Dr Ankita Mandal - Infertility and IVF specialist in Kolkata

13/02/2025

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.

26/01/2025

18/01/2025

Cervical Dysplasia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Risk factors include: * Being over age 55. Studies have shown that HPV infections often last longer in people over 55. Infections...



Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition where abnormal cells appear on the cervix. It can range from mild to severe, and if left untreated, it can lead to cervical cancer.
Causes:

HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical dysplasia. HPV 16 is the most common type of HPV that causes cervical cancer.
Weakened immune system
Smoking, HIV infection, and certain medications can weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off HPV.
Risk factors
Having s*x before age 18
Having a baby at a young age
Having multiple s*xual partners
Smoking
Having other illnesses, such as tuberculosis or HIV
Maternal history of exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol)

Symptoms:

Most cases of cervical dysplasia have no symptoms.
Diagnosis
A health care provider can check for cervical dysplasia during a pelvic exam. The initial test is usually a Pap test and an HPV test.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the dysplasia and the patient's overall health. Treatments include:
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
Cold knife conization
Cryotherapy
Laser ablation
Cone biopsy
Hysterectomy

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

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.

30/10/2024

On this auspicious day of Dhanteras, let's welcome prosperity, good health, and happiness into our lives. May the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber fill your home with joy and abundance. Wishing you a very Happy Dhanteras. This is the perfect time to usher in new beginnings and positive energy. May this day bring you good fortune, success, and all the blessings of life. , , ,

09/10/2024

02/10/2024

Mahalaya & Gandhi Jayanti: A Harmonious Convergence
As a gynecologist, I witness the miracle of new life every day. It's a reminder of the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth, a core tenet of Mahalaya.
Gandhiji's teachings of non-violence, truth, and service to humanity resonate deeply with my profession. Healthcare, especially women's healthcare, is a form of service that requires compassion, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being of others.
On this auspicious occasion, let us honor the divine feminine and the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. May we strive to create a world where every woman is empowered and respected, a world that is truly harmonious and just.