In Vitro Fertilization is a method of assisted reproductive technology for couples unable to conceive naturally or who have tried other fertility methods and failed. For couples trying to conceive, a delay in pregnancy causes much anxiety and stress. This is counter-productive and poses a greater obstacle. While most couples eventually do succeed in getting pregnant by calculating the fertility window and having intercourse accordingly, some couples will have a harder time. After at...

  Diagnosing illnesses in their early stages helps treat them more effectively. While an annual health check is essential for men and women, to ensure they are healthy, there are certain tests that are specific only to women. These tests and screenings help identify early onset of diseases that have a higher incidence in women. Diagnosing illnesses in their early stages helps treat them more effectively. Let us look at some recommended annual medical tests...

  50% of all sexually active individuals have HPV but the body's immune system clears the virus. However, in some cases the virus stays on and can cause cancer C ervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, after Breast Cancer. Fortunately, it is a treatable cancer but unfortunately there is not enough awareness on early screening and treatment, which means the cancer advances and lives are lost. In order to...

  50% of all sexually active individuals have HPV but the body's immune system clears the virus. However, in some cases the virus stays on and can cause cancer A vaccine is given to prevent a disease. This means it needs to be taken ahead of the onset of the disease for it to be fully effective. Frequently people believe that natural immunity is the best way to combat disease, which may be true. But...

  Human Papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted virus. There are more than 100 strains of HPV of which at least 30 to 40 causes infections in the genital tract. As common as it is, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause a number of infections including cancer and genital warts. It is important to understand how one acquires HPV and how to prevent severe infection to stay safe and healthy.   Q:WHAT IS HPV?...

  Women within the age of 21 to 65 can have a Pap Smear done once every 3 years or as recommended by the doctor. If you are found to be at risk for Cervical Cancer, you may need to have the test done more frequently. Q:What is a Pap Smear Test?   Dr:A Pap Smear or a Pap Test involves taking cells from the cervix (lower end of uterus, top of your vagina), to...

  A man's fertility potential is at its best until the age of 50. After this age, the quality of sperm produced and sperm count go down. For women the ideal age to get pregnant is 25 to 35 years. Q:How long should a couple try to conceive naturally before opting for Fertility Testing?   Dr:After a year of carefully timed, unprotected sexual intercourse, if a couple is unable to conceive, it is time to...

  Having unprotected sex as close as possible to to the time of ovulation increases the chances of conception For couples trying to conceive, being aware of the four phases of the menstrual cycle can help time intercourse in order to improve their chances of getting pregnant. But first, what are the phases of the menstrual cycle?   THE MENSTRUAL PHASE   It is the time when women have their periods. It lasts for 4...

  Women who have PCOS are able to become pregnant. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and reproductive disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.   Prevalence estimates ranging from 2.2% to as high as 26%   What is the cause for...

  Shying away from a routine fertility evaluation is something to avoid. Like many inherited conditions, infertility is in most cases beyond the control of the individual. For couples trying to conceive and seeing no success after at least a year of unprotected sexual intercourse, evaluating their fertility and scope for pregnancy can help to understand what is causing the delay. These days we need not make assumptions as to who is infertile and whether...