Month: August 2019

Infertility is when a couple has been unsuccessful in efforts to conceive over one full year. Infertility is a condition that affects approximately 1 out of every 6 couples. This is seen in men and women for approximately 30% in both cases.

As per the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) latest findings, there is a significant reduction in the birth rate in Dubai, then in the other parts of the world. In the last 50 years, it has been seen that the average birth rate has dropped down from 6.9 to 1.8 children. Around 50 percent of women in the UAE face infertility issues. One out of every five couples is infertile. Recent research by IVI Middle East counselors also brings to light that the largest number of infertility cases is from the age group of 35-40 in the region. This infertility rate is seen rising in the age group of 20-30 too.

Infertility can be related to several different factors in females, from problems with producing eggs, damage to Fallopian tubes or uterus, problems with the cervix, Age of the women (above 35 years), Low egg reserve, anatomy, and endocrine systems. ”The major cause of infertility in Dubai women is obesity. Most women in Dubai are found with high Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30, this is probably due to sedentary lifestyles, improper eating habits or work stress.” explained Dr.Shiva.

Other factors that impact women’s Infertility include Age, Pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine abnormalities, Vitamin D deficiency, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

In women, the ability to procreate largely depends on age. As a woman grows older, the process of forming and releasing an egg becomes slower and less effective. “Many women wait until their 30s and 40s to have kids. A younger woman’s eggs are less likely than an older woman’s to have genetic abnormalities that cause health conditions such as Down Syndrome. The risk of miscarriage is also lower.” said Dr.Shiva Harikrishnan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynae-Laparoscopic Surgeon, Medcare Women & Children Hospital, Dubai.

Dr. Shiva also noted that despite abundant sunshine, 90 percent of the UAE population suffers from Vitamin D deficiency. “The active form of Vitamin D — calcitriol — not just controls the estrogen content in a woman, but many other genes that are involved in embryo implantation. Women having Vitamin D deficiency can face hormonal imbalance resulting in miscarriage. Lack of vitamin D can also result in complications, such as gestational hypertension and diabetes”.

The reproductive system is shown to be responsive to changes in the physical, chemical and psychological environment. According to NICHD research, the exposure to persistent organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment can affect female infertility. Smoking in both men and women has also been suggested as a cause of infertility. Natural conception is twice as difficult for smoking women, as it reduces the success rates of fertility treatments.

In spite of Dubai being advanced in technology and communication, many women are unaware of their medical conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and uterine abnormalities. They suffer in silence and don’t receive proper treatment. Late diagnosis of these medical conditions results in future infertility.

Women are needed to be consulted and updated on these medical issues frequently. A regular visit to your gynecologist including a pelvic exam or a pap test can lead to early diagnosis of such medical condition and reduces the risk of infertility.

If you as a couple have been unsuccessful in trying to conceive for over a year, speak with a fertility specialist that is usually an obstetrician-gynecologist. At this point, you may want to begin an infertility evaluation.

If you are over 35, consider consulting your gynecologist after four to six months of trying to conceive. Pregnancy is less likely to occur without fertility treatment at this age.

If you want to learn more about fertility treatments, reach out to us by calling +971585904123.

Sources:

https://m.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-health/rising-infertility-a-cause-for-alarm-in-uae-

https://gulfnews.com/going-out/society/obesity-a-major-cause-of-infertility-in-uae-women-1.2203319

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-health/80-success-rate-for-ivf-a-/myth-uae-experts

How to Overcome High-Risk Pregnancies |By Dr. Shiva

High-risk pregnancies require specialized medical care & attention. Learn how to deal with a high-risk pregnancy to keep you & your baby healthy.

Pregnancy is a special time in any woman’s life yet it also comes with a degree of anxiety. From maintaining a healthy diet to getting enough rest every day, you’re likely worried about several baby matters that aren’t limited to picking out names or decorating a nursery. Expecting becomes even more stressful if your doctor has deemed your pregnancy as high-risk.

Having a high-risk pregnancy automatically means that you need to take extra care of your body. Special monitoring from trained providers is also essential to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

What are the causes of high-risk pregnancies?

Often, a high-risk pregnancy results from medical conditions present before pregnancy. In other cases, a medical condition develops during pregnancy that poses health risks either for you or your baby.

Specific factors that also contribute include:

• Advanced maternal age: High-risk pregnancies are common for mothers older than 35 years old.
• Lifestyle choices: Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can put pregnancies at high risk.
• Medical history: Diabetes, chronic hypertension, breathing problems, heart disorders, kidney problems and blood clots can increase pregnancy risks.
• Multiple pregnancies: Pregnancy risks are higher for mothers who are carrying twins or higher order multiples.
• Pregnancy complications: Various complications such as abnormal placenta position, foetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.

What steps can I take to prevent having a high-risk pregnancy?

Whether you’re already aware that you’ll likely to have a high-risk pregnancy or you simply want to help prevent one, here are some tips to minimize the risks.

1.      Schedule a preconception appointment

According to the Dubai Health Authority, there has been a steady improvement in the provision of obstetric and neonatal care in the country. If you want to have a baby soon, don’t be afraid to consult your health care provider or obstetrician. They will counsel you on the measures you need to take as well as the treatment that you’ll need to prepare for pregnancy.

2.      Maintain a healthy diet

During pregnancy, you’ll need more protein, folic acid, iron and calcium. If you have special nutritional needs due to a health condition such as diabetes, talk to your health care provider on how to fill any gaps and mitigate any risks in your diet.

3.      Avoid risky substances

If you’re a smoker, quit as soon as possible. Alcohol and recreational drugs are off-limits as well. If you need to take any vitamins, supplements or medications, ask permission first from your obstetrician.

What can I do to ease my anxiety?

When you’re dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, you might feel nervous about prenatal visits because you’re afraid you’ll hear bad news. You might also be reluctant to think about what the future holds for you and your baby.

Unfortunately, anxiety can affect the health of your pregnancy so it’s best to relax and stay calm despite the situation. Seek support from your family and friends and carve out time in your daily schedule to meditate, nap or find other ways to just live in the moment. Prenatal yoga is also a good option for countering the effects of stress.

Additionally, it’s vital to schedule regular visits to your obstetrician. They will provide you with the specialized medical care that you need to manage your high-risk pregnancy. This includes routine tests and checks to ensure that you are prepared for a healthy delivery.

Click here to view a talk done on high risk pregnancy in which many queries related to this topic have been answered.

If you want to learn more about high-risk pregnancies, reach out to us by calling +971585904123.

The life stages of women are generally divided into infancy, puberty, reproductive age, climacteric period, and the elderly years, in addition to pregnancy and delivery that are generally included as the life events unique to women. Accompanied by considerable hormonal changes, the health status in a particular stage influences the next stage. Gynecological issues are predominantly the major health issues faced by most women after they hit puberty.

So the big question is when should we first go see a Gynecologist?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that young girls should first see a gynecologist when they’re between the ages of 13 and 15 years. In fact, it’s highly recommended that women should have a gynecologic evaluation every year once they hit puberty. Most girls at that age may not need a pelvic exam but it’s a good way to get started with a regular health exam and get them acquainted with a Gynecologist who can guide them on their future development. This will also put girls at ease which will help them share personal information about their health in the future.

Given the increasing the risk of cervical cancer, it is advisable for young girls from 12 years to take HPV vaccination prophylaxis against cervical cancer. At age 21 its time that women should start actively considering preventive care and screenings which includes the below

• Regular gynecological checkups, including a pelvic exam and breast exam
• Pap Smear and HPV testing
• Breast cancer screening
• Discussions about colon cancer screening
• Hormonal testing for menopause
• Immunizations
• Screening for STIs

Sexual health is equally important for the overall well-being of women and includes

–     Birth Control through the use of Contraceptives if any

–     Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STD’s

–     Therapies to help women with sexual function

Gynecology and reproductive health form the next big set of possible health issues for women and usually include the below

• Presence of high-risk HPV
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Endometriosis
• Heavy menstrual cycles
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Other vaginal infections
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Pelvic pain
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder  (PMDD)
• Uterine Fibroids
• Uterine and vaginal prolapse
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Various conditions affecting the vulva and vagina

It’s important to choose the right Gynecologist who can guide you and with whom you can comfortably discuss sensitive topics on personal hygiene, sex, birth control, pregnancy and other problems related to gynecological care.

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