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March 25, 2022 adminMenstrual Cycle

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.

What is Endometriosis?

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.

Let’s Know, More About Endometriosis.

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.

Does Endometriosis Cause Infertility?

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.

How is Endometriosis Treated?

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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March 11, 2022 adminMenstrual Cycle

Women of any age can experience abnormal bleeding, vaginal bleeding that is heavy, lasts long periods of time, or occurs outside of regular menstrual cycles.

The textbooks define abnormal bleeding as blood loss from the uterus in excess of 80 ml 0r 2.8 ounces. But frankly, does anyone have the where with all to carry out such measurements? Not really. If the uterine bleeding interferes with regular activities and disrupts your routine, or is painful or very heavy, it can be considered as abnormal and warrants a visit to your gynecologist.

Many women also have irregular periods, which come so seldom that they feel like they’re bleeding all the time or come so infrequently that they only bleed once every three to four months. Though from the women’s perspective, fewer periods may be desirable, it needs to be evaluated as this will directly affect chances of conceiving.

Abnormal bleeding or spotting often happens after active sex, between periods, or after menopause.

Abnormal bleeding can make everyday activities such as household working, attending to the duties exercising or socializing stressful and difficult. Some women even have to wear a pad as well as a tampon for protection, carry them always, yet remain under the stressful thought of bleeding all the time.  They have been programmed to ‘bear it’ and so perceive the situation as ‘Heavy periods’ to be put up with.

You don’t have to live with abnormal bleeding because it’s not “normal.” Whether you’re a teen who is just starting to cope with abnormal bleeding or a woman in perimenopause who has been struggling for years, help is available. Let’s discuss the primary causes of abnormal bleeding, some common treatment options, and understand which associated conditions can exist.

What Causes Abnormal Bleeding?

To figure out what’s causing the bleeding, we need to figure out where it’s coming from. Is it coming from your uterus, cervix, or vaginal area? Bleeding that appears to be coming from the vaginal area may instead be coming from the bladder or bowels. The patient’s symptoms are often the indication of trouble, so after physical examination, which will generally include a pelvic exam to check the cervix and vagina as well as all potential sources of bleeding.

Cervicitis, a sexually transmitted illness, is one of the most prevalent causes of bleeding and discharge. The cervix, which is positioned at the lower end of the uterus, becomes inflamed and irritated. Often evaluation of the cervix for cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions is done.

However, abnormal bleeding can be the result of many conditions, mainly of the uterus (or the womb). Let’s identify primary conditions of the uterus that lead to abnormal bleeding:

  • Polyps: growths, or small clumps of cells, that form when cells in the lining of the uterus overgrow
  • Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that borders the uterus grows into the uterine wall.
  • Leiomyoma: Fibroids are benign tumours in the uterus termed leiomyoma.
  • Hyperplasia and malignancy: when the uterine lining (endometrium) gets overly thick.
  • Coagulopathy is a condition in which the body’s ability to clot is harmed, generally as a result of low levels or the lack of blood-clotting proteins.
  • Ovulatory dysfunction occurs when ovulation is abnormal, irregular, or absent, and is a common cause of abnormal bleeding.
  • Endometrial: abnormal functioning of endometrial tissue
  • Iatrogenic bleeding: When bleeding is caused by birth control, other hormone medicines, or other pharmaceuticals, it is called iatrogenic bleeding.
  • Not otherwise classified: When doctors are unable to identify a specific cause for bleeding problems, they are labeled as “not otherwise classified.”
  • Following a physical examination, we may use ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, and other tests to assist us to identify the problem, which may include an infection examination. Finally, we go over the various treatment alternatives.
  • Bleeding that interferes with daily routine is not “normal,” and you don’t have to live with it. Whether you’re a teen who is just starting to cope with abnormal bleeding or a woman in perimenopause who has been struggling for years, help is available.

Treating Abnormal Bleeding

Many conditions can be treated with medication. If there is an infection, Simple antibiotics will relieve the problem soon. For many of the uterine sources of bleeding, hormone treatments such as birth control pills, progesterone pills, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) that help regulate and lighten periods, can be prescribed.

Patients may need minimally invasive surgery to remove abnormal tissue if conservative therapy fails or if they have uterine growth diseases like polyps or leiomyoma. The doctor may recommend a hysterectomy to remove the uterus in severe cases, and usually only after women are done with fertility. However, women should never feel pressured into hysterectomy as their only option since many treatment options are available today.

What can happen if Abnormal Bleeding is Left Untreated?

Excessive blood loss causes some women to develop iron-deficiency anaemia. When the blood is low of healthy red blood cells, this occurs. This condition can cause dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which impacts overall work efficiency.

Untreated abnormal bleeding caused by ovulatory dysfunction, which causes irregular periods in women, can put them at risk for precancerous endometrial disorders including hyperplasia, which occurs when the uterine lining swells and can lead to uterine cancer. Even if you like just three to four periods a year, this is abnormal and should be investigated.

Women who merely have a “lack of energy,” and when we get to talking about her period, we discover she’s had abnormal bleeding her whole life and never realised it was “abnormal.”

With simple evaluation & treatments available, it’s amazing to see women get their life and energy back.

Women should seek treatment for abnormal bleeding in time as her gynaecologist will help to enhance the quality of life and offer her much-needed respite from abnormal bleeding.

We can also secure a healthy future by addressing underlying issues. Make an appointment by calling or filling out our online form.

In addition to working with a doctor, some home remedies and supportive tools can help reduce symptoms and make an abnormal period easier to manage.

Try a heating pad: Heating pads can help reduce common period symptoms, as the warmth of the heating pad can relax the muscles involved.

Wear period panties to bed: Period panties are absorbent underwear that works like a pad to absorb blood.

Sleeping in these panties may be more pleasant than sleeping with a pad, and people may wake up less frequently at night.

Diet, supplements like Vit C, D, iron help in easing the burden of abnormal bleeding.

Nevertheless, it is to be taken under the guidance of a registered medical gynaecologists’ as, just easing the symptoms doesn’t mean the underlying problems are been taken care of.

A good old wise saying is apt for this; a stitch in time saves nine.


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February 23, 2022 adminMenstrual Cycle

Parents play a critical role in managing PCOS in an affected daughter. Chances are they have no idea what to look for and may simply ignore period problems as something that will settle down or ‘bad periods’. The probability that a father will even be consulted is practically zero, in India, except perhaps if he is a doctor and keeps his eyes open.

Even mothers may be slow to react simply because they themselves may have gone through the same difficult time and they were also told to ‘stay at home & bear with it’.

It is now a known fact that mothers and, yes, even fathers, can pass on PCOS to daughters.

As parents, you need to be sensitive to your daughters’ behaviour as much as her physical experience. A healthy lifestyle is something you need to inculcate in them and set an example. This doesn’t mean forbidding certain types of eatables but simply teaching them to maintain a healthy balance.

Observe for mood swings. PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalance and this will impact behaviour strongly. Unusual weight gain, excessive body hair, especially male pattern hair on the face chest, armpits are sure telltale signs. Persistent acne, thinning of scalp hair are also signs to watch for.

Mothers should monitor abnormalities in the monthly cycles and consult a gynecologist early if they find an abnormal pattern.

It’s common to put down your daughters’ mood swings to teenage transition. Keep in mind that if she has PCOS she has the additional burden of hormonal imbalance in addition to the peer pressures she will be experiencing. A supportive family can do wonders and the silver lining is the strong bonds this can create.

As parents, we must address any feelings of shame, guilt, rage, or sadness your daughter may be experiencing as a result of her trauma. While there is definite evidence that it can be passed down the generations, it doesn’t mean that you are responsible for it.

None of us is genetically perfect. In a few cases, this imperfection manifests more visibly. Not only in the form of appearance issues but moodiness, irritability. This being a part & parcel of living with PCOS, should be accepted and professionally addressed.

First of all, do not get into denial mode. That won’t help at all.

Accept that your daughter isn’t the perfect child that you wanted. Far from it. But your response will determine how she weathers the PCOS storms over the years. Channelize your frustration, guilt and anger in figuring out the best way to deal with the different manifestations of the problem. Easier said than done.

Do’s and Don’ts for Parents:

  1. Accept that PCOS isn’t going to go away
  2. Connect with a doctor who has had experience in dealing with such cases. More importantly, one who is qualified to do so? Do not put your trust blindly in the family doctor, who may simply tell you what you wish to hear.
  3. Even a good doctor alone will not be enough. Ideally enroll in a clinic that has an all under one roof facility for dealing with PCOS including a nutritionist, Physiotherapist, lifestyle counselor and stress therapist. If they work in a coordinated manner as a team, this will really go a long way in helping your daughter to keep PCOS on a tight leash. Remember, the medicine will work only as long as the other facets of PCOS management are also being expertly managed, namely – nutrition, weight control, management of emotional issues.
  4. Keep in mind that PCOS patients can get Diabetes, are at a much higher risk of heart disease & endometrial cancers. They may have to combat infertility. More the reason you need to get professional help at the earliest and keep on monitoring lifelong.
  5. Keep in mind that she may not be the only one in the family with a major health problem. Her sisters may not be showing symptoms of PCOS, but maybe at a higher risk. Even the men in the family run a higher risk of getting ailments like diabetes, thyroid disorders.
  6. Address the issues openly and supportively. Anger, frustration, and depression will not help. You, as a parent, need to appear in control. You need to give your daughter the confidence that she is not alone in this fight to counter her risks and build a lifestyle that is healthy. Even if it means changing your eating habits, taking time out of a busy schedule to go on walks or bike rides with your daughter. If you can’t do it, find someone who can and remain as involved as you can.
  7. Teach her to cook healthy, even if you yourself have to unlearn what your mother has passed on! Take classes to learn how to cook simple, healthy yet delicious, wholesome meals.
  8. Introduce her to Yoga, Pranayam and meditation. There are many meaningful courses in India that teach Life & Stress management in a way that is acceptable to youngsters. Attend these together.
  9. Visit the clinic with her. Be prepared with your specific questions for the entire team – the doctor, nutritionist, Physio, lifestyle and stress counsellor. Encourage her to become a part of a group on social media, that deals with PCOS and whose members share their successes and failures openly.

Don’t:

  1. Try to sweep away the fact of PCOS under the carpet
  2. Make her feel like a burden or someone to be ashamed of
  3. Let your emotions go out of control in front of her

Each of us is dealt a different set of cards by life. PCOS isn’t worse than a lot of problems that people have to deal with. Stay together as a family, support each other and life can be normal again.


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Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynaecological complaint associated with considerable morbidity and significantly affects the patient’s family, personal and social life. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the medical term for abnormalities in the frequency, volume, duration, and regularity of the menstrual cycle & occurs in absence of pregnancy.

It is a common gynaecological complaint accounting for one-third of outpatient visits to a gynaecologist. It is caused by a wide variety of organic or non-organic causes. An organic cause is a term used to describe any health condition in which there is an observable and measurable disease process, such as inflammation or tissue damage.

Non-organic causes are the one that shows the symptoms but whose disease process is either unknown or unable to be measured by current scientific means.

To understand better, let’s talk about, what is normal bleeding. This is appropriate for reproductive-age women (menarche to menopause), with bleeding occurring every 21 to 35 days, lasting 3-7 days, and a blood flow of 35 ml.

Bleeding from the vaginal area between periods is one of the signs of this illness. Extremely excessive bleeding during periods can also be caused by abnormal uterine haemorrhage. Menorrhagia is a condition that arises when severe bleeding continues for more than 7 days during periods or otherwise.

Polyps or fibroids, which are abnormal growths in the uterus, can cause AUB. AUB can also be caused by a cervical infection, a thyroid condition, or uterine cancer, among other causes. Hormone imbalance is also the known cause of heavy bleeding.

The disorder is called dysfunctional uterine haemorrhage when abnormal bleeding develops as a result of hormone imbalance. Dysfunctional uterine haemorrhage is more common in teenagers and women approaching menopause.

Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding is determined by the patient’s age, the reason of the bleeding, and whether or not she wishes to become pregnant in the future. The different treatment options include the use of an intrauterine device, birth control pills, D&C (dilatation and curettage), endometrial ablation and hysterectomy.

There are many causes for abnormal uterine bleeding and that exactly defines the difference between abnormal uterine bleeding and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

In both cases, menstrual bleeding and related symptoms exist but the causes are different. In case of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, it is directly linked to hormonal imbalances.

Treatment Options Available for AUB:

  • Intrauterine device (IUD): An intrauterine device (IUD) is a tiny plastic device that is put into a woman’s uterus through the vaginal canal. Hormones released by the IUD assist to prevent irregular bleeding.
  • Using birth control pills: They prevent the lining of the uterus from getting too thick & help to regularize the menstrual cycle and even reduce cramping.
  • D&C or dilatation and curettage procedure: The opening of the cervix is expanded so that a surgical instrument may be put into the uterus in the D&C or dilatation and curettage process. With the use of this instrument, the uterine lining is scraped away. The doctor then checks the removed lining for any abnormality and determines the cause of the abnormal bleeding. D&C is used to identify the source of bleeding.
  • Hysterectomy: It is a surgical treatment that involves the removal of the uterus. It prevents the patient from having any further periods and from becoming pregnant. It is normally performed under general anaesthesia and requires a person to stay at a hospital.
  • Endometrial ablation: This treatment removes the uterine lining rather than the uterus itself. As a result of the surgery, all forms of monthly bleeding are stopped.
  • Simple measures to cope up with: Abnormal uterine bleeding which arises as a result of any abnormality in the menstrual cycle and is most common. In the vast majority of cases, it can resolve itself without the need for therapy. Self-care methods and home remedies can also aid with the condition’s treatment.

Natural Ways to Reduce the Troubles Associated with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding?

  • The use of menstruation cups is one example of a lifestyle modification.
  • Use of heating pads which can ease the symptoms like abdominal cramps and severe pain.
  • Using period panties, for dry pad feeling, which offer sleep comfort.
  • Proper and adequate rest, Adequate hydration
  • Breathing exercises and yoga are good examples of regular exercises. These have a calming effect.
  • Consumption of adequate iron, vitamin C, and other minerals and vitamins supplements.
  • Even when a person can manage their heavy flow, it is still best to consult a doctor, who will investigate and identify any underlying issues. This can assist to lessen the flow’s intensity and duration. The menstrual bleeding disorder has a impact on other bodily functions. Right diagnosis &treatment is the key.
  • Take home points: Irrespective of any age group, menstrual disorders should not be taken lightly proper medical diagnosis & treatment not only offer relief but also reduce the future complications if any.

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January 12, 2022 adminFertility

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.

SIGNIFICANCE OF OVULATION AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN FERTILITY

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.

FERTILITY IN THE AGING FEMALE:

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.

FERTILITY IN THE AGING MALE:

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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January 7, 2022 adminMenstrual Cycle

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.

Comprehending the menstrual cycle and its stages:

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.

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

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.

How would you work out your period?

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.

How do you calculate your menstrual cycle?

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.

Is your menstrual cycle regular ?

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.

How can you prevent menstrual irregularities?

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.

Where can you get help for menstrual irregularities?

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.


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