PCOS - Know More

What causes PCOS? 

Obesity is a common finding in women with PCOS and between 40–80% of women with this condition are reported to be overweight or obese. 

Familial aggregation of PCOS strongly supports a genetic susceptibility to this disorder but genes responsible for PCOS have not been clearly identified. Environmental factors (high-caloric diets and reduced exercise) also play a major role in the high prevalence of obesity in women with PCOS.

Obesity and PCOS

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Obesity is a common finding in PCOS and aggravates many of its reproductive and metabolic features. About 25% of asymptomatic women with regular menses have PCO morphology on ultrasound. Many of these women have elevated androgen or luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, but some have normal reproductive function. Insulin resistance is a common finding in PCOS and is substantially worsened by obesity. Fasting insulin levels are increased in PCOS. Women with this condition are expected to have a high prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance. The risk for developing glucose intolerance is increased with increasing body mass index (BMI) and obesity.

Reproductive disturbances are more common in obese women regardless of the diagnosis of PCOS. Obese women are more likely to have menstrual irregularity and anovulatory infertility than normal-weight women. Weight reduction can restore regular menstrual cycles in these women. In obesity increased androgen production has been reported especially in women with upper-body obesity.  In PCOS bioavailable androgen levels are increased especially with central obesity. Androgens play an important role in determination of body composition.

What can Oxidative stress cause to female fertility?

Oxidative stress is a condition where reactive oxygen species are overproduced & cannot be neutralised by the antioxidant system of body. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules generated during body metabolism and they can influence the entire reproductive lifespan of a woman and menopausal period. ROS affect multiple physiological processes from oocyte maturation to fertilisation, embryo development and pregnancy. They serve as key signal molecules in the age-related decline in fertility. 

Waist hip ratio is important in PCOS 

BMI is a more sensitive, at least an important supplementary, diagnostic criterion of clinical/biomedical high androgen in PCOS than total testosterone. It is therefore critical for PCOS patients with clinical signs of androgen excess to maintain a normal body weight. Waist Hip ratio is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS compared to other predictors including BMI.   

Diet plays important role in PCOS

 Lifestyle modifying measures, such as diet control and exercise, could play an important role in treatment of PCOS. Obese PCOS patients show more difficulty in losing weight by exercise than lean PCOS patients. Long-term maintenance of weight loss among obese population is less likely. The energy intake of obese women with PCOS is greater than that of obese women without the syndrome. Women with PCOS should restrict significantly energy intake in order to maintain a normal weight

Why Ovarian Drilling is advised in PCOS?

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical treatment that can trigger ovulation in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder found in approximately 6.5% of reproductive-age women , and is commonly associated with obesity, menstrual irregularity, infertility, insulin resistance (IR), and clinical hyperandrogenism and/or hyperandrogenemia.  Ovarian drilling is not commonly used.but can be an option for women who are still not ovulating after losing weight and trying fertility medicines.

A moderate reduction in dietary carbohydrate reduced the fasting and postchallenge insulin concentrations among women with PCOS, which, over time, may improve reproductive/endocrine outcomes. PCOS women can present with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder. Weight loss improves menstrual irregularities, symptoms of androgen excess, and infertility in PCOD.

 PCOS women can present with mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder. Weight loss improves menstrual irregularities, symptoms of androgen excess, and infertility in PCOD.

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Can vaccine prevent cancer cervix in women?

How dangerous is cancer of cervix?

Cervical cancer, the cancer of birth canal is caused by Human Papillomavirus infection in majority, and is the leading cancer in Indian women. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. It is the fifth most common cancer in humans and the most common cancer cause of death in the developing countries.

What are the causes of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is ranked as the most frequent cancer in women in India. 

Causes and risk factors for cervical cancer include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, having many sexual partners, smoking, taking birth control pills, and engaging in early sexual contact. Sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most important risk factor for cervical precancerous changes which slowly progresses to malignancy.

      HPV is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, but it is not a sufficient cause. Other factors are necessary for progression from infection to cancer. Use of hormonal contraceptives pills for long years, having many child births, early initiation of sexual activity, multiple sex partners, tobacco smoking and even infection with HIV have been identified as suppoting factors for cancer of cervix. Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and herpes simplex virus type-2, immunosuppression, low socioeconomic status, poor hygiene and diet low in antioxidants are other probable cofactors.

What is Human Papilloma Virus?

HPV is a member of the family Papilloma group of viruses. They are small, non-enveloped deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viruses. Over 100 serotypes of HPV have been discovered, of which 15–20 can cause cancer. The time period between the virus infection and cancer is estimated to be 15–20 years. Based on the association with cervical cancer, these viruses are further grouped into high-risk types, probable high-risk types and low-risk types. Worldwide, high-risk type HPV-16 and 18 contribute over 70% of all cervical cancer cases (the most prevalent being HPV-16 in at least 50–60% and HPV-18 in at least 10–12%). Similarly, in Indian women, the most common types are HPV-16 and 18. HPV transmission is influenced by sexual activity and age. Almost 75% of all sexually active adults are likely to be infected with at least one HPV type. 

Can the vaccine prevent cervical cancer?

Though there are several methods of prevention of cervical cancer, prevention by vaccination is emerging as the most effective option, with the availability of two vaccines. Several studies have been published examining the vaccine's efficacy, immunogenicity and safety. Estimates suggest that more than 80% of the sexually active women acquire genital HPV by 50 years of age. Hence, the advent of a vaccine against HPV has stirred much excitement as well as debate.

How the cervical cancer vaccine is given?

The vaccine dose is 0.5 mL given intramuscularly, either in the deltoid muscle or in the antero-lateral thigh. It is available as a sterile suspension for injection in a single-dose vial or a prefilled syringe, which should be shaken well before use. The recommended age for initiation of vaccination is 9–12 years. Catch-up vaccination is permitted up to the age of 26 years. A total of three doses at 0, 2 and 6 months are recommended. HPV vaccines can be given simultaneously with other vaccines such as Hepatitis B.

What are the side effects of cervical cancer vaccination?

The most common adverse reactions are local reactions like pain (mild to moderate) in 83%, swelling with redness in 25% and systemic adverse effects such as fever in 4% of the vaccinees. No serious vaccine-related adverse events have been reported.

Who should not be vaccinated against cervical cancer?

The HPV vaccine is currently not licensed for use in female patients younger than 9 years or older than 26 years or for use in male patients. It should not be used in people with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to yeast or to any vaccine component. The vaccine should be delayed in patients with moderate or severe acute illnesses. The vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Breastfeeding women and immunosuppressed female patients can receive the vaccine. 

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Fertility Enhancing Surgery

www.femelife.com

How to choose the best IVF Center?

Why choose Femelife Fertility?

Femelife fertility, Chennai was started in 2010 and has spread its branches to Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Tirupati, Pondicherry, Ambattur, Berhampur, Cuttack and Bangladesh in a short period of time. The main reason for its enormous growth is its popularity among fertility patients and doctors. This wide network also helps patients to avail high class fertility care at door step.

Initial visit at Femelife –

Usually at initial visit patients spend 30 to 45 minutes at our IVF Center. The receptionist and the staff are cordial and behave in a friendly manner. The patients are never made to wait for long time rather the appointment time is strictly followed. For patient’s convenience OPD hours are split into morning and evening sessions. This makes working couple not to lose duty hours.

Counselling at Femelife -

Our patient counsellors are highly skilled and trained personnel having in depth knowledge about the fertility issues and experienced enough to handle the stressed couple. At the initial counselling both partners are investigated for the cause of infertility. The options of fertility treatment are discussed openly with the couple following ethical guidelines. Couple are encouraged to participate in the discussion, Basic knowledge about human reproduction is explained with visual aids.

Fertility services at Femelife –

FEMELIFE is widely recognised as the architect of modern IVF Treatment in India. Dr. Nabaneeta and her team have acquired special expertise in treating problems of IVF, laparoscopy, reproductive endocrinology, menopause, and infertility. Best Fertility Doctors and embryologists are available for ICSI, IVF, Infertility treatment and PCOS management. We are among the best IVF hospitals for Egg donation, Embryo donation, Surrogacy, surrogate mother care, high risk pregnancy care, IUI, IVF and ICSI, PGD, Assisted hatching, cryopreservation and Karyotyping.

Natural conception at Femelife –

Not all the patients attending the IVF clinic need fertility treatment. Approximately 80% of couples will conceive in the first 6 months of attempting pregnancy. Fertility enhancement by natural methods are encouraged at Femelife. Lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, avoiding smoking can improve fertility rates in young couples. Like many aspects of our health, fertility is improved by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining an ideal weight, a diet rich in antioxidants (found in fruits and vegetables), as well as multi-vitamins may improve the quality of egg and sperm. Avoiding pollution, smoking, junk food, reducing stress and controlling chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes may also improve a couple’s chances of fertility. Couples with underlying medical or genetic conditions are screened by doctors at Femelife so that they can increase their overall health before conceiving. Overweight men interested in optimizing fertility are encouraged to attain an ideal body weight before fertility treatment. Antioxidants such as vitamins E and C are supplemented which have been found to result in a slight increase in both sperm count and movement. Maintaining an ideal weight avoids PCOS {polycystic ovaries} hence improves the quality of egg and chances of ovulation. At Femelife we take care of your lifestyle before starting IVF programme.

IUI at Femelife –

Femelife runs a highly successful IUI programme due to the active customisation of protocols and selection of appropriate patient groups. Accurate follicular tracking, controlling the quality of eggs by use of fertility drugs and timing of IUI are crucial for our better success rates by IUI. We also run a down regulated IUI protocol which gives optimum success in PCOS patients.

IVF /ICSI at Femelife –

There are two ways that an egg may be fertilised in the laboratory: IVF and ICSI. In traditional IVF, 50,000 or more swimming sperm are placed next to the egg in a laboratory dish. Fertilisation occurs spontaneously when one of the sperm enters into the cytoplasm of the egg. In the ICSI process, a tiny needle, called a micropipette, is used to inject a single sperm into the center of the egg. Our experienced embryologists and excellent culture conditions in IVF laboratory have achieved 80-90 % fertilisation rate. We encourage blastocyst transfer for better success and to reduce multiple pregnancy rate.

Cryopreservation at Femelife IVF laboratory –

We have facilities for sperm, egg, embryos, ovarian tissue and testicular tissue. Patients proposed to undergo cancer therapy, transgender patients and women delaying pregnancy can benefit from cryopreservation. Our thawing rates for embryo, egg or sperm is one of the best in the country.

PGD/PGS options at our center –

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a genetic test on cells removed from embryos, to help select the best embryo(s) for pregnancy or to make offspring free of a genetic disease.

PGD at Femelife is offered for 3 major groups of diseases:

(1) sex-linked disorders,

(2) single gene defects, and

(3) chromosomal disorders

Primary candidates for PGS at Femelife includes the following:

• Women of advanced maternal age

• Couples with history of recurrent pregnancy loss

• Couples with repeated IVF failure

• Male partner with severe male factor infertility

Care of IVF pregnancy at Femelife-

Every pregnancy is unique, and precious to the would be parents no matter how the baby is conceived. Pregnancy is well maintained by good luteal support and safe pregnancy tips. Patients are regularly screened for any signs of preterm labor, cervical incompetence, fetal wellbeing. They are screened for medical disorders and high risk pregnancy is taken care of. Facilities for newborn are also available under the care of neonatologists and skilled nurses.

IVF success at Femelife –

The high success rates at Femelife is contributed by our dedicated staff, doctors and embryologists. Our IVF success is reflected in our high take home baby rate, minimal biochemical pregnancy and reduced miscarriage rate. We have delivered above 5000 babies in our various centers during last 8 years and have helped the families to fulfil their dream.

24/7 fertility service available in Femelife, Chennai-

Some pregnancies become high risk as they progress, while some women are at increased risk for complications even before they get pregnant for a variety of reasons. For care of all these women Femelife Fertility provides 24/7 health care with trained nurses and doctors.

High IVF success rate, friendly approach and compassionate treatment makes FEMELIFE popular in this field among all. Furthermore, they have a wonderful health blog which takes care of healthy habits, encourages natural conceptions among patients. Hence Femelife Fertility is the best IVF Centre in Chennai, India.