March 2025

In Vitro Fertilization

Egg Freezing: Is It the Right Choice for You?

In today’s fast-paced world, more women are choosing to delay motherhood for personal, professional, or medical reasons. Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has emerged as a promising option for those who want to preserve their fertility for the future. But is it the right choice for you? Understanding the process, benefits, risks, and ideal candidates can help you make an informed decision. What is Egg Freezing? Egg freezing is a medical procedure that allows women to preserve their eggs at a younger, healthier stage for future use. The process involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones to produce multiple mature eggs, retrieving them, and then freezing them using a technique called vitrification (rapid freezing). These eggs can later be thawed, fertilized with sperm, and implanted into the uterus through in vitro fertilization (IVF) when the woman is ready to conceive. Who Should Consider Egg Freezing? Egg freezing is an excellent option for women in various situations, including: 1. Women Who Want to Delay Motherhood Many women prioritize their careers, education, or personal growth before starting a family. However, since fertility declines with age, freezing eggs at a younger age (ideally before 35) preserves better-quality eggs for future pregnancy. 2. Women with Medical Conditions Affecting Fertility Certain medical conditions and treatments can negatively impact fertility, including: Cancer treatments (chemotherapy/radiation): These can damage the ovaries, reducing fertility potential. Endometriosis: A condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting ovarian function. Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus): These conditions can impact ovarian health over time.Egg freezing offers a fertility safety net for women undergoing medical treatments that might compromise reproductive health. 3. Women with a Family History of Early Menopause Some women experience premature ovarian failure (early menopause) due to genetic factors. Freezing eggs in their 20s or early 30s can safeguard against future fertility challenges. How Does the Egg Freezing Process Work? The egg freezing process involves several steps: 1. Ovarian Stimulation (10-14 Days) You will be given hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle. You will need blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor egg development. 2. Egg Retrieval (Day Care Procedure) Once the eggs reach maturity, they are retrieved using a minimally invasive procedure called follicular aspiration under mild sedation. 3. Freezing the Eggs The retrieved eggs are rapidly frozen using vitrification, which prevents ice crystal formation and maintains egg quality. 4. Future Use When ready for pregnancy, the frozen eggs are thawed, fertilized with sperm, and implanted in the uterus through IVF. Success Rates of Egg Freezing The success of egg freezing depends on factors such as: Age at the time of freezing : Eggs frozen before age 35 have a higher chance of resulting in a healthy pregnancy. Number of eggs frozen : Freezing more eggs increases the likelihood of future success. Egg quality : Younger eggs are typically of higher quality, leading to better outcomes.Your chances of success are higher with a higher number of frozen eggs and that’s why fertility specialists recommend freezing at least 10-20 eggs. Advantages of Egg Freezing Preserves fertility at a younger age Provides reproductive freedom and flexibility Reduces anxiety about age-related infertility Beneficial for medical or personal reasons Is Egg Freezing Right for You? Egg freezing is a proactive fertility option. Consider the following when making a decision: Your age: The earlier you freeze your eggs, the better. Your reproductive goals: If you plan to have children later, this can be a great backup. Medical history : If you have conditions that may affect fertility, freezing eggs early is a smart choice. Emotional and financial factors : The process can be expensive and emotionally demanding.Egg freezing is an empowering choice for women who want to take control of their reproductive future. It significantly increases the chances of having a biological child later in life. At Ananta Fertility, we provide expert guidance, advanced technology, and compassionate care to help you make the best fertility decisions.If you’re considering egg freezing, schedule a consultation with our specialists today to explore your options and take the first step toward securing your fertility future. Book An Appointment

Infertility

Stress and Infertility: How Mental Health Impacts Conception

For couples trying to conceive, the journey to parenthood can be an emotional rollercoaster. While physical health plays a key role in fertility, mental well-being is equally important. Stress is often overlooked, but research suggests that chronic stress can negatively impact reproductive health and make conception more challenging. Understanding the link between stress and infertility can help couples take proactive steps toward improving their chances of conceiving. How Stress Affects Fertility When the body experiences stress—whether due to work pressure, financial concerns, relationship issues, or the frustration of unsuccessful conception attempts—it triggers a biological response. The body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt the delicate balance of reproductive hormones. For Women High stress levels may interfere with the normal production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones essential for a healthy menstrual cycle leading to ovulation issues. For Men Chronic stress has been linked to lower sperm count, poor sperm movement, and abnormal sperm shape, reducing the chances of fertilization.Stress-related lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, or lack of sleep, can further harm sperm quality. The Vicious Cycle: Stress, Infertility, and More Stress For many couples, infertility itself becomes a significant source of stress. The longer conception takes, the more anxiety and emotional distress it can cause. This can create a frustrating cycle—stress leads to fertility issues, and difficulty conceiving leads to more stress. Studies have shown that couples undergoing fertility treatments often experience levels of stress similar to those diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Signs of Stress-Induced Infertility While stress affects individuals differently, some common signs that it may be interfering with fertility include: Irregular or missed menstrual cycles Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep) Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression Loss of libido (reduced sexual desire) Unexplained headaches or muscle tension Managing Stress to Improve Fertility Reducing stress and prioritizing mental well-being can improve fertility outcomes. Here are some effective strategies to help manage stress: 1. Practice Relaxation Techniques Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation. These practices help lower cortisol levels and promote hormonal balance. 2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support reproductive health.Exercise regularly, but avoid excessive high-intensity workouts, which can sometimes disrupt ovulation.Get enough sleep to allow the body to recover and regulate hormones effectively. 3. Seek Emotional Support Talking to a partner, friend, or counsellor about fertility struggles can help alleviate emotional stress. Support groups or therapy sessions can provide guidance and reassurance. 4. Limit Negative Thoughts and Anxiety Engage in mindfulness practices to stay present and reduce overthinking.Focus on activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as hobbies or time spent with loved ones. When to Seek Professional Help If stress and anxiety feel overwhelming or if infertility persists despite lifestyle changes, consulting a fertility specialist is crucial. A fertility expert can assess underlying medical conditions and recommend appropriate treatments while providing emotional support throughout the process.While stress alone may not cause infertility, it can significantly impact reproductive health and make conception more challenging. Prioritizing mental well-being, reducing stress, and seeking professional guidance when needed can improve fertility and overall health. At Ananta Fertility, we understand the emotional challenges of infertility and are here to provide compassionate support and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.If you’re struggling with fertility concerns, reach out to us today—because your journey to parenthood matters. Book An Appointment

In Vitro Fertilization

Understanding Your Fertile Window: Best Time to Conceive Naturally

For couples trying to conceive, understanding the fertile window is crucial. The fertile window is the time during a woman’s menstrual cycle when she is most likely to get pregnant. By identifying this period, couples can maximize their chances of conception naturally. What is the Fertile Window? The fertile window refers to the days in a woman’s cycle when pregnancy is most likely to occur. This period includes the day of ovulation and the five days leading up to it. Ovulation is the process where a mature egg is released from the ovary and is ready to be fertilized by sperm. Since sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, having intercourse during this time increases the likelihood of conception. Several methods can help track ovulation and determine the fertile window: 1. Menstrual Cycle Tracking A regular menstrual cycle typically lasts between 28 to 32 days, though variations are normal. Ovulation generally occurs around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. The fertile window, therefore, is from days 9 to 14. If your cycle is shorter or longer, ovulation may occur earlier or later. 2. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method Measuring your basal body temperature every morning before getting out of bed can help track ovulation. A slight rise in temperature (about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit) indicates that ovulation has occurred. Tracking BBT over several months helps predict future ovulation dates. 3. Cervical Mucus Method Changes in cervical mucus can also indicate fertility. As ovulation approaches, cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and similar to egg whites, creating an ideal environment for sperm to travel and fertilize the egg. Observing these changes can help pinpoint the best time to conceive. 4. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) OPKs detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. A positive result indicates that ovulation is likely to occur within the next 12 to 36 hours. These kits are useful for couples who want a more precise method of tracking ovulation. 5. Monitoring Physical Symptoms Some women experience physical signs of ovulation, such as mild pelvic pain, breast tenderness, or increased libido. Paying attention to these signals can provide additional clues about ovulation timing. Best Time to Have Intercourse for Conception To maximize the chances of conception, couples should have intercourse during the fertile window. Ideally, engaging in intercourse every 1-2 days starting five days before ovulation and continuing through ovulation day and the next can increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Factors That Influence Fertility Several factors can affect fertility and the chances of conceiving naturally: Age: A woman’s fertility declines with age, especially after 35, as the number and quality of eggs decrease. Lifestyle Choices : Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and high caffeine intake can negatively impact fertility. Stress Levels : Chronic stress can interfere with hormonal balance and ovulation. Weight : Being underweight or overweight can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles. Medical Conditions : Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and thyroid disorders can affect fertility. When to Seek Medical Help If you have been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if over 35) without success, consulting a fertility specialist is recommended. A specialist can conduct fertility assessments, identify potential issues, and recommend treatment options if needed.Understanding your fertile window is a key step in the journey to conception. By tracking ovulation, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and timing intercourse correctly, couples can enhance their chances of conceiving naturally. If challenges persist, the fertility expert at Ananta Fertility can provide additional support and solutions.For personalized fertility advice and advanced reproductive care, reach out to Ananta Fertility and Women Wellness. Our specialists are here to help you on your path to parenthood! Book An Appointment

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