Latest news with #AssistedReproductive
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World IVF Day: Experts share how sperm freezing is giving men more control over fertility and fatherhood
When famous cyclist Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer at just 25, his doctors advised him to freeze his sperm before surgery and chemotherapy. After surviving cancer and when he wanted to start a family, the seven-time Tour de France winner became the father of three children through IVF thanks to the sperm he froze before treatment. Also read | Stress to sperm count: Doctor shares everyday habits hurting your fertility, lifestyle changes that can help Sperm freezing may be used by men with medical conditions or even those who want to delay fatherhood.(Freepik) In recent times, more men are opting for sperm freezing or semen freezing early to preserve fertility, while couples are embracing IVF as a planned path to parenthood — free from the stigma it once carried. With changing lifestyles, late marriages, and growing awareness about reproductive health, fertility preservation is becoming a lifestyle decision, say experts on World IVF Day 2025. For years, the fertility conversation is almost always about women, egg freezing, biological clocks and hormone tests. But the truth is that men aren't immune to the ticking clock either, and sperm freezing, or cryopreservation, is slowly coming into the spotlight. What is sperm freezing? Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is the process of preserving sperm cells for future use. It is done in single visit, where a man provides a semen sample, which is then processed in a laboratory. A special protective solution is added to prevent damage, and the sperm is stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This keeps the sperm viable for years, allowing it to be used later for fertility treatments like IVF or IUI. Why is sperm freezing gaining popularity among men today? Is it mostly fertility concerns, lifestyle choices, or medical reasons? "It is a mix of all three," Dr Jyoti Gupta, Senior Consultant - Reproductive Medicine at Motherhood Hospital, tells Health Shots. "While medical reasons such as upcoming cancer treatments or surgeries remain common, persistent low sperm count, lifestyle and fertility planning are becoming significant factors. Men are marrying later, focusing on careers, or facing unpredictable life events. For those in high-risk jobs or undergoing gender reassignment, sperm freezing offers control over future parenthood," adds Dr Gupta. According to medical experts in the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) space, there have even been successful pregnancies with sperm that had been frozen for over 20 years. "Today's men are delaying marriage and parenthood, focusing on careers, traveling, or just figuring out life first. Fertility isn't the first thing on anyone's mind at 25, but sperm quality does decline with age," explains gynaecologist and IVF expert Dr Vaishali Sharma. She highlights some of the main reasons men freeze sperm: • Medical treatments like cancer therapy or testicular surgery. • Lifestyle — extended work hours, stress, and environmental toxins can harm the sperm health. • Preplanned backup for IVF cycles or family planning later in life. • 'Why not?' mindset. Some men just like having the reassurance that they've preserved their fertility and hence, possibility of father while they're young. "People are realizing that you don't have to wait for a crisis or a diagnosis. The best time is when you're healthy and in your prime. If you're between 20 and 35, your sperm is likely at its peak quality — with better motility and fewer DNA defects. After 40, sperm DNA fragmentation increases, and conception might take longer," adds Dr Sharma. How sperm quality changes with age Even though men are technically capable of fathering children even in their 50s or even 60s, the uncertainties and risks may tend to increase. "Older sperm is more prone to DNA damage, which can therefore, impact embryo quality, increase miscarriage risk, and in some studies, even link to certain childhood disorders," says Dr Sharma. What is the best time for sperm freezing? Ideally, men should consider sperm freezing in their late 20s to early 30s, when sperm quality is typically optimal. However, it can be done at any age, especially when there's a medical reason or if there's a delay in family planning, adds Dr Gupta. How does sperm freezing work? Here's a step-by-step procedure for sperm freezing that is typically used: 1. Collection of sample: This refers to the process where you'll be providing a semen sample, usually at a clinic. 2. Sperm health testing: This includes the process where the lab checks your sperm for various health parameters like its count, movement (motility), and shape. They want to freeze only the healthiest ones because obviously, they are the most viable, hence this is a crucial step in the process, explains Dr Sharma. 3. Sperm freezing: The tested healthy and viable sperm is then mixed with a protective solution and cooled to a temperature of -196°C using liquid nitrogen. 4. Storage of sperm: It is then stored in a cryogenic tank for as long as you want — 5, 10, even 20 years. This is known as sperm banking. 5. Future use: When you think you're ready, the sperm is thawed, tested again, and used for treatments like IVF. Common myths around sperm freezing Taking the IVF route to parenthood can come with a mix of many myths and misconceptions. When it comes to sperm freezing or semen freezing, here are some common myths and facts, explained by Dr Priti Arora Dhamija, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research. Myth: Freezing of sperms deteriorates over time Fact: Frozen sperms remains viable for years, without significant loss of their quality. In fact, frozen sperms can be just as effective like fresh samples for IVF procedures. Myth: Semen freezing is only for people with medical conditions Fact: Semen freezing can also be done for various reasons, including delayed parenthood, high risk occupations such as military or works which involve chemical and radiation exposure, and out of personal choice. Healthy men are now freezing sperm as part of long-term family planning — just like women freeze eggs. Myth: Semen freezing can only be done at younger age Fact: Quality of sperms decline with age but it typically happens after 45-50 years. Semen freezing is beneficial at a younger age, but not necessarily. What is the cost of sperm freezing in India? The cost of sperm freezing can vary depending on the number of years the sample is being frozen for, and the number of vials. The experts say India has made sperm freezing widely accessible, especially in urban centers. "The process is far more affordable here than in many Western countries. Freezing costs range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000," says Dr Gupta. As per Dr Sharma, initial testing may cost ₹5,000, initial freezing is around ₹15,000, annual storage fees may cost ₹10,000, and thawing for IVF later may cost ₹5,000. A word of caution It is important to note that IVF and sperm freezing outcomes vary for each individual. Success rates depend on factors such as age, overall health, and fertility conditions. Please consult your fertility specialist to understand the best options for your specific situation. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Dr Umesh Jindal, an IVF expert for 40 years, says couples now see IVF as a health choice: ‘Not a shameful last resort'
The year was 1996. Chandigarh's first IVF baby was born at a fertility centre. These were times when In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) was perceived with stigma and scepticism. Yet, Dr Umesh Jindal, who has dedicated over 40 years of pioneering work and research in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), is committed to restoring hope, dignity, and possibility for couples struggling with fertility. The 71-year-old veteran says her medical journey was riddled with resistance, but she found strength in empowering women silenced by the burden of infertility. World IVF Day 2025: Dr Umesh Jindal sheds light on IVF's benefits, emotional challenges, and the journey toward parenthood(Dr Umesh Jindal) For World IVF Day 2025, Health Shots reached out to infertility specialist, obstetrician, and gynaecologist Dr Umesh Jindal to discuss a four-decade-long journey in the field of IVF, battling myths and misconceptions, spreading awareness, and the changing perception towards Assisted Reproductive Technology. Excerpts from the interview: Q. What led you to begin your journey in IVF and infertility care in the 80s? Dr Umesh Jindal: During my early years working at PGI Chandigarh, I witnessed countless women facing social stigma and emotional trauma due to infertility, especially in the 1980s when such issues were either ignored or ridiculed. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and being part of a World Health Organisation (WHO) project on infertility at the time gave me both the technical insight and the conviction to address this silent suffering. No doubt, the challenges were immense, as there were no trained embryologists, no local equipment suppliers, and even the concept of IVF was met with scepticism. Q. Would you describe your early journey in this field as an emotionally driven mission? Dr Umesh Jindal: During my early years of service, I saw firsthand how women facing infertility were often blamed, ostracised and cruelly labelled as 'banjh' or barren. It was heartbreaking to witness how society reduced their identity to a condition they had no control over, treating them as lesser beings within their own families. What made it even more painful was knowing that in many cases, it was later found that the cause lay with the male partner, yet women bore the entire blame. This social stigma was not just unfair but deeply damaging both emotionally and mentally. Q. As a fertility expert offering IVF treatment, what kind of societal or cultural resistance did you face? Dr Umesh Jindal: At the outset of my journey, what stood out most was not open resistance but a prevailing silence and unwillingness to confront the reality of infertility. Couples, especially women, were hesitant to acknowledge infertility openly, fearing social judgment and being seen as incomplete or incapable. Many believed in myths or relied on unscientific remedies rather than seeking medical help. There was also a cultural hesitation around discussing reproductive health, making it challenging to introduce new technologies like IVF. Women often faced pressure from families to conceive quickly, and if they could not, the blame rested squarely on their shoulders. Even when couples were informed, many still hesitated to visit a clinic out of fear that their community or family would find out, choosing instead to suffer quietly rather than risk being identified with infertility. Those who gathered the courage often visited under changed names or disguised their identities, arriving at odd hours or through secret routes. As a practitioner, I have also faced resistance and scepticism from peers and society alike. Questions were raised about the morality of IVF and whether such science should be pursued, but I remained committed to my belief that this was both ethical and necessary. Q. Looking back at 40 years in the field, what have been some of the most significant breakthroughs or turning points for you? Dr Umesh Jindal: Delivering North India's first IVF baby in 1996 marked a defining moment that demonstrated the power of persistent effort backed by science to turn possibility into reality. Likewise, introducing genetic screening techniques like PGT-HLA and PGT-SR brought new hope for families dealing with inherited conditions such as thalassemia. Similarly, advancing embryo freezing through vitrification made treatments more adaptable and outcomes more consistent. Expanding care by partnering with hospitals across smaller cities also helped take quality services closer to people without compromising standards. Building structured training programs and hosting seminars for embryologists has been equally crucial because growing the field with skilled and ethical professionals ensures continuity. These milestones together represent a single consistent goal, making fertility care not just a clinical pursuit but a deeply human commitment to restoring hope, dignity and possibility. Q. Can you share a life-changing success story that captures the emotional essence of IVF and its impact on a family? Dr Umesh Jindal: One case that profoundly captures the emotional essence of IVF was when a couple approached us in 2019 with a concrete and deeply moving hope. Their first child suffered from thalassemia major, and they wished not only for another baby but for a healthy sibling who could one day save their elder child through a bone marrow transplant. It was not a simple IVF journey. We had to repeat the entire process three times to carefully create a sufficient pool of 16 to 18 embryos, thereby increasing the chances of finding at least one embryo that was both HLA-matched and free from thalassemia. This involved countless injections, meticulous genetic screening through PGT-HLA, and months of resilience from both the couple and our team. Against immense odds, only one viable embryo matched both criteria. That single chance led to the birth of a healthy baby in April 2024. It was a moment that reaffirmed the true purpose of what we do.
Associated Press
17-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Announcing The World Fertility Awards: Celebrating Global Change Agents Advancing Fertility Awareness, Innovation, and Inclusion
- This event recognizes the people supporting the future of fertility in three areas: Access & Awareness, Innovation & Technology, and Equity & Inclusion - NEW YORK, N.Y., June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Pregnantish, the first global media platform dedicated to helping people navigate their fertility, announces the inaugural World Fertility Awards at The Times Center in New York City in December. Award nominations are now open at and will be accepted until August 1, 2025. The World Fertility Awards (WFAs), produced by pregnantish, will convene patients, advocates, medical professionals, public personalities, social influencers, media outlets, industry representatives, and digital health leaders working together to transform the future of family building around the world by celebrating progress and fostering momentum to advance fertility awareness, access, and care. Supported by host committees across seven global regions, the WFAs will reach millions of people worldwide who are struggling to conceive and/or can't access necessary treatment to build their families. 'At least 1 in 6 are experiencing infertility globally, according to the World Health Organization – and that's just what's reported,' says Andrea Syrtash, Relationships Author and Founder of pregnantish and the WFAs. 'With a global decline in fertility happening and dystopian fertility headlines trending in the news, the World Fertility Awards were conceived to raise awareness about infertility, recognize the heroes who develop life-changing healthcare, and amplify the stories of fertility and modern family-building.' Pregnantish is uniquely positioned to host this event, having reached over one billion globally since inception with high quality content, sold-out live events, scientifically published research on the patient journey, and education that's helped support patients and providers as they work together to build families with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology. This event recognizes the people supporting the future of fertility in three areas: Access & Awareness, Innovation & Technology, and Equity & Inclusion. The WFAs has the support of global ambassadors which includes thought leaders from medicine, advocacy, journalism, technology, finance, and entertainment sectors. Members include respected fertility specialists like Dr. Rodrigo De Rosa (Brazil), Dr. Prati Sharma (Canada), Dr. Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, (South Africa) and US advocates like Sarah Kennedy Ellis, VP at Google, David Sable, Life Sciences Portfolio Manager, Eboni K. Williams, TV Host & Author, and Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first U.S. IVF baby. Dr. Lucky Sekhon, co-chair of the US Host Committee and Infertility Specialist at RMA of New York — a practice within the US Fertility network, who is a sponsor of the event — shares: 'The World Fertility Awards are a recognition of the human stories and groundbreaking science that shape the field of reproductive medicine. Amplifying these voices is deeply meaningful because it reflects our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to care.' Dr. Prateek Makwana, Director at Vasundhara Hospital and Co-Chair of the South Asia Host Committee notes, 'Infertility is on the rise in India. While people now seek medical opinion relatively quickly when trying to conceive, there is still a huge gap in how society sees and portrays infertility. The WFAs help with recognising people and amplifying real voices, breaking cultural taboos, and inspiring open conversations.' Gretchen Adcock, Head of Sales at Lending Club Patient Solutions, felt that it was important to support an event showing the need for people to access fertility treatments: 'Navigating treatment costs can be overwhelming, we know, and I'm glad to work for a company that offers budget-friendly plans and a straightforward application process. People shouldn't delay treatment because of cost; but sadly that's a reality for some in the US today.' Ola Taiwo, host of Africa's first fertility podcast and Co-Chair of the Africa Host Committee, says, 'In Nigeria, infertility is often misunderstood—especially for women. It's time to break the silence, challenge the shame, and recognize infertility for what it truly is: a medical condition, not a moral failure. We need more awareness, access, empathy, and support—and a complete shift in how we talk about it.' Learn more (Video/YouTube): Visit to submit award nominations and to take the pledge. To get involved as a sponsor, contact [email protected]. Initial sponsors include US Fertility, LendingClub, LabCorp, IVI RMA, EMD Serono Canada, among others. About Pregnantish Inc. Pregnantish launched in 2017 as the first media platform dedicated to elevating the conversation about fertility with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology. The company is home to Pregnantish Insights, a division dedicated to researching fertility experiences with the goal of bridging the gap between patients and their providers. Today, a diverse cross-section of people come to pregnantish to find the content, community and events they need to travel their own fertility journey. Founder Andrea Syrtash is an internationally recognized relationship and sexual health expert, author, and fertility advocate who uniquely understands the relationship between patients and the products and services they seek. Learn more: Follow @pregnantish for more: Press inquiries: [email protected] Image link for media: Image caption: Announcing The World Fertility Awards. NEWS SOURCE: Pregnantish Inc. Keywords: Fertility and IVF, World Fertility Awards, Pregnantish Inc, patients, advocates, medical professionals, NEW YORK, N.Y. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Pregnantish Inc.) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P127038 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
MNCU, ART centre, ECRC opened at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian on Sunday inaugurated a Mother – Newborn Care Unit (MNCU) and an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) centre at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). The MNCU built at a cost of ₹86 lakh has 10 beds for mothers with attached facilities for newborns. This will ensure treatment of ailing postnatal mothers or newborns within the same space, without separating them. The Minister said that the ART centre that has come up at the tertiary level government hospital at a cost of ₹16.3 lakh will help couples from poor economic backgrounds undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, which in private facilities cost ₹10 to ₹12 lakh. Already such centres have come up at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Egmore and the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem, he said. Mr. Subramanian said that the government, as announced earlier, has launched provision of somatrogon, a medication for growth hormone deficiency in children, at a cost of ₹13.28 crore. At a time, each beneficiary will be given the medication, which comes as a disposable injection pen, for five weeks that cost around ₹60,000. The medical will continue as prescribed by doctors. The Minister also inaugurated an Emergency Care and Recovery Centre (ECRC) at the hospital, which is a 15-bedded facility for the care and treatment of homeless persons and those who are found on streets, requiring immediate medical attention. He said 16 ECRCs are functioning across the State with the support of non-governmental organisations. He also distributed free spectacles to 50 persons aged above 50, who underwent eye check-up camps organised by the district administration in collaboration with Rotary International at Thondamuthur, Madukkarai, Negamam, Karamadai, Sarkarsamakulam, Sulthanpet, Valparai, Periyanaickenpalayam and Annur. Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department P. Senthil Kumar, Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, Coimbatore MP Ganapathy P. Rajkumar, Pollachi MP K. Eswarasamy, Mayor K. Ranganayaki, Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran and CMCH Dean A. Nirmala were present. On Sunday morning, the Minister trekked to a few tribal settlements near Kovai Courtallam and got feedback from residents on the reach of Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme. He also awarded degrees to medical students in the graduation ceremonies held at Coimbatore Medical College and the Government Medical College and ESI Hospital on Sunday.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Regulating Hope: India's ART Act, Global Best Practices, and the Drive for Research Excellence
Assisted Reproductive Technology ( ART ) has transformed fertility care, bringing renewed hope to countless individuals and couples facing infertility. In response to the growing demand and complexity of ART services, India introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021—an important step toward creating a safe, ethical, and accountable environment for reproductive treatments. By setting clear standards and oversight mechanisms, the Act lays a strong foundation for responsible practice. As the field continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to build on this progress by enabling a supportive ecosystem for research, innovation, and collaboration—ensuring that India remains responsive to emerging technologies while upholding the rights and well-being of all stakeholders. The ART Act: India's Regulatory Milestone The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 was introduced to regulate and supervise ART clinics and banks across India, aiming to prevent misuse and ensure that all procedures are carried out in a safe and ethical manner. To achieve this, the Act established a comprehensive, multi-tiered regulatory framework comprising the National and State ART and Surrogacy Boards , a National Registry, and designated authorities at both the central and state levels. These bodies are responsible for overseeing the registration, functioning, and monitoring of ART clinics and banks, enforcing prescribed standards, and maintaining a central database to support transparency and informed policy-making. Among the Act's key provisions are the mandatory registration of all ART clinics and banks, the requirement for written informed consent from all parties involved, and strict protocols for record-keeping and reporting. Additionally, the Act regulates the sourcing, storage, and handling of gametes, explicitly prohibits sex selection and the commercial sale of gametes or embryos, and includes safeguards to protect the rights and welfare of children born through ART procedures. Together, these measures address a wide range of ethical, medical, and legal concerns, while fostering responsible advancements in the field of reproductive medicine. Global Perspectives United States The US model relies on a combination of federal oversight (primarily through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration) and state-level regulation. Accreditation by professional bodies such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) ensures high standards of practice and transparent outcome reporting. However, there is significant variability in access and donor anonymity laws across states. Spain Spain is recognized for its progressive, patient-centric approach. The country's national law guarantees broad access to ART, including for single women and same-sex couples. Donor anonymity is strictly enforced, and a comprehensive national registry tracks all procedures and outcomes. Spain's robust oversight has made it a global destination for fertility care. China China's ART sector is tightly regulated by the government, with access limited to married couples. Clinics and banks operate under strict licensing, and there are clear restrictions on embryo storage and use. The centralized approach ensures uniform standards but limits individual choice. Japan Japan's regulatory environment is evolving, with guidelines issued by professional societies and increasing government involvement. Donor anonymity is maintained, and there is a cautious approach to expanding ART services, reflecting societal consensus and ethical considerations. India's take on Research and Innovation India's approach to research and innovation in assisted reproductive technology (ART), including emerging fields like genetic testing and embryo research is evolving. India's in vitro fertilization (IVF) industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rising infertility rates, technological advancements, and increased awareness of fertility treatments. Guidelines and Regulation of ART-Related Research and ICMR India has established regulatory frameworks for ART through the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which set out ethical and safety standards for ART practices. The ART Act includes strict guidelines on embryo use, prohibiting embryos from being used for purposes other than ART or research, and bans the transfer of gametes/embryos outside India for research or as a source of stem cells. Embryo donation for research is allowed only in specific cases and with written consent. Genetic testing and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) are mandated in certain cases to screen embryos for genetic diseases or when medically indicated, reflecting a cautious but proactive approach to integrating new technologies. However, research involving human germline gene therapy, reproductive cloning, and clinical trials with xenogeneic cells is not permitted. In vitro genome modification of embryos (not carried to term) is allowed, but only up to 14 days of fertilization. As of 2025, India does not have specific laws regulating human embryo gene editing. Instead, oversight is provided through guidelines issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According to the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, genome editing—including methods like CRISPR-Cas9—on stem cells, germ-line cells, gametes, or embryos is allowed only for in vitro studies. Such research must be reviewed by the IC-SCR, IEC, and IBSC, and approved by the RCGM. Clinical application of germline gene editing is currently strictly prohibited. Need to Incentivize Research and Innovation There is broad recognition among policymakers and experts of the need to incentivize research and innovation in the medical field, especially in fertility and ART. The government has launched the National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector and the PRIP (Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector ) scheme, which aims to: Create a regulatory environment that facilitates innovation and research in product private and public investment in innovation through fiscal and non-fiscal industry-academia collaboration and support research in priority areas, including stem cell therapy and complex generics. Nitiz Murdia – Managing Director Indira IVF says, 'Experts and stakeholders in the fertility sector highlight the need for greater awareness, expanded access, insurance coverage, and government-backed initiatives to address India's fertility challenges and to support the growth of ART services and research'. References: This article is written by Nitiz Murdia, Managing Director at Indira IVF (DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and does not necessarily subscribe to it. shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
