5 Facts About PCOS Every Women Should Be Aware Of

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman’s body starts to secrete male-sex hormones in a much higher level than ideally should be. As a result, it starts interrupting menstrual cycles and makes the chances of natural conception quite challenging. Here we present some useful facts as per the gynecologists that every woman should be aware of. So let’s begin.

Fact 1 – PCOS Will Leave You More Tired Than You Can Imagine

PCOS not only stresses gynecological health but overall health as well. It makes them feel drenched of energy and experience persistent fatigue. For many women, this severe lethargy lasts particularly during the menstruation cycle, while for others it is pretty much the same, in general.

Fact 2 – PCOS Is Quite Common

In case someone is dealing with PCOS and have to take the day off, while their peers are enjoying everyday life, it is impossible ‘not be feel burdened’ by this unwanted condition. But it the reality, PCOS is a very common condition among women of childbearing age, as per gynecologists. In fact, many women live with PCOS that often stays undiagnosed as they lead a normal life.

Fact 3 – PCOS Cannot Be Cured. But It Can Be Treated

As per gynecologists, medical science is yet to find a complete cure for PCOS. However, good hospitals offer quality treatment for it. This includes managing symptoms by following a balanced diet, taking prescribed supplements and leading a healthy life overall.

Fact 4 – PCOS Needs Prolonged Treatment

As already mentioned, PCOS cannot be cured. Thus, it is crucial to avail its treatment for a prolonged period of time. As PCOS is considered as a condition affecting the women of childbearing age, so they let their guard down when they pass this stage. However, it is highly recommended to keep treating the symptoms even when they hit menopause or are currently pregnant.

Fact 5 – Natural Conception Is Possible Even With PCOS

Though it is common for women with PCOS to struggle to have a baby without any medical aid but it is NOT impossible. Many women successfully conceive even with PCOS. Besides, with advanced artificial reproductive techniques, the chances of having a successful conception are quite high.

At ILS Hospitals, our expert gynecologists offer the best treatment for women dealing with PCOS and other gynecological conditions effectively.

Gestational Diabetes And Its Consequences On Mother & Baby During Pregnancy

A successful pregnancy ends with a safe childbirth from where you take a new step to the journey of motherhood, this time, holding your child in your arms. Almost every maternity hospitals in Kolkata offers both Cesarean and natural delivery and the suitable birthing option is chosen by the help of both parents and the doctor. Several conditions during the pregnancy, sometimes leave a very little room for the choice and compel people to go for a particular procedure. Gestational diabetes is one such condition. Let’s see what it is and how it might influence birthing options.

What is Gestation Diabetes?

Gestation diabetes is a unique kind of diabetes that onsets only during pregnancy. Thankfully, it often resolves on its own after childbirth, but it complicates several aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Unmanaged or undiagnosed diabetes often has severe consequences.

How It Affect The Fetus?

The large fetal size is one such common complication, in which the size of the fetal baby is abnormally large. In medical terms, they are referred to as Large for Gestational Age (LGA), Macrosomic infants and they can often weigh up to 12 pounds. This happens when the baby starts producing a high level of insulin as an auto response to a high level of glucose produced by the mother’s body. This exceptionally large size makes the natural birthing option a risky procedure for both the baby and the mother.

How It Complicates Childbirth?

Delivering the baby naturally, through the birth canal is challenging because of the large body structure, which might get wedged during the childbirth. In fact, ‘shoulder dystocia’ is a common complication that is found in such cases. This complication arises when the shoulder of the baby gets stuck in the mother’s pelvic bone due to large shoulder and upper body fat. It can lead to fracture and other injuries to the baby’s neck or collarbone. Moreover, due to prolonged and more strained labor, the baby often does not get enough oxygen during labor and that might lead to severe life-threatening consequences as well.

How It Is Risky For Mothers As Well?

It brings challenges to the mother as well. Delivering the large baby significantly increases the chances of having labor-related bruises, tear, pain and bleeding. Often a cesarean delivery is opted to ensure a safe childbirth, but it has risks of its own.

What Can Be Done?

Thus, as it is clearly indicated, having gestational diabetes can have several effects on both mother and the baby, it is crucial to seek consultations and care from reliable maternity hospitals to ensure a safe pregnancy and childbirth ahead. Seek consultation from experience Gynaecologist of ILS Hospitals for any such complications to ensure safe pregnancy and childbirth.

10 Facts About Breast Cancer Every Women Should Know About!

Cancer, in general, is a critical illness, but breast cancer is one very common type that claims many lives all over the world. World Health Organization identifies breast cancer as the most prevalent type of cancer among women and a leading cause of death among them. Gynaecologists advise every adult woman to have some knowledge about breast cancer in brief as it often comes handy to seek timely treatment.

Here we present a few facts about breast cancer

1. Aging is a prime risk factor of breast cancer. Though many younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer, it is mostly found in women aging more than 55.

2. Though women have an exceptionally high risk of breast cancer, more and more cases of male breast cancer are surfacing in recent years.

3. One in every 8 women is at risk of developing breast cancer, in their lifetime.

4. Women with first family (mother, daughter or sister), with a history of breast cancer, have a higher risk of the same. It is almost twice as compared to women without it.

5. However, surprisingly about 8 out of 10 breast cancer patients have no family history of the same.

6. Having denser breast tissue, with more fibrosis and glandular tissue is more likely to have breast cancer. A routine mammogram can identify it in time and thus annual screening is advised for women above 40 years.

7. Breastfeeding for a year or so reduces the risks of breast cancer and a few other gynaecological issues in the future.

8. Overweight and obese is a major risk factor for breast cancer. Proper adequate exercise can mitigate its risk for good.

9. A proper self-breast exam can also detect an abnormality in time, leading to timely treatment of the same.

10. Many breast cancer tumours onset in the underarm and armpits as well. A timely ultrasound scan can detect them on time.

Bonus Fact-

Eating healthy and quitting smoking and alcohol can promote good health and mitigate the chances of breast cancer.

Every year, the month of October is observed as the breast cancer awareness month. During this festive season, when we bow down to the supreme female deity Durga, let us also acknowledge the empowering women, who work tirelessly for the family’s health and wellbeing. ILS Hospitals encourages every woman to avail Well Women Health Check-Up Package to address critical threats such as breast and uterus cancer along with other prevalent gynaecological discomforts.

Visit https://bit.ly/2y52uo3 to book your package now!

What Exactly Is Nutritious Food And How Crucial It Is For Health

“A healthy diet is a solution to many of our health-care problems. It’s the most important solution.” -John Mackey

If only one can consume the right food, the right amount at the right time, staying healthy will become a piece of cake. It is recommended by maternity hospitals to keep track of the baby’s food since the age of 6 months old itself. A nutritional food ensures ideal growth, mitigates several illnesses and promote health. As we are observing the National Nutrition Week from 1st to7th September, we present what ideal, balanced, and nutritious food should be.

Nutritious Food

A balanced diet consists of every nutrition, which comprises proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. Consuming the following food in the adequate amount often full fills the quota of a balanced diet.

  1. Whole Grains
  2. Fresh, Seasonal Fruits
  3. Fresh Vegetables
  4. Lentils And Pulses
  5. Sea Food
  6. Meat And Eggs
  7. Dairy Food
  8. Dry Fruits

To accommodate all the above-mentioned food, one simply needs to divide their food chart to 5 times meals, namely the breakfast, mid-day snack, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner.

The exact requirement of this calorie can be calculated by Reference Intakes ratio. This RI ratio is classified as per gender, age, and level of activeness etc. It is calculated in terms of kcal and often offers an ideal amount of nutrients required by an individual. Here we present the average nutritional requirement by an adult man and woman.

As it clearly indicates that, usually men need more calories than women. However, women need extra nutrition in several phases of their life, including their growing years, during pregnancy and while nursing and caring for her newborn. As per gynecologists, proper nutrition intake is crucial for to-be and new mother to have a healthy and nourished child.

A well-balanced diet is crucial for every individual. In fact, simply limiting the amount of junk food consumption can also contribute towards a healthier tomorrow. In case one is wondering how can they remove the entire genre of fast food in one go from their diet chart, well, it has to be done in small steps. Eventually substituting them.

As rightly said by one smart anonymous individual, follow this

“One simple rule- if it is coming from a plant, eat it and if it is being made in a plant, don’t.”

It will help you decide what should be on your platter.

Breastfeeding Tips for Every New Mother

As Robert S. Mendelsohn rightly said, “Mother’s milk, time-tested for millions of years, is the best nutrient for babies because it is nature’s perfect food.”

If you are a mother, you can certainly relate to it. However, breastfeeding is one extremely challenging job. Many gynaecologists and obstetricians encounter new, inexperienced mother panicking due to not being able to nurse properly. So, today we are offering some tips for new mothers and moms-to-be to have a somewhat more comfortable nursing time.

  1. Position yourself comfortably. If you are not comfortable, neither will be your baby.
  2. There is no perfect rule, so choose what works best for you. Experiment and pick between couch, bed and rocking chair.
  3. Place as many pillows you need under back, lap or legs for support and comfort.
  4. Hold and cradle your baby on the same side as the breast you want to nurse with. Use a pillow for support, if needed.
  5. You have an overactive ‘super baby’, you can hold her lower arm under your arm to mitigate the possibility of interference.
  6. Cup your breast and let your baby latch onto it gently. It might take several attempts before the baby stay latched on, so be patient.
  7. Once the baby starts feeding, hold her close to support and encourage the nursing.
  8. After the baby is done, don’t pull out your nipple instantly, as it may cause injury to your nipples. Instead, insert a finger in her mouth to break off the contact gently.

Ideally, each session of breastfeeding last only several minutes, but quite frequently, as your baby’s stomach is small and digestion is quite fast. Stay prepared to get in action every few hours. Feel free to try out different lactating position to find the one working best for you. As a tip to relax, you can play some music or instrumental in a mild tone. It will encourage you to relax, have happy thoughts and focus on your bond with your baby.

While breastfeeding, you may encounter many complications such as insufficient milk supply, sore or cracked nipples etc. Moreover, if you had a high-risk pregnancy or preterm birth, your baby might have a problem latching on. Instead of enduring all the discomfort or depression, seek help. As you might need special guidance or equipment from your gynaecologist or obstetrician, get in touch with one.

Breastfeeding is a rather special time of your life. Do all you can to make this memorable and comfortable.

Different Means of Contraceptives

What is a Contraception?

Use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy.

What are the types?

There are 5 different types of contraceptives that allows you to avoid unwanted conception. It is recommended to contact your gynaecologist about this matter and will help you pick the suitable one for your family planning

In the last 50 years, the number of contraception methods has dramatically increased. Most types of contraceptives work as per one or more of the following principles:

a) Prevents the release of the egg, every month

b) Prevents sperms from reaching the egg

c) Blocks the reproductive function – in either/both men and women

d) Prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus

Contraception

Here are the 5 different methods using which you can prevent yourself from conceiving.

The Pill

Even if many options are available these days, the pill remains the most popular form of Female contraception.

One needs to keep in mind that the pill does not provide any protection against STDs and you need the prescription of your gynecologist to buy it as well.

The Condom

Among the different types of contraceptives, the condom is a strong contender to the title of most common contraception method. It is affordable and offers the dual protection against STDs and unwanted conception. Nowadays, there is also a female version of it that works on the same principle.

The Contraceptive Implant

The contraceptive implant is yet another solution that provides long-term protection. It stays effective for up to three years on average. However, the implant does not protect against STDs.

The contraceptive implant is made up of silver that has spermicide properties. Thereby, it mitigates the possibility of conception. The implant is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare specialist and needs to be removed after three years.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception mitigates the chances of conception even after having unprotected physical intimacy. This method is for one-off occasions and is not recommended for daily use.

Sterilization

A sterilization is an option available for both men and women. Though this does not provide protection against STDs but remains effective on non-conception for a lifetime. In rare cases, the process can be reversed, making pregnancy a possibility.

For both male and female, sterilization is a very simple operation. You have the choice between surgical and non-surgical types of sterilization. This can be taken for the couple who are already through family planning.

Read more – 5 common Types of gynaecological surgeries techniques

We observe World Population Day on 11th July. Every year this day is a reminder to us as to how overpopulated the world has become. So one needs to remember that to secure our Earth for each and every living being, one needs to curtail overpopulation by standing against it. So be careful in your actions, and help to make the world a better place to live.

 

How Plastics Are Affecting Our Health

We all have plastic bags in our homes which in it has other plastic bags too, isn’t’ it?

This is a statement that is both funny and frightening. Keep in mind that these are the reusable plastics, that we decided to keep. So, can you imagine how much plastics have we thrown out there?

The excessive exposure of the plastics around us has adversely affected our health, more than ever in the recent years.

Let’s have a detailed analysis of the same.

Polythene or more commonly known as plastic was one of the most revolutionary inventions of all time. Being durable, lightweight, and inexpensive, plastics became the material for almost every domain, within an extremely short duration. In exchange for all these comforts, this non-biodegradable started claiming health and wellness of human, wildlife, and environment altogether.

Health

The air that we breathe, the land that we live on and grow food, the water we drink, everything contains plastics. Sadly even our food chain is no longer devoid of the plastic traces in it. As a result, the overall health has begun to decade gradually. Directly or indirectly, it contributes towards health disorders and complications, but not limited to the metabolism, cardiovascular, respiratory and several forms of cancer.

According to leading gynaecologists, the rising statistics of couples unable to conceive naturally or suffering multiple miscarriages is often due to exposure to harmful elements released by plastics. Many chromosomal and congenital abnormality also arise either from the current or the successive generation. Moreover, impaired brain and neurological functions, cancer, cardiovascular system damage, adult-onset diabetes, early puberty, obesity, and resistance to chemotherapy have also been found prevalent in both men and women.

Health

Many people do not realize the same as often the source remains discrete from plain sight. For instance, the traces of plastic can be also found in food and water, which is packed or stored in plastic containers. Moreover, the contamination of animal’s food (eg, goat, poultry, cow etc.) with plastic components also act as an entry for it in our food chains.

Sadly, solving this problem is quite challenging. The best way to start is by taking proper measure and seeking guidance from best hospitals, in case any health discomfort arises and persists.

The theme for this World Environment Day, 5th June 2018, is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Since it is being hosted in India, let’s pledge to accomplish (4‘R’s) – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and most importantly Replace. Stay away from plastic materials, and whenever possible, go for the substitutes.

Let’s try our best to save our planet!

6 Health Complications That Will Motivate You to Quit Smoking Now

How do you define a cigarette?

A pinch of tobacco wrapped in a roll, with fire on one side and a fool on the other side.

Work is stressful, for most of us, isn’t it? How often do you rely on your ‘so-called friend’ to relieve this never-ending stress? The answers will range from never, rarely, depends, often, to all the time.

The more your answer titles towards the right, the earlier and the deeper you are digging for your own grave.

Quit Smoking

Here we present 6 health complications associated with smoking that will motivate you to quit smoking –

1. Heart and Lungs diseases

Our lungs are capable of filtering the air and supplying oxygen to the bloodstream. However, over the years of smoking, both lungs and heart begin to perform inefficiently and as a result, the person develops several types of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

2. Diabetes Type 2

The direct impact of smoking on-setting diabetes is still a matter of conflict among research scholars, but it certainly has been found that prolonged smoking increases the complications associated with diabetes type 2. Several patients, who also happens to be chain smokers, often visits diabetes clinic to address a common complication of loss of sensation in feet/legs.

3. Reproductive Health

Let it be men or women, prolonged smoking can affect their reproductive health. As per leading gynaecologists, for women, it can lead to ectopic pregnancy and a lower rate of natural conception. Whereas, in case of men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction.

4. Poor Metabolism

The component nicotine makes people addictive of the same and as a result, many chain smokers suffer from several digestive and metabolic malfunctions. As a result, a person can either lose or gain significant body weight. People seeking liver treatment often turn out to be chain smokers.

5. Oral and Throat

Holding the cigarette between the teeth, in a long run leads to misalignment of teeth along with severe gum diseases. As per ENT specialists, several kinds of mouth/throat ulcers and cancer is a result of smoking too.

6. Bone Decay

Prolonged smoking leads to a much faster rate of bone decay as compared to non-smokers. It is often closely followed by severe orthopaedic complications and rheumatoid arthritis as well.

Despite the frightening consequences of smoking, the silver lining is the fact that putting down smoking can help significantly in damage control.

World No Tobacco Day

On this World No Tobacco Day, on 31st May 2018, ILS Hospitals encourages every smoker to quit smoking. Not only it affects your own health but it also causes damage to your family, friends, and colleagues, who eventually becomes passive smokers, over the years.

Why India is Becoming a Hub for Fertility Tourism?

Having a baby is the most important moment for every parent out there. However, not every couple is blessed with having a baby. As per gynecologists, conceiving normally, carrying it to a full term and having a safe childbirth has become a challenge lately for many couples. In such cases seeking medical help becomes inevitable.

Many places have expertise in providing such fertility assistance as compared to others. Traveling to such a place for availing these medical services is called as the fertility tourism, and it belongs to the broader concept of medical tourism. India is becoming a leading hub for fertility treatment for people from all over the world. Here are some of the reasons for the same-

1. Legal liability

Even though having trouble in conception is becoming a global threat, not every country is taking adequate measures to address it. Thereby, seeking help in one’s home country often is not possible. These legal constraints are often seen more in developing nations, where traditional beliefs are given more weight than scientific means or logic. In India, seeking and providing fertility assistance is legal, thereby making the process more safe and transparent.

2. Surrogacy/ donation assistance

Often the couple fails to have a successful conception solely on their own. Thereby it calls out for the need of either/or surrogacy and donation (sperm, eggs etc). After the Supreme Court has made these fertility assistance legal, the availability of personnel ready to provide such assistance has become very high in India.

3. Economical expense

Having a baby is surely joyous, but it is also very expensive at the same time. Having a baby with the medical help adds significant additional budget to the same. Thankfully, in India, the expense of this entire procedure is much affordable as compared to many developed countries. Simultaneously a lesser expense does not imply a poor quality treatment, instead, in India, the successful conception rate has been found much higher as compared to many other fertility tourism hubs.

To make the process even more smooth and transparent, many of the fertility assistance providers offer these services in a package, which is inclusive of the fertility treatment, transportation, charge of surrogacy or donation, and delivery of baby etc.

In a nutshell, India is an excellent place to get medical fertility assistance for the people who face difficulty in conceiving naturally. It enlightens lives of many parents and gives them a new meaning of life.

Bust These 5 Mammogram Related Myths Forever

Getting an annual screening of mammogram is recommended by gynecologists to ensure the earliest detection of breast cancer. It is highly advised for women with age more than 40yrs. Several myths surrounding the sensitive subject, which leads to a misconception among women make them avoid regular mammogram.

Mammogram

Let’s have a look at 5 of such myths and extract the truth out of it.

Myth 1 – Mammogram is not required until some symptoms appear

The biggest and most dangerous myth that jeopardizes the lives of many patients each year often leads patient to neglect the need for a mammogram until they experience some discomfort like pain and swelling or other symptoms like a lump or discharge. This reduces their chances of success of curing cancer entirely.

Myth 2 – Mammogram is irrelevant for women with no family/personal history of breast cancer or other breast illnesses.

As the patient keeps wasting precious moments by skipping the screening, malignant cells keep growing and make thing worse. As per statistics, about 8 in every 10 breast cancer patient has no family history of the same.

Myth 3 – Routine screening is nonessentials if nothing suspicious surfaced in the previous report

A very common belief that a previous report with no threat rules out the need to have it regularly in the future as well. However, it should be kept in mind that a mammogram is simply a diagnostic probe and not a preventive measure. Thereby, it is best to keep having those after crossing 40yrs of age.

Myth 4 – A 2D mammogram serves the same purpose as a 3D mammogram

Medical science and technology has advanced and so has the mammogram techniques. The traditional 2D mammogram is effective, but it has certain drawbacks that have overcome by 3D mammogram. The 2D mammogram might not be able to diagnose a cancer growth for patients with denser breast tissues or might misdiagnose or minor cells mimicking as cancer threats. A breast MRI or ultrasound may be additionally suggested to confirm the report.

Myth 5 – A mammogram exposes to harmful radiation to make thing worse.

It is true that a mammogram utilizes the radiation, but it closely follows the medical protocol. Getting a mammogram is absolutely safe if it is being availed at a certified facility.

Mammogram

Thus, it is advised to stay vigilant of the actual facts, rather than getting misguided by myths for a healthier future ahead.