Tag: Reproductive Health

The Diet Plate

Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Happy Fertility

allycaralgoa

Written by Wellishia D’sa | Dietitian

Motherhood is a dream close to many hearts, but the path to conception can sometimes feel challenging. The truth is, our bodies are beautifully designed to reproduce, but they need the right care, nourishment, and mindset to flourish. Fertility, however, is a team effort — men face challenges too. Stress, toxins, alcohol, smoking, and belly fat can reduce sperm quality and affect conception chances.

The good news is that simple lifestyle changes make a huge difference. Nutrition forms the foundation. Traditional Goan foods are naturally fertility-boosting and can support reproductive health for both partners. Some key fertility-friendly foods include:

  • Goan Red Rice & Local Millets (Nachne, Bajra, Jowar): Help balance blood sugar and improve ovulation.
  • Leafy Greens (Methi, Drumstick leaves): Rich in folate and iron, vital for egg health and preventing birth defects.
  • Seasonal Fruits (Guava, Papaya, Pomegranate, Mango): Packed with antioxidants to protect eggs and sperm.
  • Nuts & Seeds (Cashews, Flax, Pumpkin Seeds, Coconut): Provide zinc and healthy fats that boost sperm count and hormone balance.
  • Pulses & Legumes (Moong, Chana, Kulith, Alsande): Plant-based proteins rich in iron and folate, essential for vegetarian couples.
  • Fish (Mackerel, Sardines, Shellfish): Omega-3s that improve sperm motility and egg health.
  • Eggs: Provide choline and protein, crucial for fertility and fetal development.
  • Lean Meats (Chicken, Local Goan Pork in moderation): Aid hormone regulation and reproductive health.

Along with diet, regular exercise such as beach walks or light yoga supports healthy weight and reduces stress. Adequate sleep allows hormones to reset naturally, while 15 minutes of morning sun provides vitamin D, essential for fertility.

Emotional well-being is equally important. Practices like meditation, prayer, or quiet gratitude ease emotional pressures and nurture hope during the fertility journey.

For couples with special dietary needs or health concerns like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies, personalized nutrition advice can make a significant difference. Consulting a qualified dietitian is recommended to tailor plans for optimal egg and sperm health.

With a balanced diet, lifestyle, and love, fertility can flourish — bringing you closer to the dream of parenthood.

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.

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.

Health Scope

PCOS: When Ovaries Decide to Be Dramatic – A Gynaecologist’s Honest Take

allycaralgoa

Written by Dr. Namrata Raikar, MBBS, MS OBGY | Consultant Obstetrician, Apexcare Hospital, Mahalaxmi

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome—fondly (and frustratingly) known as PCOS—is the queen bee of hormonal disorders. It’s like your ovaries decided to throw a surprise party, invited all the follicles, and forgot to let anyone leave.

From a gynaecologist’s POV, PCOS can be likened to a zoo where the animals (aka hormones) are running the show. Testosterone is dancing on tables, insulin is hiding in the back room, and estrogen is left cleaning up the mess. Result? Acne, weight gain, excess hair, mood swings, and periods that ghost you without warning.

Dr. Namrata Raikar uses humor and relatable metaphors to explain that while PCOS may feel overwhelming, it is manageable. The solution? Lifestyle changes—think clean eating and regular exercise—paired with medical support when necessary.

Ultrasounds reveal a “string of pearls” in the ovaries, but don’t be fooled—these aren’t the kind you wear, and they don’t carry value unless your hormones are balanced.

Her advice is simple: Don’t fear PCOS. Understand it, treat it, and show it who’s boss. With the right approach, you can turn this chaotic drama into a calm, healthy balance.

Because hey, every drama queen can be reformed—even your ovaries.