Tag: Health

Health Scope

Does Everyone Who Isn’t Conceiving Need IVF? A Gynaecologist’s Light Take

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Dr. Namrata Raikar

“We’ve been trying for a few months — do we need IVF?”

If you’ve asked this question recently, you’re not alone. As a gynaecologist, it’s something I hear all the time — especially from anxious couples in their 20s and 30s.

And the honest answer? No, not everyone who isn’t conceiving needs IVF.

Why the rush?

In today’s digital world, with social media filled with IVF success stories and influencers documenting every injection and ultrasound, it’s easy to think IVF is the default solution.

But the truth is far less dramatic — and far more hopeful.

When Should You Start Worrying?

If you’re under 35 and otherwise healthy, we recommend trying to conceive naturally for 12 months before seeking medical advice. If you’re over 35, that timeframe shortens to 6 months.

Why? Because conception isn’t instant — it takes time, patience, and the right timing.

Small Tweaks. Big Results.

Many couples conceive without needing high-tech treatments.
Simple steps can make a huge difference:

  • Tracking ovulation more accurately
  • Making lifestyle changes (diet, sleep, stress)
  • Addressing minor hormonal imbalances
  • Treating infections or irregular cycles

Sometimes, low-intervention treatments like ovulation-inducing medications or IUI (intrauterine insemination) can help.

When is IVF Actually Needed?

IVF is incredible, no doubt. But it’s usually reserved for specific situations like:

  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Very low sperm count
  • Endometriosis or severe PCOS
  • Recurrent failed IUI or unexplained infertility
  • Genetic conditions

The Bottom Line

Not conceiving immediately doesn’t mean something is wrong.
 Most couples don’t jump to IVF — and many don’t need to.
What you do need is a structured, step-by-step approach with a fertility specialist who listens.

If you’re feeling uncertain, don’t panic — start with a conversation.
With patience, the right guidance, and clarity, your journey can begin calmly and confidently.

Health

Molbio Diagnostics Empowers Philippines to Fast-Track TB Elimination with Truenat and Ultra-Portable X-ray Tech

Tanisha Cardozo

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the Philippines’ most pressing public health challenges, with nearly 190,000 cases going undetected each year. In a transformative move aligned with the UN goal to treat 2.1 million TB cases by 2027, the Philippines Department of Health has embraced Indian innovation to revolutionize its TB response.

At the forefront is the Truenat® platform, a WHO-endorsed, ICMR-approved molecular diagnostic solution developed by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics. Designed for portability, accuracy, and speed, the Truenat® system supports rapid testing not just for TB, but for a wide array of infectious diseases, including HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B & C.

Currently, 68 Truenat® devices are operational across the Philippines. A pilot on Bantayan Island yielded a staggering 1008% increase in TB detection — a powerful testament to the platform’s impact.

Geographic barriers, under-resourced labs, and limited rural access have long hindered TB diagnosis in the Philippines. Truenat®, alongside the newly approved PRORAD Atlas Ultraportable X-ray system, now makes it possible to deliver end-to-end screening, diagnosis, and treatment — even in the most isolated communities.

During an official visit to Molbio’s facility in India, Philippines Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J Herbosa commended the partnership, calling it a “beacon of innovation” and highlighting the broader strategic alliance between the two nations. “Truenat® allows for swift and accurate TB screenings, enhancing our capacity to manage and eventually eliminate TB within our borders,” he said.

This healthcare collaboration reflects a growing Indo-Philippine partnership that now exceeds $3 billion in trade, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and beyond.

Molbio Diagnostics will further its engagement with the Philippines by hosting a panel at the 31st Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) Annual Convention in Manila on August 14–15, 2025.

The company’s broader mission continues through projects like a multi-country R2D2 TB Network study exploring tongue-swab molecular testing — a game-changer for TB detection among children and people with HIV/AIDS.

“By bringing diagnostics to the doorstep of underserved communities, we aim to close the TB care gap and help countries build stronger, more resilient health systems,” said Shiva Sriram, President of Molbio Diagnostics.

Entertainment

Barbara Palvin Reveals Endometriosis Diagnosis and Surgery Recovery

Tanisha Cardozo

Barbara Palvin, the Hungarian model and actor widely admired for her glamour and charisma, recently showed a different kind of strength — by publicly sharing her private health journey with endometriosis. In an emotional and candid post on Instagram, she revealed that after years of suffering from severe menstrual pain, fatigue, irregular flow, and sleepless nights, she was diagnosed with endometriosis and has undergone surgery to treat it.

“For some years now, I’ve been dealing with the difficulties that can come with my periods,” Barbara wrote. “Fatigue, severe pain, heavy and irregular flow, sleepless nights on the bathroom floor. I thought this was just how it works for me.”

She shared that despite regular visits to her gynecologist, her symptoms were never attributed to endometriosis — a condition that often goes undiagnosed due to the limitations of general medical exams. “I thought if I had endometriosis, I would have known about it by now, but as it turns out, endometriosis can’t be diagnosed with general examinations,” she said.

Three months ago, Barbara finally received the correct diagnosis from a specialist and was advised to undergo surgery — a common treatment option for managing the condition. Now on the path to recovery, she reflected on her first pain-free period in years. “Since then, I finally experienced a period that was easier, and now I know the difference,” she shared.

Barbara’s transparency brings much-needed awareness to endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Caused by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside it, endometriosis can lead to debilitating pain, infertility, and significant disruption to daily life. According to the CDC, symptoms can include intense pelvic pain, painful periods, painful intercourse, and even bowel or urinary complications.

Her story highlights the importance of trusting one’s intuition when it comes to personal health. “If you suspect that you could have endometriosis, I encourage you to find out. It helped me a lot, and I’m grateful I did it.”

She also emphasized the value of early diagnosis and rest. “Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to prevent long-term complications. That’s also why I took the past three months to rest and fully heal. I’m excited about this new chapter of my life and now ready to get back to work.”

Alongside her post, Barbara shared photos from her hospital stay — including one in a hospital gown and another with visible bandages following her surgery — humanizing a condition that often remains invisible.

Married to actor Dylan Sprouse and admired for her beauty, Barbara’s decision to publicly speak about her health is an act of both courage and solidarity. In doing so, she not only sheds light on the silent struggles of millions of women but also empowers them to seek answers, advocate for their health, and, ultimately, heal.

Personal Grooming

The Modern World’s Emotional Marathon: Why Mental Fitness Is the New Superpower?

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Hitesh Giriya

We live in a time when burnout is worn like a badge of honor and emotional exhaustion has become routine. Productivity is praised, and pushing through is glorified. But slowly, a new understanding is emerging: what got us here won’t get us through what’s next.

We’re not just working more—we’re emotionally sprinting. The pressure to achieve, the chase for perfection, and the noise of social comparison have turned life into a high-stakes marathon. But most of us are running on fumes.

The truth we’re waking up to? Resilience isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about recovering smarter. It’s about equipping ourselves mentally and emotionally for the long haul—with clarity, compassion, and consistency.

Mental Fitness Is the New Resilience

Your mind is not fixed. Thanks to neuroplasticity, you can reshape how you think, feel, and act—at any age. Emotional strength, like physical fitness, is built through training.

Here’s how to build yours:

1. Name Your Emotions

When you label how you feel—“I’m anxious,” “I’m overwhelmed”—you shift from reactivity to reflection. This calms your emotional brain and activates your rational thinking.

2. Respond, Don’t React

Pause before responding. Emotions are signals, not commands. Create space between trigger and action. This is the foundation of emotional mastery.

3. Set Boundaries

Protect your energy. Learn to say no without guilt. Set limits on social media, work hours, and draining conversations.

4. Rethink Stress

Stress isn’t always bad. Reframing it as a message instead of a threat helps you extract meaning and reduce fear.

5. Accept the Uncontrollable

Not everything is within your power—and that’s okay. Focus your energy on what you can influence: your mindset, your actions, your attitude.

6. Rituals Build Resilience

Morning journaling, evening walks, gratitude practice—small habits anchor us during uncertainty. It’s not about intensity; it’s about consistency.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Emotional fitness doesn’t mean always feeling great—it means supporting yourself when things aren’t.

8. Keep Perspective

No emotion is permanent. Remember: “This too shall pass.” Holding a broader view helps you weather temporary storms.

Resilience Isn’t Stoicism—It’s Adaptability

Suppressing emotions isn’t strength—it’s avoidance. Real resilience is feeling fully and choosing to move forward anyway. It’s reaching out, taking breaks, and resetting when needed.

The Bottom Line

In this emotionally intense era, your mindset is your most valuable asset. The world may not slow down—but you can strengthen your response to it. Because your mind isn’t the victim of your mood. It’s the commander of your calm.

So next time the emotional storm hits, remember: you have the tools to rebuild, rewire, and rise.

Special Occasion

Organ Donation in Goa: Dr. Preeti Varghese, SOTTO Joint Director

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

🫀 Every year on August 13, World Organ Donation Day is observed to raise awareness and encourage people to pledge their organs to save lives. This year’s theme, “Answering the Call”, puts the spotlight on healthcare professionals and communities working together to make organ donation a shared responsibility.

Dr. Preeti Varghese, Joint Director of SOTTO Goa, joins AllyCaral.com to share insights on how Goa is advancing this mission through community engagement, education, and public trust.

What is SOTTO Goa?

Established in October 2019 at Goa Medical College, SOTTO Goa is a vital link in India’s National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP). It regulates deceased donor organ transplants in the state and ensures organ retrieval, storage, and transplantation complies with the Transplantation of Human Organ Act (THOA), 1994.

Key functions include:

  • Organ donation facilitation
  • Organ allocation coordination
  • Maintenance of donor/recipient registries
  • Awareness campaigns and medical training
  • Implementation of national transplant schemes

Awareness Efforts in Goa

SOTTO Goa is actively creating awareness through a diverse set of initiatives:

  • Training programs for medical professionals
  • CMEs and CNEs for continuous education
  • Public campaigns including poster competitions, ad films, walkathons, and awareness drives in schools, colleges, corporates, and social clubs.

These efforts aim to normalize organ donation in daily conversations and break common myths that hinder participation.

Common Myths About Organ Donation

❌ “I’m too old to donate.”
 ✅ Age is not a barrier. Anyone above 18 can pledge. Medical suitability is determined later.

❌ “My body will be disfigured.”
 ✅ Organs are retrieved with surgical precision and dignity — similar to any medical surgery. There is no disfigurement.

How to Pledge in Goa

It’s simple:
👉 Visit notto.abdm.gov.in and register your pledge online.

A printable donor card and digital acknowledgment will be provided.

The Reality: Shortage Still Persists

India’s organ donation rate stands at just 0.6 per million population. In Goa, only kidney and cornea transplants are currently available, and as of now, 80 patients are on the deceased donor kidney transplant waiting list under the Nave Jivit scheme.

Public Attitude: A Slow but Steady Shift

Dr. Varghese believes public attitudes are shifting — but more people need to step forward.

“Organs can’t be manufactured or bought. Only one human can save another through donation,” she emphasizes.

The Role of Youth and Institutions

Dr. Varghese calls on students and schools to take the lead in creating conversations around organ donation:

“The right time to talk is now — when we’re healthy, surrounded by friends and family — not in times of grief.”

Final Message:

“#SayYesToOrganDonation.”
 Let’s step forward and support this noble cause. Your decision today could give someone else a tomorrow.