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Tag: Fertility treatment

  • What Is Ovarian Cortex Freezing? Expert Explains Procedure, Age Criteria, Benefits And Tips

    What Is Ovarian Cortex Freezing? Expert Explains Procedure, Age Criteria, Benefits And Tips


    Once, having kids marked the end of an actress’s career, constrained by a ticking biological clock. Today, the narrative shifts as actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Mona Singh, and Tanishaa Mukerji opt for egg freezing, defying traditional constraints.

    In an exclusive interview with Zee News English, Dr Firuza R. Parikh, MD PhD, Director Well Women Center at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai shares more about female reproductive health and how women can opt for a different procedure if they want to have children a little later in life or due to any other medical condition.

    What is Ovarian Cortex Freezing (OTC)?

    Dr Firuza says, “Ovarian Cortex Freezing (OTC) is emerging as a groundbreaking procedure for fertility preservation, originally designed for women undergoing cancer treatments that threaten ovarian function. However, its applications have expanded to include elective fertility preservation and delaying menopause. This article explores the nuances of OTC, comparing it to traditional egg freezing and delving into its benefits, procedures, success rates, and associated costs.”

    Ovarian Cortex Freezing vs. Egg Freezing: Are they similar? 

    Unlike traditional egg freezing, “OTC does not require hormonal stimulation. The absence of ovarian stimulation enables the procedure to be performed promptly, without the need for multiple cycles. OTC allows for the freezing of hundreds to thousands of immature eggs, providing a more robust fertility preservation solution”, highlights Dr Firuza.

    Ovarian Cortex Freezing (OTC): Procedure and Retransplantation

    Dr Firuza explains, “The OTC procedure involves a laparoscopy to remove a portion of the ovarian cortex. The extracted tissue is meticulously processed in the laboratory, where it is frozen using a slow freezing technique. The frozen tissue can later be retransplanted orthotopically or heterotopically, near the fallopian tube or on the abdominal wall. The regrowth of ovarian tissue post-retransplantation leads to the production of natural hormones, preventing early onset menopause.”

    What is the downtime with OTC?

    “One of the notable advantages of OTC is its minimal downtime. After the laparoscopy, women can resume light activities the following day and return to full activities within 2 to 3 days, making it a convenient option for many”, adds Dr Firuza.

    What is the world-wide success rate with OTC?

    Dr Firuza explains, “Despite its low usage rate (8.7%), OTC boasts a high success rate after autotransplantation, with an 86% restoration of ovarian function and a 57% live-birth rate, showcasing its efficacy as a fertility preservation method.”

    Is there any age limit for OTC procedure?

    For elective or social freezing, OTC is typically offered until the age of 36. “Beyond this age, the quality and quantity of remaining eggs decline significantly, with the woman’s Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) becoming a crucial factor in determining the appropriateness of OTC”, says Dr Firuza.

    Ovarian Cortex Freezing (OTC): Benefits

    “Apart from increasing pregnancy chances, OTC contributes to hormone production. The natural hormones produced by this method may offer advantages over medical Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), providing an additional dimension to its benefits.”

    Ovarian Cortex Freezing (OTC): Cost

    Dr Firuza concluded, “The cost of OTC includes the laparoscopy procedure, ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakhs, depending on hospital services and additional procedures. The freezing of ovarian tissue costs approximately Rs. 2 lakhs, covering the first year of ovarian tissue cryostorage. In comparison to two cycles of ovarian stimulation and egg freezing, OTC proves to be a cost-effective option.”



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  • Exclusive: Fertility Treatment Taking Its Toll On Job? Expert Shares Step To Maintain Work-Life Balance

    Exclusive: Fertility Treatment Taking Its Toll On Job? Expert Shares Step To Maintain Work-Life Balance


    Infertility – the inability to conceive – is a major health problem that affects people physically and more so, emotionally. In fact, one study pointed out that infertility can prove to be as traumatic a life event as receiving a cancer diagnosis. While the advancement of science means the availability of many infertility treatments, apart from the cost factor, they can be time-consuming and add to your stress. And when you have to balance your career with infertility treatment, it can further make life difficult for you. Dr Aswati Nair, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Rajouri Garden, Delhi, shares key tips as to how to maintain work-life balance when undergoing fertility treatments.

    “One in eight individuals, approximately, experiences difficulties when attempting to conceive, making infertility a prevalent concern that affects a large number of individuals and couples worldwide. Over time, there has been a gradual increase in the demand for fertility treatments,” shares Dr Nair. She adds, ” In recent times, there has been a noticeable surge among the working population in search of fertility solutions. Consequently, many individuals are apprehensive about managing their full-time work commitments effectively while undergoing fertility treatments. The resounding answer to their concern is a definite yes. Balancing work responsibilities and IVF treatment is feasible, but it necessitates prioritising one’s health and well-being without overburdening oneself.”

    Navigating Fertility Treatments: Facing Challenges

    Dr Aswati Nair says that finding the right balance between work and fertility treatment requires careful planning, communication with employers, and taking necessary breaks when needed to ensure both physical and emotional well-being. Talking about the challenges faced, Dr Nair says, “Beyond the evident physical and emotional toll of fertility treatments, the time and energy commitment poses significant challenges for individuals. Fertility treatment involves an excruciating journey dotted by frequent clinical visits for procedures such as bloodwork, ultrasounds, and consultations. Furthermore, adherence to strict medication schedules, which include timely medications and injections, adds another layer of complexity to the process. Amalgamating these factors with the stress and emotional burden, contribute to a taxing experience for individuals undergoing fertility treatments. Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential as it not only helps in increasing conception chances but also improves one’s quality of life.”

    Fertility Treatments: How To Maintain Balanced Living

    Dr Nair lists the following few steps for accomplishing work-life balance:

    Acknowledge The Timelines: Once you’ve resolved your uncertainties and opted for the In Vitro Fertilization or IVF procedure, your subsequent task is to familiarise yourself with the procedure’s timeline. Take note of the early morning or evening appointments you’ll need to attend at the clinic. Additionally, compile a record of the days when you’ll require time off from work. This proactive approach will aid in better organization and preparation, ensuring you can manage your work commitments effectively while undergoing the IVF process.

    Plan Well Ahead: Before initiating the possibility of flexible working hours, it is crucial to have a plan well ahead in advance to keep up your productivity and avoid last-minute chaos. You possess the most comprehensive understanding of your job responsibilities, so crafting the most effective strategy lies within your expertise. Preparing a solid plan and demonstrating the shifts, helps individuals from both parties to keep the expectations in check and manage effectively.

    Physical Comfort Is A Must: To cope with physical discomfort, consider updating your work attire. Opt for comfortable and flattering pieces like flowing tunics, wrap dresses, and comfortable flats. Consuming small and frequent meals and snacks works wonders for many.

    Slow But Steady: While undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, it’s important to manage your ongoing responsibilities effectively. It is crucial to take a breather time and again and avoid overwhelming yourself. It’s perfectly acceptable to ease up on both personal and professional aspirations during this period. Overextending yourself might interfere with your scheduled appointments, potentially impacting the success of the treatment. Moreover, the added stress and pressure might decrease your chances of conceiving.

    Also Read: PCOS Awareness Month: What Is PCOD And Why It Causes Weight Gain? Foods To Eat And Avoid

    Self Care Is Important In Fertility Treatments

    “In addition to the above changes, following a few measures to inculcate in your personal life to ensure a smooth fertility journey,” shares Dr Nair. She mentions the following points:

    Partner With Your Spouse: Collaborating with your spouse is key to navigating this challenging phase. By working together to handle personal and household tasks, reduce anxiousness and foster a positive environment for one another. Remember not to shoulder the entire burden on your own; teamwork is paramount in this journey.

    Schedule Self-Care: Allocate consistent time for engaging in activities that help alleviate stress. Whether it’s journaling, cooking, baking, taking walks and spending time with nature; these activities can contribute to reducing stress levels. Exploring deep breathing techniques and participating in mindfulness classes or utilizing mindfulness apps can also yield similar advantages. Discover the methods that resonate most with you and incorporate them into your routine for effective stress management.

    Quality Sleep: Ensuring quality sleep is crucial during this period, hence individuals should strive to achieve a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night while undergoing treatments. Creating a conducive sleep environment and adopting healthy sleep habits can significantly contribute to managing stress, supporting your body’s processes, and overall well-being during this time.

    “Flexible work arrangements and support are essential as they enable employees undergoing IVF to attend frequent medical appointments and administer daily hormonal injections without undue stress. Implementing such arrangements demonstrates a supportive workplace environment that recognizes the unique needs of each and every working staff. Leaders who take the time to comprehend the IVF journey can approach an employee’s fertility experience with empathy and compassion, fostering a culture of understanding and care within the organization,” s



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  • Hormone Treatment May Help Couple With Unexplained Infertility: Study

    Hormone Treatment May Help Couple With Unexplained Infertility: Study


    A small study of couples facing unexplained infertility reveals that hormone therapy may boost the chances of having a baby. The trial, presented at the 39th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), compared couples trying to conceive naturally with couples where the woman used a vaginal progesterone treatment during the second half of her menstrual cycle. The researchers say a larger experiment is now needed, but given the treatment is safe and inexpensive, it could eventually benefit many people suffering from infertility all over the world.

    The study was presented by Dr Claudia Raperport, a researcher at Queen Mary University of London, (UK). It included 143 couples who had unexplained infertility, a diagnosis that affects around one-third of couples referred to fertility services. All the participants used ovulation test kits to plan intercourse for three menstrual cycles. Half of the women were given the treatment of 400 milligrams of progesterone via a twice-daily vaginal suppository for 14 days.

    Among the women treated with progesterone, 11 out of 72 (15.3%) had babies. Among the women who were not treated, 5 out of 71 (7.0%) had babies. Although the birth rate was more than doubled with treatment, the small numbers mean that this could have happened by chance.

    Among the women treated with progesterone who became pregnant, the rate of miscarriage was 20%, compared with 40% in the untreated group. Among women who took progesterone according to the treatment protocol (throughout the second half of their menstrual cycle and early pregnancy with no breaks), there were no miscarriages. Again, the numbers are too small for researchers to be sure these results did not happen by chance.

    Vaginal progesterone has been safely used for over 30 years with minimal side effects alongside other fertility treatments such as IVF. The cost for three months of treatment would be around EUR200 or less. Dr Raperport said: “The cost of progesterone is minimal compared to the cost of IVF and other fertility treatments. It also carries far less clinical risk, and physical and emotional burden for the couples involved. We need to do further research to prove these results in a larger group of people, but this trial suggests a potential treatment for couples with unexplained fertility. Given its safety and low price, there is no harm in offering this treatment in the meantime.”

    It is well established that progesterone levels increase in the second half of the menstrual cycle to help prepare the lining of the womb to receive a fertilised egg. Women are usually offered a test to check the levels of progesterone in their blood. However, previous research in women experiencing infertility suggests that even when levels of progesterone are high in the blood, this does not always correspond with the changes to the womb lining that are needed for a fertilised egg to implant.

    Also Read: Exclusive: Is Homeopathy ‘Placebo’ And ‘Dangerous’? Expert Addresses 10 Common Doubts

    “It could be that treating women with vaginal progesterone is helping the womb to become more receptive to a fertilised egg,” she added.

    The chair of ESHRE, Professor Carlos Calhaz-Jorge from the Northern Lisbon Hospital Centre and the Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon (Portugal), was not involved in this research. He said: “Lots of research has focused on using progesterone to prevent miscarriage once pregnancy has been established. This study indicates that progesterone could also be used from the time a woman ovulates to help a fertilised egg implant in the womb in cases of unexplained infertility.

    If it is proven in a larger study, this treatment could reduce miscarriage and increase the chances of having a baby for those couples with unexplained infertility. Given the low cost of this treatment, it has enormous potential to help some couples avoid more complex treatments, particularly those living in parts of the world where fertility treatments like IVF are unaffordable or unavailable.” Dr Raperport is planning to run a second trial with more couples at several hospitals and is currently seeking funding for this project.





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