Gynaecologist Dr Sandhya Saharan Talks About The Main Factor Which Affects Fertility Treatment

Her main focus areas as a gynaecologist are PCOS, infertility, and high-risk pregnancy and she has over 29 years of clinical and eight years of research experience in the field, who better than Dr Sandhya Saharan can explain fertility and pregnancy issues? 

Interestingly, when she’s not doing her doctor duties, she enjoys dancing and dramatics. BabyChakra had an insightful and interesting conversation with Dr Sandhya about fertility treatment, PCOS, infertility, and high-risk pregnancy.

Excerpt

You took OBG and chose to be a gynaecologist, why?

I wanted to be an obstetrician and a gynaecologist to witness a miracle every day, that is the miracle of a newborn child, the miracle of life.

Tell us more about your practice, what is the best part of your job?

My practice is both OBGY and infertility with special emphasis on PCOS. The best part about my practice is that patients trust me with their deepest feelings, anxieties, and insecurities and also share their happiness with me. I become a part of their family which is a very precious feeling.

What are some of the things that have changed over the years in this field?

Change is a constant feature as the world is evolving so is medicine. We have IT-driven systems, virtual medicine, Webinars, Live relay of conferences, tele medicine, tele consultation, robotics, state of art diagnostic modalities with newer machines both lab and radiology. AI-driven technology enables both diagnosis and treatment, simulation labs, and online training. Operating rooms have the latest equipment with monitors, some have 3-D technology, and customised OTs.

What about pregnancy issues and complications? Have you seen a change in that? If yes, then what are those?

There are many issues in pregnancy especially hypertensive disease, diabetes mellitus, abnormal placentation, advanced age pregnancy, IVF pregnancy, stress is a very important factor complicating pregnancy, bleeding problems during pregnancy and preterm labour.

What are some of the Common gynecologic problems women come to you with?

Common gynecologic problems are abnormal vaginal discharge, urinary tract infections, painful periods called dysmenorrhea, irregular periods and abnormal bleeding patterns, especially during menopause, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian masses, cysts, and prolapse uterus.

Has there been any one challenging case in your career?

I have had many challenging cases as I have been practising for 30 years and it is technical for this dialogue, many of them are tackling high-risk delivery. 

Your focus areas as a Gynaec are PCOS, infertility, and high-risk pregnancy. Can you tell us more about it?

My core areas are infertility high-risk pregnancy and PCOS, all of which are very important today as they are linked to lifestyle and behaviour patterns and they can be addressed by early diagnosis, treatment and also lifestyle modification.

Is it true that if you have PCOS the chances of getting pregnant are less?

In PCOS chances of pregnancy are a little lesser than normal.

And if one has PCOS and does get pregnant then the risks are high, is that correct?

Yes, the chances are there but not very high. Complications like fetal growth retardation, preterm labour and gestational diabetes are high.

Can you tell us about some of the high-risk pregnancies?

High-risk pregnancies are those with advanced maternal age, multi-parity, hypertensive disease of pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, twin pregnancy, cardiac disease in pregnancy, obesity, and previous surgeries like cesarean section, myomectomy, and placenta previa.

What are the most common causes of infertility?

Common causes of infertility are advanced age, obesity, irregular cycles with hormonal imbalance causing ovulation, PCOS, endometriosis, sexual dysfunctions, substance abuse like smoking alcohol, drug abuse, and anatomical causes affecting the uterus, tubal blocks, tuberculosis of the genital tract, male factor infertility with low sperm count.

Is Infertility a common problem?

Infertility is increasing and the prevalence is from 9 to 15% with increased incidence in urban areas.

Is there currently a drop in fertility rates?

Fertility rates are steadily dropping in urban areas.

What would you say is the biggest problem facing infertility treatment today?

The major factors which affect fertility treatment are the inability to address the issue, late diagnostic workup, the advanced age of marriage and time constraints with career demands and expenses involved in treatment.

On a lighter note do you think women gynaecologists are preferred over men?

In urban areas, there is no preference for male or female gynaecologists, but in rural areas, there is still a preference for female gynaecologists.

Tell us about your role as the advisory board in BabyChakra.

The main role as an advisor to Baby Chakra is to give evidence-based information regarding the latest in OBGY which will benefit the public, as well as pregnant patients, dispel myths and taboos and instil confidence in people to read about the topics, and attend the interactive sessions and ask questions.

What do you plan to achieve through it and what difference do you want to make?

I think in this new age where technology, innovation and medicine are constantly evolving, it is necessary to stay abreast with the latest development, imbibe them in day-to-day practice, and follow what is the best to ensure good health. Women’s health is an integral part of healthcare worldwide and needs utmost attention.