Healthy weight

Stress encourages the production of cortisol and prolactin, ultimately hindering egg production and ovulation. Therefore, engage in activities like yoga, exercise, meditation, and more to keep your stress at bay. Obesity leads to hormonal imbalance. Therefore, keep your weight in check and maintain a BMI between 18.5 to 24.9.

The Final Words!

While there is not a magical quote to improve the quality of your eggs for a successful IVF treatment in India or pregnancy, there are certain ways to boost the quality naturally. So, follow these tips/ways to improve your fertility.