Pregnancy is an exciting experience, however, if you’re above 35 of age, it comes with certain challenges. Advanced maternal age pregnancy, also known as geriatric pregnancy, is more common in today’s day and age. But, it’s necessary to be aware of the potential challenges, risks and the ways to manage them to enjoy a smooth pregnancy experience and birth a healthy baby. 

Challenges of advanced maternal age pregnancy

Following are some of the common difficulties that can come with a geriatric pregnancy: 

1. Fertility declines naturally: Egg quality and quantity decline, making it more tricky to conceive. Possibly, ovulation may also get irregular which in effect slows down the probability of natural pregnancy. Fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, etc. can be your go-to option.
2. Risk of Genetic disorders slightly increases: Chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome are more common in a pregnancy after 35. Doctors recommend genetic testing and prenatal screenings to ensure your safe pregnancy and fetal health
3. You are more likely to go through pregnancy complications: Higher chances of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia. Increased risk of placenta-related issues like placenta previa. Preterm labor and low birth weight are more common.
4. Labor & delivery can be more difficult: Increased chances of prolonged labor or needing a C-section. It may even take longer for you to recover (postpartum recovery). 

Risks of advanced maternal age pregnancy

1. Higher chances of miscarriage: As egg quality declines, chromosomal abnormalities become more frequent, raising the risk of miscarriage. Underlying health conditions like thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases can also contribute. Regular prenatal check-ups, a well-balanced diet, and proper medical guidance can significantly lower risks.
2. Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes): Hormonal fluctuations can affect how the body processes insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. If not managed properly, it can impact both mother and baby, increasing the chances of excessive birth weight and complications during delivery. A well-regulated diet, consistent physical activity, and medical supervision help keep it under control.
3. More prone to high blood Pressure & Preeclampsia: Older mothers have a higher chance of developing hypertension and preeclampsia, conditions that can restrict fetal growth and lead to premature birth. Symptoms such as severe headaches, swelling, and vision changes should not be ignored. Close monitoring, stress management, and a low-sodium diet help mitigate risks.
4. Premature birth & low birth weight: Babies born to older mothers are at a higher risk of preterm delivery (before 37 weeks), which can lead to developmental challenges. Placental function may decline, affecting oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby. Advanced neonatal care can help preterm babies thrive, but regular prenatal monitoring reduces the chances of premature birth.
5. More likely to undergo c-section: Age-related factors, including weaker uterine muscles and complications like prolonged labor, increase the likelihood of a C-section. Prioritizing optimal health, attending childbirth classes, and discussing a birth plan with your doctor can ensure a smoother delivery experience.

How to effectively manage high risk pregnancy

Pre-pregnancy check-up is a must: Take it as a quick system check before beginning the next significant phase of your life. A thorough pre-pregnancy test helps bring to knowledge any potential problems early. So, there’s no harm in getting the check-up done. Also, knowing about genetic screening may also prove to be quite beneficial.

• Prioritize your healthy lifestyle: Your body is about to do some serious work, so nourish it with proper minerals and vitamins. Include more folic acid, iron, protein and fiber in your regular diet, it is the best thing for yourself and the baby. Keep aside time for walks, gentle body stretches, and light yoga as well.

• Keep up with regular prenatal care: Regularly showing up for doctor visits may not be exciting but they’re the most crucial. Routine check ups make sure that everything goes smoothly & detect anything early like a shoot in blood pressure or sugar level swings. Reap the big benefits of easy habits!

• Blood sugar and blood pressure should be under check: Pregnancy brings its peculiarity and these may act up at times. If you also go through gestational diabetes, a proper meal plan can help a lot. Also, blood pressure should be monitored to keep unnecessary health risks at bay. A little mindfulness goes a long way!
• Be prepared for labor and delivery:  It’s important to mindfully prepare for the big day with ease and care. Speak to your gynecologist regarding your best-suited birthing option and prefer a flexible plan, because babies often cause some surprise! Though it’s better to try for natural birth as a goal, be mentally prepared for a C-section if the need arises. The more you’re aware, the more confident you’ll be.

If natural conception is getting difficult, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an effective option for women over 35. As egg quality declines with age, advanced reproductive techniques come to help. IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg freezing (if you want to delay parenthood) etc. options also make it easy to plan pregnancy as per your timeline or convenience. Also, PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) helps to screen for chromosomal abnormalities to ensure a healthy pregnancy. 

At Pristyn Care Ferticity IVF & Fertility Clinics, our team handholds you at every step throughout the treatment. So, don’t get caught with random opinions and advice, speak to our fertility specialists, book your consultation now.

Also read Top reasons to choose IVF

क्या आपके पीरियड्स जरूरत से ज्यादा भारी होते हैं? या फिर पेट के निचले हिस्से में अक्सर भारीपन और दर्द महसूस होता है? अगर हां, तो यह बच्चेदानी में गांठ (यूटेरिन फाइब्रॉइड्स) का संकेत हो सकता है। यह एक आम समस्या है, लेकिन हर महिला को इसके लक्षण महसूस नहीं होते। कुछ मामलों में ये गांठें बिना किसी परेशानी के रहती हैं, जबकि कुछ महिलाओं को असहज कर देती हैं और गर्भधारण में भी मुश्किलें खड़ी कर सकती हैं।

बच्चेदानी में गांठ होने के कारण

बच्चेदानी में गांठ बनने का कोई एक कारण नहीं होता। यह ज्यादातर हार्मोनल असंतुलन, अनुवांशिक कारणों और जीवनशैली से जुड़ी होती है।

• हार्मोनल बदलाव: एस्ट्रोजन और प्रोजेस्टेरोन का असंतुलन गांठ बनने की संभावना को बढ़ा सकता है।
• अनुवांशिक कारण: अगर परिवार में किसी महिला को फाइब्रॉइड्स हैं, तो अगली पीढ़ी में भी इसकी संभावना बढ़ सकती है।
• गर्भावस्था के दौरान हार्मोनल परिवर्तन: गर्भावस्था में हार्मोन का स्तर बढ़ने से गांठ तेजी से बढ़ सकती है।
• असंतुलित खान-पान: ज्यादा फैट, प्रोसेस्ड फूड और रेड मीट का सेवन हार्मोनल असंतुलन को बढ़ा सकता है।
• मोटापा और हाई ब्लड प्रेशर: रिसर्च बताती हैं कि अधिक वजन और हाई ब्लड प्रेशर का संबंध गर्भाशय की गांठ से हो सकता है।

गर्भाशय में गांठ के लक्षण

हर महिला में फाइब्रॉइड्स के लक्षण अलग-अलग हो सकते हैं। कुछ महिलाओं को कोई समस्या नहीं होती, जबकि कुछ को कई परेशानियों का सामना करना पड़ता है।

• पीरियड्स में ज्यादा और लंबी ब्लीडिंग
• पेट के निचले हिस्से में दर्द या भारीपन
• बार-बार यूरिन पास करने की जरूरत
• कब्ज और पाचन संबंधी दिक्कतें
• पीठ और पैरों में दर्द
• पेट का आकार बढ़ जाना
• गर्भधारण में कठिनाई

अगर इन लक्षणों में से कोई लंबे समय तक बना रहता है, तो डॉक्टर से जांच कराना जरूरी है।

क्या बच्चेदानी में गांठ से गर्भधारण पर असर पड़ता है?

हर महिला के लिए इसका प्रभाव अलग-अलग हो सकता है।

• अगर गांठ छोटी है और गर्भाशय की अंदरूनी परत पर असर नहीं डाल रही, तो प्रेग्नेंसी संभव है।
• बड़ी गांठें गर्भाशय की दीवार को मोटा कर सकती हैं, जिससे भ्रूण का सही से इम्प्लांट होना मुश्किल हो सकता है।
• कुछ मामलों में, यह प्रीटर्म डिलीवरी (समय से पहले डिलीवरी) या मिसकैरेज का कारण बन सकती हैं।

अगर आप गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही हैं और आपको फाइब्रॉइड्स की समस्या है, तो विशेषज्ञ से सलाह लेना जरूरी है। सही समय पर इलाज से इसे मैनेज किया जा सकता है।

गर्भाशय में गांठों का इलाज

इलाज का तरीका महिला की उम्र, लक्षणों की गंभीरता और भविष्य की फर्टिलिटी प्लान पर निर्भर करता है।

1. दवाइयों से इलाज

• हार्मोनल दवाइयां गांठ को बढ़ने से रोक सकती हैं।
• दर्द और सूजन के लिए नॉन-हॉर्मोनल दवाइयां दी जा सकती हैं।
• हालांकि, दवाइयां सिर्फ लक्षणों को कम करती हैं, गांठ को पूरी तरह खत्म नहीं करतीं।

2. सर्जरी वाले इलाज (Minimally Invasive Procedures)

• यूटराइन आर्टरी एम्बोलाइजेशन (UAE): इसमें उन रक्त वाहिकाओं को बंद कर दिया जाता है जो गांठ को पोषण देती हैं।
• एमआरआई-गाइडेड फोकस्ड अल्ट्रासाउंड: इसमें हाई-इंटेंसिटी अल्ट्रासाउंड से गांठ को सिकुड़ाया जाता है।
• मायोमेक्टॉमी: इसमें सिर्फ गांठ को हटाया जाता है, जिससे महिला प्रेग्नेंसी प्लान कर सकती है।
• हिस्टेरेक्टॉमी: अगर महिला आगे गर्भधारण नहीं चाहती, तो गर्भाशय को पूरी तरह निकाल दिया जाता है।

क्या बच्चेदानी में गांठ को रोका जा सकता है?

हालांकि इसे पूरी तरह से रोकना संभव नहीं है, लेकिन कुछ उपाय अपनाकर इसके जोखिम को कम किया जा सकता है।

• संतुलित आहार लें – हरी सब्जियां, फल और फाइबर युक्त भोजन से हार्मोन बैलेंस बना रहता है।
• जंक फूड से बचें – ज्यादा फैट और शुगर वाले फूड्स से हार्मोनल असंतुलन हो सकता है।
• व्यायाम करें – रोजाना 30 मिनट वर्कआउट करने से शरीर स्वस्थ रहता है और वजन नियंत्रित रहता है।
• तनाव कम करें – मेडिटेशन और योग हार्मोन संतुलन बनाए रखने में मदद कर सकते हैं।
• ग्रीन टी और हल्दी का सेवन करें – इनमें एंटी-इंफ्लेमेटरी गुण होते हैं, जो सूजन को कम कर सकते हैं।

अगर आपको पहले से ही लक्षण महसूस हो रहे हैं, तो घरेलू उपायों से ज्यादा डॉक्टर की सलाह लेना फायदेमंद रहेगा।

बच्चेदानी में गांठ एक आम समस्या है, लेकिन हर महिला पर इसका प्रभाव अलग-अलग हो सकता है। अगर समय पर सही जांच और इलाज कराया जाए, तो इसे आसानी से कंट्रोल किया जा सकता है।

अगर आपको बार-बार भारी पीरियड्स, पेट में दर्द या गर्भधारण में समस्या हो रही है, तो इसे नजरअंदाज न करें। डॉक्टर से परामर्श लेकर सही जांच और इलाज कराना जरूरी है।

अगर आपको अधिक जानकारी चाहिए या जांच करानी है, तो विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

अगला पोस्ट पढ़ें। सफल और भरोसेमंद उपचार के लिए सही IVF विशेषज्ञ कैसे चुनें?

Couples opting for IVF Treatment are parents in waiting and not patients

If you’ve ever visited a fertility clinic, you know the mixed feelings that kick from within. It’s usually an amalgamation of hope, anxiety, excitement, and sometimes even disappointment. IVF treatment isn’t about Corley treating a disease; it’s about helping a baby get to the right place, at the right time. 

Couples considering opting for IVF or other advanced reproductive techniques are not patients. They are actually patients in the making! Sometimes, internalizing the label of a patient may make a person feel that something is wrong with them. 

However, going for a fertility treatment is not your failure, it’s only a challenge that can be defeated with advanced IVF treatment. Every step of the way including tests, ultrasounds, injections, waiting period is an integral part of the bigger picture of welcoming new life. It is all worth it when you don’t give up on your dream of having a baby in your arms that fills your heart with immense joy. 

Emotional aspect of IVF treatment you’re never alone in the process

On some days, you may easily feel the wave of positivity and confidence as you imagine living with your baby. Whereas, on the other hand, momentary doubts and uncertainties can creep in. In such moments, it is easy to give into the tricks of your mind. But remember, your perspective matters a lot on your IVF treatment journey. 

Not every IVF cycle works out best on the first attempt, and that’s normal. 

Even in natural processes, conception doesn’t happen immediately. Every individual or couple’s experience is completely unique. In some cases, they are able to conceive in the first cycle, whereas in others multiple cycles take place. 

This doesn’t imply the end of the story—it simply means your body and treatment are working towards the right timing. Rather than bearing the burden of these emotions all on your own, allow yourself to be at ease.

Have honest conversations with your partner: In a healthy manner, talk about your hopes, fears, and concerns. The entire experience of IVF treatment isn’t only a medical process but also quite an emotional one for both you and your partner. Be vulnerable enough to lean on each for hope and support. Also remain connected with an understanding IVF support community. This creates a sense of belongingness and makes you feel more centered.  

Choose a trusted IVF center with experienced doctors that have a clear track record. A courteous and professional team of IVF specialists and embryologists take into account the emotional turmoil as well. Feel free to ask questions, express concerns or even seek counselling if the need be. 

Get inspired with success stories; knowing about a couple who once experienced what you’re going through. Such real life stories remind you that every hiccup along the path is just a short detour and not the end of the tunnel. These stories remind you that setbacks are just temporary detours, not the end of the road.

Have faith in yourself and your doctor. It’s fine if your timeline looks different from others. There is no comparison and thus no hard and fast rule. What matters is you don’t let judgements cloud your thought process.

With all being said, the core message stands that reminds you: You are not just a patient—you are a parent in the making. 

If you’ve been wanting to opt for safe and effective IVF treatment, get in touch with us at Pristyn Care Ferticity IVF & Fertility Clinics.  

Here, we walk this path alongside you and nurture you at every step. Working hard to make your ‘baby dreams’ come true is our foremost priority. Because when science meets compassion, possibilities turn into little heartbeats.

Visit our IVF center in Delhi today and get on with your IVF journey!

Also read IVF Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Manage Them.

How are test tube baby produced? Step by step process

A test-tube baby is a child who is conceived outside the female body. A more complete definition specifies test tube babies as being made in a laboratory through the scientific process of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and grown in the mother’s womb. In a petri dish, the sperm and eggs are combined to start the procedure. However, despite being a well-known term, “test-tube baby” continues to confuse couples seeking medical help for infertility issues.

When is a Test tube baby essential?

Test tube baby is required when the couple is unable to conceive naturally in spite of regular unprotected intercourse for a year. Few indications of  test tube baby are:

• When there is no ovulation
• When there is some problem with the egg.
• When there is damage to both or one of the fallopian tubes.
• When a premature ovarian failure takes place.
• When the woman has severe endometriosis.
• When the male partner has insufficient sperm.
• When either one or both partners have any kind of sexual dysfunction.
• When intrauterine insemination fails.

What is the step by step process of a test tube baby?

Step 1: Hormone Therapy And Egg Production

The first step in the test tube baby process is to encourage the growth of eggs inside the female’s body. Mainly, Gonadotropins and GnRHa, two injectable, medically prescribed hormones, are used to do this. The female receives these injectable hormones in a titrated dose, which cause the follicles already existing in her ovaries to develop and mature. hCG injection is used to complete the final stage of egg maturation. Egg collection is done  36 hours after receiving injection hCG.

Step 2: Eggs Retrieval

After hormone therapy, the next step is to collect  the eggs from the body using a minor surgical procedure. To minimize any potential discomfort, the procedure is done under general or local anesthesia. The eggs are retrieved  using a vaginal ultrasonography probe with an attached needle. The needle is inserted in each ovary and fluid from all formed follicles are aspirated. The fluid is seen under the microscope to identify the eggs, which are then kept in a petri dish in a specialized media in the incubator.

Step 3: Sperm Collection

The day the eggs are retrieved from the female’s body, the male also has to submit a fresh sample of semen. This is needed because the following, and most important, stage in the creation of a test-tube baby requires the collection of both sperm and eggs.

Step 4: Petri Dish

The mixing of the collected sperm and eggs in a petri dish is one of the most crucial procedures in the entire test tube baby procedure. The petri dish is stored in an incubator after the sperm and eggs have been combined. The specialist examines the mixture to look for any evidence of fertilization the next day and also keeps track of the development of the embryo in following days. This is necessary to make sure the embryo is growing well and to ascertain that embryo is ready for the transfer to the uterus.

Step 5: Final Transfer to Uterus

Transferring the prepared embryos into the uterus completes the process of creating a test tube baby. A very fine catheter is used to transfer one to three distinct embryos to the woman’s uterus. Hormonal support is given after the embryo transfer to support the possible pregnancy.

However, 14 days following the embryo transfer procedure, blood beta HCG levels are checked to see if you’re pregnant. For a single embryo transfer cycle during a test tube pregnancy, the success rate is up to 50 %, and for three embryo transfer cycles, the success rate is a cumulative 85–90%. However, the success rate depends on numerous factors and varies from couple to couple. 

Who Should Consider IVF Treatment?

Any couple who has tried to get pregnant for a year and been unsuccessful should think about getting fertility treatments. It is crucial that they speak with a fertility specialist in order to accurately diagnose the cause of their infertility and receive the appropriate care. 

What is Hyperspermia?

People who make more semen than the normal range, more than 5 milliliters per ejaculation, are said to have hyperspermia. The primary components of semen are testicular sperm and other fluids from the prostate and seminal vesicles. Semen is secreted by the penis during an orgasm and nourishes the sperm as it fertilizes an egg.

Even though hyperspermia is uncommon and less prevalent than hypospermia, which occurs when a man makes ejaculate that is less than 1.5 milliliters, a higher concentration of sperm might cause problems with male infertility. Luckily, this illness does not cause any significant health problems. But what’s the bad news? It may make it less likely for a couple to conceive successfully.

The reasons behind hyperspermia

• Increased Production of Semen: The male reproductive system may produce too much seminal fluid as a result of increased activity in the prostate or seminal vesicles.
• Hormonal Levels: The overproduction of semen can cause changes in the levels of hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone.
• Habits and Lifestyle Decisions: Substance abuse, prolonged periods of not ejaculating, and inactivity may all increase the volume of semen.
• Drugs and health conditions: Hyperspermia is also known to be a side effect of prostatitis and a number of medications, especially steroids and hormones.
• Prolonged Abstinence: Longer intervals between ejaculations may lead to increased semen volume.
• Infections or Inflammation: Conditions such as prostatitis or seminal vesiculitis can sometimes cause excessive semen production.

High Sperm Count Symptoms

The major signs of high sperm count are given below:-

• Increased Semen Volume: The primary indicator is a noticeable increase in the amount of ejaculate.
• Delayed Ejaculation: Some men may experience difficulty achieving ejaculation.
• Lower Sperm Concentration: While total sperm count might be normal or high, the concentration of sperm in the semen may be lower due to dilution.
• Possible Fertility Issues: Although hyperspermia is not typically associated with infertility, diluted semen could reduce the chances of conception in some cases.
• Discomfort During Ejaculation: Rarely, the increased volume might cause mild discomfort during ejaculation.
  

What Is the Diagnosis for Hyperspermia?

Your doctor will conduct several tests to diagnose the health of your semen and determine if hyperspermia is a primary condition or has developed due to some other condition. 

• Comprehensive Assessment

The doctor carries out a holistic physical examination to assess the abnormalities in the male reproductive organs and signs of other health issues, if any. 

• Blood Tests

In order to determine any kind of hormonal abnormalities, such as, low testosterone levels, Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH), or any other hormonal imbalance, blood tests are done. 

• Imaging Tests

To identify any structural issues in the male reproductive system that may be causing hyperspermia or leading to infertility, imaging tests or ultrasounds are done by the doctor

• Semen Analysis 

A doctor measures a few of the crucial parameters during semen analysis. Semen volume is the primary factor to ascertain hyperspermia. Sperm count, motility, quality, and morphology are a few of the other parameters that are assessed to identify the fertility-related issues.

Side Effects of Hyperspermia

The following are the side effects of too much sperm. 

• Potential Impact on Fertility: Diluted semen could affect sperm motility or the ability to reach the egg, though this is not always the case.
• Physical Discomfort: Rare instances may involve a feeling of heaviness or mild pain in the genital area due to increased semen production.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Hyperspermia could sometimes signal issues such as infections of the reproductive system, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle factors impacting overall reproductive health.

When to See a Doctor

If hyperspermia is accompanied by the following, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider:

• Persistent discomfort or pain.
• Visible abnormalities in the semen, such as blood (hematospermia).
• Concerns about fertility or difficulties with conception.
• Other symptoms, like fever or urinary issues, might indicate infection.

Hyperspermia is generally benign, but addressing any underlying conditions or concerns is essential for overall reproductive health. A healthcare professional can provide guidance and appropriate evaluations if needed.

FAQs

1. What is considered as the normal semen volume?

Although factors such as age, a man’s holistic health, genetics, etc. can all affect the semen volume, it usually lies between the 1.25–5 ml range. 

2. What is the maximum sperm count in male to get pregnant?

Several factors, like sperm movement, morphology, and motility, play an important role in determining whether pregnancy can be achieved. When discussing the sperm count, a range of 15–20 million sperm per milliliter is regarded as healthy. 

3. What are the reasons of fast ejaculation?

Fast ejaculation, also referred to as premature ejaculation, is caused by depression, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, infections, and other medical conditions  

4. What are the effects of excessive sperm release in men?

Frequent ejaculation does not have any disadvantage as such, but may cause temporary fatigue and loss of energy. Sometimes, too much cum temporarily reduces sperm concentration.  

5. Is hyperspermia a sign of good fertility?

Hyperspermia, or a lot of sperm is not necessarily a sign of good fertility. Other factors, such as sperm motility, morphology, and overall health of the individual, together play a role in determining the fertility.