November 2025

Healthcare

Essential Guide to Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients – Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, not only because of the disease itself, but also due to the life-altering moment it creates. While immediate priority is to treat and overcome the disease, many young women and men also worry about their future fertility. Thankfully due to the massive advancement in medical science, patients are getting hope by preserving their ability to conceive even after undergoing cancer therapy. As a specialist dedicated to women’s health, Dr. Sharmistha believes that every patient deserves the chance to build a family. This blog aims to help you understand what fertility preservation is, why it matters, and which options may be right for you. Why Cancer Treatment Affects Fertility? Cancer therapies target fast-growing cells including reproductive cells (gametes). Cancer treatment affects fertility of both women and men. In Women: Chemotherapy can reduce ovarian reserve (egg count). Radiation may damage ovaries or uterus. Surgeries (ovarian or uterine removal) can directly affect the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy. In Men: Chemotherapy and radiation can decrease sperm count or quality. Surgery involving testicles or prostate can impact reproductive function. Because of these risks, fertility preservation discussions should ideally happen before treatment begins. Why Should One Consider Fertility Preservation? Fertility preservation is a very important option for: Young adults and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer Women wishing to delay pregnancy after treatment Individuals facing surgeries that may impact reproductive organs Patients at risk of premature menopause due to therapy If you’re unsure whether your treatment may affect your fertility, a consultation with a fertility specialist is a very crucial step. Fertility Preservation Options for Women: Egg Freezing: This is ideal for women who wish to delay pregnancy or have not started a family yet. This is one of the most successful methods which involves stimulating the ovaries, retrieving the eggs, and storing them for future. Embryo Freezing: This method is ideal for couples or women who have chosen a sperm source. Here, retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm (from a partner or donor) and frozen as embryos. Ovarian Tissue Freezing: Here, a portion of ovarian tissue is surgically removed and frozen. After cancer treatment, it can be reimplanted to restore fertility and hormone production. This is ideal for prepubertal girls or women who cannot delay cancer treatment. Ovarian Suppression during Chemotherapy: This method is ideal for women who cannot undergo egg retrieval before treatment. Fertility Preservation Options for men: Sperm Freezing: A simple, effective, and widely used method where semen samples are collected and frozen. It is ideal for any male patient before starting cancer therapy. Testicular Tissue Freezing: An emerging option for boys who haven’t reached puberty and cannot produce sperm yet. Why is Early Counselling Important? The window between diagnosis and starting cancer therapy may be very short. Fertility preservation measures such as egg or sperm freezing can often be completed within 10–14 days. Patients are encouraged to speak with a fertility specialist as early as possible to explore safe and appropriate options without delaying cancer treatment. Dr. Sharmistha’s Approach to Fertility Preservation: First Conversation:I start by explaining how your cancer treatment may affect your fertility. We talk openly about your future family plans and what are the options you have so that you can preserve your fertility. Quick Coordination With Your Cancer Doctors:Next, I connect with your oncology team to make sure we fit fertility preservation into your treatment plan without delaying your cancer care. Choosing the Right Procedure for you:Depending on your situation:       a) Women may freeze eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue.       b) Men may freeze sperm. Support After Cancer TreatmentOnce your cancer treatment is over, we check how your fertility is recovering. If you’re ready to plan a pregnancy, we guide you through using your stored eggs, embryos, or sperm. Helping You Understand and Feel SupportedThroughout the process, my goal is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and in control. I help you understand the emotional, practical, and financial parts of fertility preservation. Fertility decisions during cancer treatment can be emotionally overwhelming. At this difficult time, compassionate counseling plays an important role in helping patients understand their options and make informed choices. Under the guidance of Dr. Sharmistha, patients receive not just medical advice but also emotional support throughout their entire journey. Cancer may change your life, but it doesn’t have to take away your dreams of parenthood. Advances in medical science now allow patients to preserve fertility safely and effectively even in urgent situations. Take control of your future today! If you’re facing cancer treatment and worried about fertility, compassionate guidance is just a consultation away. Book an appointment with Dr. Sharmistha to explore your fertility preservation options now.

Essential Guide to Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients – Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar Read More »

Why Consulting an IVF Doctor in Siliguri Early Can Improve Your Chances of Conception

When it comes to starting a family, every moment counts. Consulting an IVF doctor in Siliguri at the right time can make a major difference between delayed conception and early success. Many couples wait years hoping things will happen naturally, unaware that fertility can decline with age and lifestyle factors. Taking that first step early gives you a clear understanding of your reproductive health and helps prevent avoidable delays. This blog explains why consulting an IVF doctor in Siliguri early can maximize your chances of conception and help you begin your parenthood journey confidently. Why Early Consultation Matters Infertility is more common than ever but the good news is that it’s also more treatable than ever. The earlier you consult a specialist like Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar, the better your chances of getting timely, effective treatment. Early consultation allows your IVF doctor in Siliguri to: Identify potential fertility issues in both partners Recommend suitable tests and lifestyle modifications Provide treatment before conditions worsen Guide you toward the right reproductive technique — IVF, IUI, ICSI, or fertility medication Waiting too long can lead to a decline in egg or sperm quality, which often reduces the success rate of treatments. Acting early helps your doctor design a personalized plan while your fertility potential is still strong. The Role of Age in Fertility Fertility and time are closely connected. Both men and women experience gradual reproductive decline as they age. Understanding this biological reality is crucial. In women: Egg count and quality begin to drop after age 30 The chances of miscarriage and genetic abnormalities increase Hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation become more common In men: Sperm motility and count reduce with age There’s an increased risk of DNA fragmentation Lower testosterone levels can affect fertility By consulting an IVF doctor in Siliguri early, couples can evaluate their fertility potential and take preventive measures including egg or sperm freezing to preserve their reproductive health. How Early Diagnosis Enhances Treatment Infertility can stem from multiple causes, many of which are treatable when detected early. Unfortunately, symptoms aren’t always obvious. Your IVF doctor in Siliguri can help diagnose conditions like: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – causing irregular periods and hormonal imbalance Endometriosis – when tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting implantation Blocked Fallopian Tubes – preventing eggs from meeting sperm Low Sperm Count or Motility – reducing chances of fertilization Thyroid or Prolactin Imbalance – disrupting ovulation cycles The earlier these issues are identified, the more responsive your body is to treatment. Timely diagnosis ensures that mild problems don’t progress into more serious infertility complications. Here’s Some of the Benefits of Early Consultation With An IVF Doctor 1. Better IVF Success Rates The success of IVF is influenced by multiple factors, including egg quality, sperm health, and uterine condition. Couples who approach an IVF doctor in Siliguri early often experience better results because: The ovaries respond more efficiently to stimulation Eggs retrieved are of higher quality Sperm health and count are better The body is generally more receptive to implantation Starting early means your fertility specialist can explore simpler, less invasive treatments first such as timed intercourse or IUI before proceeding to IVF if necessary. 2. Lower Stress and Emotional Stability Fertility struggles can be emotionally exhausting. The constant cycle of hope and disappointment can take a toll on mental health and relationships. Consulting an IVF doctor in Siliguri early can ease that emotional burden by providing: A clear understanding of your condition Professional reassurance and emotional support A structured plan with achievable goals Reducing uncertainty helps couples manage stress better, which in turn supports hormonal balance and improves fertility outcomes. 3. Prevention of Egg and Sperm Deterioration Egg and sperm quality play a vital role in conception. With aging, environmental toxins, and poor lifestyle habits, their quality tends to decline. An experienced IVF doctor in Siliguri will guide you to: Improve your diet with fertility-boosting nutrients Avoid harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol Maintain a healthy weight and sleep routine Take prescribed supplements that support reproductive health These small yet powerful lifestyle changes can improve egg and sperm quality over time and boost the chances of conception, whether naturally or through IVF. 4. Time-Efficient Treatment Planning Infertility treatments require careful timing, from ovulation tracking to embryo transfer. An early consultation allows proper planning without rushing or missing critical fertility windows. With early medical advice, couples can: Schedule tests and treatments efficiently Receive medications at the right time Move progressively from mild to advanced procedures Save both time and emotional effort Delaying consultation may result in limited options later. An early start gives your IVF doctor in Siliguri the flexibility to plan the most effective treatment timeline for you. 5. Access to Modern Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Today, assisted reproductive technologies are more advanced and accessible than ever before. By consulting an IVF doctor in Siliguri early, you gain access to cutting-edge solutions such as: ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) for male infertility Blastocyst transfer for higher implantation success Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to ensure healthy embryos Egg or embryo freezing for fertility preservation Laser-assisted hatching for improved embryo implantation Starting early gives your doctor time to evaluate which procedure suits your case best, increasing your chances of a successful pregnancy. 6. Improved Long-Term Reproductive Health Infertility is often linked to underlying health issues such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalances. Regular consultations with an IVF doctor in Siliguri help in early detection and management of these conditions. Ongoing monitoring helps you: Maintain balanced hormone levels Prevent the worsening of reproductive disorders Manage overall wellness before and during pregnancy By addressing these conditions early, you ensure better outcomes for both conception and pregnancy. When Should You Consult an IVF Doctor? It’s time to consult an IVF doctor in Siliguri if: You’ve been trying to conceive for more than 12 months (or 6 months if over 35) Your menstrual cycles are irregular or absent You have a known reproductive condition such as PCOS or endometriosis You

Why Consulting an IVF Doctor in Siliguri Early Can Improve Your Chances of Conception Read More »