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Trying to conceive: What tests & lifestyle changes before IVF?

Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |30 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2024

Dr Nandita Palshetkar is the medical director of Bloom IVF.
She is a pioneer in ICSI, laser hatching, spindle view, oocyte and embryo freezing, IMSI, in vivo vaginal culture, metabolomics, embryoscope and spindle check technologies.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr Nandita is managing 10 centres across India.
She has written over 100 papers, edited 25 books and given over 1,000 lectures and speeches.
She has also won several prestigious awards, including the Dronacharya Award (2021), the Bharat Gaurav Award at the House of Commons in London (2014) and the Inspiring Gynaecologists of India (2018) to name a few.
Dr Nandita completed her MBBS from Grant Medical College and Sir J J Hospital, Mumbai, and her MD in obstetrics and gynaecology from Mumbai University."... more
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 05, 2024Hindi
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Hi Doctor, I am Neha, 34 years old, a marketing professional from Mumbai. My job can be pretty stressful at times. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for the past three years without success. Recently, my gynecologist suggested we consider IVF. While I’m open to the idea, I’m also anxious about what lies ahead. Could you please explain what tests and evaluations are required before starting the IVF process? I want to know if these tests can predict the chances of success. Also, considering my hectic work schedule, should I make any lifestyle changes to improve our odds?

Ans: Hello Neha considering you are 34 years, and trying to conceive since 3 years
First of all, you both need to undergo blood test
1) Neha:
CBC, Blood Sugars, Vit B12, Vit D, Liver and Kidney screening, hormonal (TSH AND PROLACTIN), viral markers test and most important AMH LEVEL to know ovarian reserve.
Usg pelvis tp rule out fibroids, ovarian cyst
2) Husband:
Blood Sugars
Semen analysis to know about sperm count, motility.
These tests can give an idea about both. Fertility level and any particular supplements needed and chances of successful pregnancy.
Considering hectic lifestyle certain measures to be taken
1) stress management: yoga, walks, exercise, meditation
2) adequate sleep at least 6 to 7 hours
3) Adequate exercise and walks which releases endorphins , dopamine and good hormones needed for hormone circulation.
4) Good nutrition:
Contains antioxidants
Vit B6, Vit B12, Omega 3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, Vit D, green veggies, fruits, eggs, chicken for protein
5) your gynec will advise certain supplements to be taken for additional supplements.
DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |30 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2024Hindi
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My name is Priya, and I’m 36 years old. I work at a school in Pune. My husband and I have recently decided to go ahead with IVF after struggling with unexplained infertility for four years. While I’m hopeful about becoming a mother, I’m also quite nervous about the ovarian stimulation process and the egg retrieval procedure. Could you please explain the potential risks and side effects of these steps? I have read about complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. I want to be as informed and prepared as possible before we start this journey. Thank you for your guidance.
Ans: Hello Priya, since you are 36 years, married since 4 years, primary infertility, yes, ivf is a better option.
Many patients have lots of myths regarding ivf treatment. But with modern injections and process of egg retrieval it's not that difficult as it seems to be.
The injections which have to be given for 10 to 12 days are either intramuscular in the muscle) or subcutaneous (just below the skin). Easy to be taken. We get injections in PEN form too like insulin injection which is easy to operate and can be self-injected. The effects of the injections are till the process. It doesn't have long lasting side effects.
The main side effects:
1) nausea vomit
2) breast tenderness
3) bloating
4) headache
5) mood swings and hot flushes
6) fatigue
7) pain after egg retrieval
8) cramping
9) constipation due to progesterone therapy
10) ovarian hyperstimulation
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs when fertility drugs overstimulate the ovaries, causing them to swell and release chemicals into the bloodstream.
Symptoms:
Severe abdominal pain.
Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting.
Blood clots.
Decreased urination.
Shortness of breath.
Tight or enlarged abdomen.
To consult the doctor if above symptoms to decide if need of hospitalization
So, tat investigations and necessary treatment can be done
But with regular ultrasound and modern injections, ohss is become very rare and treatable

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Kanchan Rai  |442 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2024Hindi
Relationship
I have a friend for over 9 years. She is 38, married with a 13 yr old boy and I am single and 32. Ever since we have known each other we have been friends. I never had romantic feelings or intimate thoughts about her(I guess I am not that much into married women). Over the course of years since 2015, we have had a very close friendship and at a professional capacity I am tutor to her child.(The child has been hanging out with me since he was 4). Me and the lady went for vacations and have spent countless nights on the balcony with a drink and lots to talk about our lives. I am thoroughly aware of her troubled marriage including instances of DV and her complicated upper middle class family dynamics. She knows my childhood, how I lost my parents and has been close watcher of how I have transformed over the years. In 2020 in a moment of my weakness, loneliness, desperation I spoke to her extensively even breaking down and she somehow made the call the treatment me like a son and I have ever since addressed her as 'Maate'. (My mother passed away in childbirth so my knowledge of a mother's presence is next to 0) During the pandemic where we could barely meet during to distance and lockdown. Her husband also moved to UK for work. A new "friend" comes to the picture. I did not meet him at the beginning but after a few months, I notice my friend taking care of the finances, lifestyle choices of the"friend". He enjoys the involvement citing how difficult his life was where his parents could not provide such interactions when he was a kid. (The "friend" is 28 years old). The "friend" also a leukaemia survivor indulges in alcohol with us, tries other substances in her company and one night confesses his feelings to Maate. Maate tells him that she has a kid, a husband and a boyfriend so those spectrums there is no space for the "friend". So the "friend" officially friendzones himself but over the times has arranged him to stay in her place, sleep in her bed, cuddle with her everynight(can't sleep otherwise) has access to her emails, photos, phone password, and subtly starts taking control over her house to get things done his way. He even does not allow the 13 yr old child sleep with his mom because the child gets a pole in his sleep(like of teens and men) it creeps the "friend" out. Finally after a night of drinking I suddenly woke up to sounds of moaning early in the morning from her bathroom. So the "friend" finally had his long overdue sex at 6 am in the morning in her bathroom. I wake to listen to Maate moaning buty paranoia kicks in when I see her kid waking up and standing behind me and asking 'where is Mamma'. I have no words, I have no idea what to do. I take him away on the pretext of making some yummy breakfast. Now the problem for me is: 1. I have lived by a few codes and one of them is not to cross boundaries with female friends. I have stayed friends with them for over 2 decades. So someone doing it infront of me and calling it friendship and apologizing with the words 'heat of the moment','honest mistake', 'drunken daze', etc just makes me call it bullshit. The "friend" wanted it and took the first shot he got. 2. My Maate asking me to let it go, forgive and treat the "friend" like a younger brother. I have tried it a lot over the last year and I sincerely can't(because of reasons mentioned in Point 1) 3. Saying it to openly to Maate has starined my equation with her. I just want to stay away from such a "friend" but evidently voicing it out (albeit in a very loud manner) pushed away my closest confidant. The only thing I know is if things get better I can't pull of this pretentious stuff and it will make me burst again. I don't know what to do here.
Ans: You’ve built your life around certain principles—one being the importance of boundaries and respect in friendships. Seeing those boundaries crossed in a way that you perceive as disrespectful to the sanctity of your connection with Maate, as well as her responsibilities as a mother, strikes at the heart of your values. It’s no wonder that you feel uneasy and unable to simply accept her request to forgive and treat the “friend” as a younger brother.

What’s critical here is that your feelings of discomfort are not about being judgmental but about being protective—of your bond with Maate, her child’s well-being, and your own emotional integrity. This situation has left you in a moral and emotional bind. You value the relationship with Maate, but the dynamic involving the “friend” is deeply troubling for you.

To move forward, you need to find a way to honor your values while also preserving your emotional well-being. Open communication is key, but it’s also clear that the way this has been discussed so far has caused strain. You might need to reframe your approach. Instead of focusing on the specifics of what happened or pointing out the flaws in the “friend’s” behavior, you could focus on how the situation has affected you. Express your feelings honestly but gently—share how it has created a sense of distance and how much you miss the closeness and trust you once shared.

At the same time, it’s important to set boundaries for yourself. You don’t have to accept the “friend” into your life if it feels wrong to you. However, you can make it clear to Maate that this boundary is about your own peace of mind and not a judgment of her choices. Acknowledge her autonomy while asserting your need for space from situations that make you uncomfortable.

Ultimately, this might mean accepting that the relationship with Maate will change. Relationships evolve, and sometimes people we care about make choices that we can’t fully align with. It doesn’t mean you have to sever ties, but it does mean redefining the terms of your connection in a way that allows you to stay true to yourself.

Take time to reflect on what you need to feel whole and grounded. This situation has understandably shaken you, but it’s also an opportunity to reaffirm your values and protect your well-being. Seek support from others you trust, and remember that it’s okay to take a step back to process your feelings and recalibrate the relationship on your terms.

...Read more

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Milind Vadjikar  |773 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

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Ravi Mittal  |469 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

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Ravi Mittal  |469 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 15, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
We met through Arranged Marriage Platform & after a few Months of Courtship, we got Engaged & some Gifts were Exchanged between both Families. His Family never asked for any Dowry at all & my Fiance vehemently refused to accept any Dowry. I liked their Progressive Values. Our Wedding is Scheduled for February 2025. But, since the Tragic Case of Atul Subhash committing Suicide due to False Harassment Case by his Wife, has become a Sensation, my Fiance has been feeling quite Disturbed & Apprehensive. He has proposed that both of us Sign a Pre-Nuptial Agreement, wherein I & my Family Members would give a Written Declaration that there was absolutely No Dowry, Demanded by them or Given by us. And he also wants me to give it in Writing, that, in case, we have to get Divorced, I wouldn't be Demanding any Alimony from him (unless it's for the Maintenance of Children, if any). He has also proposed many other Clauses in the Agreement that describe in detail, how we would be Sharing our Finances, Assets & Liabilities and what would be done about our Joint Assets & Liabilities, in case of Divorce. He wants me to Refuse any Share of his Parental or Ancestral Property as he too wouldn't want any of my Familial Property. I feel that signing an Agreement of Divorce, before getting Married, is Inauspicious for our Marriage & I want our Marriage to begin with the Belief that it would last for a Lifetime, not like this. I have Discussed this with my Family Members & they are strongly advising me against Signing any such Agreement. But he insists that Signing this Pre-Nuptial Agreement is a Must, before we go ahead with the Wedding. He's not Pressurizing me & has allowed me ample Time to Think through it, Discuss & Debate over it with him & Family and also include any more Suggestions from my side, based on the Recommendations of my Family. He has been indirectly hinting that he may not want to go ahead with the Marriage, if I don't Sign the Agreement. Now I am in Dilemma. I Love my Fiance & his Family & I have the Faith that our Married Life would be Fairly Good, if not Wonderful. But I am skeptical about Signing the Agreement, please advise me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I cannot make the decision for you, but I can tell you that his points are not invalid. They have been decent and what they are asking for is very basic. Please remember that this is just my opinion; you do not have to feel the same way. And there is nothing inauspicious about signing a prenup. Think of it like health insurance- when you get that, do you indirectly wish for health issues? No. It's just a precaution.

While the choice of signing any agreement is yours, he has every right to rethink the relationship in case you refuse to do so. It does not make him a bad person. He is merely looking out for himself and his family. Please take ample time to make a decision; if you are not comfortable with it, or you think signing the contract and going ahead with the wedding might cause friction between you two, please reconsider the relationship. But I want to remind you again, he is not in the wrong for taking precautions. It does not mean he thinks you are in it for the money; it just keeps the money away from the equation.

Hope this helps.

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |469 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 30, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Myself and a guy came to know each other through an online friendly chat app.It's been 7 months we are talking on calls and video calls.From the beginning he was interested to marry me n i saw him as a good friend.Later my feelings turned into love towards him.But,he has a past which he told me in the beginning and said that his ex girlfriend of 1 year whom he know through online has married another guy n left him.I thought he has no feelings towards his ex gf.But,after i developed feelings for him n having clearly told that i love him..he gets his ex gf topic saying they used to talk hours n hours n now he is not able to be with me the same way.He even says she loved him a lot n is unable to forget her love.He says she used to call him always n talk and i am talking only when he calls..he is comparing my love with her.I feeling bad..When i asked before he told he has no feelings on his ex gf but now seems different.He even told me that she is trying to get divorced from her husband n has called him once too.I told about my love to my parents too n they agreed for our marriage.Now i am feeling bad..what should i do?..cut off all ties with him or go a head.Please suggest.I am 24 and he is 25 yrs old
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
First of all, have you met this person in real life? A lot of true love stories start online, but it is very important to meet face-to-face before making any commitments. Secondly, not being able to forget his ex can either be the truth or a ploy to end this relationship with you. Either way, it seems like a zone of conflict and I would like to remind you that you deserve better. I know you love him but don't you think you deserve someone who loves you and only you? Would you really like to be with someone who treats you like an option and draws comparisons with the ex? I suggest you rethink the relationship.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

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