Health

Infertility and Advanced Fertility Treatments

Infertility is on the rise in India. About 10-15% of married couples in India suffer from infertility and nearly 3 million people are seeking active treatment. Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy even after 1 year of unprotected intercourse.
This could be due to several factors including erratic lifestyle, advanced maternal age, PCOS, irregular periods, fibroids, endometriosis, smoking, lack of exercise, fallopian tube blockage, low sperm count, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive gadget use, environmental toxins, genetic disorders, etc. Fertility problems can be due to issues in either the male or the female partner or both of them. In today’s world of advanced medical management, a wide array of customized fertility treatment options are available to treat infertility.

Dr Meghana Nyapathi, Clinical Head & Fertility Specialist, Oasis Fertility gives us a lowdown.

Fertility Treatments:

A detailed evaluation of both the partners is required before starting the treatment. The investigations will guide the clinician to start the best possible treatment for the couple such that they get the best success rates in the shortest possible time.

a.Ovulation Induction with Timed Intercourse (OI-TI):

OI-TI is the initial step in the management of infertility. Women may not be able to conceive due to irregular cycles or anovulation. OI-TI can help such women in conceiving naturally. In this procedure, certain medications are given for the development of follicles from the women’s ovaries. Superovulation can be done in patients who are ovulating normally to increase the dominant follicles to increase the chances of pregnancy in such couples. Scan and blood tests are done to find out the time when the woman ovulates and the couple is advised to have intercourse at the appropriate time that enhances the chances of natural pregnancy.

b.IUI (Intra-Uterine Insemination):

IUI is one of the basic and cost-effective treatments that helps overcome infertility. The woman is given medications to stimulate the ovaries for the production of eggs or can be done in a natural cycle too. Motile sperms are obtained from a male partner’s semen and injected into a woman’s uterus.

Who needs IUI?

Women with mild endometriosis
Women with ovulatory dysfunction associated with low sperm count and motility
Men with low sperm count and low motility
Men with ejaculation issues
Unexplained infertility

c.IVF (In-vitro Fertilization):

When the preliminary treatment methods don’t help, IVF is the method of treatment to help the couples achieve pregnancy. Here the oocyte and the sperm are fertilized in the laboratory and the resulting embryo is implanted in the uterus.

Who needs IVF?

Women with severe endometriosis
Women with ovulatory disorders who have failed to conceive with only ovulation induction
PCOS
Problems in the fallopian tube
Male factor where the count is low
Men who require Surgical sperm extraction (Treatment through ICSI)
Couples who have cancer

d.Micro-TESE:

Micro-TESE is a ray of hope to men who have issues with their sperm count. Instead of going in for donor sperm, through Micro-TESE, the specific areas in the testicle that contain sperms are identified and sperms are removed surgically which can be used for the IVF process.

e.Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS):

Healthy sperms are essential for the success of IVF treatment. Poor quality sperm can cause miscarriage. MACS is a technique used to segregate healthy sperms for IVF. Some spermatozoa cease to exist through the process of apoptosis. If this kind of sperms fuses with an egg, the resultant embryo may have abnormal development and also may lead to miscarriage. In the MACS technique, spermatozoa are passed through a column with a magnetic field. Apoptotic spermatozoa get retained in the column whereas healthy spermatozoa get collected for later use. In men whose DNA fragmentation is high and also in the case of women with repeated miscarriages, MACS is used.

f.Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT):

PGT is a boon to women who suffer recurrent miscarriages, advanced age, and recurrent negative pregnancy result despite the transfer of normal-looking embryos. Through PGT, embryos with abnormal chromosomes can be detected and removed and only healthy embryos can be chosen for IVF. Embryos with abnormal chromosomes can lead to miscarriage or genetic diseases in the baby. 3 types of PGT screening enable the detection of any chromosomal abnormality in the embryo before implantation in the uterus during an IVF treatment.

PGT-A – Preimplantation genetic screening for abnormal chromosome number

PGT-M – Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic (individual) disease

PGT-SR – Preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements.

PGT also rules out the possibility of the transfer of genetic disorders from parents to the child by analyzing the genes in the embryo before implantation.

g.Fertility Preservation:

Cancer and its treatments like radiation, chemotherapy affect men and women’s fertility. Fertility preservation is an advanced technique by which one can preserve fertility potential before undergoing cancer treatment. Eggs, sperms, or embryos are retrieved from the cancer patient and stored in liquid nitrogen before the commencement of cancer treatment. This helps people who undergo cancer treatment to conceive anytime in the future as per their medical condition.

Infertility doesn’t always put an end to one’s parenthood dream. If couples consult the fertility specialist without delay, there are high chances of overcoming infertility and becoming happy parents.

January 17, 2022

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.

Health

Best in-clinic treatments for summer

Dr Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist and Director of Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., shares expert insights on the best in-clinic treatments for summer, the dos and don’ts of exfoliation, and how to safely achieve a radiant glow. What in-clinic skin treatments should people opt for in summer, and which ones should they avoid? Opt for hydrating treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, Fire & Ice facial, and IV therapies for inner hydration. Avoid excessive exfoliation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Do laser and chemical peel treatments have different effects on the skin during summer? Yes, they work differently, Chemical Peels exfoliate the outer skin layer and help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and age spots. They range from light to deep intensity and require some downtime. Laser Treatments use focused light beams to break down pigmented cells and treat hyperpigmentation. Q-switch lasers – Nd YAG is used for pigmentation. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) lasers are for reducing sun damage. Fractional lasers (538 nm to 1064 nm) target deeper pigmentation. Pigmentation may darken initially before fading gradually, and lasers are safe for all skin types. How do you recommend treating pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure? To treat pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily and wear sun-protective clothing to minimize direct exposure. Topical treatments such as retinoids, hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. For more persistent cases, in-clinic procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and Q-switch laser treatments can effectively reduce pigmentation and improve skin clarity. What role does Vitamin C play in skin brightening, and should it be used more in summer? Vitamin C helps prevent heat rash by reducing sweat gland

Health

Exploring Indian Rice Varieties and Their Health Benefits

India is not just a land of spices and festivals but also a rich treasury of rice varieties. From the snow-fed Himalayan valleys to the sun-soaked southern deltas, rice has been a staple grain in Indian households for centuries. What sets India apart is the sheer diversity of rice grown—over 40,000 varieties! Each variety comes with its own taste, texture, aroma, and health benefits. Hashtag magazine delves into some of the most popular Indian rice varieties and understands how they contribute to your well-being. 1. Basmati Rice Region: North India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand)Features: Long-grain, aromatic, fluffy when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Biryani, pulao, jeera rice, festive meals 2. Sona Masoori Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, KarnatakaFeatures: Medium-grain, lightweight, less polished than basmati Health Benefits: Best Used For: Daily meals, lemon rice, pongal, plain rice 3. Indrayani Rice Region: MaharashtraFeatures: Aromatic, sticky texture when cooked Health Benefits: Best Used For: Khichdi, dal rice, curd rice 4. Gobindobhog Rice Region: West BengalFeatures: Short-grain, aromatic, sticky Health Benefits: Best Used For: Bengali desserts, khichuri, payesh 5. Matta Rice (Rosematta/Red Parboiled Rice) Region: KeralaFeatures: Red-tinted rice, coarse, earthy flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Kerala meals, kanji (rice porridge) 6. Black Rice (Chak Hao) Region: Manipur and Northeast IndiaFeatures: Dark purple-black color, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pudding, salads, stir-fries, special occasions 7. Brown Rice Region: Grown all over IndiaFeatures: Whole grain, chewy texture Health Benefits: Best Used For: Health-conscious meals, grain bowls, pilafs 8. Red Rice Region: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil NaduFeatures: Reddish hue from anthocyanins, nutty flavor Health Benefits: Best Used For: Traditional South Indian meals, power-packed lunches 9. Bamboo Rice Region: Tribal regions of Kerala, Tamil NaduFeatures: Collected from mature bamboo flowers, seasonal and rare Health Benefits: Best Used For: Unique rice dishes, porridge, desserts 10. Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Region: Odisha and West BengalFeatures: Small-grain, mildly aromatic Health Benefits: Best Used For: Pulao, prasad, daily meals Health Tips While Choosing Rice: Conclusion Rice is more than just a