- What are the key issues or challenges in women’s health today and how has the technology impacted women’s healthcare services?
Women’s health is faced with several challenges that include gender inequality, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare access, particularly in remote areas. Reproductive health problems, gender-based violence, and diseases like anaemia and mental health disorders occur frequently.
Technological developments have brought about a drastic change in female healthcare in India. It has also enabled better healthcare access, especially in the remote areas. AI-powered chatbots, mobile applications, and remote patient monitoring devices empower not only health awareness but also health accessibility. Yet, it is necessary to address the gender gap in tech-related activities.
- What recent advancements in IVF technology do you find the most promising for improving success rates and patient outcomes?
The development of IVF technology in India involves the use of AI for predicting pregnancy outcomes and for the selection of quality embryos. The unfolding of technologies like Time-lapse Embryo Imaging and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) has led to improvements in embryo selection. Also, adopting techniques like Micro-TESE and PESA, which increase the success of the IVF process, is worth mentioning. The use of cryopreservation for ovarian tissue and culture media improvements are also notable. These technological innovations are expected to bring about the improvement of the success rates of IVF and patient outcomes in India.
Parenthood can be a complex and rewarding journey, regardless of the path taken to achieve it. What are some common misconceptions about parenthood that you encounter in your practice and how do you address them with your patients?
Frequent myths about pregnancy and childbirth are that pregnant ladies need to ‘eat twice’, in the end, this can result in more weight gain. While some believe that physical activity during pregnancy may have negative effects, the reality is that most women can continue light- to moderate exercise safely. We have old wives’ tales with no evidence about predicting the gender of the baby. Finally, some people believe that some foods should be avoided during pregnancy because it may prevent the allergies of the baby. These rumours are addressed during the counselling sessions by using evidence-based information.
With your extensive expertise, what advice do you have for aspiring, obstetricians, gynaecologists, and fertility specialists who are entering this field today?
I would advise those starting their journey in this field to always stay updated with the latest advancements in reproductive technologies. It’s crucial to provide care that combines medical expertise with compassion. I’ve always believed in the power of knowledge sharing and have conducted numerous training programs to help gynaecologists better understand infertility issues. My commitment has always been to provide exceptional value for patients and make IVF treatment as accessible and affordable as possible. This, I believe, should be a guiding principle for those entering the field.
- With the rise of lifestyle factors such as childbearing, how do these factors impact women’s fertility and reproductive health? What can women do to mitigate these risks?
Lifestyle decisions can profoundly affect women’s reproductive health and fertility. Issues such as delayed childbearing for work or other reasons, unhealthy food, lack of physical activity, and stress can affect fertility by interfering with hormonal balance, menstrual cycles, and ovulation. This can be reversed through maintaining a healthy diet, being weight conscious, and engaging in regular physical activity. It’s important to avoid sexually transmitted infections and manage stress also. Informed decisions about family planning and regular preventative care are key. My role as a gynaecologist greatly emphasizes the significance of these preventive measures in consultations. I always advise patients to be aware of the latest research and technology updates in the field of reproductive health.
- How does pregnancy affect women living with HIV, and what precautions should be taken?
The case of women living with HIV may be more complex during pregnancy. There is a risk of transmitting the virus to the baby before, during, and after pregnancy, labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. Nonetheless, if the right measures are taken, the risk of this can be even smaller than one percent. The safety measures in place include being compliant with ART throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding to ensure low viral load. One should undergo regular health check-ups to screen the virus load and CD4 cell count. It is also advised to give up breastfeeding as it may pass the virus to the newborn. In my role as a gynaecologist, I would counsel women who have HIV to contact their healthcare provider and figure out what the best course of action is for their unique situation.
- What are the primary reasons or medical conditions that lead couples to consider or undergo IVF?
We usually encounter couples who want to have IVF due to various issues or medical conditions. Infertility can result from either partner’s problem. In women, situations like primary ovarian insufficiency, low egg quality, and ovulation disorders are the leading causes of infertility. For men, it may be a problem of sperm count or quality, such as undescended testis, genetic defects, hormone issues, or certain infections that can affect fertility.
In my practice, I’ve noticed how IVF might be a lifesaver for those who struggle with conception naturally. I have had the privilege to help more than 25,000 infertile couples have their babies. I always feel proud to have been part of the growth of Reproductive Medicine in India.
- From a healthcare perspective, how has IVF evolved over the years in terms of success rates and safety?
Over the years, IVF has seen significant advancements. The success rates have notably improved, especially for older age groups. Technological progress such as the advent of Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI), Assisted Laser Hatching, and Ovarian Tissue Freezing have been instrumental in this evolution. Safety standards have also been enhanced with the introduction of better protocols and techniques. As a pioneer in IVF treatment in India, I’ve been part of this evolution, always striving to offer the best care to my patients, ensuring high success rates while prioritizing safety.
- How does society view and discuss IVF, and what misconceptions or stigmas might be associated with the procedure?
The changing social beliefs about IVF over time is a fact, but there are still some misunderstandings and taboos attached to it. Unfortunately, some erroneously think that the majority of IVF pregnancies lead to caesarean births or multiple births. The popular myth that children born using IVF are not genetically related to their parents is also seen. The miscommunication I face regularly as an IVF/ICSI specialist is huge. I believe it is important to negate these myths by providing people with precise and factual information and also by educating them about the facts of IVF. Even couples should make informed choices as it assists in reducing the social stigma attached to IVF.
- Also, in addition to your medical accomplishments, your engagement in societal transformation, including mentoring adolescent girls and advocating for women’s health, is commendable. How do you perceive the impact of these initiatives on broader societal change, and what obstacles do you foresee in advancing these important causes?
Throughout my journey as a gynaecologist and expert in IVF, I’ve always been a champion of societal transformation. By taking part in activities like mentorship of adolescent girls and women’s health advocacy, I have had a rewarding time. Such initiatives can spur broader societal change as they help to liberate women, initiate greater health concern awareness, and cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding.
Nevertheless, conducting such campaigns raises its difficulties. One of the hurdles is the societal stigma, while the other is the lack of social awareness and accessibility challenges. Despite these obstacles, I remain resolute in my mission of changing lives and bringing a change in society.
- As a women’s health advocate, how do you perceive the evolving role of gynaecologists in empowering women on International Women’s Day?
As a gynaecologist and a proponent of women’s health, I think our role is changing from mere medical caregivers. We are becoming teachers, consultants, and advocates for the rights of women. On International Women’s Day, we should bring to the fore women’s health matters, promote healthy living, and encourage them to be proactive in their well-being. Using continuous enlightenment and public support we might help eradicate such barriers therefore promoting females’ self-esteem
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