Fertility center in Pune - Pearl Women Hospital

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The word endometriosis is often uttered with great pain & anxiety. Every case of endometriosis is an enigma and calls for a deeper understanding of causes beyond the symptoms. Clear understanding about the same will raise awareness and reduce suffering. In this blog, we will address endometriosis in the most genuine scientific way.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue outside of the uterus resembles the uterine lining (endometrium). Endometriosis can grow on the exterior of your uterus, ovaries, tubes, or even your bladder and intestines. This tissue can irritate the organs it contacts, producing pain and adhesions (scar tissue).

The average wait period for a diagnosis for women is 6.7 years. This prolongs their suffering, which frequently leads to mental health problems.

The difficulty of diagnosis is just one factor that contributes to this delayed diagnosis.

Aside from bias in medical research, it is not unusual for women’s suffering to be underestimated in comparison to men’s.

Many women with endometriosis have pelvic or abdominal discomfort, which is worsened by menstrual bleeding or intercourse. Some women have no symptoms. It might be difficult to get pregnant if you have endometriosis. Endometriosis affects 30 to 50 percent of infertile women. Endometriosis can sometimes develop inside your ovary and produce a cyst (endometrioma).

This causes an inflammatory response, which can lead to the formation of scar tissue and the sticking together of pelvic organs. Debilitating pain during menstruation, painful bowel motions, pain while urination, pain during sexual intercourse, and fatigue are just a few of the symptoms. It is also associated with an increased risk of infertility.

Unfortunately, there is no full-proof treatment for endometriosis. Though hormone therapy can help with symptoms, it is also known to have negative side effects. Endometriosis lesions have to be surgically removed, but the risk of relapse can’t be ruled out.

Endometriosis affects 10-15% of all menstruators, according to current statistics. Because of the number of cases that go undiagnosed, this number might be significantly higher. Despite the high frequency, women must wait an average of 6.7 years for a diagnosis. This prolongs their suffering, which frequently leads to mental health problems.

The difficulty of diagnosis is one of several factors that contribute to the delay in diagnosis. There are no blood tests that can be used to diagnose this condition. Doctors can diagnose one with endometriosis based on their symptoms, but a definitive diagnosis requires surgery. Due to their similar symptoms, endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or appendicitis.

Unlike other endometriotic tissue, this may usually be detected on ultrasound. A surgical procedure known as laparoscopy is the only method to determine if you have endometriosis for sure.

The lack of study using female animal models is one of the key reasons why women’s health concerns are misdiagnosed. Male animals were commonly utilized more than female animals since they were regarded to be less variable due to the lack of monthly hormonal cycles. As a result, the majority of studies favored male subjects.

Research organizations are still debating the ideal mammalian model to use for studying difficulties particular to the female body. Aside from bias in a medical study, it is not unusual for women’s pain to be underestimated in comparison to men’s. This may be linked back to a history of women being labeled as “hysterical” if they complained of pain that wasn’t immediately apparent.

The concept that a displaced uterus was the cause of pain from an unusual, seemingly invisible sickness was first mentioned in ancient Greek texts. This gave rise to the concept of ‘hysteria’ as a mental disorder, paving the way for modern-day women to be informed that their seemingly intangible pain was “all in their heads.”

As a result, it is typical for women’s pain to be ignored or trivialized. In reality, the phrase “gender pain gap” was developed to address discrimination in healthcare, when unconscious bias causes women’s pain to be dismissed as unimportant.

If you have endometriosis, becoming pregnant may be more difficult. Women with endometriosis might have infertility in 30 to 50 percent of cases. Endometriosis can affect fertility in a variety of ways, including distorted pelvic anatomy, adhesions, scarred fallopian tubes, inflammation of pelvic structures, immune system dysfunction, changes in the hormonal environment of the eggs, impaired pregnancy implantation, and reduced egg quality.

Your doctor may assign you a “score” based on the quantity, location, and depth of endometriosis. This number defines whether your endometriosis is mild (Stage 2), moderate (Stage 3), or severe (Stage 4). The success of pregnancy is linked to this rating system.

Women with severe (Stage 4) endometriosis, which results in significant scarring, blocked fallopian tubes, and damaged ovaries, have the most difficulties conceiving and usually require advanced reproductive treatment.

The female hormone estrogen is needed for endometriosis to develop and grow. Birth control pills and other estrogen-lowering or estrogen-blocking medications can help relieve pain symptoms. Medical therapy may be considered for patients who want to get pregnant before attempting to conceive, however, this treatment usually improves pregnancy rates.

If endometriosis is detected during surgery, the endometriosis will be surgically destroyed or removed, as well as the scar tissue. This treatment will return your anatomy to normal and allow your reproductive organs to function normally again. After surgical treatment, your chances of becoming pregnant improve, especially if your endometriosis is moderate or severe.

In individuals hoping to conceive through in vitro fertilization, a mix of surgical and medicinal treatment may be useful (IVF). Overall, each patient’s treatment is very personalized.

As a sufferer of endometriosis, it takes almost five years to receive a correct diagnosis. While some doctors invalidated my pain, others advised them to “get married” and “have children” to deal with it. To most people’s surprise, these experiences in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. The Rural & urban divide is almost diminished in the case of endometriosis diagnosis & treatment.

However, it’s not all bad news. There has been growing interest in endometriosis research. A brief scan of PubMed, the most widely used scientific research archive, reveals that the number of studies on endometriosis has been rapidly increasing in recent years. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there were only about 500 articles published every year. This number has risen significantly, with over 2,000 articles published in 2021 alone.

With new research advancing our understanding of the condition, more institutions are employing a multidisciplinary approach to endometriosis treatment. Some endometriosis clinics employ doctors who have completed fellowships in endometriosis surgery. Endometriosis procedures may now be performed in a minimally invasive manner as well, thanks to enhanced infrastructure.

Endometriosis remains unnoticed for two main reasons: lack of awareness and difficulties identifying the disorder. With medical advancements, minor but continuous efforts have been made to address the latter. Female-specific disorders such as endometriosis, however, are still poorly communicated.

Do consult an endometriosis expert to get the right diagnosis & treatment. Early diagnosis can reduce or correct the chances of fertility.

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has become extremely common, mainly due to poor lifestyle unhealthy eating habits and unawareness about the issues arising due to PCOS. These all add up to the noise level of PCOS. Research has shown that Living with PCOS can increase the risks of type 2 diabetes, it can make you overweight and cause obesity and improving your lifestyle can help in reversing PCOS.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a syndrome in which cysts form in the ovaries. Because the ovaries do not produce eggs or ovulation on a regular basis, it causes irregular periods. High levels of male hormones are released in the body as a result of the illness, which can lead to excessive facial or body hair. The ovaries enlarge and become filled with fluid sacs called follicles, which enclose the eggs. You’re much more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS if you have two of these characteristics. PCOS also puts you at risk for unexpected weight gain and hormone imbalance.

PCOS, according to gynaecologists, nutritionists, and health professionals, is mostly a lifestyle-related condition. PCOS can be caused by a lack of exercise, bad eating habits, smoking, alcohol misuse, and poor sleep.

Without a doubt, irregular periods are the first indication of PCOS. It might be an indication of PCOS if your menstrual cycle is irregular, with periods that arrive earlier than 21 days and later than 35 days in adults and 45 days in young teenagers. PCOS can also manifest itself in the inability to conceive. If you’ve been trying for a long period of time, getting yourself diagnosed with it could be a good idea.
If you have oily skin or a lot of acne all of a sudden, it might be one of the first signs of PCOS that you should pay attention to.
Hair thinning and loss are other signs of PCOS and should be treated carefully if they continue for an incredibly long time.
Living with PCOS can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes – a condition that causes higher than normal levels of blood sugar.
Mood swings and depression are also known to be risk factors for PCOS. If you neglect PCOS for a long period, it can lead to hormonal changes and depression that are hard to manage. It can significantly lower your self-confidence and self-esteem.
PCOS is associated with high blood pressure and cholesterol. Heart disease and stroke can be caused by certain disorders.
PCOS can cause you to gain weight, which can lead to sleep apnea, a disease in which you stop breathing while sleeping.
Endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterine lining, is a risk for women who have irregular or infrequent periods – less than 3 to 4 per year – for many years.
Skin darkening. Under your arms or breasts, on the back of your neck, and in your genital area, you may notice thick, dark, velvety patches of skin. Acanthosis nigricans is the name for this disorder.
The high levels of hormones that cause PCOS can also cause headaches.

It may be possible to control your symptoms by eating the right foods and avoiding certain ingredients. A healthy diet can help in the regulation of your hormones and menstrual cycle. Eating processed, extensively preserved foods can increase inflammation and insulin resistance.

It’s all about whole foods: Artificial sugars, hormones, and preservatives are not found in whole foods. These foods are as close as possible to their original, unprocessed condition. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are examples of whole foods that may be included in your diet. Your endocrine system may better manage your blood sugar without hormones and preservatives.
Balance carb and protein intake: Both carbs and protein have an effect on your energy and hormone levels. Protein stimulates the production of insulin in the body. Source foods are unprocessed and can help with insulin sensitivity. Rather of trying a low-carb diet, concentrate on eating enough high-quality protein. Plant-based protein sources, such as nuts, legumes, and whole grains, are the best Source. Anti-inflammatory foods should be included in your diet to help alleviate your symptoms. Consider going on a Mediterranean diet. Inflammation is treated by olive oil, tomatoes, leafy greens, fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, and tree nuts. Add magnesium in diet by using Almonds, cashews, spinach, and bananas. These are PCOS-friendly foods rich in magnesium & offer excellent stress reducer. Add in some fibre to help with digestion, a diet high in fibre can help improve your digestion. Lentils, lima beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, pears, and avocados are all rich in fibre and help in weight reduction.
Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help you reduce insulin resistance, regulate your menstruation, and lower your risk of PCOS-related disorders. If you’re overweight, several studies show that a low-calorie diet combined with progressive weight loss is an effective first-line therapy for PCOS.
Balance your exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight requires regular exercise. However, too much exercise can cause hormonal imbalances, so talk to your doctor about maintaining a healthy balance. Gentle, low-impact exercises like yoga or Pilates can be practised for longer durations. Swimming and light aerobics are also recommended. High-intensity interval training and long-distance running may help improve symptoms of PCOS. Consult your doctor to determine the best sort of exercise for you.
Practice good sleep hygiene: Sleep increases your stress levels and helps in the regulation of cortisol, which helps to keep your hormones in balance. But sleep disturbances are twice as common Source for women with PCOS. Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night to improve your sleep hygiene. Create a consistent bedtime routine. Always avoid stimulants and rich, fatty foods before bedtime.
Reduce stress: Reducing stress can regulate cortisol Many of the measures listed such as yoga, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding coffee, can help reduce stress.

Consult your doctor to determine the best comprehensive ways to manage PCOS and avoid long-term effects, since one-size-fits-all treatment does not work. Your gynaecologist must prepare a treatment plan that is unique to you.

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Fertility changes with age. In women, this is very conspicuous and the window period of fertility is much smaller than in men. Males & Females attain fertility with the onset of puberty. For girls, fertility begins with the onset of ovulation and menstruation and ceases with the onset of menopause. Women can no longer conceive naturally after menopause, according to common belief.

In today’s scenario, age-related infertility is more common due to various reasons. Many women prefer to concentrate on a career for financial security and wait until their 30s to begin their families. Women take care of themselves better, so are far healthier & more updated about information available.

In general, women’s reproductive potential declines as they age, and fertility usually ends 5 to 10 years before menopause.

During their reproductive years, women have regular monthly menstrual periods because they ovulate regularly monthly. Eggs mature inside fluid-filled spheres in the ovaries – called “follicles.” When a woman has her period at the beginning of her menstrual cycle, a hormone released in the pituitary gland (located in the brain) promotes a number of follicles on both ovaries to develop faster. The pituitary hormone that stimulates the ovaries is named FSH (FSH). Normally, only one of those follicles will reach maturity and release an egg (ovulate); the remainder gradually will stop growing and degenerate. Pregnancy results if the egg gets fertilized and gets attached to the lining of the uterus. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium is shed because conception hasn’t occurred and we say that the cycle has begun again.

In their early teens, girls often have irregular ovulation leading to irregular menstrual cycles, but by age 16 they ought to have established regular ovulation leading to regular periods. From 26 to 35 days, a woman’s periods will be regular until her late 30s or early 40s, when they will get shorter. As time passes, she is going to begin to skip ovulation leading to missed periods.

Ultimately, periods get prolonged or become infrequent until they cease completely. When a lady has not had a menstrual period for 1 full year, she is claimed to be in menopause. Fertility falls as women age due to natural, age-related changes in the ovaries. A woman is born with all of the egg-containing follicles in her ovaries that she will ever have, unlike men, who continue to produce sperm throughout their lives.

At birth, there are about one million follicles. By puberty – about 300,000. Only around 300 of the follicles left at puberty will be ovulated during the reproductive years. The majority of follicles are not used up by ovulation and are eventually lost due to atresia, a degenerative process that happens independently of a woman’s condition, such as pregnancy, normal periods, being on birth control pills, or being treated for infertility. Menopause appears to occur one year earlier in smokers than in non-smokers.

In her 20s, a woman’s reproductive years are at their maximum. Fertility gradually declines within the 30s, particularly after age 35. A healthy, fertile 30-year-old woman has a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each month she tries. That means that just 20 out of every 100 fertile 30-year-old women who try to conceive in one cycle will succeed, with the remaining 80 having to try again. By age 40, a woman’s chance is smaller than 5% per cycle, so fewer than 5 out of each 100 women are expected to achieve success monthly.

Women do not remain fertile until menopause. The average age for menopause is 47, but most women cannot have successful pregnancies in their mid-40s. These percentages are true for natural conception also as conception using fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Much misleading information is spread through the media, which often misinterprets the age impact and an attempt is made to make patients believe that fertility treatments such as IVF are the easiest way to get pregnant. The natural process of conception, as well as assisted techniques for pregnancy, are greatly affected by age. Great nutritional status, as well as the solid foundation of financial security, does not reverse the biological clock.

The success rate of infertility treatments is affected by a woman’s age. The age-related loss of female fertility happens because both the standard and therefore the number of eggs gradually decline.

Unlike a woman’s first reduction in fertility, a man’s sperm characteristics fall considerably later. Sperm quality deteriorates as men age, although it usually does not become a problem until a guy is in his 60s. Changes in fertility and sexual functioning do occur in men as they get older.

Despite these changes, the ability to father a child even in the 60s and 70s with a younger partner is possible

Men’s testes decrease and get softer as they age, and sperm morphology (shape) and motility (movement) tend to indicate no. There is a slightly higher risk of genetic defects of sperms, happening during DNA fragmentation.

Any illness like diabetes, BP adversely affect their sexual and reproductive function. Not all men, especially those who maintain their health over time, have major changes in reproductive or sexual functioning as they age.

Improved health status does not interfere with the natural age-related decline in fertility. It’s critical to realise that a woman’s fertility decreases as she ages due to the natural decrease in the amount of eggs left in her ovaries as she ages. This decline may happen much before most girls expect.

While addressing infertility age is the main contributing factor. There are other contributing factors like ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalances, tubal defects, varicocele, infection & uterine fibroids to name a few.

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For a young lady, it is important to figure out early in her life that her menstrual cycle goes well beyond simply getting her periods every month.

The menstrual cycle in fact involves a complex interaction between the brain, the ovaries, the uterus & the female hormones – progesterone & oestrogen.

Situated at the base of the brain is the pituitary gland, which signals the ovaries to secrete progesterone & oestrogen to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy.

In the event conception fails to occur, the menstrual period cycle commences during which, a combination of blood, mucus, and the cells lining the uterine cavity are eliminated through the vaginal opening. This is the ‘period’, which can last from 2 to 7 days.

The menstrual cycle begins from the first day of your last period till the first day of your next cycle. This period varies greatly from person to person and can last from 24 to 38 days on an average.

The length of your cycle also varies with age from menarche (commencement of periods during puberty) to menopause (permanent cessation of periods) which progresses in four main phases:

Menstruation: aptly described as the weeping of the uterus – is the shedding of the tissue lining the wall of the uterus, which had thickened in anticipation of the embryo getting embedded into the uterine wall.
The Follicular Phase: Commencing from day 1 of your period, it lasts up until ovulation. During this phase, oestrogen levels rise, preparing the ovaries for the release of an egg for possible fertilization.
The uterine lining begins to build up again in this phase.
Ovulation Phase: this is the part of the cycle during which, an egg is released from one of the ovaries. It travels through the fallopian tubes wherein it may get fertilized by a single sperm. Subsequently this fertilized egg implants itself into the lining along the walls of your uterus.
The approximate life span of this egg is about 24 hours. It dies and is shed along with the uterine lining it is fails to get fertilized by a sperm cell during this window period of 24 hours.
The Luteal Phase: the uterine lining has to thicken in order to nurture the fertilized egg if and when it embeds itself into the uterine wall. This building up of the wall thickness is facilitated by the rise in level of progesterone. This phase that occurs between ovulation and the first day of your period is called the luteal phase. If pregnancy does not occur, the progesterone levels drop, causing the uterine lining to break down. It is shed away, along with other menstrual fluid and mucus and blood.

You can note down your period dates some place in a journal or imprint those dates on a schedule to anticipate and be prepared for your next periods. Tracking your cycle has additionally now become a lot more straightforward It can be done by just downloading a relevant application on your cell phone.

A woman’s cycle is an exceptionally private period. Every lady encounters it in an unexpected way, and for that reason it is helpful to investigate it’s computation. To calculate your monthly cycle, you should begin the first day of your period and count up to the last day before your next period starts. Notwithstanding, you ought to be careful that periods might fluctuate.

The female menstrual cycle is a very personal experience. Each woman experiences it differently. To calculate your menstrual cycle, you should start on the very first day of your period and count up to the very last day before your next period begins. However, you should be mindful that menstrual cycles may vary due to several reasons.

For example, if your period commenced on 1st March and ended on 6th March, you will start calculating your menstrual cycle from 1st March. If your next period arrives on 28th March, your menstrual cycle lasted from 1st March to 28th March, meaning that your menstrual cycle is on an average 28 days long.

It is vital to note, notwithstanding, that pre-period spotting shouldn’t be considered. Your period starts when you begin bleeding consistently.

If you monitor your menstrual cycle closely, you can quickly recognize irregularities and atypical periods.

While a single missed, delayed or early period should not raise alarm, if your menstrual cycle is consistently irregular, you might want to pay your gynecologist a visit.

There can be several underlying causes that lead to irregular periods. Some of them are:

Pregnancy
Hormonal imbalances: Several studies have established a link between menstrual irregularities and hormonal disorders such as hyper or hypothyroidism. If your menstrual irregularities are coupled with sudden weight loss or weight gain, hair loss, or an irritable bowel it is best to check with your doctor.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The most common symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS are irregular periods. Other symptoms to watch out for are weight gain, excess hair fall, growth of excess facial hair or body hair, etc.
Stress and anxiety: are known to interfere with your menstrual cycle – whether that is in the form of menstrual irregularities, delays in periods, or even shorter menstrual cycles. Of these, menstrual irregularities are most common in women facing excess stress.

There are a few science based strategies that can help in regularizing your monthly cycle, for example yoga. Exercising routinely and eating right help greatly. Should simple self remedies not help, you must consult your gynecologist.

Monitoring your menstrual cycle will help you identify the early warning signs. You can then schedule an appointment with your doctor and based on your symptoms your doctor may prescribe lifestyle changes, medication to regularize your cycle, or a combination of both. It is important not to ignore the signs and suffer in silence. Whatever be the underlying cause of irregularity in your menstrual cycle, your gynecologist is qualified to help you find a solution.

Tracking your monthly cycle will assist you with recognizing the early warning signs. You can then schedule a meeting with your doctor and in light of your symptoms your primary care physician might recommend life style changes, drugs to regularize your cycle, or a mix of both. It is important not to disregard the signs and suffer silently. Whatever be the fundamental reason for irregularity in your monthly cycle, your gynecologist is the best person to assess your cycle and diagnose the reasons for the problem.

Endometriosis: Tall Claim Over Infertility

What is Endometriosis?

Let’s Know, More About Endometriosis.

Does Endometriosis Cause Infertility?

How is Endometriosis Treated?

Early Warning Signs of PCOS

Let’s go through some of the early warning signs of PCOS so you can take the necessary steps to control and reverse it.

Wiser way to control the PCOS:

FERTILITY IN THE AGING MALE & FEMALE

SIGNIFICANCE OF OVULATION AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN FERTILITY

FERTILITY IN THE AGING FEMALE:

FERTILITY IN THE AGING MALE:

Figuring Out The Menstrual Cycle and it’s Stages

Comprehending the menstrual cycle and its stages:

Why should you track menstrual cycle? How can you track menstrual cycle?

How would you work out your period?

How do you calculate your menstrual cycle?

Is your menstrual cycle regular ?

How can you prevent menstrual irregularities?

Where can you get help for menstrual irregularities?