Monthly Archives: July, 2019

Inositol or vitamin B8 is found in many fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The body produces it from the carbohydrates we take.

Although they call it so, inositol is not a vitamin, but a type of sugar that has a variety of functions:

1. It plays an important part in the structure of cell membranes.
2. It is necessary for normal insulin action. Insulin is needed to digest glucose that we take with food. Without it, glucose can not pass from the blood into some tissues (fat, muscle, etc.). Inositol is believed to help optimize blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance, which is increasingly common nowadays.
3. Promotes the release of some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

INOSITOL AND POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects about 10% of women worldwide. Symptoms include irregular menstruation, excess weight, insulin resistance, elevated cholesterol.

Very often, women with PCOS have difficulty getting pregnant.

Studies have shown that inositol and folic acid may stimulate ovulation and lower testosterone levels. However, don’t forget that if you have PCOS, optimizing your weight will help you the most.

EFFECTS OF MENTAL HEALTH

Inositol raises serotonin levels in the brain. Therefore, it could be useful as a complementary therapy in people with anxiety or depression.

Inositol has almost no side effects. However, its safety in pregnant and lactating women has not been studied. Despite its incredible potential, inositol is still a supplement and can not replace your prescribed treatment.

DEPRESSION DURING IN VITRO FERTILIZATION – A MYTH OR A FACT?

Stress in our daily lives is inevitable. Within certain limits, however, it helps the body adapt to different conditions. Going over our limits might bring along some health issues. These may affect the body (high blood pressure, fatigue, hair loss) or your mental health (depression, anxiety).

In vitro fertilization gives hope to millions of couples. Although beneficial, it may also appear to be a source of excessive stress that may lead to depression.

There are several theories why patients develop depression during an in vitro cycle.

On one hand, a hormonal treatment used for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COHS) can affect your mood. Every drug has side effects but, fortunately, those here are rare. However, if something worries you, we recommend discussing it with your obstetrician-gynecologist.

Emotions, multiple procedures, waiting and expectations are the more likely cause of depression. Concerns about financing the procedure also have a negative impact on the psyche. Women who have suffered from depression in the past have a greater chance of developing depression during their IVF cycle.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Depression has dozens of symptoms, and in each person, they manifest differently. These include fatigue, sadness, sleeping problems, concentration issues, lack of desire for going out or working. Some people resort to alcohol and food. Sense of guilt (“It’s my fault I can’t get pregnant”) is also common.

Do not forget that even if you have experienced some of the above-mentioned symptoms, it does not mean that you are suffering from depression.

SELF-HELP

If you are going to have IVF or another form of assisted reproduction, the following tips can help you deal with emotional stress:

1. Learn about your upcoming procedures. Your obstetrician-gynecologist will explain in detail what exactly is going to happen to you. You can learn from online articles and videos as well.
2. Consider who you would like to tell about your in vitro procedure. Some patients decide not to share the news with too many friends and relatives so they will not be overwhelmed with questions.
3. Be ready for changes to the original plan. For example, it might turn out that you have a greater chance to conceive by using donor eggs.
4. Think realistically. So far no one can guarantee that you will get pregnant from the first attempt. Do not rule out the possibility that you might need multiple cycles.
5. Do not be ashamed to seek professional help. New Life clinic has a psychologist who will be available at the most difficult times for you and your partner.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) offer hope not only to couples with infertility but also to single women who want to become mothers. Being a single mother is no longer a taboo, and more women choose not to wait for the ideal partner to enter their lives.

WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE METHOD TO CONCEIVE?

If you don’t have any indications for in vitro fertilization (IVF), it is usually recommended that you start with intrauterine insemination (IUI). The advantages of the procedure are the lack of follicular puncture and the more affordable price.

Donor sperm is used for these procedures. At New Life Specialized Medical Center for Gynecology, you can choose from a carefully selected list of donors with different physical features, education, hobbies, and interests all of which are mentioned in each donor’s personal profile.

CAN I APPLY FOR FINANCING BY THE STATE?

Any woman under the age of 43 who is a Bulgarian citizen or a resident of the Republic of Bulgaria who meets the indications for receiving financial assistance for assisted reproduction may apply for financing from the Center for Assisted Reproduction. The Center covers exclusively in vitro fertilization and ICSI.

Municipal funds, and in particular that of the Municipality of Plovdiv, provide funds for in vitro procedures only to married couples or couples registered as cohabiting.

HOMOSEXUALITY AND ASSISTED REPRODUCTION

For homosexual women, the only way to have a biological child is through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) using donor sperm. In the absence of indications for IVF, it is desirable to first try IUI.

 Unfortunately, same-gender couples in Bulgaria do not have the same rights as “traditional” families. This means that the child’s legal parent would only be the woman who gave birth to them. If something happens to her, her partner will not automatically acquire guardianship of the child.