Dr Ankita Mandal - Infertility and IVF specialist in Kolkata

13/02/2025

Planning to start a family after 35 means you should be aware that your fertility naturally declines with age, so it's important to consult a healthcare professional to discuss preconception health checks, potential challenges, and options to optimize your chances of getting pregnant, including fertility testing if necessary; while still very possible to have a healthy pregnancy after 35, it's considered "advanced maternal age" and may require additional monitoring during pregnancy.
Key points to consider when planning to start a family after 35:
Fertility decline:
Women's fertility significantly drops after 35, making it potentially harder to conceive naturally.
Preconception health check:
Consult your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation, including checking for any underlying health conditions that could impact pregnancy.
Lifestyle modifications:
Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in folic acid, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Fertility testing:
If you are concerned about your fertility, discuss options like ovulation monitoring or more advanced fertility tests with your doctor.
Genetic counseling:
Depending on your family history, genetic counseling may be recommended to discuss potential genetic risks.
Potential challenges of pregnancy after 35:
Increased risk of miscarriage: The likelihood of miscarriage is slightly higher in pregnancies after 35.
Higher risk of pregnancy complications: Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placenta previa may be more prevalent.
Multiple births: If using assisted reproductive technology (ART), the chance of multiple pregnancies may be higher.
What to discuss with your doctor:
Optimal timing for conception:
Based on your individual health and fertility status, your doctor can advise on the best time to start trying to conceive.
Prenatal vitamin needs:
Ensure you are taking a prenatal vitamin with adequate folic acid and other essential nutrients.
Monitoring during pregnancy:
Discuss the frequency of prenatal appointments and necessary tests to monitor the health of both you and your baby.

18/11/2024

Fibroids and endometriosis are both common conditions that can affect the reproductive system, but they have different origins, locations, and symptoms. Treatment options for each condition also vary, and laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat both conditions:
Fibroids
These noncancerous tumors grow in or on the uterus. Treatment options include:
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): A non-surgical procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to die
Myomectomy: A minimally invasive procedure that removes fibroids from the uterus
Hysterectomy: A major surgery that removes the uterus, which can be a definitive treatment for fibroids
Endometriosis
This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Treatment options include:
Medications or hormone therapy: Can help reduce pain and slow the growth of endometrial tissue
Laparoscopic surgery: Can remove endometrial tissue and may also be used to remove fibroids
Hysterectomy: Often recommended for severe endometriosis
Here are some other differences between fibroids and endometriosis:
Location
Fibroids grow in the uterine walls, while endometriosis tissue can grow on other pelvic organs.
Symptoms
Fibroids often cause heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms, while endometriosis tends to cause cyclical pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
A expert gyne laparoscopic surgeon can help you determine the best treatment option for your situation.

31/10/2024

28/09/2024

In 2024, the theme for World Heart Day is to motivate individuals to look after their heart health. This year World Heart Day aims to: Encourage and empower individuals to take responsibility for the health of their heart. Advocate stronger initiatives and take steps aimed at improving heart health.

26/09/2024

State-of-the-art imaging facilities we use the latest technology to provide high-quality diagnostic and imaging services. Some examples of state-of-the-art imaging facilities include:
Digital radiography
This technology has improved the way radiographic images are acquired, displayed, and stored. It uses storage phosphor plates and high-resolution workstations to reduce radiation dose and eliminate repeat exposures.
Ultrasound
This scanning technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It's also known as sonography or medical sonography.
MRI
This facility uses coils to generate a radiofrequency magnetic field that interacts with tissue to produce images.
Computed tomography (CT)
This technique uses detectors to detect X-rays that pass through the body and reconstruct a tomographic view.
Nuclear medicine imaging
This technique uses gamma-ray detectors to receive gamma photons and transform them into an electrical signal.

25/09/2024

Factors that affect IVF success rates include:
Age: Women between 21 and 35 years old have better success rates because their egg quality is good.
S***m quality: Men's s***m quality is active up to 65 years.
Treatment cycles: The cumulative live birth rate increases with the number of treatment cycles.
You can consider factors like:
Expertise
The clinic should have a certified IVF specialist with a track record of success.
Technology
The clinic should use the latest technology and equipment to increase the chances of success.
Personalized care
The clinic should offer personalized treatment plans and mental health support.
Success rates
The clinic should be transparent about their success rates and have a reliability range to show how confident they are in their results.
Patient reviews
Patient reviews can provide insights into the clinic's experience and patient care.
Awards and certifications
The clinic should be recognized by reputable medical bodies.
Support groups
Some clinics have patient support groups where people can share experiences.

24/09/2024

There are several types of myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids:
Abdominal myomectomy
Also known as an open myomectomy, this is one of the main types of myomectomy.
Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy
A minimally invasive procedure that carries fewer risks than an abdominal myomectomy.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy
The most minimally invasive procedure, with benefits like no scarring and a fast recovery. This procedure is only suitable for women with submucosal fibroids.
The type of myomectomy that's right for you depends on the size, number, and location of your fibroids. For example, a myomectomy is a good option if you want to have children in the future because it preserves your uterus.
After a myomectomy, you can expect some pain, va**nal bleeding and discharge, and the need to avoid s*xual in*******se for six weeks. You'll also need to gradually increase your activity level.

23/09/2024

Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in the cervix or its wall, and is caused by the abnormal growth of cells. It's the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Here are some things to know about cervical cancer:
Causes
Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). High-risk types of HPV, like HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers worldwide.
Symptoms
Cervical cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms in the early stages.
Screening
A Pap smear is a test that doctors use to diagnose cervical cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get screened for cervical cancer as follows:
Ages 21–29: Get a Pap smear every 3 years.
Ages 30–65: Get a Pap smear every 3 years, or get an HPV test every 5 years, or get both a Pap smear and an HPV test every 5 years.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Prevention
Getting the HPV vaccine and using a barrier like a condom during s*x can help prevent cervical cancer. Quitting smoking can also lower the risk

22/09/2024

are important for women's health because they can help:
Educate about reproductive health
Gynecologists can teach women about self-exams, preventative care, and lifestyle changes that can improve their health.
Monitor menstrual cycles
Gynecologists can identify irregularities or abnormalities in menstrual cycles that may need further investigation.
Discuss family planning
Gynecologists can help women make informed decisions about contraception, fertility treatments, and preconception counseling.
Catch issues early
Gynecological checkups are designed to catch small issues before they become big problems.
Screen for cancer
Gynecologists can screen for cancer and treat infections.
Discuss other health topics
Gynecologists can discuss topics like STIs, breast changes, urinary leakage, and bone health.
Gynecological checkups are also known as "well woman visits". They typically include a breast check, pelvic exam, and pap smear test Procedure: A small incision is made near the navel, and a thin, lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to view the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.
Purpose: Used to diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Hysteroscopy
Procedure: A thin, lighted tube with a camera (hysteroscope) is inserted through the va**na and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus.
Purpose: Used to diagnose and treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Combined Procedure
When both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are performed together, it provides a comprehensive view of both the external and internal reproductive organs. This can be particularly useful in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect both the uterus and the pelvic organs.

Benefits of Combined Procedure

Accurate diagnosis: A more complete understanding of the condition.
Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
Reduced risk of complications: Compared to open surgery.
Potential for simultaneous treatment: If abnormalities are found, they may be treated during the same procedure.

22/09/2024

Procedure: A small incision is made near the navel, and a thin, lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to view the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.
Purpose: Used to diagnose and treat conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Hysteroscopy
Procedure: A thin, lighted tube with a camera (hysteroscope) is inserted through the va**na and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus.
Purpose: Used to diagnose and treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Combined Procedure
When both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are performed together, it provides a comprehensive view of both the external and internal reproductive organs. This can be particularly useful in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect both the uterus and the pelvic organs.

Benefits of Combined Procedure

Accurate diagnosis: A more complete understanding of the condition.
Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
Reduced risk of complications: Compared to open surgery.
Potential for simultaneous treatment: If abnormalities are found, they may be treated during the same procedure.