Health Tips

List of all medical treatment and their cost

2015-02-18T03:08:00.001-08:00

List of all medical treatment and their cost from Sama Hospital.

https://www.google.com/shopping/shortlists/l/a14789665109378423997

https://about.me/orthopedichospital
http://shoulder1.com/forum/Shoulder_Pain/Shoulder_Pain_for_over_5_years-19483#154613
http://www.orpt.org/productlist.asp?id=671

http://www.school-for-champions.com/health/resources.htm

http://www.school-for-champions.com/nutrition/resources.htm

http://www.agesandstages.net/websites.php

http://chemistry.beloit.edu/Ordman/nutrition/hlthlnks.htm

7 Things Every Man Should Know About Fertility

2014-11-16T21:22:00.002-08:00

Most of the media and social attention on conception and pregnancy is focused on women. The pregnancy occurs in her body, so it makes sense that most people would assume conception is (almost) all about the woman. They would be wrong. It takes two to make a baby, and male fertility is just as important. Here are seven things every man should know about fertility.

Your Diet, Health, and Work Environment Can Impact Your Fertility.

Your health habits matter when it comes to male fertility. Some health habits to watch out for include the following:

Smoking: Smoking negatively affects sperm counts, sperm shape, and sperm movement, all important factors for conception. IVF treatment success has also been found to be poorer in male smokers, even when IVF with ICSI is used. (ICSI involves taking a single sperm and directly injecting it into an egg.) Smoking is also connected to erectile dysfunction, so dropping the habit may reverse some of the negative effects.
Toxic workplace chemicals: Does your job involve close contact with toxic chemicals? If so, you may be at greater risk for infertility and decreased sperm health. Farmers, painters, varnishers, metal workers, and welders have all been found to be at risk for decreased fertility. If your job involves toxic chemical contact or high heat conditions, speak to your doctor. There may be more steps you can take to protect yourself.
Sexually transmitted infections (or STDs/STIs): Sexually transmitted infections can lead to infertility if not treated promptly. Left untreated, an infection can lead to scar tissue within the male reproductive tract, making semen transfer ineffective or even impossible. If you have any symptoms of an STI, see your doctor right away, and if you're at risk for contracting an STI, get regular checks even if you are asymptomatic. You may unknowingly pass on an STI to your female partner, which can then damage her fertility.
Weight: Being over or underweight can have a negative effect on semen health. Men with a BMI below 20 have been found to have lower sperm concentration and sperm counts, while obese men have been found to have lower levels of testosterone and lower sperm counts.
Too many alcoholic drinks: Most studies have found that a few drinks a week won't cause any harm, but excessive drinking has been linked to lower sperm counts, poor sperm movements, and poor sperm shape. One study found that with every additional drink consumed per week, the IVF success rate decreased.

More on protecting or improving male fertility:

2. Paying Attention to Age Is Important for Men, Too.

You may already know that female fertility declines with age. A 30-year-old woman has a 20% chance of conceiving in any one month, while a 40-year-old woman has only a 5% chance. Male fertility is also affected by age, though not as drastically as in women. A 70-year-old woman cannot conceive naturally, but some 70-year-old men are still capable of fathering a child naturally. Still, age is something you should consider when planning your family.

Research has found that with increased age, male fertility and sperm health decreases, including an increase in DNA-damaged sperm. Male age has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, the passing on of genetic problems, and some birth defects. Increased male age has also been linked to increased rates of autism and schizophrenia.

IVF treatment is also impacted by male age. One study found that for each additional year of paternal age, there was an 11% increased odds of not achieving pregnancy, and a 12% increase in the odds of not having a live birth.

3. Heat Is Bad for Sperm.

High temperatures are bad news for sperm. You've most likely heard of this in relation to the boxers vs. briefs argument. The thinking was that boxers, being less restrictive and having more air flow, would lead to cooler testicular temperatures and healthier levels of fertility. The research isn't really clear on whether boxers or briefs matter, although wearing extremely tight shorts or underwear, especially when made from a non-breathable fabric, may have an impact on sperm health.

More sources of sperm-troubling heat include:

Hot tubbing or long hot baths
Sitting for prolonged periods of time with your legs together (like at a desk job or while driving long distances)
Sitting with a laptop on your lap
Heated car seats

The heat damaging effects may have a longer lasting impact than you'd imagine, too. A very small study looked at men who attended a sauna twice a week, for 15 minutes, over a period of three months. When comparing to semen samples taken before the sauna visits, the researchers found decreases in sperm count and movement, as well as more DNA-damaged sperm. The men in the study were again evaluated three months and six months after they stopped attending the sauna. Sperm health wasn't completely regained until six months after the men stopped attending the sauna sessions.

4. Male Infertility Is More Common Than You Think.

Couples are advised to seek testing and treatment if they don't conceive after a year of unprotected sex (or six months, if the woman is age 35 or older). Usually, the female partner will see her gynecologist for an evaluation, but men need to be evaluated, too. Male-factor infertility is involved in up to half of all infertile couples. The break down is:

About one-third of infertile couples have female factor infertility
Another third have male factor infertility
The remaining third have both male and female factor infertility, or the cause remains unexplained

A semen analysis, which is a non-invasive test that evaluates semen and sperm health, should be done before any treatments (even clomid) are tried. If male factors are involved, and you try treatments before evaluating male fertility, your female partner will go through the physical stress -- and both of you will go through the emotional stress -- for no reason.

Speak to your partner's gynecologist about having the semen analysis done, even if she doesn't bring it up herself. You may need to see a urologist or fertility specialist for the semen analysis, or the gynecologist may be able to order the test for you.

5. Male Infertility Is Usually -- But Not Always -- Symptomless.

Most of the time, male infertility shows no obvious outward signs. Being unable to conceive is usually the first sign of infertility in men. You can be in tip-top health and still have compromised fertility. (You can also, by the way, have a great sex life and have male infertility. Contrary to myth, fertility and sexual prowess are not related.)

There are, however, a few symptoms and risk factors to look out for. If any of these symptoms or risk factors apply to you, see a urologist before you start trying to conceive:

If you have an undescended testicle
If you have been treated for a sexually transmitted infection in the past
If you have trouble having or maintaining an erection
If you have low sex drive
If you have pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicular area

There are also a number of commonly taken medications that may impact your fertility. Speak to your primary care doctor to find out if any of your medications may be compromising your fertility. You may be able to switch to something else.

6. Putting Off Testing and Treatment May Decrease Your Chances for Pregnancy Success.

Despite the recommendations to seek help after one year of trying, surveys have found that many couples don't. There are a number of reasons for this, including anxiety about fertility testing, concerns about the possible cost of treatments, and misunderstandings like thinking all infertility has obvious symptoms and causes, or thinking that once you've had a child, you can't be infertile. (You actually can have infertility after already having a child. This is called secondary infertility.)

Here's the thing: certain causes of infertility worsen with time. The sooner you get evaluated, the better your chances may be for pregnancy success. This applies to male testing as well as female testing. If only the woman is tested, time can be lost.

If you're worried about the costs, it may be helpful to know that the majority of infertile couples can be treated with low-tech, lower-cost treatments. IVF treatment, the most expensive fertility treatment, is not needed for the majority of couples.

7. At-Home Sperm Analysis Tests Aren't Good Enough to Rule Out Male Infertility.

The semen analysis can make many men nervous, and many turn to the internet in hopes of taking a more anonymous test. These mail-based semen analysis tests are not as accurate as the testing done in a lab with fresh semen. In fact, to get the best test results, the sample should get to the testing lab within an hour of collection.

The at-home sperm tests are limited in what they can evaluate: most of them measure sperm count and semen volume, but they can't evaluate sperm movement and they rarely look at sperm shape. You can have great sperm counts, but if the sperm are not moving properly, or they're all poorly shaped, you may still be infertile.

If you're concerned about your fertility, see your doctor and get an accurate test done.

Research and Facts on Dealing with Infertility

2014-11-12T01:51:00.001-08:00

If you're having a hard time coping with infertility, you're not alone. Research has shown that the psychological stress experienced by women with infertility is similar to that of women coping with illnesses like cancer, HIV, and chronic pain. Yes there is lots of Infertility treatme nt center but it's not an easy disease to cope with.

To make things worse, you may hear from friends or family that your anxiety is causing the infertility. But this is not true. While researchers once thought that stress caused infertility, more recent studies do not make this connection.

Emotional Impact of Infertility

The whirlwind of emotions that infertility brings can feel overwhelming. Sometimes knowing that your feelings are normal can help.

Some of the feelings you may experience include:

Loss: You may feel a sense of loss for the child or children you imagined having one day. You may also feel that you're missing out on the experience of parenthood or the act of having a biological child.

Anger and jealousy: You may feel angry at life in general. You may also feel angry or jealous that parenthood seems to come easily to others.
Denial: You might tell yourself that you just know next month will bring a positive pregnancy test, and then, when it doesn't, feel a huge sense of sadness and shock.
Shame: Women may feel that a diagnosis of infertility makes them less feminine, while men may feel that a diagnosis makes them less masculine. You may also feel that you are somehow less of a person if you can't have a child on your own.
Lack of Control: You may feel a lack of control, knowing that there is nothing you can do to guarantee or know if treatments will work.

Marital or Relationship Stress

Infertility can also put stress on your relationship, with studies showing that couples dealing with infertility are more likely to feel unhappy with themselves and their marriages.

Infertility may affect your relationship in a number of ways, including:

Sexual tension: Especially around ovulation, sex may feel more like a chore than an enjoyable way to express love for each other. Men may experience performance anxiety, leading to feelings of guilt or shame.
Financial stress: Fertility treatment costs can quickly add up. Everything from deciding how much you're willing to pay, to coping with the financial strain or debt, can create a great deal of stress between couples.
Fear of abandonment: Especially for the partner with the infertility diagnosis, he or she may be afraid that their partner will want to leave them to have children with someone else.
Arguments about treatments: Deciding which treatments or options to try, when to stop seeking treatment, or when to take a break can put tremendous strain on a couple.

Ways to Cope

With the myriad of feelings surrounding infertility, good coping skills are essential. Here are a few tips to help manage and lower the stress of infertility:

Acknowledge your feelings: Holding everything inside does not help. It actually takes more mental energy to hold your feelings back than to express them. Allow yourself time to feel the sadness, anger, and frustration
Seek support: Whether through friends, professional counselling, groups, or online forums, finding somewhere to talk with people who understand can help you feel less alone.
Practice relaxation: Learning how to relax and calm yourself can help when feelings get intense and during treatments. Acupuncture, yoga, and relaxation techniques are all possible ways to cope.
Talk to your partner: Talk about your feelings together. Keep in mind, though, that men and women cope with stress in different ways. Women are more likely to express their sadness, while men tend to hold things inside. Neither way is wrong, just different.
Learn as much as you can: The more you know about infertility, including alternatives like adoption or living child-free, the more in control you will feel.
Don't let infertility take over your life: Make sure you fill your life and your relationship with other things. If it seems like infertility is all you talk about together, set a specified time each day for the topic, and use the rest of the day to talk about other things.
Keep sex fun: As mentioned above, sex can quickly become more like a chore, than a fun way to express love for each other. Try to keep things loving and exciting. Light candles, play fun music, or watch romantic movies, whatever makes you both feel good.
Consider professional help: Many couples find that professional individual or couples counselling can help them cope with the emotional stress of infertility, and some fertility clinics insist that their patients seek counselling before and during treatment.

Understanding the Causes, Signs, and Treatment of Depression Related Infertility | Infertility and Depression

2014-11-12T01:12:00.000-08:00

Infertility and depression frequently go together. While you may not be surprised to learn that infertility can lead to depression, you might not know that people who experience depression are more likely to have fertility problems. You may also be surprised to learn that depression during pregnancy and after pregnancy (postpartum depression) is more common in women who have struggled with trying to conceive.

But just because depression is common among the fertility challenged, this doesn't mean you should ignore it or fail to treat it.

What Is the Difference Between Depression and Regular Sadness?

It's completely normal to feel sadness when dealing with infertility. You may get hit with the blues when your period comes, when a fertility test comes back with bad news, when treatments fail, or upon diagnosis of infertility. You may also feel sadness when reminded of your fertility struggles, like when a friend throws a baby shower or your sister has her fourth child.

One difference between sadness and depression is sadness lifts after some time, while depression lingers, involves other symptoms, and interferes with your life. How serious the depression is depends on how much it affects your daily life.

Signs of depression include:

Sadness that lasts for weeks or months.

Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Frequent crying or tearing up.
Frequently irritated or intolerant of others around you, specifically people who you used to enjoy being around.
Lack of motivation, struggling to get work done at the office or around the home.
Difficulty sleeping, either sleeping too much or unable to sleep well (insomnia).
Difficulty with eating, either overeating or experiencing low appetite.
Struggling with experiencing pleasure in life, including a low interest in sex.
Frequent feelings of anxiety or worry.
Thoughts of dying, self-harm, or suicide.

What Causes Infertility-Related Depression?

Infertility is a stressful condition, having a strong impact on your sex life, relationship, sense of self-worth, and daily life. In the midst of testing and treatments, infertility may literally feel like it has become your entire life, as you go to and from doctor appointments. All of this stress can potentially contribute to the development of depression.

Depression is more common among the fertility challenged who have a family history of depression, who experienced depression before their fertility struggles, or those who lack a support network. Infertility frequently causes feelings of shame, which may make it more difficult to talk to friends and family about your struggles. This isolation makes depression more likely.

Some hormonal imbalances that cause infertility may also contribute to mood symptoms and vulnerability to depression. Be sure to mention to your doctors if you're experiencing any feelings of a low mood, as it may help them diagnose your infertility and manage your overall care.

Can Depression Cause Infertility?

No one definitively knows whether depression itself can cause infertility, though some studies have found a correlation between depression and increased rates of IVF treatment. Some theorize that this may be due to an overlap in some of the hormonal issues involved in both conditions.

Also, depression may lead to lifestyle habits that can negatively impact your fertility. For example, depression often causes overeating or lack of appetite, and being overweight or underweight can cause infertility. People who are depressed are more likely to smoke or drink, which can also hurt your fertility.

Will Pregnancy Cure the Depression?

If not getting pregnant is contributing to depression, it seems logical to assume that finally achieving pregnancy will cure depression. However, this isn't always the case. In fact, those who have experienced infertility are more likely to feel depression during pregnancy and are at an increased risk for postpartum depression.

How to Choose a Fertility Clinic - Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic

2014-10-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

Choosing a fertility clinic is a very important decision that should not be taken lightly and should be given much thought. It can be very overwhelming when couples are faced with trying to make a decision that will have such an important impact on their life. There is such an abundance of fertility clinics to choose from that the options can seem endless. To compete with other fertility clinics, clinics will often advertise and boast about their positive attributes and high success rates. Couples reading through clinic literature often feel bombarded by all of the material and may have a difficult time deciphering what is truth and what is fluff. Although statistical data about high success rates is important, it is not the only factor that should be looked at when choosing a fertility clinic. There are many other reasons for selecting a clinic that may be the right choice for you. There are a few easy steps that any couple can take to help them find the fertility clinic that is right for them.

Method 1 of 3: Know the Signs of a Bad Fertility Clinic

Before you can identify the steps needed to locate a good IVF treatment clinic, you need to know and watch out for the warning signs of a bad clinic.

1. Watch out for fertility clinics whose physician is only available part time. Many doctors that work at a fertility clinic also have a full time job working in a hospital performing deliveries or other types of gynecological work.

The problem with a doctor who is available only part time is that he may not be able to provide you with the time and service that is needed to ensure that you have the best care possible and to give you a higher chance of conceiving. Part time clinic doctors are most likely to be burdened with busy schedules and preoccupied with their other full time job.

Some clinics have been known to only bring in a part time embryologist once or twice per month to perform fertility procedures. These doctors will usually make all of their patients come into the office on this same day to perform fertility procedures. This method can lower your chances of conceiving because you may not produce eggs at the same rate as someone else, but you will be forced to receive your treatment only on those days when the embryologist can be there.

2. Be on the lookout for a fertility clinic that does not offer the wide range of services that better clinics offer. Especially important to watch out for is a clinic that does not include embryo freezing facilities, which are essential to a good clinic. If a clinic does not have a freezing facility, it should immediately be taken off your list of potential clinics, as many facilities like this have been known to donate your eggs to someone else without your consent.

3. Be leery of fertility clinics that refuse to show you their fertility equipment or facilities.

Some fertility clinics purchase second-hand, poor or older equipment that is out of date. These types of clinics increase your risk for infection because they cannot service their equipment properly and they often reuse fertility devices.

Method 2 of 3: It is Important to Check a Facility’s Credentials

There are several credentials and facts to check when looking into a fertility clinic.

1. Find out how long the program has been established. The level of experience that a fertility clinic has is very important. The longer a clinic has been in business, the better the facility likely is because it has been around long enough to have been proven credible.

2. Find out the clinic’s pregnancy rates. Check the published pregnancy rates for a facility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publish pregnancy rates for most fertility clinics.

Be careful when checking these rates. Some clinics will turn away patients who have a very poor chance of becoming pregnant just to keep their rates high. Rather than looking just at the numbers, inquire about specific clinic policies and turndown rates as well.

3. Check to see if the clinic is a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology or SART. SART requires all members to follow ethical guidelines in order to be considered for and maintain membership. They will also do spot checks of the clinic to ensure that all guidelines and rules are being upheld.

4. Check to make sure that all of the physicians are board certified. It is important for them to be board certified specifically in Reproductive procedures such as embryology.

Make sure that all of the physicians at the clinic work on site. You will receive better medical care if the physician is available to assist you when you need him.

Method 3 of 3: Familiarize Yourself With the Different Services That a Clinic May Offer

When you inquire about all of the services that a clinic offers, it becomes easier to see if that particular clinic offers the specific service or fertility treatment that you need or want.

1. Check to see if the clinic offers in vitro fertilization as a therapy for women with all types of fertility issues.

Some clinics will only offer this fertility treatment as a last resort, when all other fertility methods have failed. Some fertility clinics do this to boost their pregnancy rates. You want to find a clinic that offers a wide range of services to help you conceive.

2. Check to see if the clinic offers treatment for male infertility programs as well. This could be something you may need if the male in the relationship has already been tested and proven to have the fertility issue. Additionally, there are many instances in which male infertility is discovered after the woman has been receiving fertility treatments. Starting out at a clinic that offers male infertility services will prevent you from having to switch doctors if a problem is discovered later on.

3. Check the costs. Each clinic should disclose in writing the costs of treatment. It is important to pick a clinic that is affordable to you, but you should not skimp on the quality of care just because one place is more affordable than the other. Inquire about payment plans, insurance carriers that are accepted and partial payments for failed pregnancy attempts.

4. Check to see if the clinic offers psychological counseling. Fertility treatments can be extremely stressful for couples. It can be very helpful if a clinic has on site psychological counseling to help you find some good stress coping techniques during this difficult time.

Is Surrogacy for you? Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic

2014-10-08T00:35:00.001-07:00

Only a very caring and unselfish person would even consider becoming a surrogate mother. The rewards of giving such an incredible gift are great, but, so are the stresses and the sacrifices. Being a surrogate is not easy and it is not for everyone. So, how do you know if it is for you? The best advice we can give is to think hard about the many ways being a surrogate will affect your life and do a little soul searching.

Below, we have listed several important issues you should take into account when you are trying to decide if becoming a surrogate is for you. If, after considering everything in this article, you are still interested in becoming a surrogate and you think you would be a good candidate, we wish you the best of luck in making your lucky couple's dreams come true!

Your Physical Health

How is your health in general?
Do you have any long-term illnesses that might prevent you from successfully carrying a pregnancy to term?
Do you have a good reproductive history?
Did you conceive easily?
Were your pregnancies and deliveries reasonably easy and without complications?

Your Support System

If you are married, does your husband support your decision to be a surrogate?
If you are not married, do you have someone who you can talk to for support during the surrogacy?
If your children are old enough to understand surrogacy, are they comfortable with the idea of you becoming a surrogate?
How will it make you feel if/when you are confronted by others who may disapprove of your being a surrogate?
How will it make you feel if/when your children are confronted by others who may disapprove of your being a surrogate?

Emotional Issues

Can you be reasonably sure that you are capable of giving up a child that you will carry for 9 months?
In traditional surrogacy, you will be the child's genetic mother. Will it be difficult for you to let go of a child that you have a genetic link to?
Will becoming a surrogate cause problems within your marriage?
Will becoming a surrogate cause a great amount of stress in your relationships with those closest to you (family, friends, coworkers, etc.)?
As with any pregnancy, there is always a possiblity of complications which could result in fertility problems for you down the road. How would it make you feel to no longer be able to have children as a result of the surrogacy? How would it affect your marriage?

Medical Issues

If you will be a gestational surrogate, are you prepared for the medical protocol, which will require daily injections?
The chances of a multiple pregnancy are increased in gestational surrogacy. How do you feel about carrying multiples?
How would you feel if your doctor requires you to drastically reduce your activity or go on bedrest in the event of a high-risk or multiple pregnancy?

Decision Making

If it was discovered that the child you are carrying has a physical defect, how will you feel about terminating the pregnancy? (Note: If you would not be comfortable terminating the pregnancy, it does not mean that you will not make a good surrogate. It only means that you need to find a couple who agrees with your point of view.)

For more information about surrogacy click here

IVF: Risks May Outweigh Benefits, Say Experts

2014-10-01T01:36:00.002-07:00

The first baby was born using in vitro fertilization in 1981. From then until 2003, more than 1 million babies were born using the treatment, and this increased to 10 million by 2015. Now, a new analysis published in the BMJ suggests that in vitro fertilization may be overused, and the risks of the treatment could possibly outweigh the benefits.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) was first created as a treatment option for women who had fallopian tube disorders and men who were severely infertile.

But the team of experts who conducted the analysis, led by Dr. Esme I. Kamphuis of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, states that in recent years, IVF has been used for other conditions that affect fertility, and it has even been used to treat unexplained fertility problems.

For example, they say between 2000 and 2010, the number of annual IVF cycles in the US increased from 90,000 to 150,000. However, the proportion of IVF cycles for tubal problems reduced from 25% to 16% during this period.

The experts point out that unexplained fertility accounts for around 25-30% of couples undergoing IVF treatment. But they note that when not treated with IVF straight away, most of these couples are able to conceive naturally before treatment.

Extended IVF use 'harmful'

The experts argue that extended IVF use increases the risk of harm to both the mother and offspring.

"Multiple pregnancies are associated with maternal and perinatal complications such as gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia as well as premature birth. And even singletons born through IVF have been shown to have worse outcomes than those conceived naturally," they write.

Furthermore, the authors say there are also concerns surrounding the long-term health of children born through IVF. They note that these children may have higher blood pressure, adiposity, glucose levels and more generalized vascular abnormalities, compared with children who are conceived naturally.

"These effects seem to be related to the IVF procedure itself rather than to underlying subfertility," the experts add.

IVF has 'evolved as a profit-generating industry'

The experts say that the progression of IVF is being prevented by "a lack of will to question its perceived success."

They add that at present, bodies who fund the treatment are not interested in funding studies that investigate the long-term safety of IVF.

What is Surrogacy? Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic

2014-09-28T22:09:00.001-07:00

In recent years, surrogacy has become a common form of assisted reproduction. If you’re looking to learn more about it, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s start off by defining the term.

The Definition

Surrogacy is when a woman bears a child for another person or couple, becoming pregnant either through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Gestational vs. Traditional

There are two types of surrogacy: gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy. In gestational surrogacy, the more common practice, a surrogate becomes pregnant via in vitro fertilization and is not genetically related to the child to whom she gives birth. In a traditional surrogacy, a surrogate becomes pregnant via intrauterine insemination, uses her own eggs and has a genetic connection to the baby. While traditional surrogacy was the more common practice in years past, today the vast majority of surrogacy arrangements involve gestational surrogacy.

Compensated vs. Uncompensated

When arranging a surrogacy, there are two options: compensated surrogacy and uncompensated surrogacy. In a compensated surrogacy, the surrogate receives payment for her services, the intended parents pay all medical costs, and the parties typically work with a surrogacy agency. In an uncompensated (sometimes called “altruistic”) surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate is often a friend or relative of the intended parents, and she receives no payment outside of reimbursement for medical expenses. The majority of surrogacy arrangements today involve compensated surrogacy.

Common Surrogacy Situations:

people turn to surrogacy to build their families for various reasons. Intended parents include:
eterosexual couples who have repeat miscarriages or several failed assisted reproductive technology attempts, such as in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination
Intended mothers who are unable to carry a child
Intended parents who have a genetic defect or health condition they don’t want to pass onto the child
Same-sex intended parents who want to have a genetic link to the baby

Getting Pregnant

The process by which a surrogate becomes pregnant depends on the type of surrogacy. With gestational surrogacy, the surrogate becomes pregnant by IVF—the intended mother’s eggs or eggs from an egg donor are retrieved through a surgical procedure and fertilized by sperm in a petri dish. The resulting embryos are cultivated in the laboratory for several days and one or more are then transferred into the carrier’s uterus.

Remaining Frozen Embryos

Frozen embryos are stored at your IVF clinic. If your family is complete, you will be advised on your options for the future of your embryos. If you choose to move your embryos, your IVF center will assist you in that process. Of course, you may use the cryopreserved embryos in a future surrogacy if you choose.

Intended Parent Qualification

Becoming a parent is a life-altering decision that shouldn't be made lightly. We ask intended parents to fill out our parenting questionnaire and participate in a free consultation, which helps them to fully understand the emotional, financial, and psychological components that come along with surrogacy.

A Lifelong Gift: 5 Benefits of Becoming a Surrogate

2014-09-28T21:49:00.002-07:00

As a gestational surrogate, you have no genetic link to the child you carry. Your body becomes a home to your intended parents’ (IPs) child. And through your nine-months of gestation brings a lifetime of happiness for a family that may not have been created without your generosity and help.

With that in mind, we compiled a list of the top five benefits of becoming a surrogate.

1. Enriching the lives of your IPs as well as bringing one into the world. IPs pursue surrogacy for many reasons— some are same-sex couples, some are heterosexual couples who struggle with infertility, and others are single parents who want to start a family. Your act of becoming a surrogate gives the gift of life to you IPs.

2. Developing a bond with your IPs. At Circle, we believe that the relationship between a surrogate and her IPs is of the utmost importance for both parties involved and for the child’s future. By carefully matching surrogates with IPs who have similar expectations on the type of relationship they’re willing to build, we can help create a heart-warming and fulfilling experience. The relationship is a reciprocal one, and Circle works with you and your IPs to ensure that both parties are comfortable and excited to work together.

3. Receiving top-notch care. As a surrogate with Eterna Surrogacy, you are closely monitored by some of the best healthcare professionals in the country, ensuring that you receive the best possible care.

4. Earning financial compensation. In addition to the altruistic reasons for becoming a surrogate, you are compensated for your time and dedication. Eterna’s surrogates earn between Rs. 50000 and Rs. 100000 with the potential to earn up to Rs 80000 in additional reimbursements. IPs view payment as a small gift in return for your immeasurable blessing that you’ve given them.

5. Experiencing complete support. Not only will you have support and care from your intended parents, but you will also have a team here at Eterna Surrogacy who will be with you every step of the way. You will move through your surrogacy journey with a group of people who will make sure that you are happy, healthy, and safe at all times.

Every woman’s experience as a gestational carrier is different. However, there is a common sentiment Rani Gupta (a former Eterna surrogate!) captures in her Youtube video about her experience. She notes, “This was their pregnancy- they just didn’t have the stretch marks to show it.”

IVF for Surrogacy and Egg Donation: An overview for intended parents

2014-09-28T21:33:00.001-07:00

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the medical procedure behind gestational surrogacy and egg donation. In the process, eggs are removed from an egg donor or from the intended mother and fertilized with sperm in a lab to create embryos. The resulting embryos are grown in laboratory conditions for 3-5 days. In a surrogacy arrangement, these embryos are then implanted into the uterus of a gestational surrogate. In an egg donation arrangement, they are transferred into the intended mother.

In preparation for the IVF procedure, surrogates and egg donors undergo medical treatments. An egg donor will self-administer injectible medications to stimulate the production of eggs. A surrogate takes medications to prepare her body for the embryo implantation.

Intended parents need to make a variety of choices in conjunction with the medical team at your IVF clinic. These decisions directly affect not only the success of the procedure, but also the number, health, and the biological makeup of the prospective children. The quality of the resulting embryos may affect the number that is recommended to be implanted. You may also have legal agreements in place that stipulate the number of embryos that can be transferred. You will also need to determine what to do with any remaining frozen embryos following the procedure.

The egg retrieval and IVF procedures are brief. Following the embryo transfer, your surrogate will require a period of bed rest. At any point in the process, you should feel free to reach out to your IVF clinic for any medical questions or to Circle with any questions about your contract, travel, or any other related issues.

Women delaying first baby risk age-related infertility

2014-09-26T22:30:00.002-07:00

Young women who decide to delay their first baby until their late-30s are running the risk of being left childless because of age-related infertility, scientists have warned.

A woman's fertility declines dramatically after the age of 35 and an increasing number of women are finding that they have to turn to IVF treatment to have any hope of becoming pregnant, experts said.

"Things are really going downhill between the ages of 30 and 40....the best cure of all is for women to have their babies before this clock strikes twelve," said Dr. Sarita Sukhija, a surrogacy and ivf specialist at Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic.

"They should think of family planning not just in the context of preventing pregnancy but also think of it in the context of having your babies at a time when you still have your reproductive fitness...I would be worried if my own daughter didn't have a child at 35," Dr Sarita said.

The number of women between the ages of 35 and 39 giving birth for the first time has increased from 6.8 per cent in 1986 to 17 per cent in 2008. This has been accompanied by significant increase in the number of women over 40 seeking fertility treatment, many of whom will ultimately fail to become pregnant, the experts said.

Fertility specialists are increasingly concerned about the trend towards having children later in life because, although it can work for some women, it causes problems for many more because female fertility declines so rapidly after 35.

"Family planning has got to include when you are going to have your children as well and what we are seeing over the years is an increase in the age of women seeking fertility treatment," said Dr Sarita.

"We cannot get away from the age-related decline in fertility and I think to put forward the idea of delaying having children is fine for some people but it's not fine for everybody," she said.

"I don't think women understand the risks they run when they reach the older ages....It's better to think about it [in your 20s] and having that thought process inform all possibilities," she told the British Science Festival in Newcastle.

Women are born with a certain number of egg cells in their ovaries and these are gradually lost as they get older, Dr Sarita said.

"Women at the age of menopause have effectively run out of eggs. We do run out of time," she told the meeting.

Dream of motherhood finally real after surrogacy - Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic

2014-09-26T22:01:00.002-07:00

AFTER 17 years, 15 failed IVF attempts and the death of a premature baby, Merri Anderson refused to give up hope that one day she would become a mother.

That courage and unwavering faith will see Merri and partner Peter welcome not one but two little miracles into the world any day now - but not without a little bit of help.

Merri and Peter began their journey to parenthood many years ago and after trying for years to conceive naturally were forced to turn to IVF when they found out one of Merri's tubes was blocked.

That also proved to be a dead end street paved with heartache with four cancelled cycles and 10 unsuccessful cycles before the 11th go when they finally fell pregnant but lost their little girl after she was born premature and lived for just three hours.

"They said I could either adopt or try surrogacy, but the adoption agencies wouldn't approve us because of my lung problem and surrogacy was still illegal," Ms Anderson said.

Their options were dwindling but all that changed when they came for surrogacy in India in Eterna-IVF, the Rockhampton pair was given an email address for Indian woman Usha who had been considering becoming a surrogate for some time.

"We emailed back and forth for a few months getting to know each other," Usha said.

"It was the most nerve-racking day meeting each other after six months," Ms Anderson said.

Usha and her husband Raju have two children, Rani, 16, and Rahul, 13, and said nine months was a small price to pay to make dreams come true.

"Nine months of my life will give them a lifetime of happiness," Usha said.

When the four finally agreed to go ahead with the surrogacy, one attempt failed, the second resulted in a miscarriage and the third resulted in something none of them imagined in their wildest dreams - twins.

Usha is due to give birth to twins, a boy and girl, any day now and says the whole process has forged an incredible bond between the two families.

"They will know that I was the birth mother," she said.

"We'll be aunty and uncle to the twins and see them all the time and they will be like cousins to Rahul and Rani."

Mrs Anderson said she did not know what she would do without the incredible generosity of the whole Raju family.

"She's my life saver," Mrs Anderson said. "I don't know how I was ever going to get through life without kids.

"I've wanted them since I was little and I never ever gave up and I knew one day I would be a mum somehow."

One day is now just around the corner with the twins due on March 27 but doctors have said if they haven't arrived by March 11, they will induce labour.

"She's been so patient the past 17 years but this last two weeks has been crazy for her," Usha said of the mother-to-be.

"She's getting impatient."

Usha said her

family, especially husband Raju, had been incredibly supportive but both exten

ded families had been sceptical when they first told them about the surrogacy plans.

"Both our families were a bit strange at first but they have all gotten used to it," Ms Anderson said. "My family was terrified that she would keep them even though they're biologically ours.

"It's very scary. I had to put all my trust in her."

The surrogacy has cost approximate 9700 GBP but that's only a portion of what the pair have spent on IVF and related

expenses over the years.

Why Infertility Happens | Your Guide to Female Infertility

2014-09-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse.

About 10% of couples in only United States are affected by infertility. Both men and women can be infertile. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1/3 of the time the diagnosis is due to female infertility, 1/3 of the time it is linked to male infertility, and the remaining cases of infertility are due to a combination of factors from both partners. For approximately 20% of couples, the cause cannot be determined.

How Does Age Affect Fertility?

Women are born with a finite number of eggs. Thus, as the reproductive years progress, the number and quality of the eggs diminish. The chances of having a baby decrease by 3% to 5% per year after the age of 30. This reduction in fertility is noted to a much greater extent after age 40.

What Causes Female Infertility?

Female infertility can be also be caused by a number of factors, including the following:

Damage to the fallopian tubes (which carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) can prevent contact between the egg and sperm. Pelvic infections, endometriosis, and pelvic surgeries may lead to scar formation and fallopian tube damage.
Some women have problems with ovulation. Synchronized hormonal changes leading to the release of an egg from the ovary and the thickening of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) in preparation for the fertilized egg do not occur. These problems may be detected using basal body temperature charts, ovulation predictor kits, and blood tests to detect hormone levels.
A small group of women may have a cervical condition in which the sperm cannot pass through the cervical canal. Whether due to abnormal mucus production or a prior cervical surgical procedure, this problem may be treated with intrauterine inseminations.
Abnormal anatomy of the uterus; the presence of polyps and fibroids.
The cause of infertility in approximately 20% of couples will not be determined using the currently available methods of investigation.

How Is the Cause of Infertility Determined?

If male infertility is suspected, a semen analysis is performed. This test will evaluate the number and health of his sperm. A blood test can also be performed to check his level of testosterone and other male hormones.

If female infertility is suspected, your doctor may order several tests, including:

A blood test to check hormone levels
An endometrial biopsy to check the lining of the uterus
Two diagnostic tests that may be helpful in detecting scar tissue and tubal obstruction are hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy.
This procedure involves either ultrasound or X-rays taken of the reproductive organs. Either dye or saline and air are injected into the cervix and travel up through the fallopian tubes. This enables the ultrasound or X-ray to reveal if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked.
In this procedure, a laparoscope (a slender tube fitted with a fiberoptic camera) is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision near the belly button. The laparoscope enables the doctor to view the outside of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to detect abnormal growths, as in endometriosis. The doctor can also check to see if the fallopian tubes are open at the same time.

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What to Expect During IVF | Eterna IVF & Fertility Clinic

2014-09-07T23:43:00.002-07:00

1. The intake interview.

If initial fertility treatments such as fertility drugs or surgery fail and you decide to move forward with IVF, your ob/gyn will refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist. During your initial meeting with the doctor, you'll discuss your medical and fertility history, and that of your partner, to determine which treatment protocols will work best for you, as well as what you can do to improve the odds of a healthy birth.

2. Preliminary tests and talks.

You'll undergo ultrasound and blood tests to determine the number and quality of your eggs. You'll also meet with a nurse to learn how to self administer fertility drugs, a financial counselor to work out payment, and a psychologist to discuss coping with any stress that might arise.

3. Drugs to induce egg growth.

To stimulate your follicles to grow as many eggs as possible during your cycle, for about two weeks you'll give yourself one to three daily injections of fertility medications (such as GonalF, a folliclestimulating hormone, and Repronex, a luteinizing hormone) in your thigh or stomach. Either before your cycle or midway through, you'll also inject a gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) drug such as Lupron, which prevents you from ovulating too early. Around day 12, you'll inject the drug human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to stimulate ovulation and precisely time the final burst of egg growth. During these two weeks, you'll visit the clinic about five times for blood and ultrasound tests to monitor your progress.

4. Egg harvesting.

In a carefully targeted window of time — shortly before doctors calculate that your eggs will be released through the fallopian tubes during ovulation — you'll be heavily sedated and, using ultrasound as a guide, your doctor will pull eggs out of your ovaries with a hollow needle inserted through the wall of the vagina. In the meantime, your partner, in a nearby room, will ejaculate into a cup to obtain sperm, which the lab will then quickly process to extract the most robust ones. The sperm and eggs are then mixed together in an incubator so insemination can occur. If necessary — for instance, when sperm count is low or the sperm are having difficulty penetrating the egg — the lab embryologist might also perform intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a procedure in which sperm are injected directly into an egg. If you are over 40 or a previous IVF attempt failed, he might also puncture the outer shell of a resulting embryo shortly before transferring it into the uterus so it can implant itself more easily, a process called assisted hatching.

5. Embryo transfer.

Three days after harvesting your eggs, your doctor will use a thin catheter to insert two or three embryos into your uterus via the vagina. "This is a painless procedure that feels like a Pap smear," explains Sarita Sukhija, medical director at Eterna IVF in Delhi. If genetic diseases are a concern, this step might occur on day five, after lab biopsies have been performed to select the healthiest embryos.

6. The outcome.

Your partner (or a friend or a family member) will give you daily injections of progesterone, a hormone that aids implantation, in the buttocks. In two weeks, you'll take a pregnancy test at the clinic; someone there will call to give you the results.

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Infertility and Men | Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic

2014-08-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Although some people still think of fertility as a "woman's problem," a third of all cases of infertility involve problems solely with the male partner. Infertility in a man may be the sole reason that a couple can't conceive, or it may simply add to the difficulties caused by infertility in his partner.

So it's crucial that men get tested for fertility as well as women. It's also important that men do it early. Though some guys may want to put off being tested -- possibly to avoid embarrassment -- early testing can spare their partners a great deal of unnecessary discomfort and expense. It's also a good way to quickly narrow down potential problems.

Getting Tested for Infertility

The first thing to do for fertility issues is to go to the doctor, typically a urologist. After a physical exam, your doctor will probably order a semen analysis, which will check the quality and quantity of the sperm in the semen. And yes, your doctor will want you to give the sample there, or at least someplace nearby, because it's important that the analysis take place quickly. Just remember, as sheepish as you might feel, a semen analysis is a common test, and the results could save you months of worry and stress.

If the first semen analysis is normal, your doctor may order a second test to confirm the results. Two normal tests usually are interpreted to mean that the man doesn't have any significant infertility problems. If something in the results looks irregular, your doctor might order further tests to pinpoint the problem. At this point, if you aren't already seeing a urologist, you should considering seeing a specialist.

What a Semen Analysis Can Detect

Azoospermia. No sperm are produced, or the sperm aren't appearing in the semen.

Oligospermia. Few sperm are produced.
Problems with sperm motility. If sperm aren't moving normally, they are less likely to be capable of fertilizing an egg.
Problems with sperm morphology. Problems with the form and structure -- or morphology -- of the sperm may cause infertility.

But while these conditions may be the direct reason that you can't conceive, they themselves may be caused by an underlying medical condition. Your doctor will probably want to investigate the issue further by ordering blood and urine tests or other procedures.

Reasons for Male Infertility

There are a wide number of reasons for male infertility. Some are caused by physical problems that prevent the sperm from being ejaculated normally in semen. Others affect the quality and production of the sperm itself.

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Myths and Facts about Men's Infertility | Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic

2014-08-26T03:12:00.000-07:00

When a couple is diagnosed infertile, first thoughts often run to the woman. She's barren. She can't conceive. She's not a "complete" woman because she can't get pregnant. As nature would have it, problems with infertility are equally due to male and female conditions.

Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. Statistics suggest that 35 to 40 percent of the problems are caused by male conditions, another 35 to 40 percent by female conditions, and the last 20 to 30 percent a combination of the two, plus a small percentage of unknown causes.

Men's part in fertilization is quite amazing. About 200 million sperm are mixed with semen to form ejaculate. In most men, 15 to 45 million of these sperm are healthy enough to fertilize an egg, although only 400 survive after a man ejaculates. Only 40 of those 400 reach the vicinity of the egg, surviving the toxic environment of the semen and the hostile environment of the vagina. After another process called capacitation (an explosion that allows the remaining sperm to drill a hole through the tough outer layer of the egg), only one lone sperm reaches the egg for fertilization and conception.

Top Causes of Male Infertility

Low sperm count
Slow sperm motility (movement)
Abnormal morphology (shape and size of sperm)
Problems with semen

Even though specialists know the causes of male infertility, what's not always known is the cause behind the cause. There are many factors -- lifestyle, genetics, physiology -- that might explain low sperm count, slow sperm mobility, abnormal sperm shape, and so on.

Recent developments in treatment have made fertility possible for many men. But before undergoing any complicated procedures, there are some simple lifestyle changes that can better the odds of a successful conception. (These tips are helpful for any couple trying to conceive, whether or not infertility has been diagnosed.)

Stop smoking cigarettes or marijuana. Smoking tobacco has been linked to low sperm counts and sluggish motility. Long-term use of marijuana can result in low sperm count and abnormally developed sperm.

Decrease your drinking. Alcohol can reduce the production of normally formed sperm needed for a successful pregnancy.
Watch your weight. Both overweight and underweight men can have fertility problems. With too much weight, there can be hormonal disturbances, and when a man's too lean, he can have decreased sperm count and functionality.
Exercise in moderation. Excessive exercise could lower your sperm count indirectly by lowering the amount of testosterone in your body. And as you might have guessed, stay off the steroids -- they can cause testicular shrinkage, resulting in infertility.
Value your vitamins. Low levels of vitamin C and zinc can cause sperm to clump together, so keep your numbers up. Vitamin E can counteract excess free-oxygen radicals, which can also affect sperm quality.
Turn your back on toxins. Landscapers, contractors, manufacturing workers, and men who have regular contact with environmental toxins or poisons (pesticides, insecticides, lead, radiation, or heavy metals) are all at risk of infertility.

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How to Choose a Fertility Clinic | Eterna IVF and Fertility Clinic

2014-08-22T04:47:00.004-07:00

Before you take the next step in your journey to become pregnant, it's worth seeking out a good fertility clinic.

Let's say you've been getting advice from your gynecologist, who's run a blood test for hormones or had you record your basal body temperature for a couple of months. At the same time, your husband has had his plumbing checked out by a urologist. When it comes time to diagnose where the problem may be and suggest solutions, you may wish there were a single doctor you both could see. That's where the infertility specialist comes in, providing big-picture advice. Women over age 35 or who have a history of three or more miscarriages; men with a poor semen analysis; and couples who have tried for at least two years to get pregnant, should plan on seeing a specialist, recommends Resolve, an infertility support group.

However, you need to do some homework first. Before you step foot into the fertility clinic, find out what kind of invasive tests or procedures might lie in wait for you. And give some thought ahead of time to how far you're willing to go with this process. Advanced reproductive technology can cost many thousands of dollars, can involve strong drugs or hormones, and can be an emotional roller coaster. Knowing your limits will keep you from being talked into some nifty new procedure that you really don't want and can't afford.

When it comes to choosing a clinic, do thorough research ahead of time. One useful resource is a federal database kept by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that contains the success rates of fertility centers around the country. The statistics are updated every few years, so check the date. Keep in mind that some fertility centers that looked great several years ago may have had high staff turnover and declined in quality. But the numbers give you a place to start. Also, ask a lot of questions of every fertility clinic you're considering.

"You shouldn't look at the report and say 'Center A has the highest success rate, I'm going there,'" says Arthur Gautam Chhabra, GM, an infertility specialist in Delhi, India., and author. "Just be sure they have a success rate that's at least above the national average."

We've all heard the scary stories about embryos ending up in the wrong womb or ugly legal disputes over someone's frozen eggs. To be sure you don't become the next reproductive-technology headline, check that the clinic has good quality control and strong ethics.

Questions to Ask of a Fertility Clinic

How long has the fertility clinic's medical director been there?

How long have the doctors and technicians been there? High staff turnover can be a sign of bad management and can contribute to mistakes.
Which procedures do you do, and how often? Be sure the clinic has a wide range of infertility remedies available and is familiar with the latest technology, such as something called blastocyst transfer.
Do you have age limits for treatment? If so, it's a good sign that the clinic is concerned about ethical issues.
When you do an advanced procedure that involves fertilizing the eggs outside the woman and then planting them inside her, who decides how many eggs go back in -- the doctor or patient? Gautam recommends steering away from a clinic that gives complete control to the doctor. This is important because the more eggs planted, the greater the chance for multiple births.
How many cycles per year do you do? Gautam notes that some clinics handle so many patients -- each of whom may be treated for multiple menstrual cycles -- that patients end up feeling like a number.
What does treatment cost? While you don't want to choose strictly on price, it's good to know costs ahead of time so you know what you're getting into. Beware of clinics that offer a money-back guarantee if you don't get pregnant -- the doctor may have a financial incentive to treat you more aggressively than you want.

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How Do Exercise, Weight, and Age Affect Fertility and Home Treatment

2014-08-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

Exercise

Exercise should be encouraged for both women and men who are gearing up to try to conceive. However, excessive, strenuous exercise in women may result in disruption of the ovulation cycle, thereby affecting her periods. Normal exercise has not been linked to miscarriages (loss of pregnancy), but certain forms of exercise (for example, high-impact or contact sports or scuba diving) should be avoided in pregnancy. In men, too much exercise may cause a low sperm count.

Weight and Fertility

A healthy diet is very important for women who are trying for a baby. Being overweight can affect a woman's fertility and can cause complications during pregnancy. A woman who is overweight and who is planning a pregnancy would be advised to lose weight before she conceives.
Weight loss with anorexia or bulimia can disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle and thereby reduce her chances of becoming pregnant.

Age and Fertility

A woman's peak fertility is in her early 20s. At age 35 and beyond (and particularly after 40), the likelihood of becoming pregnant reduces. As men age, levels of testosterone fall, and the volume and concentration of sperm change.
Healthy couples younger than 30 years who have regular sexual intercourse and use no contraception have a 25% to 30% chance of achieving pregnancy each month.

To decrease your risk of fertility problems and increase your chances of becoming pregnant, use the following guidelines.

Track ovulation at home

Estimate when you are ovulating by practicing fertility awareness. This means:

Tracking your cervical mucus changes.
Tracking your basal body temperature on a monthly Fahrenheit temperature chart or Celsius temperature chart.
Tracking your luteinizing hormone (LH) levels with a home ovulation predictor test. Many doctors now recommend these home tests as the best way to track ovulation at home.
Try this interactive tool to calculate your peak fertility calculator.gif.
Try having sex every day or every other day during a woman's fertile period. This can improve the chance of pregnancy.
If you exercise strenuously most days of the week, reduce your level of activity. Very strenuous exercise can cause women to ovulate less often.

Protect sperm count and quality

If you use a vaginal lubricant during sex, select one that doesn't kill or damage sperm.
If you exercise strenuously most days of the week, reduce your level of activity. Very strenuous exercise may be a cause of lower sperm counts in some men.
Avoid hot tubs and saunas. High scrotal temperatures may decrease sperm count and quality.3
Try to control fever when you are ill. High fever has been known to have a harmful effect on sperm for 2 to 3 months afterward. (Sperm take this long to grow from germ cells to mature sperm.)

General measures

Women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid using alcohol and medicines, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Infertility Treatment Delhi

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Introduction and Factors to Consider

2014-08-16T00:24:00.000-07:00

Infertility, known as principal infertility, could be the incapacity of few for being pregnant (regardless associated with cause) right after twelve months associated with unprotected intercourse employing not any contraception techniques. This is unlike supplementary infertility, which often means the shortcoming to maintain the being pregnant right up until delivery.

Major infertility has effects on about 6.1 mil individuals in the united states, about 10% involving women and men involving reproductive era. Assisted reproductive technological know-how (ARTs) are usually ways to assist a lady get pregnant, as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic ejaculation injection (ICSI), along with comparable methods.

IVF had been utilized properly for the first time in America inside 1981. A lot more than 4 trillion babies have been blessed worldwide because of when using the inside vitro fertilization method. IVF gives infertile lovers an opportunity to use a baby who is biologically linked to them. Nowadays, over 1% associated with infants blessed in the usa are usually due to a new maternity put together by made it easier for reproductive technological know-how.

Having IVF, a method associated with made it easier for imitation, a new guy's orgasm and also the woman's egg are usually combined in a laboratory dish, wherever fertilization occurs. The particular caused embryo or maybe embryos is/are subsequently used in the girl uterus (womb) for you to implant and create effortlessly. Usually, a couple of for you to four embryos they fit in the woman's uterus at one time. Every single effort is called a new never-ending cycle.

The phrase examination tube child may be used during the past to reference young children created with this technique. The 1st so-called examination tube child, Louise Dark brown, gotten to age group 20 years with 2003. Your lover was born with Great Britain.

Under 5% involving infertile newlyweds in fact utilize IVF. IVF is normally the management of choice for the female using plugged, severely ruined, or no Fallopian pipes. IVF is additionally used to conquer infertility a result of endometriosis or problems with the actual guy's semen (such as reduced semen count). Couples exactly who just are not able to consider and also have attempted additional infertility approaches (such as intrauterine insemination) that have not necessarily did wonders for him or her also can attempt IVF.

Age: Any kind of lady who's however ovulating may look at IVF, though good results charges decline like a lady age range. Females under grow older 30 possess the best probability of good results with this process.

Multiple births: Commonly, in women who use IVF to determine a live birth, about 63% are single babies, 32% are twins babies, and 5% are triplets or even more.

Cost: IVF is really a pricey course of action that will, in many cases, seriously isn't covered by health care insurance programs.

Reduced need for surgery: In case a woman provides IVF, the lady may not ought to experience surgical procedures on her Fallopian hoses. Approximately this IVF approach provides lowered this kind of operations through 1 / 2.

Safety: Scientific tests claim that within vitro fertilization can be risk-free. Research insured nearly 1, 000 young children developed by way of these kind of procedures within several Countries in europe and discovered the young children supervised via start to be able to get older 5 a long time, were being because balanced because young children developed normally. On the other hand, additional scientific tests have found a a little bit greater chance involving hereditary problems within young children developed by way of assisted reproductive technology. On the other hand, damaging outcomes while in maternity along with the perinatal time usually are increased within pregnancy that come via IVF. A few or maybe most of this kind of greater chance can be because of the fact that a higher amount involving IVF pregnancy contain many gestations. On the other hand, there's a minor greater chance involving troubles within singleton pregnancy caused by IVF, maybe relevant to the age of this moms and dads in order to this main problems which in turn resulted in this infertility and dependence on IVF.

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Surrogacy - How does surrogacy work?

2014-07-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

Surrogacy, simply, is a procedure in which the pregnancy is carried by someone else, and not the mother herself. The woman, who carries the baby for the couple, is known as the surrogate mother.

When Is Surrogacy Needed?

Surrogacy

It is usually done in a situation where the mother’s body does not have a hospitable environment for the baby. This can be due to different reasons like a malformed or a totally absent womb, and repeated failure in the in-vitro fertilisation treatment. Surrogacy, in normal cases, is never recommended because of issues other than medical ones. Some women prefer to have a baby through surrogacy because of their professions, but it should be realised that surrogacy should be taken up only if there is an actual need for it, medically.

The Different surrogacies

Surrogacy

There are two types of surrogacies: Full (or Gestational) surrogacy and Half (or Partial) Surrogacy.

In a Gestational Surrogacy, there are three possibilities.

1. The egg and the sperm, both from the parents, are implanted in the surrogate.

2. The sperm of the father is implanted with a donor egg.

3. Both the egg and the sperm are donated, and the baby is carried by the surrogate.

Basically, in this kind of surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not have any genetic impact on the baby.

The second kind, the Half or Partial Surrogacy, involves the fertilisation of the egg from the surrogate mother, by the sperm from the father. In this kind, the baby will, obviously, have the surrogate mother’s traits. There are two methods of carrying out fertilisation in this procedure- Artificial Insemination or Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI).

Choosing a Surrogate

Surrogate

If you have been advised to take up surrogacy, by a doctor, the next step is to choose a suitable carrier. The agency, through which you are planning to do this, will help you make the right choice. The time taken for this depends of various factors. Once a suitable carrier is chosen, based on the forms of different carriers, you will be made to meet her in person. It is recommended for the couple to choose a surrogate mother who doesn’t put up too far.

How Does It Happen?

Surrogacy

In case of a gestational surrogacy, the first step is the retrieval of the egg from the donor, or the actual mother. Ovulation is triggered using drugs and usually more than one egg is retrieved, to increase chances of fertilisation. After that, the sperms from the father or the donor are used to fertilise the eggs. The implantation in the surrogate takes place at the embryo level.

In case of a partial surrogacy, the surrogate is given fertility drugs and monitored for healthy eggs. The sperm from the father is then introduced, using artificial insemination or IUI.

Factors That Affect Surrogacy

Surrogacy Factors

There are many factors that affect the rate of success in a surrogacy.

1. Firstly, the surrogate should be able to get pregnant, and have a good environment for the growth of the baby. This will depend upon her age, too.

2. Secondly, if the egg is taken from a donor, her age would also affect the fertilisation process.

3. Thirdly, all the medical procedures, like IVF and IUI, done as a part of the surrogacy, should also be done with great care to ensure their success. Failure at one step would mean failure at all of them.

Problems That May Arise During and After IVF Treatment

2014-06-19T00:51:00.000-07:00

IVF- Treatment

Apart from risks arising during the IVF treatment period, there can be some other problems linked with it. You might know about certain risks like that of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHHS), ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple births and other risks like those during egg retrieval and embryo transfer.

IVF-Problems

There are some other problems that might occur after the onset of the procedure.

Drug Effects
Failure of the Treatment
Ovarian and Breast Cancer
Emotional and Psychological effects
Birth Defects and Health of the child

IVF-Drug

Drug effects: Fertility drugs are given to the mother to trigger the production of eggs. These drugs may have certain side-effects, the symptoms of which may include restlessness, low or irritable feelings, headaches and hot flushes. These drugs also increase the chances of multiple births. Some strong drugs may even cause vaginal dryness, abdominal swelling and breast tenderness.

IVF-Failure

Failure of the Treatment: This can be termed as the biggest risk associated with the treatment. If at any step of the treatment, the cycle has to be stopped or the process fails at any step, it will cause a failure of the whole treatment. The chances of abandoning the cycle are about 10%, while that of egg collection is about 1% and failure of fertilisation about 5%. Sometimes, it happens that a portion of the embryos is abnormal chromosomally, which results in the failure of embryo implant. This is more of a problem associated with age and increases with the age of the mother.

Cancer

Ovarian and Breast Cancer: It is also assumed that women who have undertaken fertility drugs are at a higher risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer than those who haven’t. Though there are some studies about this, but none of them has come up with an assured result about the same. Ovarian cancers are rather uncommon, and are hence difficult to study.

Emotional-Effects

Emotional and Psychological Effects: IVF treatment is a challenging procedure when it comes to the mental health of the mother. There are feelings of anxiety especially during the wait for results of the treatment. Moreover, if there is a failure of treatment, couples may experience relationship problems and depression. There can be dilemmas about whether to continue treatment or not. Most of such problems can be overcome if the partners are in constant support of each other during and after the treatment. There are also professional counsellors available to get couples out of such emotional problems generated due to IVF treatment.

Birth-Defects

Birth Defects and Health of the Child: It is observed that in normal cases, the risk of the child born with birth defects is about 3%-4%, whereas in babies born through IVF treatment, it is about 5%. The risk can be because of reasons like the effect of drugs on the uterus that may lead to bad conditions for foetal development. IVF also increases the risk of multiple births and premature babies. Children born through IVF procedures are at a slightly higher risk of developing the rare childhood cancer.

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How IVF Help You Get Pregnant | Best Health Tips

2014-06-17T02:56:00.002-07:00

IVF

In Vitro Fertilisation, abbreviated as IVF, is an effective method of procuring a progeny for infertile couples. It is recommended when either the male has a low sperm count, or the female has problems with ovulation, the uterus or the fallopian tube. It can also be done in case of endometriosis or other unexplained fertility problems.

It is very important to understand what actually an IVF procedure is, if you are planning to undergo one. Etymologically, ‘in vitro’ comes from Latin, and means ‘in glass’. It is termed so because of the method it follows. The basis of an IVF procedure is the acquiring of the egg and the sperms, and letting the fertilisation process take place outside the female body, ‘in vitro’. The baby produced through IVF is sometimes called a ‘test-tube baby’, because it is produced in a test-tube.

IVF-Procedure

The step-by-step procedure involves:

1. The first step, in medical terms, is called ‘ovulation induction’, or simply, inducing or causing the egg formation in the female. The fertilisation of all eggs cannot be guaranteed. Hence, this procedure involves a strict regulation so as to get more than one egg in a cycle.

2. The second step, medically ‘follicular aspiration’, is the retrieval of the egg(s) from the ovary. It is done through a surgery that lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Local anaesthesia is given which makes it very easy for the patient.

3. The third step is where the sperms, received from ejaculation, are prepared by keeping them in appropriate conditions in the laboratory.

4. The fourth step is where the fertilisation has to happen. For the process, the eggs and the sperms are kept in an incubator (which provides controlled environmental conditions to help the fertilisation process) till embryos are formed. This is also known as ‘embryo culture’.

5. The fifth and the last step is the transfer of the newly formed embryo into the woman’s uterus, for the development of the embryo into a foetus. This procedure is done generally two to six days after the eggs are retrieved. Once the embryo is implanted, ultrasound and blood tests are done to check for the successful implantation and pregnancy symptoms.

IVF-Miracles

IVF is a highly considerable option for couples who lack the bliss of parenthood and complete families because of infertility problems. In the long term, the baby is as healthy as one born through natural methods, and IVF doesn’t come with any risk for the baby’s health.

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IVF: SAY GOOD-BYE TO INFERTILITY

2014-06-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

IVF Treatment

IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a time-tested, highly safe and hassle-free medical procedure which has proved to be a boon for childless couples who have problems having a child due to conception related issues.
What exactly does IVF procedure entail?
The IVF process is carried out in three phases:

Pre-IVF Preparation

a) Pre-IVF Preparation - Physical and Emotional: During this phase, we make sure that the couple, especially the mother-to-be is emotionally and physically fit for the IVF process. The procedure is explained in detail to the couple and all their queries are answered so as to provide maximum knowledge and satisfaction to the couple related to IVF procedure. Following this, tests are carried out to rule out any medical or physical problems that might hinder the IVF process. Once the tests are all positive, we will go ahead with the actual IVF procedure

Actual IVF Procedure

b)The Actual IVF Procedure: IVF is a simple and pain-free reproductive method. The standard IVF process involves inducing follicle development and oocyte maturity through injections and medications. In about two weeks, the follicle is ready and we go ahead with the egg collection process. This process is done under Anaesthesia and hence is absolutely painless. After recovering the eggs, the patient is free to leave after spending 3-4 hours in the recovery room. The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the lab in a fluid medium. In case the sperms do not have strong motility, the sperms are injected individually into the eggs so as to fertilize them ( known as ICSI process). After approx 48 hours, these fertilized eggs are implanted into the uterus of the patient for normal growth.

Care

c) Follow-up and After-care: At all times throughout the procedure, the health of the fetus is kept in check using ultrasounds and other check-up techniques, normally till the detection of foetal heart beat. Our prime concern is to make sure that the whole experience is hassle-free and not emotionally taxing on the patient. Hence, medical support and follow-up and counselling at all stages is provided to ensure patient’s smooth sailing through the IVF process.
In rare cases if the conception does not happen, the reasons are looked into and the procedure is repeated to ensure success.

Risk

Risks: The IVF procedure is considered fairly safe since normally no side-effects are involved. In rare cases, minor issues ,including but not limited to ovarian swelling may occur in case the ovaries are over-stimulated while readying them for the IVF procedure. This can lead to minor side effects like nausea or decreased appetite but these effects are temporary and easily taken care of in the after-care phase. Other after-effects may include slight vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure is done with but that is totally normal.

Finances

Finances: IVF is a fairly costly treatment compared to other infertility treatments but definitely worth the investment. The couple should seek estimated expense information from the doctor and plan the finances accordingly for smooth delivery of the procedure.

For more details, our IVF counsellors would be happy to address your concerns and queries at ivf fertility center Delhi to fix an appointment.

Things to Consider Before Getting An IVF Treatment

2014-06-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

IVF Treatment

In Vitro Fertilization or IVF is being practiced like never before as an alternative resort to conceiving a child by couple and singles who cannot conceive naturally despite of unprotected intercourse due to some reproductive defect. It is the most sought after technique in the list of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) because of its ease and high success rate. It is a technique by which fertilization is achieved in vitro after taking out the sperm and egg from the desired parents and the formed zygote/blastocyst/embryo is transferred into the mother. The technique is popularly known as ‘Test Tube Baby’. The success rates of IVF are very high owing to advancement and precision in technology and interventions by experienced medical professionals. Knowledge about the pros and cons of the technique is a must before getting an IVF treatment so that the patient prepares himself/herself psychologically. The following parameters must be kept in mind before approaching a fertility center.

Medical Professionals

1. Qualified and Experienced Medical Professionals

The fertility center which you ought to get treated from must have an excellent quality of doctors who have a rich experience and a dedicated service. Make sure the doctors keep everything transparent and provide you the required information whenever needed. The center must follow medical and legal ethics sincerely. Research about the success rates and precision of procedure must be looked into.

IVF Service

2. Easy Approach

The top fertility clinics Delhi must be ready at your service at any hour of the day and should fulfill your every need responsibly. IVF treatment requires a large amount of pre and post care. Therefore, negligence in treatment should not be overlooked. Choose a center which is close to your home. If your city doesn't have clinic, approach that center which lies closest and that offers home service in emergency.

Paramedical Staff

3. Contemporary Technology and Efficient Paramedical Staff

The center must be up-to-date with the latest advancements in the concerned field and have the latest equipment which are maintained properly. A good center would provide a wide range of services under one roof. The nurses and the paramedical staff should be highly trained. They should be sensitive to the needs of the patient. A high level of hygiene should be maintained during and after the surgical procedures.

Reasonable Price

4. Reasonable Price

The center should be ready to negotiate the cost according to your economical background and offer a discount accordingly. Research about the prices offered by various centers shall definitely be helpful in choosing the appropriate center.

Doctor And Patient

5. Mutual Understanding Between the Doctor And the Patient

The relationship between the doctor and the patient should be such that the latter is able to describe his/her needs to the former without any hesitation. The doctor must be sensitive to the needs of the patient and keep the procedure as transparent as possible keeping in mind the work ethics.

A center which qualifies all the above listed parameters will surely help to have your genetic child and bring normalcy into your life.

Growth of Surrogacy in India - A social perspective

2014-06-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

Surrogacy India

Surrogacy has brought great joy and satisfaction for the many families it has completed over the years, several couples from all over the world are opting for parenthood through surrogate clinics. This option provides them with a choice to break down all barriers in the way of their desire to become parents.

Facilities and Option For Surrogacy

With the new facilities and options available through advancing research, technology and accountability regarding surrogacy and other factors related to the same, India is attracting parents to be from all over the world. But at home, Indians still remain a bit confused about making that decision, this attitude is nurtured mostly by pre occupations regarding natural birth, family background and other such concepts which a vast majority of Indians still chose to hold tight and heavy upon themselves; not realizing that most of these mind sets are rooted in a certain lack of knowledge and understanding about what surrogacy really is.

Lack of Knowledge

This choice, sometimes still questioned as it is, was not one which was unavailable to our ancestors; it in fact has been respected with a less critical attitude than is assumed sometimes. Utilizing a host womb is nothing but a natural off shoot of a situation and the circumstances which accompany it, there is less insecurity attached with using a capable and healthy womb for one which is week and could be limited in being able to care and provide for the fetus, the bearer, or both as the pregnancy progresses towards birth. Surrogacy now offers several solutions, and it is for the parents or parent to pick the one that is suited best to each situation or requirement.

Non-Traditional Surrogacy

In the case of non-traditional surrogacy, the child does not share a genetic resemblance with the surrogate mother who is the bearer during the period of the pregnancy and then willingly lets the new born go to the parents, who will there on take care of this life; legally, naturally and in every way, giving rise to less confusion regarding the child’s identity and health. There is no risk at all after ivf treatment technique Delhi. There is really not much to be thought of when consequences can lead to more pain than joy, surrogacy gives a couple the intimacy of sharing all that they would in case of a natural conception resulting from successful implantation of the male spermatozoa and female egg.

Surrogacy in India

There has been a lot of discussion on surrogacy, Ivf and other conception and bearing solutions for pregnancy related complications, the most basic, and one of the most potent observation points towards the motion of time and related efforts and findings of human potential which have justified joy and satisfaction for those who were willing to receive it.

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