Fulfil Your Dream of Starting a Family

A nine-city survey found that 46 percent of couples who opted for infertility treatment belonged to the prime reproductive age of 31 to 40. Of them, 49 percent had already undergone IVF. The survey findings were published in an article in The Times of India in September 2013. ART or Assisted Reproductive Technology has long been used to help couples start a family. There are two factors that determine when couples should seek infertility treatment. It is recommended for couples who have been trying to conceive for more than a year or females who have surpassed the prime reproductive age. If you fall in any one or both of the categories, then you should visit a fertility centre near you.

Top 3 Clinical Infertility Treatments

When couples seek infertility treatment, a number of tests are conducted on both partners to determine the root cause of sterility. Some of the treatments offered by fertility centres in Bangalore include prescribing fertility drugs, surgical procedures, ovulation induction, IVF, IUI, Assisted Hatching, and ICSI. Surgical procedures are generally carried out to remove tubular blockages. Some of the clinical procedures that help couples improve their chances of conception are:

1. IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) – This is a procedure in which “washed” (sperms derived after the treatment of semen in the laboratory) is directly injected into a woman’s uterus, with the help of a catheter, for fertilisation. It is used in case of male factor infertility, such as low sperm count and low mobility of sperms. The success rate depends on the quality of sperm and age of the female partner.
2. IVF (In-vitro Fertilisation) – This is process in which mature eggs are retrieved from the female partner’s ovaries and the sperms are taken from the male partner. The sperm and eggs are then mixed in a petri dish in a laboratory for fertilisation. The next step is embryo transfer. The embryo (blastocyst stage) is deposited in the uterus of the female partner for implantation with help of a catheter. It is used for older women, women who suffer from endometriosis or who have damaged fallopian tubes, or men with poor quality sperms. It is also used for couples with unexplained sterility.
3. ICSI (Intra Cyto-Plasmic Injection) – This is slightly different from IVF in the sense that the sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of the egg for fertilisation. The rest of the procedure is the same as in IVF.

The success rate of IVF and ICSI is known to be higher than IUI. However, the individual success rate varies from one couple to another. You can visit the nearest fertility centre in Vijayawada or Bangalore to know more about the various procedures. 

Take Heart- Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally? But did you also know that you have a direct say in your risk of heart disease? Sure, there are genetic factors. But you can cut down the life-style related risks, which are a far greater factor in developing heart disease as compared to genetic factors. Take care of your heart today, and hopefully, you will never have to use the critical illness cover on your insurance policy!

How You Can Prevent Heart Disease

Healthy living is key to preventing the development of heart disease. Healthy living helps in managing your weight, having a normal blood pressure, and keeping cholesterol under control. Healthy living includes a nutritious diet, exercise, and stress management.

a)     A nutritious diet is one that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and protein-rich foods such as fish, poultry, tofu and nuts.  Aim to have at least six to eight servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Whole grains have complex carbohydrates that are not only chockful of vitamins and minerals, but also help to manage weight by keeping you feeling full longer. Lean protein from low-fat dairy, fish, poultry and tofu should be an integral part of your food. Nuts in moderation provide heart-healthy fats. Avoid sugary foods, processed foods, and foods rich in fats, especially saturated fats and trans fats.

b)    Exercise has multiple benefits; you feel stronger, your body is able to withstand the rigours of daily life, your weight stays under control, your stress levels go down, and your heart and lungs work efficiently. Thirty minutes of moderately vigorous activity on most days of the week is what the experts recommend. Swimming and walking are the two kinds of aerobic exercise that anyone, regardless of fitness level and prior exercise experience, can easily take up.

c)    Stress management is also key to heart disease prevention. Stress releases hormones such as adrenaline, which causes your heart to beat faster. Chronic stress can thus put a strain on your heart muscle. You can begin by taking a few minutes each day just to sit still and do some deep breathing. Meditation is a good stress management technique.

You should go to your doctor for regular check-ups. Certain conditions such as diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease. Another important thing is to stop smoking. Smoking dramatically increases your chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Common Reproductive Health Issues for Women

There are some common reproductive health issues that women may face. After the age of 21, or when a woman becomes sexually active, she should visit the best gynaecologist in Bangalore at least once a year to have a pelvic exam and a Pap smear done. Regular visits to the best gynaecologist in Bangalore can help to catch any of these common health issues in advance.

Three Common Reproductive Health Issues for Women

1. Endometriosis is a problem affecting the woman’s uterus. It occurs when the tissue that usually lines the uterus starts growing somewhere else, such as on the ovaries, behind the uterus, or on the bladder. According to the website of the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, some women may have no symptoms other than an inability to become pregnant. In others, symptoms can include pain in the abdomen, lower back, or pelvic region, very heavy periods and infertility. Pain medicines and hormone treatments can help, but severe cases may need surgery. There are also other treatments to improve infertility in women having endometriosis.
2. According to an article on Medline Plus, uterine fibroids are the most common form of benign tumours in women who are of child-bearing age. Fibroids are made of muscle cells and other tissues that grow in and around the wall of the uterus. Fibroids can be lead to heavy and painful menstrual periods, frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder, painful sex, pain in the lower back region, and reproductive problems including infertility, miscarriages or early labour. Treatment options, that the best gynaecologist in Bangalore would suggest, are drugs that can stop or slow the growth of the fibroid, or surgical removal. However, if there are no symptoms, no treatment may be required. In case of infertility, there are various treatment options available.
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, occurs when a woman’s ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal, leading to the formation of fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, on the ovaries. Obesity is a common risk factor for PCOS. According to an article on cdc.com, women with PCOS are at an elevated risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Symptoms of PCOS include infertility, pelvic pain, increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs or toes, baldness or thinning of hair on the head, skin problems such as acne, oily skin or dandruff, and patches of thickened dark brown or black skin. PCOS is managed through medication and lifestyle changes.

Foods to Enhance Mental Development in Children

Good nutrition is essential for the healthy physical and mental development of your children. An article published on the World Bank website notes that poor nutrition can hurt cognitive development, lead to behavioural problems, and cause difficulties in learning and concentration. Your child should eat a variety of foods regularly, as different foods have different benefits. You should also consult the best neurologist in Hyderabad for any suggestions.

Best Foods for Brain Development

1.    Cereals

a)     Among cereals, whole grains are preferable. Not only do they provide glucose, which the brain needs for energy, they also have fiber, which regulates the release of glucose in the body, and B-vitamins, which are key for a healthy nervous system.

b)     Oats are a particularly nutritious nutrient for the brain. In addition to providing glucose, fiber and B-vitamins, they are also good sources of vitamin E, potassium and zinc, all of which help the brain to function at full capacity. Vitamin E in particular is a potent antioxidant, which helps to protect nervous membranes.

2.    Vegetables

While all vegetables are good, those with a deep and rich colour are the ones that are chockful of antioxidants, which keep brain cells healthy. Good examples are sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, and red and yellow bell peppers.

3.    Fruits

Berries of all kinds are also excellent sources of antioxidants. The deeper the colour, the higher the amount of antioxidants.

4.    Dairy

Milk, yogurt and cheese have a good mix of proteins and carbohydrates, which are the preferred sources of energy for the brain. Dairy products also have B-vitamins. These vitamins, together with proteins, are crucial for the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters and enzymes.

5.    Fish, meat and eggs

a)     Salmon is known as a super-food, as it is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish the brain and help to maintain brain function.

b)     Lean meats provide iron, a key mineral which helps kids to maintain energy levels and concentrate at school.

c)     Eggs have protein and choline. Choline in particular is known to aid in the development of memory, which is crucial for learning and cognitive development.

6.    Beans (legumes)

Beans are a great source of protein, fiber and minerals. In fact, black beans also provide iron, a good option for vegetarians. Kidney and pinto beans are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

7.    Nuts 

Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E and thiamin. Thiamin helps the brain and nervous system use glucose for much-needed energy. 

Make Sure No Disease Gets the Better of Your Child

You can make sure that your future children are protected from various blood-disorders, certain cancers, and auto-immune diseases. The way to insure your family’s future health is by using baby stem cell storage at the time of your child’s birth. In order to understand how this works, we first need to know what stem cells are. Stem cells are a very special kind of cell. They are unspecialized, and can be induced to form tissue or organ specific cells. They can also divide and renew themselves for a long period, unlike other cells. Therefore, they can be used to treat disorders involving different kinds of cells.

Stem cells can be found in the embryo, in the umbilical cord blood and lining, and also in adult tissue. Embryo stem cells transform into the various organ and tissue specific cells a baby needs in order to develop. So how do we store baby stem cells? These can be found in the umbilical cord blood and the umbilical cord lining. The stem cells found in the umbilical cord blood are known as hematopoietic stem cells, or stem cells that can form blood or immune cells. Currently, treatments are available that use the HSCs of the patient in order to treat blood disorders, cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, and auto-immune disorders. In fact, the BBC reports that about 20 patients with multiple sclerosis at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield have been treated over the last three years using HSC transplant therapy.

Another way of conducting baby stem cell storage is by harvesting and storing the umbilical cord lining. This lining is known to contain mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and epithelial stem cells (EpSCs). Ongoing research into the use of MSCs and EpSCs is very promising. MSCs have the ability to transform into bone, muscle and fat tissues. They are ideal for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Some promising uses are for spinal cord injury, cardiovascular disorders and auto-immune disorders. EpSCs can be used in the treatment of skin problems and disorders. A study by the New England Journal of Medicine[1] has shown the efficacy of EpSCs in the treatment of legal blindness caused by conditions that destroy the epithelial cells of the cornea.

Make sure you arrange for baby stem cell storage, as it provides a very good chance of treating many previously untreatable chronic debilitating diseases or life-threatening conditions.

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[1] http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199906033402201

How is Male Infertility Treated?

Did you know that Hepatitis can cause male infertility? Hepatitis can affect the process of spermatogenesis, thereby significantly lowering the sperm count, free testosterone levels, motility, viability and morphology, according to an article published in India TV in July 2015. Infertility in men can be caused by any of four reasons: hormone disorder, gonad disorder, sperm transport issues and other unknown disorders. This problem may also occur when there are ejaculation related issues.

Male infertility can be diagnosed with the help of any of the four procedures: semen examination for quantity, quality, mobility; blood tests to check for infections hormone problems; culture fluid test from the penis for infection; and lastly physical examination of the gonad.

Causes of Sperm Related Infertility

Research shows that there has been a sharp decline in sperm count in Indian men from 60 million per ml to 20 million per ml during 1980 to 2010, says an article published in The Times of India in February 2013. Sperm related problems, such as low mobility, poor quality and low count, are some of the common reasons that couples fail to conceive. These problems may occur due to:

• Severe mumps infection post puberty
• Use of excessive alcohol, smoking or other drugs
• Exposure to radiation or poisonous chemicals
• Alterations in hypothalamus, pituitary and testicular hormones
• Tubular blockage
• Varicocele – swelling of the veins in the scrotum
• Retrograde Ejaculation or reverse ejaculation. The semen enters the bladder rather than coming out of the tip of the penis.
• Undescended Testicles – In such cases, the testes do not descend down to the scrotal sac during foetal development. This results in decreased fertility.
• Genetic Disorders – Chromosomal disorders may affect the production of sperms.
• Tumours – Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumours can affect the male reproductive systems directly.
• Certain medications can also affect sperm production.

Ways to Improve Sperm Health

• Several medications can help improve count and mobility
• Antibiotics can help treat infections
• Nutritional supplements containing Zinc and Vitamin C also help
• Hormone supplements can be taken in case of a hormonal imbalance
• Eliminate alcohol. It decreases the ability to produce testosterone
• Eliminating smoking and drug intake (like marijuana)
• Avoid hot baths and sauna
• Stay away from chemical exposure and synthetic products
• Wear loose boxers instead of tight underwear
• Eat foods such as kidney beans, yams, clams and oysters

If treatments do not help, you can go forward with clinical treatments that target the various cause of male infertility to help your partner conceive, such as Intrauterine Insemination, In-Vitro Fertilization and IVF with ICSI. 

How Much Does Umbilical Cord Banking Cost?

Have you noticed that having a child has made you a better person? Couples who have children turn into a family and laugh more. They are healthier, more active, more willing to give up negative habits, learn to be unselfish and enjoy greater self-esteem.

What Benefits Does Your Child Bring You?

Your child is your gift of life to this world and could soon be a source of pride for you. But having a child also comes with responsibility. As you rose up on your journey to parenthood and growing older you are bound to have made plans to safeguard your life from the risks you will meet in the future.

Are We Doing Enough to Protect Our Children?

As parents in India, we continue to invest in insurance plans for educating our children, for covering emergencies to secure their health and happiness. One such investment is ensuring that your child stays healthy, even through debilitating medical conditions that may or may not be inherited, such as thalassemia, anaemia or leukemia.

Thalassemia is a blood disorder where the body is unable to make normal levels of hemoglobin. This reduces oxygen supply to different organs in the body and the blood must continuously be transfused with hemoglobin rich blood through professional treatment and guarding against blunt injury.

Every year, between 7,000 and 10,000 children in India fall victim to this disease. Regular treatment for this disease can cost anywhere between Rs. 12,00,000/- to 15,00,000/-.

Stem Cell Therapy and Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Costs

Stem cell therapy promises to cure this disorder by using stem cells from a healthy relative. But in order to be successfully transplanted into your suffering child, his/her body has to be able to accept those cells. This may or may not work even if you are the closest relative.

Stem Cell Therapy Works

On the other hand, if you have invested in umbilical cord blood banking cost from the day your child was born, then that very blood can regenerate healthy blood cells in your child through stem cell therapy. This is a technique that has been consistently proven to work positively. The government continues to promote public cord blood banking. Although there are no charges involved, the uses that this cord blood will be put to means you will never benefit from it as it is unlikely to be available when you need it.

Benefits of Private Cord Blood Banking

But should you opt to bear private umbilical cord blood banking costs, then you are ensuring that this blood is reserved exclusively for the use of the donor and their family. Not just your child but any other relative stands to benefit more from stored cord blood as this is the richest source of totipotent stem cells that can repair any tissue or organ in your body.

At the moment, the most Basic Umbilical Cord Blood Banking costs include the following charges, as a sample: Rs 5,300/- for enrolment and documentation, a one-time fee of Rs. 50,000/- and thereafter a monthly instalment of Rs 4,250/-. For 10 years, this comes to a total of about Rs 5,59,550/-. Compare this to the costs involved in treating thalassemia.

Weigh Your Decision

No doubt there are costs involved in the investment against risk. But the greater the risk, say, your family history of disease, such as diabetes, heart ailments, leukemia, etc, the greater would be your need to worry about it.

There are several new medical conditions that modern lifestyles can wreak upon future generations that may require the promise of stem cell therapy. Considering all the investments we make for our children, to ensure a bright future for them, should you not use your part of your income to make such a crucial health investment?