How to select your IVF specialist

By Dr. Shweta Goswami

Searching foran IVF specialist is such a big task as there are numerous IVF doctors availainle across the world. Also, not to mention discussing an issue like infertility which is quite a social taboo even in this day and age is also such a big question itself. Today, as an infertility expert let me help you out explaining about the traits one should look out for in an IVF specialist.

Let us consider below points while selecting your IVF Expert:

1. An IVF Expert should answers all your questions and doesn’t dismiss them as being trivial. Believes the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. Responds to your email (usually within 24 hours) and doesn’t force you to come in for every little problem.

2. An IVF Expert should be fully staffed, with a full-time experienced embryologist, so he/she does not have to depend upon external experts.

3. An IVF Expert must respect you and treats you like an intelligent adult. He/She should not talk down to you and does his/her best to educate you, so you have realistic expectations of your IVF treatment.

4. An IVF Expert must be open and transparent and provides clear documentation of all your IVF treatment, including photos of your embryos.

5. An IVF Expert must clear about the costs incurred for the treatment and provides a receipt for 100% of your payments.

6. An IVF Expert must has a high success rate because the lab and

Trying to have a baby but unsuccessful? What’s your next step should be?

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

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, 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 to identify possible issues contributing to a couple’s inability to conceive. Both man and her woman 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% nearly 30% of all infertility cases, the cause is attributed to a problem in the male, 30% of cases, the cause is attributed in female and 30% to both male and female factors and rest 10% is unknown. 

The main cause of infertility is the 

• abnormalities in sperm of males which includes low sperm production or immobile sperm. 
• tubal issues in the woman account for another third, ovulation issues for about 15 percent, and
• other issues or no explanation identified in the rest. 

What treatment to go for when the cause is identified? 

Once a cause is identified, a specific care plan can be developed. This may include treatment for the male partner (or even consideration of using sperm donation), medical treatment of the woman to help increase ovulation (including weight

Breastfeeding benefits for you and your baby

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Breastfeeding comes naturally when you become a mother and it’s an amazing experience. To be able to produce more milk and to satisfy the hunger of your baby please make sure you should increase your fluids intake. If you stay hydrated more milk will be produced and it will help you feel energetic the whole day too. 

Now, let’s discuss the benefits of breastfeeding. First of all your breast milk is the best possible food for your baby and will give her the best start in life. It provides the required nutrition as well as immunity for your baby. 

Breastfeeding helps you lose weight too: 

Besides giving your baby nourishment and helping to keep your baby from becoming sick, breastfeeding may help you lose weight. Many women who breastfed their babies said it helped them get back to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly, but experts are still looking at the effects of breastfeeding on weight loss 

Breastfeeding gives life to you and your baby: 

• Right nutrients and right balance: Breast milk has the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop. 
• Easy to digest:  Unlike proteins found in regular cow’s milk, the proteins in breast milk are naturally gentle and easy to digest. 
• Builds tolerance power:  it helps protect your baby against early food allergies, protein intolerance and sensitivity. 
• Offers protection: it provides natural protective antibodies and other immune-related benefits; protects babies from infections and illnesses that

5 things that can affect your fertility

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Many a times we didn’t realize that there are very basic things that causes hindrance in getting pregnant. Let’s get to know what are all these factors that can affect one’s fertility 

1.     Being obese   

Women who are overweight or obese have less chance overall of getting pregnant than women of a healthy weight (with ‘healthy’ defined as having a body mass index – or BMI – of between 20 and 25). Overweight and obese women are also more likely to take longer than a year to conceive. Being obese (BMI of more than 30) can cause pregnancy and birth complications, such as hypertension and pre-eclampsia. 

Overweight and obese men have worse sperm quality than men of healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can also cause hormonal changes that reduce fertility and make men less interested in sex. Men who are very overweight are also more likely to have problems getting an erection. 

Being overweight or obese in pregnancy also has implications for your baby’s health later on, as children born to overweight or obese mothers are more likely to become obese children and adults – with associated health problems (including fertility issues). 

The good news is that if you’re overweight or obese and planning to try for a baby, losing even a few kilos can increase your chances of getting pregnant. 

2.     Drinking too much caffeine  

Although there is not absolute evidence to suggest caffeine having a negative effect on your fertility, studies are constantly indicating that it can disrupt ovulation and hormone levels, as well as the efficiency of the fallopian tubes. 

3.     Alcohol and Smoking  

Everybody knows that smoking and drink alcohol are big NOs when pregnant but did you also know that excessive alcohol consumption over long periods of time and constant inhalation of cigarette fumes can affect your future fertility; Smoking can affect your hormone production and the environment in the uterus. It can also

What you should know about Ovarian Cancer?

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Ovarian cancer - the cancer of ovaries has been known as a ‘silent killer' in the past because it's hard to diagnose. 

Its symptoms are:

• persistent tummy or pelvic pain  
• increased tummy size or persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes 
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly.  

Some women may also experience other symptoms like: 

•  the need to wee more frequently,  
• changes in bowel habit,  
• extreme fatigue or pain.  

If you have these symptoms more than 12 times in a month, you should seriously consider going to see your doctor. 

According to the American Cancer Society about 1 in 75 women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime, but young women are rarely affected. The risk escalates starting at age 63, 

Diagnosis of Ovarian cancer: 

It is often diagnosed at a late stage. Ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage and women often delay seeking help. This may be because the woman thinks her symptoms are due to menopause or confused with other common stomach and digestive complaints. Doctors also often initially suspect less serious

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

By Shweta Goswami 

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.  

Here I have listed out few important Do’s to do if you have PCOS: 

1. Focus on nutrition, not diet 

Eat clean. Have lots of leafy green vegetables, blueberries, pineapples and a focus on whole foods and sources of protein like fish, eggs and chicken breast, and good fats like nuts and avocado. Also add spices like turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek, and ginger, that are anti-inflammatory and believed to help with insulin resistance. 

2. Cut out processed foods 

It simply means swapping fruit drinks and smoothies for whole fruit, because they contain more fibre, which is vital for a healthy gut. Fruits low in fructose are best, like grapefruits, lime, lemon, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. 

3. Try and balance your blood sugar throughout the day 

Start with breakfast. Don't leave home with an empty stomach and then grab a sandwich at 12 or simply a big aaple. Just make sure

Prepare yourself for IVF Treatment

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Before the beginning of IVF treatment everyone has this question in mind; how do I prepare myself for this? So, here is your answer. Today in this blog I will mention few tips on how to prepare oneself for the IVF treatment. 

1. First of all start an exercise routine as exercising and remaining active is not just good for fertility health but also for the overall body. It opens up the muscles and makes them flexible. Furthermore, it regulates blood flow

 in the body. This makes the body much more responsive to medications given during the treatment. 

2. You can also try your hand at Yoga. It may sound same like exercise for some people but yoga is much more than just something that improves the flexibility and stamina of the body. It calms the mind and creates an emotional balance amongst the people who do it. It harmonizes the whole body and lots regular practice prevents the person from the maximum amounts of diseases also, it also strengthens the immunity system. 

3. Eat a good fertility diet. What you eat is directly affects your overall wellbeing. It is very important for a woman to eat a healthy holistic diet to enhance the fertility. For example - Vitamin C is very important to women undergoing IVF as