Infertility treatment risks

[Guest guest]

The link between infertility and cancer was discussed in a recent

post. Women always get worried if they note any symptoms with

reproductive system.

 

Whenever science wants to tame the reproductive system, manipulate

for better off-springs, it has produced something else as a side

effect. Hybreedization of crop seeds, application of genetic science

for more food, is a familiar example. What has happened to cows is a

topic beyond the scope of this group, hence author leaves it out, but

Mad Cow disease may click the thoughts.

 

Everyone wants to live indefinitely by leaving his offsprings behind.

The depression and loneliness which results when infertility is

diagnosed can only be known by self experience. When natural methods

fail, the science has Assisted Reproduction Technology having various

options. It must be admitted that in this area science has made

people happy. Whether one uses IVF or IUD or something else, the

enthusiasm and 'quick-result approach' demands release of multiple

eggs through hyperstimulation of ovaries. Contrast this with

very slow ayurvedic approach wherein a program of 6-8 months is needed,

stage-by-stage approach of strengthening/cleaning uterus, regularising cycles,

ovaries, opening of fallopian tubes if needed, increasing sperm count and

motility and when at least 3 cycles have been regular, ask the couple for

natural conception. If patient does not have this patience, out. The couple

approaches a modern fertility

clinic, which have sprung by large numbers in every city. NO couple has so far

tried 'integrated' approach so far, wherein if ayurveda fails, try ART.

 

The 'health' of children born this way is never a consideration. And

infact sometimes one is gifted with twins and triplets! With this

euphoria, the consideration of side effects/risks is never there.

 

For a long time author was thinking that the hyperstimulation of

ovaries is not proper and must be ladden with risks. The reason for

this thinking was the inordinate delay experienced in starting ovulatory cycles

in case of one couple aged 43/42 (Husband/wife)which had undergone two

unsuccessful IVF cycles. It is known that quality of eggs goes down in city

women due to chemical sea in which we live especially after age 35. But knowing

the background, health and lack of much pollution there, the author decided to

give an ayurvedic opportunity to this couple..

 

Due to the history of patient, it became necessary to study ART and any residual

effects. Some symptoms which the woman mentioned led to Ovarian Hyperstimulation

Syndrome (OHSS), a side effect of ovarian hyperstimulation, is caused by the

drugs used in IVF to make the

ovaries produce more eggs than usual. Mild symptoms, such as swelling

and breathlessness, apparently affect up to 20% of women undergoing

treatment. However, very rarely, the symptoms are more severe and

potentially fatal. Only 1 death from OHSS has been reported by the UK

media to date, that of 33-year-old Temilola Akinbolagbe earlier this

year. The total number of fatalities in the 30 years that IVF has

been available in the UK is unknown, but it is believed to be less

than 5. This achievement of modern science is really commendable.

 

A case has now been noted now in UK woman. She was left brain-

damaged after a stroke caused by a rare side effect of IVF and is set

to receive 'very substantial' agreed damages. The 34-year-old patient

became pregnant but then developed OHSS. Fertility doctor Paul

Rainsbury, of the Bupa Roding Hospital in Ilford, Essex, agreed last

week in the High Court to pay her an undisclosed amount of

compensation.

 

In this, the woman became pregnant after receiving IVF

treatment in 2000. She then developed symptoms of OHSS, which her

doctor identified on 7 August 2000, but diagnosed as 'mild'.

Crucially, on 11 August, she telephoned Mr Rainsbury to say she felt

very unwell. She claimed he told her not to worry, but she then later

miscarried. The next day, she suffered a stroke, and now has great

difficulty with her speech, mobility, reasoning and decision-making.

But Rainsbury's QC [lawyer] told the judge that if the case had gone

to trial, the woman's evidence would have been contradicted by her

medical notes - which show that many of her symptoms were still mild

when she was admitted to hospital on 12 August. Mr Rainsbury did not

admit liability, but the woman is now set to receive a 'seven-figure'

sum. Her barrister [lawyer] said the award meant that she could

retain care of her only son and have some freedom from the

constraints upon her. The judge approved the settlement.

Read further:

http://www.bionews.org.uk/new.lasso?storyid=2640

 

And at bottom of above page to know about Temilola

Akinbolagbe, who died in the process of obtaining fertility.

 

Members, do not consider this mail as 'holier than thou' approach. This kind of

outcomes may happen in ayurveda also. Ayurvedists have to take the

responsibility of medicines also, even if they are from pharmacies. Ayurvedic

texts mention all the medicines, manufacturing procedures and in old days,

Vaidyas used to bring their own herbs from forests. Even today, many Vaidyas do

not depend on pharmacies and get their own herbal raw materials and accept them

after they pass tests. Time has come where pharmacies are no longer as

trustworthy as they were in old days.

 

Dr Bhate