Fat is no fun

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by too much body fat. Obesity is diagnosed by a number called the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates the amount of body fat. Your BMI is calculated from your current height and weight. The higher the BMI the more body fat a person has.

Being overweight affects everything.  Yet another growing problem in today’s time among the population is infertility caused due to Obesity. Weight problem cases are on increase everywhere, and so are infertility clinics. Almost 10% of couples in the country get affected by infertility and are hesitant to take medical advice. The obesity rates in India have been rising at an extensive rate, out of which quarter of the women’s population is defined as medically obese. 

Experts believe obesity has to do with the lifestyle issues of the major population in urban India. People in cities follow a sedentary lifestyle. Little or no physical activity are to blame.

I see at least 10 to 15 patients in a day coming to me for infertility out of which 4 to 5% are obese. Obesity also leads to low stamina, which reduces the urge of having sex. Obesity in women is known to contribute to annovulation, a reduced conception rate and at greater risk of pregnancy complications like

Can I Travel when going through IVF?

Dr. Shobha Gupta

IVF medications and procedures can interfere dramatically with your day-to-day life. Many couples wonder, though, if they can take vacations and travel before, after, and during treatment. In all honesty, the bottom line is better safe than sorry.

It would be quite difficult for one to travel during the medication phase of the IVF process. Regardless of your medication schedule, which is likely to be hefty, you will be seeing your doctor on a regular basis for monitoring appointments that include blood work and ultrasounds. It is likely that you won’t be able to get away during this phase of your treatment. Keep in mind, you also don’t know how your body is

Some common facts about male infertility

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Infertility is a complex and often misunderstood condition, which is why there's so much confusion surrounding it. Infertility in males is also very common these days. Let’s have a look at some facts about male infertility: 

1. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking also may lead to fertility problems.

2. Occupation or job: There are certain occupations can increase your risk of infertility, including those associated with desk jobs or extended use of computers or video display monitors, shift work, and work-related stress.

3. Tobacco or smoking: Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility.

4. Hormonal imbalances: Low thyroid hormone levels can cause poor semen quality, poor testicular function and may disturb libido.  May be caused by a diet high