Health Blogs

image

20 November, 2021

5 easy ways to reduce stress during pregnancy

Authored By:

No matter how happy you are about your pregnancy, stress during the pregnancy phase is unavoidable. Most of the time, it is because of the hormones that play around. But there are a lot of other factors that account to stress. Managing stress during pregnancy is an efficient way to enjoy your pregnancy period.  Knowing the changes and accepting them happening to your body will help you best during this phase. However, know more efficient ways to reduce stress during pregnancy.  Here are the 5 easy ways to reduce stress during pregnancy.  Eat well and sleep well must be a routine  Nothing can replace the best benefits of proper food and sound sleep. Ensure that you follow a balanced diet with all the necessary supplements that your body needs and take enough rest. A night of proper sleep will make your day brighter and keep you comparatively in a cheerful mood. Rest when you are tired. Do not overdo during pregnancy. A perfect routine for food and sleep will ease up your hormones.  Surround yourself with positive energy. Talk to your friends and family. Pregnancy can put you through a lot of thoughts. It will make you think about the least possible negativity. Well, these are the instincts of the mother to safeguard her child. So it is no wonder that you get all such thoughts. However, do not put them all to yourself. Talk them out with your best buddies and family. Let them know your concerns and allow them to soothe you down.  Exercise must be your normal  We are not talking about heavy workouts and impulsive training. It is all about simple meditation and gentle exercise. Mild exercise during pregnancy will lower cortisol levels; the stress hormone is partly responsible for your stress. Thus, regular exercise will help you stay fit and help you check your stress levels during pregnancy.  You can choose simple exercises like walking, swimming, low paced stationary bike etc. Learn more about safe cardio exercises that you can consider during pregnancy here.  Take time out for yourself You might feel upset over small things. It is normal to be so during pregnancy. Do not feel wrong about such instances. Instead, when you feel low or feeling upset over something, take some time out for yourself to calm you down. Pick your favourite activity that you love to do and spend enough time with it. Try it for yourself! Taking a break can do significant wonders for your mental health, especially during pregnancy! Do not skip your doctor appointments  Visiting your doctor regularly for prenatal appointments will make you feel at ease. Knowing your condition and baby’s condition will help you better understand the situation. At times, a simple talk with your doctor can help you calm down. Regular appointments will also help you check for the complications of pregnancy. An excellent way to check your mental health and ease you as well!  Remember, it is perfectly alright to worry about your unborn baby. Whether the baby is healthy or growing out well inside. But, do not let these thoughts overcome the joy of your pregnancy. Follow the above-mentioned suggestions to reduce your stress during pregnancy and enjoy the blissful moments of your life!!  *Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision. 

image

20 June, 2020

Relationship between infertility and stress

Authored By:

Learning about infertility profoundly affects the couples who go through it. The amounts of anxiety and stress that build around their lifestyle creates much more hassle to overcome infertility. We know the stress levels that surround up with infertility, yet there is an interconnection between them. Stress is considered one of the significant factors for the infertility issue to surface. And once the problem is known, high amounts of stress recoup, increasing the root cause of infertility. In avoiding this, a complete understanding of their relationship is to be understood. Stress accounts as one of the significant factors for infertility It was first revealed in the 1990s that stress plays an essential role in the infertility process equally in both men and women. However, it took a couple of years to present the statistical data and accurate experimental results to show the results. The emotional balance therapy and stress minimizing treatments have shown positive effects on fertility chances. To understand this simple, let’s say your brain is smart enough. It does not favor the fertility condition while your body is in stress to avoid extra pressure. The only way to soothe your body function is typically to set your brain free from stress. Post-stress levels impact on treatments outcome Infertility is often fought by the patients alone and is considered as a silent struggle. Soon after, one learns about the problem of infertility, and there is an immediate spike in the stress levels. This only worsens the situation instead of doing any better. Now the already accounting levels of stress are increased, causing further damage. These mounting levels of stress also have a direct impact on infertility treatments as well. They reduce the efficiency of the outcome as well. Tips for tackling both pre & post-stress scenarios Tackling stress is not so tough, all you need is appropriate care. Check these simple tips which can help you in reducing both pre and post-stress infertility acknowledgment. Acknowledge the problem – Identifying the root cause eases you up a lot. Hence focus on the reason first and accept the procedure. It is okay to feel sad or overwhelmed, but eventually taking the problem helps you find a cure. Find Support – It is long believed that sorrows, when shared, will lighten up. Find constant support who can stay by your side during this struggle. Your support can be your other couples with infertility, some friends, or a family member. Communicate with your partner – Never let the stress of this course affect your relationship. It might not be easy coping up with the situation, but you can talk out of this. Always share your feelings and uncertainties with your partner. Educate yourself too –  Finding out the issue and gaining knowledge about it would help you to overcome it as well. Hence, educate in the right amounts that are required. Knowing the situations prevailing even in the treatment might help you take further steps and decisions medically. Try to reduce stress – For effective results in your treatment, subsidizing the levels of stress plays a major role. Hence, try different meditational and hobby seeking ways to maintain the diminish the levels of stress. You can even rely on support groups to help you swim through this situation. Set a limit on how long you’re willing to try – The foremost decision you need to make before opting for the treatment is to set the end you want to try. There is always an improved focus if you set a target on how long you are willing to try for the baby. This will also enable you to feel control over the procedures you are opting for. The diagnosis of infertility adds a tremendous burden to lifestyle. However, now you understand the interrelationship between stress and infertility. Thus, it is highly recommended to stay clear with stress, and it also helps you in every aspect of your life. We hope you found out some interesting facts, their importance, and tips regarding infertility and stress.You can check out the in-detail tips and measures to cope with infertility stress here.   *Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

image

22 May, 2020

What Is Polyhydramnios And How To Deal With It

Authored By:

Your baby swims in the amniotic fluid for the 9 months that she’s in your womb. This fluid plays an important role in the baby’s health. She needs just the right amount of fluid to protect and help her grow. Normal amniotic fluid levels in later stages of pregnancy are between 5 and 25 cm, or about 800-1000 ml. If the measurement is over 25, it is called polyhydramnios. So what exactly is polyhydramnios and does it pose any risks for mom and Baby? Read on to know more. What is Polyhydramnios? Polyhydramnios is the excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid – the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus during pregnancy. This condition occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of pregnancies. Most cases of polyhydramnios are mild and result from a gradual buildup of amniotic fluid, during the second half of pregnancy. Severe polyhydramnios may cause shortness of breath, preterm labor, or other signs and symptoms. When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with polyhydramnios, the doctor will carefully monitor your pregnancy to help prevent complications. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild polyhydramnios may go away on its own. Severe polyhydramnios may require closer monitoring. These are rare and are sometimes seen with babies who have blockage along gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of Polyhydramnios Polyhydramnios symptoms result from pressure being exerted within the uterus and on nearby organs. Mild cases show little or no signs or symptoms. However, severe polyhydramnios may cause the following: Shortness of breath or the inability to breathe Swelling in the lower extremities and abdominal wall Uterine discomfort or contractions Foetal malposition, such as breech presentation Your doctor may also suspect polyhydramnios if your uterus is excessively enlarged and he or she has any trouble feeling the baby. Causes of Polyhydramnios About 50-65% of the time, nobody knows what causes a woman to develop polyhydramnios. However, the rest of the time, doctors can pinpoint it to certain conditions. These are some of the factors that may lead to an increased risk of polyhydramnios: Diabetes – Certain moms with diabetes might have increased levels of amniotic fluid. Birth defects – Certain birth defects involving baby’s ability to swallow or kidney function can also cause increased amniotic fluid. It is your baby’s ability to swallow and process fluid through the kidneys that regulates this fluid level in the uterus. Rh Incompatibility – A mismatch between mom’s blood and baby’s blood group. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) – When one identical twin gets too much blood flow than the others, it may lead to more amniotic fluid. Problems with baby’s heart rate – These usually show up on ultrasound or monitoring. An infection in the baby. Complications of Polyhydramnios These are some of the complications that can occur with polyhydramnios. Too much amniotic fluid is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Polyhydramnios increases the risk of premature rupture of membranes and/or preterm labor. Some babies with high amniotic fluid levels can wiggle their way into a weird birthing position, instead of the normal late-pregnancy, head down, ready-to-be-born position. Polyhydramnios increases risks for breech or transverse positions, which increases chances for C-section. During labor, the umbilical cord could get pinched or pushed out before the baby, which can be very dangerous. Amniotic fluid could lead to placental abruption, which means the placenta could separate before the baby is born, and increased risk for postpartum haemorrhage. Although this situation sounds scary, polyhydramnios and its complications are fairly rare. As long as your baby is close to term, your amniotic fluid is still near normal range, and you’re being taken care of by an excellent team such as the one at KIMS Cuddles, high amniotic fluid levels may not pose a big problem. Diagnosis and Treatment If your doctor suspects polyhydramnios, they will do a fetal ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your baby on a monitor. If the initial ultrasound shows evidence of polyhydramnios, your doctor may ask to do a more detailed ultrasound. They will estimate the amniotic fluid volume (AFV) by measuring the single largest, deepest pocket of fluid around your baby. An AFV value of 8 cms or more suggests polyhydramnios. Your doctor may even ask to do additional testing if you have a diagnosis of polyhydramnios. Mild cases of polyhydramnios generally don’t require any special treatment and may go away on their own. Even cases that cause discomfort can usually be managed without intervention. In other cases, treatment for an underlying condition – such as diabetes – may help resolve polyhydramnios. If you experience preterm labor, shortness of breath or abdominal pain, you may need treatment in the hospital. This includes: Drainage of excess amniotic fluid: Your doctor may use amniocentesis to drain excess amniotic fluid from your uterus. This procedure contains a small risk of complications such as preterm labor, placental abruption and premature rupture of the membranes. Your doctor will inform you about the same. Medication: Your doctor may prescribe an oral medication to help reduce foetal urine production and amniotic fluid volume. Due to the risk of foetal heart problems, your baby’s heart may also need to be monitored with a foetal echocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound. Some side effects may include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux and inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Even after treatment, your doctor will want to monitor your amniotic fluid level once every one to three weeks. Most women with mild to moderate polyhydramnios will be able to carry their baby to term, delivering at 39 to 40 weeks. Those who have severe polyhydramnios will be advised by their doctor about the appropriate timing of delivery to avoid complications for you and your baby. Polyhydramnios can be a worrisome condition during pregnancy. Work with your gynaecologist to ensure that you and your baby receive the best care possible. Our doctors at KIMS Cuddles can help you experience a healthy, comfortable pregnancy. *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

image

08 February, 2020

Health issues that can affect fertility

Authored By:

During any given cycle, a healthy woman having regular intercourse has only 20 to 40 percent chance of conceiving. Certain health conditions like endometriosis or being severely over- or underweight can decrease the odds. Here are the top health issues that affect fertility and what women can do to boost their chances: Hormonal Imbalance Several diseases can cause hormonal imbalance and put your fertility at risk. For example, thyroid and adrenal disease can cause the body to release too much estrogen, testosterone, and stress hormone cortisol which can all interfere with ovulation. The polycystic ovarian disease is yet another condition that affects fertility. Depending on your problem, doctors will suggest treatment that includes fertility drugs that can boost ovulation or block the release of hormones that reduce fertility. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Gonorrhea and chlamydia are some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can put your fertility at risk. Gonorrhea can block the fallopian tube and prevent the passage of an egg. Chlamydia rapidly causes pelvic scars that interfere with the ability of fallopian tubes to sweep across the ovary and pick up an egg. If you have been diagnosed with an STD, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat an active infection. Depending on the severity of scarring, your doctor may recommend laparoscopic surgery to remove adhesions or IVF in case of irreparable damage. Fibroids Fibroids are a collection of uterine cell tissues that form for unknown reasons. They are most likely to interfere with fertility when they grow inside the uterine cavity, distorting its shape and size. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of women will have at least one of these benign masses in their lifetime. Surgery can often increase fertility by 70 percent once the fibroids are removed. Endometriosis Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, creating scar tissues that make fallopian tubes to pick up and propel an egg to the uterus. It causes painful periods and infertility. Endometriosis can also cause pelvic inflammation, making the uterine cavity a less than hospitable place for the fertilized egg to implant. Doctors may recommend surgery to remove scar tissue or IVF as a last resort. Being severely under- or over-weight Studies show that women who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 are considered obese and have decreased fertility, even if their cycles are regular. On the other hand, women with a low BMI of 20 or less don’t ovulate regularly, thus reducing their chances of conceiving. If obese women lose even 10 percent of their body weight, it can help boost their fertility. However, with underweight women, things are not that easy. Even with weight gain, some women may not be able to resume a regular menstrual cycle. These are some of the more common health issues that can impact fertility. If you are having trouble conceiving, meet our experts at KIMS Cuddles to find the right treatment for you. *Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

image

08 January, 2020

7 ways to improve fertility naturally

Authored By:

Many couples, who have been trying to conceive for months together and are unsuccessful, dread going to the doctor to seek treatment. Sometimes that’s the only option left but often, there are things that they can do increase their chances of conceiving. Here are some ways to improve fertility naturally: Eat a nourishing, balanced diet Staying well-nourished and eating a healthy, balanced diet increases your odds of conceiving. Deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D can cause delay in menstrual cycles and affect ovulation. Make sure your diet is rich in these nutrients. Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, low-fat dairy products, eggs and beans should be a part of your regular diet. Ask your doctor if you need to take any nutritional supplements on a daily basis. Make lifestyle changes According to several researches, alcohol consumption has been linked to decreased ability to get pregnant. Alcohol has been found to alter estrogen levels, which may interfere with egg implantation. An occasional drink or two doesn’t really cause too much harm as regular consumption does. Also, if you’re trying to get pregnant, cutting down on caffeine is also a good idea. Limit your daily intake to 200 mg of caffeine per day – that’s about one or two cups of coffee. Watch your weight Excess body fat can lead to overproduction of certain hormones that can affect ovulation. It may cause changes in your ovulation cycle, causing you to ovulate less frequently and decreasing your chances to get pregnant. Even too little body fat can adversely affect your ovulation. Maintain the right weight by exercising regularly – but don’t overdo it. Talk to our team of experts at KIMS Cuddles to know more about steps to increase fertility naturally. Reduce stress Increased levels of stress may also affect reproductive hormones and fertility in both men and women. If you experience high levels of stress in your work life or at home, take steps to ensure that you are able to relax and take time out for yourself. Try meditation; indulge in your favourite hobby, or anything that helps you manage your stress levels effectively. Take advantage of the fertile window The fertile window is the six-days that end on the day of ovulation. Taking advantage of the fertile window can boost your chances of pregnancy. Pregnancy is most likely to occur with intercourse within the three days before ovulation. Try to eat organic Exposure to pesticide, especially agricultural pesticides can have a negative impact on both the male and female fertility. Wash your food thoroughly before you eat or better still; try to eat pesticide-free organic foods as far as possible. Reduce your screen time According to a study in the journal Fertility and Sterility, watching too much TV or using iPad can affect your fertility. Artificial light can affect your circadian rhythm and in turn, your fertility. Therefore, turn off the screens one or two hours before going to bed and do something relaxing, which will help you sleep more soundly. Remember: Quality of sleep is as important as quantity of sleep. To know more about how to improve fertility naturally, get in touch with our team at KIMS Cuddles. Hope this blog on ways to improve fertility naturally was helpful to you.   *The opinions expressed in this article are not to be substituted for medical advice under any circumstance

image

22 December, 2019

5 Fertility treatments to help you get pregnant

Authored By:

Infertility occurs in about 11 percent of all reproductive-age couples. Thankfully, the fertility treatments and advanced reproductive technologies available today can help improve your chances of conceiving. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of couples with infertility problems will get pregnant. Here are some fertility treatments that can make it possible for you to have a baby: Surgery If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, it may be due to an anatomic problem which can be corrected with the help of surgery. Fibroids, ovarian cysts, blocked fallopian tubes and endometriosis are all known to cause infertility. Surgery can help improve your chances. Fertility Drugs Fertility drugs are commonly given to women who are having trouble getting pregnant. This is mainly due to the high success rates with fertility drugs. Use of pills and injections suggested by the doctor can help a woman produce more eggs each month and increase her chances of getting pregnant. On an average, 10 percent of women find success per cycle. Inseminations Intrauterine inseminations (IUI) is suggested to a couple who are not able to conceive due to issues with the male. With IUI, doctors use a thin tube that introduces sperm into the woman’s reproductive tract. Using either the partner’s or a donor’s sperm, inseminations increase the number of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes, thus increasing chances of pregnancy. In-Vitro Fertilization In-vitro fertilization, or IVF, is one of the most popular fertility treatments. It is also very expensive and most preferred one due to its high success rate per cycle. It is most sought after by women who have fertility struggle and found no success with other treatments. Donor Egg IVF This IVF procedure is for women who can’t conceive naturally. This procedure uses a donor egg and is similar to the regular IVF treatment, with the egg being fertilized and implanted into the woman’s uterus. This treatment has a success rate of 80 percent per cycle. To know more about other fertility treatments and procedures, see our experts at KIMS Cuddles. *Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

image

09 December, 2019

Fertility and Ovulation Myths that everyone should know

Authored By:

When it comes to fertility and ovulation, there are a lot of old-wives tales and myths out there. If you believe everything you hear about conception, it could possibly make it harder for you to get pregnant. Knowing fact from myth can help you a great deal. Here are some fertility and ovulation myths that everyone who is trying to get pregnant should know: Myth: If you’re not pregnant after a few months, there must be a problem Fact: Getting pregnant is rarely easy and it can take a few times and up to a year to conceive. Years of using birth control can also put you at a disadvantage if you want to conceive early. Only a few couples get pregnant in the first month they try. It is completely normal to take up to six months (one year for some couples) to get pregnant. A study found that after three months of trying, 68 percent of couples were pregnant, and 92 percent conceived within a year. If you are 35 or older, or haven’t been able to conceive after a year of trying, see your doctor. Myth: Your ovaries take turns in ovulating eggs Fact: Your body doesn’t systematically “schedule” ovulation to alternate ovaries from month to month. It is common for women to tend to ovulate more often from one side than the other. Depending on various factors, it may be your left ovary or right. This is also why you may notice you get ovulation pain on side more often than the other. Which ovary releases the egg has more to do with which one has a follicle that reaches the final stage of maturity. Myth: You can’t get Pregnant by having sex during your period Fact: Your ability to get pregnant is dependent on when you ovulate, and not associated with menstruation. Some women believe that if they are still on their period, they aren’t in the fertile window. But if your cycle is short and you ovulate on day 7 or 8, you can conceive from sex on your period. Another misconception people have is that menstruation will “wash out” any sperm along with period blood, but even that’s not true. Your period won’t stop sperm from swimming up to your reproductive system. Myth: If you’re ovulating, you won’t have trouble getting Pregnant Fact: Ovulation is essential to getting pregnant. However, it takes more than just an egg to conceive. The pathway to the egg must be clear. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, pregnancy can’t occur. Getting pregnant isn’t only about the woman’s fertility. It is important to know that infertility doesn’t always have obvious symptoms. Some fertility problems (in both men and women) are not detectable without fertility testing. It’s not possible to tell without lab testing if a man’s ejaculate has enough sperm cells to be fertile. Therefore, ovulation is only a small part of the fertility process.  Talk to our experts if you have any more questions regarding fertility and conception. Our doctors at KIMS Cuddles are always happy to answer your query.  *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

image

02 November, 2019

Know more about Fertility Treatments and Multiple Births

Authored By:

Women who undergo fertility treatments are often more likely to have multiple births, when compared to others who have it naturally. Those who opt for fertility drugs or treatments are more likely to get pregnant, and also encounter multiple births. Research suggests that one in 32 births after fertility treatments results in multiple births. Here’s more about Fertility Treatments and Multiple Births. These are some of the more common drugs that are designed to improve ovulation process, but can have variations in results, thanks to their nature and purpose: Clomiphene Citrate Clomiphene citrate is one of the drugs that stimulate the brain hormones, in order to have one or more eggs discharged every month. While the drug has a high success rate, it also involves a chance of 10 percent as regards giving birth to twins, triplets or more. Gonadotropin Human chronic gonadotropin, also known as gonadotropins, is a hormone which directly stimulates the ovaries so that they can form eggs. Due to their direct stimulation, the risk of giving birth to twins or multiples increases manifold. Statistically, about 10 to 40 percent of women who use gonadotropins get multiple pregnancies. Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Human Menopausal Gonadotropin is a fertility drug that is used to treat irregular ovulations. Women who have pituitary gland issues may benefit from this to a great extent. It helps stimulate the follicle releasing and improves ovulation. More follicles means more twins, triplets or multiples. FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone produces a similar effect. Advanced Reproduction Technology Apart from the drugs, using advanced reproduction technology plays an important role in increasing your chances of twins, triplets or multiples. The doses of medication a woman takes to induce multiple pregnancy can be monitored and at the same time, the modern technology in the specialized clinics can rapidly detect if the internal processes of the body are affected by the drugs. Fertility treatments induce multiple births, as it will cause the ovaries to release more eggs. This increases the chances to bring twins or multiples to the world. Thanks to the development of medicine, it is possible to bear multiples without risks to both mother and fetus. To understand more about how fertility treatments affect multiple births, talk to our doctor at KIMS Cuddles for expert guidance. *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

image

10 July, 2019

How Cervical Mucus Hostility affects female Fertility

Authored By:

Cervical mucus is very important for conception. It is produced in the cervix which is present at the opening of the womb. It changes over the course of the cycle because of hormones. Cervical mucus creates the ideal environment for the semen to thrive and move freely, and hence, is very essential in achieving pregnancy. Before ovulation starts, there is an increase in the cervical fluids which look like raw egg whites in consistency. When the cervical mucus is in this form, it helps in nourishing the sperm cells and increases their capability to move through the cervical canal. Hence it can be said that cervical mucus is essential to improve the chances of pregnancy. This process can be impeded if there is any problem with the cervical mucus and will cause problems in getting pregnant. This is known as cervical mucus hostility and it is the reason behind 3-8 percent of all infertility cases in females. Cervical Mucus Hostility Sometimes, the cervical mucus in a woman starts attacking and destroying the sperm before it reaches the egg. This condition is known as cervical hostility. Problems with a woman’s cervical mucus might interfere with the chances of getting pregnant. If the case is mild, it may lead to increase in the time to get pregnant and not cause infertility. However, serious problems with cervical mucus will cause infertility and might require treatments as well as hormonal support. When these problems become the reason for fertility problems, it is referred to as hostile cervical mucus. Problems with vaginal secretions include the ones that are highly acidic, severe vaginal dryness, or even other immunological problems can also be referred to as hostile cervical mucus. Causes of Cervical Mucus Hostility Cervical mucus hostility can be caused due to several reasons. The most common causes of this problem are: 1. Thick, Sticky, or Dry Mucus An imbalance in the hormones and frequent problems in ovulation are some of the main causes of cervical mucus hostility. When the consistency of the cervical mucus is thick, the motility of the sperm will interfere. It may be due to side effects of certain medications as well. 2. Acidic Mucus A highly acidic mucus is hostile to the sperm. A reason for this condition is hormonal irregularities which can interfere with your natural pH balance. Yeast or bacterial infection may also result in high acidity. 3. Inflammatory Cells These cells develop as a response to infections. When these cells are produced in the cervix or vagina, they start targeting the sperm and actively destroy them. This can cause problems in getting pregnant. 4. Anti-Sperm Antibodies These antibodies are defensive proteins. They are generated by the immune system of the body in response to an infection in the past where sperm was either involved or was actively present. While this condition is less common, they will still attack the sperm and kill them. Cervical Mucus Hostility and Fertility Here are some ways in which cervical mucus hostility affects fertility. 1. Medication Side Effects The quality of the cervical mucus can decrease due to some medications. They might also dry up the mucus. Drugs taken for a short period of time usually do not cause any problems. 2. Clomid This is a medication usually given to help with pregnancy, however, sometimes, it can cause problems. When higher doses of Clomid are taken, it can increase the chances of having problem with cervical mucus. It is best to talk to your doctor about your lack of fertile cervical mucus or if you notice vaginal dryness when taking Clomid. They will help you with reducing the risks and side effects of the same. 3. Age Cervical mucus starts decreasing as a woman gets older. It is a well-known fact that fertility decreases with age, and one of the ways in which her fertility gets affected is because of the changes in the quality and quantity of the mucus. During the 20s, a woman’s cervical mucus can be seen for more days as compared to in her 30s. Sometimes, they may never become raw egg white texture and may remain at the watery stage. This mucus is needed for the sperm to swim and survive from the cervix to the uterus, and finally into the fallopian tubes. The consistency is different from person to person and there is no way of accurately predicting the number of days or quality mucus of a woman based on only her age. 4. Douching During vaginal douching, you wash away valuable cervical mucus that is needed for getting pregnant. It also washes away good bacteria which leads to vaginal infection. An unpleasant vaginal odor could be a sign of a vaginal infection. Many medications for yeast infection might cause discomfort and irritation. Bacterial infections could be a reason for strong vaginal odors and treating it is important for fertility and overall health. 5. Being Underweight The increase of cervical mucus that precedes ovulation is caused by the hormone estrogen. You may even have low estrogen levels if you are a professional athlete. Exercising regularly helps if you are underweight. This will help in the increase of more fertile cervical mucus and will also help with ovulation problems. 6. Hormonal Imbalance Hormonal imbalance can be a reason for the lack of production of cervical mucus. There is a reduction in fertile cervical mucus if ovulation does not take place properly. It is also possible not to be ovulating at all but have an excess amount of fertile cervical mucus. It depends on the causes of ovulations problems. Treating Cervical Mucus Hostility Treatment for cervical mucus hostility depends on various factors. Usually, treatment includes the following: Antifungal or antibiotics can be used for the treatment of any cervical or vaginal infection. Mucus hostility may be caused due to high doses of clomiphene. Changing or lowering the dose can help. If there are no signs of anti-sperm antibodies and other infections, fertility-friendly lubricants can be used. Bypassing of the cervix can also be done with intrauterine insemination. If infertility is persistent and all other treatment efforts are unsuccessful, then in vitro fertilization can be explored. Though it is common among infertile women, cervical mucus hostility is usually one of the last things that are tested for to check for infertility. Talk to your doctor and discuss this option for checking your fertility problems. Our team of doctors at KIMS Cuddles can explain cervical mucus hostility in detail and help you with ways to overcome it. *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

image

17 June, 2019

Can Menstrual Cramps affect your Fertility? Find out

Authored By:

Most women experience a mild to moderate discomfort during their monthly menstrual cycle. Some women experience an extreme pain or discomfort, which can affect their everyday life. If you’re a woman who suffers from dysmenorrhoea or severe period pain, you may wonder if this will affect your ability to get pregnant. Here is what you should know. Main Causes of Period Pain Prostaglandin is a chemical that is present across different parts of your body, including your uterus, which may cause your period cramps. The main function of this chemical is to regulate your body temperature, regulate inflammation, aid cell growth, muscle dilation, and constriction. During your menstrual cycle, this chemical causes contractions in your uterine muscles and also helps in expelling the uterine lining. In case of higher amounts of the chemical in your body, these contractions may become severe. This is what causes severe menstrual pain and cramps. Dysmenorrhoea can be further categorized into two types: Primary Dysmenorrhoea – This causes mild to moderate pain and is usually related to the shedding of the uterine lining only. Secondary Dysmenorrhoea – This could lead to severe pain and could be indicative of an underlying medical condition that can affect your fertility or ability to get pregnant. Menstrual Cramps and Fertility Intense menstrual cramps or secondary dysmenorrhea may indicate the following medical conditions, which could adversely affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant or conceive: Pelvic Inflammatory DiseasePelvic inflammatory disease is usually triggered by untreated sexually transmitted infections or STIs. However, in some cases, PID may get triggered by unrelated infections of reproductive organs too. Sometimes, this condition becomes difficult to detect because the main symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge and pain during sex either go unnoticed or are not present. This can potentially affect one’s fertility. Untreated sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis or chlamydia may cause scarring in the reproductive organs (fallopian tubes, ovaries or uterus) and thus affect the fertility of a woman. EndometriosisThis is one of the most common causes of menstrual cramps that can also affect a woman’s fertility. Endometriosis occurs when the lining, which usually grows inside the uterus, starts growing on other reproductive parts such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The lining growing on other reproductive organs weakens them, resulting in infertility issues. Endometriosis can be diagnosed through a laparoscopic procedure. However, it should be remembered that having severe menstrual cramps does not mean you have endometriosis. AdenomyosisThis condition is similar to endometriosis, but here, the inner uterine lining starts growing on the uterine walls instead of on other reproductive organs. This medical condition can be characterized by lower abdominal pain, painful cramps and bloating during periods. There are several studies being conducted to understand why this condition occurs in women. It is believed to be caused due to hormone fluctuations in the body, which include progesterone, FSH, and estrogen. Adenomyosis causes intense menstrual cramps but there is little evidence to show if there is a connection between heavy, painful periods, and fertility. Fibroids and CystsAbout 30 percent of the women between the ages of 30 to 45 may suffer from fibroids, a form on non-cancerous tumors present either inside or close to the uterine lining. These benign growths usually obstruct the flow of blood, causing severe pain during periods. If the condition is severe, it could hamper your fertility. Sometimes, a woman who conceives with fibroids condition may suffer an abortion or miscarriage. Apart from this, ovarian cysts can also affect a woman’s fertility. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are present in the ovaries. Like fibroids, ovarian cysts are non-cancerous and usually get better on their own. However, if they are big in size and present in places like fallopian tubes or the ovaries, they might affect the conception process. Dysmenorrhoea treatment and infertility Women who suffer this severe pain during their menstrual cycles should not wait for things to get any worse. Try and seek the help of a gynecologist for the same. They may advise you to take hormonal birth control pills to ease your pain. However, this may not be recommended if you are trying to get pregnant. Some women prefer taking over-the-counter painkiller medicines for the pain, but many wonder if these can affect their ability to get pregnant.Research suggests that taking medicines such as ibuprofen, in the long run, can affect fertility negatively, and even delay ovulation. However, the impact was not believed to be substantial. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any medication for controlling the pain of your menstrual cramps.Apart from this, some women may need to go for surgical procedures to get relief from their painful periods. However, before the decision for surgery is made, make sure you talk to a reproductive endocrinologist to know the effect of surgery on your ability to conceive. If your doctor says ok, it may be a good decision to go in for the surgery as it may not only help you get rid of the severe menstrual cramps, but may also increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you, or someone you know, suffers from severe period pains, visit our team of expert doctors at KIMS Cuddles. We have a wonderful team of doctors and are widely regarded as one of the best maternity hospitals in Hyderabad. Seek their opinion and enjoy a successful, healthy and a happy pregnancy. *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.

Loading booking..