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    The ultimate guide to female fertility: why your lifestyle matters

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    As more women are looking to conceive in the Middle East at and older age, knowing the key factors that affect fertility are of utmost importance.
    A newly launched at home testing kit Ovasave has done all the research and partnered with the best fertility clinics to create all-inclusive egg freezing packages for incredible women like you who want to keep their options open.
    Co-founder of Ovasave, Torkia Mahloul, is passionate about fertility preservation, educating women about their bodies and using tech to empower women to achieve their goals.
    To delve into the topic of fertility, Emirates Woman spoke to Mahloul, who is a tech expert with over a decade of experience in banking, technology and fintech.
    What inspired you to launch Ovasave?
    My journey to launching Ovasave is deeply personal, rooted in my own struggles with fertility. It began at age 34, when I came face to face with the need to preserve my eggs. Like many women, I was initially unaware of where to start or how to navigate the complex world of fertility care. The pivotal moment came when I took an AMH test, which highlighted the importance of fertility testing and understanding our bodies. During this journey, I met Majd Abu Zant, who would later become my co-founder. Together, we recognized a gap in women’s healthcare and were driven by a common belief that women deserve access to information, support, and affordable care. Our mission at Ovasave is to empower women to proactively manage their fertility and hormonal health — not reactively, which can often be “too late” — ensuring every woman has the chance to make informed decisions about her reproductive future.

    Talk us through the product and how does it work?
    Our platform is designed to simplify the fertility journey for women, covering everything from initial hormone testing to accessing fertility healthcare. Women can order our AMH test kit from our website and have it delivered directly to their door. The process involves a simple finger prick to collect a few drops of blood (which can also be done by a phlebotomist if someone is uncomfortable doing it herself) . A courier then collects the sample and delivers it to our accredited lab for analysis. It’s important to highlight that the convenience of our at-home sample collection doesn’t come with any tradeoff in quality or reliability. Our lab tests maintain the same level of accuracy as those conducted in clinics. Within just a few days, women can securely access their results through their Ovasave dashboard. They also have the option to schedule a free tele-consultation with a fertility expert to discuss their results and consider their options. Going beyond convenience, we also want to make fertility care more affordable. Our AMH test and teleconsultation services are priced at a fraction of the cost of traditional clinic visits. Similarly, for women considering egg freezing, we are partnering with leading fertility clinics in the UAE to offer comprehensive egg freezing packages along with payment plans to help ease the financial burden.
    What are the key factors that can affect fertility?
    One of the primary determinants is age. As women age, their fertility declines, particularly after the age of 35— mainly due to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries. By educating women about the impact of age on fertility and promoting early testing, we empower them to make informed decisions about family planning and reproductive health. In addition to age, certain medical conditions can also affect fertility. For instance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can disrupt ovulation and interfere with conception. By raising awareness about these conditions and their impact on fertility, we hope to provide women with the knowledge they need to seek timely medical intervention and support. Lifestyle factors can also play a significant role in fertility. Smoking, consuming a lot of alcohol, poor diet, and high levels of stress can all contribute to infertility. By encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and providing resources for stress management, nutrition, and overall well-being, we empower women to optimize their fertility potential.
    What are your key tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
    I’ll explain this through the lens of reproductive health. You can think of your ovaries and your eggs as any other part of your body in terms of how they age, but unfortunately they age even faster than the rest of your body. That’s why leading a healthy lifestyle at all levels is key to slowing down the aging process. It starts with the obvious things like nutrition,maintaining a clean, balanced diet and regular physical activity. With our busy schedules it is sometimes difficult to make time for exercise but I would recommend just choosing an activity that you enjoy and try to incorporate it in your routine several days a week. The things that are often overlooked, however, are sleep and stress management — and these two things are super important. Stress is especially critical because too much cortisol (the stress hormone) in your body can disrupt other hormones and create imbalances that directly affect your reproductive health. I know first-hand that going through any fertility treatment can affect you mentally and emotionally. This is normal and this is why it is also critical to look after yourself, ensure that you are getting enough sleep and a good support system around you. And if you are struggling with this, I believe that you should not hesitate to get the help of a professional therapist.

    How can one boost their fertility?
    We just mentioned that leading a healthy lifestyle is a good way to look after your fertility and overall health. If you are trying to conceive or preparing for an egg freezing / IVF cycle, there are a number of supplements that you can take to support your fertility. You can take folic acid, which plays a crucial role in cell division and DNA synthesis, which are both important for egg health. Omega-3 fatty acids are another important nutrient for fertility. These healthy fats can help regulate reproductive hormones and improve egg quality. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another supplement that is known to support fertility, particularly for women over 35. CoQ10 has powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect eggs from damage. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception, especially for women undergoing fertility treatments such as egg freezing and IVF. Lastly, getting enough vitamin D has been linked to improved reproductive outcomes, while deficiency has been associated with infertility. Simply spending time in the sun and eating vitamin D-rich foods can help. However, people who don’t get enough sun exposure or lack vitamin D in their diet might need to resort to supplements.
    At what age would you recommend freezing your eggs?
    The younger the better — and this is indisputable. The ideal age to freeze eggs is typically between the late 20s and early 30s. This is when the eggs are of the highest quality and quantity, which means better chances of successful future pregnancies. While many women don’t even consider egg freezing until their mid to late 30s, starting earlier can provide more flexibility and potentially higher success rates when the eggs are put to use in future fertility treatments.
    How can female infertility be treated?
    Infertility comes in many forms and can have different root causes so it is difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all solution or treatment.That’s why testing is critical for every woman to understand her own unique situation and plan accordingly with the help of fertility experts. Egg freezing is a way to preserve your fertility especially if you have a low ovarian reserve (i.e. fewer eggs than you should have for your age). IVF is another solution for couples who are struggling to conceive. The key takeaway is that the more proactive you are about understanding and preserving your fertility (before issues arise), the better your chances are for a positive outcome. Every situation is unique and we highly recommend discussing it with a fertility expert.
    What are the best tests to have done for women below 35 years?
    If you are not trying to conceive now and are not experiencing any specific hormonal symptoms, then the must-do test is AMH, which stands for anti-Mullerian hormone. It is a simple blood test that gives you a read on how many eggs you have left. If your concern is more related to your overall hormone health, we are soon launching our fertility and hormonal panel test which covers 7 hormones (AMH, LH, FSH, TSH, Estradiol, FT4, Prolactin) and provides insights into conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, diminished ovarian reserve and peri-menopause.
    What are some of the key concerns that women in the Middle East face when it comes to conceiving?
    When we look at the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, one of the pressing issues is a significantly higher infertility rate, which stands at about 50 percent higher than other parts of the world. It’s a complex issue with several factors at play, but one glaring aspect is the lack of education and awareness surrounding fertility and women’s health in general. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness often leads to a reactive approach, where women only seek help after they encounter difficulties conceiving or face complications along the way. Instead of this, we should adopt a proactive approach — and this is where Ovasave comes into play. By taking proactive measures such as early fertility testing, women can get crucial insights about their reproductive health. We’re also striving to normalize conversations about fertility, creating a supportive community where women can openly share their concerns and experiences. This early awareness empowers them to explore various options and make informed decisions about their fertility journey. It’s about providing women with the freedom to choose their path moving forward.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Is IVF for you? This expert shares all you need to know about reproductive health

    With a sharp rise in IVF (In vitro fertilization), women have entered a new age of awareness with regards to their fertility, as it has cracked open a host of possibilities.From women-centric business ventures to online communities, it all focuses on empowering women with knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of their reproductive realities.As the society’s approach towards the issues around fertility is changing, so is the science around it.Here, we scratch beyond the surface on the subject of IVF and reproductive health with medical practitioner Dr. Mari Mitrani, Chief Scientific Officer at Gattaca Genomics.Dr. Mari Mitrani, Chief Scientific Officer at Gattaca GenomicsTalk us through the IVF process – what can one expect?The IVF process typically begins with a period of ovarian stimulation, during which a woman receives hormonal medications to encourage the development of multiple mature eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Meanwhile, sperm, from a partner or donor, is collected and prepared. In the laboratory, the retrieved eggs and sperm are combined to facilitate fertilization, forming embryos. Over the next few days, the embryologist monitors the embryos’ development, assessing their quality. Selected healthy embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus, with any remaining viable embryos being cryopreserved for potential future use. The entire IVF journey requires careful monitoring, precise timing, and the expertise of fertility specialists.The IVF process can have a heavy toll on the mind and body, it is often noted that infertility is considered multifactorial with respect to all the advancements in medicine and science, even now, there is still no guarantee that a successful pregnancy will and can occur for individuals seeking to conceive.Let’s talk about your work process. How do you start in helping your clients with their fertility concerns?As a physician-scientist in the field of infertility, I’m running a lab that offers Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). PGT is a genetic screening done in fertilized embryos before they are selected for implantation. PGT is advancing and innovating the fertility space due to its added value in reporting Aneuploidy, which is the abnormal count of genes present in the embryo that explains a higher rate of miscarriages. Next-generation sequencing allows us to read valuable characteristics of embryonic genetics to predict and/or diagnose genetic disorders and diseases beforehand. Ultimately, we are utilizing artificial intelligence to further analyze and interpret data obtained through genetic testing.“your chances of having a family in the future are possible if you act sooner, rather than later.”When is the right time to consider it?We have precise statistical data referring to maternal age and how it impacts the production of healthy eggs. Although fertility and infertility is so multifactorial, the one thing we know is how to act on this specific characteristic. We know that after the age of 35, women’s egg quality starts deteriorating rapidly year by year. This has a significant impact on embryo quality and genetic abnormalities. As a woman who continuously cheers on other women to pursue their dreams, I would say always keep this cut-off time in your mind. Freezing healthy eggs or embryos early on, helps preserve the ability of couples and individuals to have a family later on. Unfortunately, many couples and individuals wait until after this age to begin their fertility journey, with much time working against those seeking treatment. Doctors, in conjunction with science, can only do so much to aid this process. This is one thing I would love to keep educating women worldwide on: your chances of having a family in the future are possible if you act sooner, rather than later.What are the benefits and risks that come along with it?There are risks in everything we do in the IVF field, but because so many of the advancements are around technology and data, the risks of physical harm are low. While the benefits of this technology haven’t fully been realized, the mass amount of data will yield improvements on multiple fronts, from higher pregnancy rates to lower error rates. Even though this field of medicine is relatively new, the advancements and fertility benefits keep growing yearly!The risk is very clear and not often spoken about, IVF will not achieve pregnancy in 100% of the cases, so it is important to know that your desired pregnancy might not happen after a cycle or cycles of IVF. Know that neither the medical or scientific community will give up to continue to advance innovation and therefore success rates.What are the newest advancements and approaches that support fertility chances available in the region?Advanced embryo selection tools like PGT and AI have added an extra layer of confidence when choosing the best embryo for transfer. Improvements in vitrification, embryo freezing, media, and techniques have allowed for improved survival of human eggs. This is a game changer for patients preserving their fertility before undergoing treatment for diseases like sickle cell and cancer. Time-lapse imaging has allowed us to collect and analyze data from every stage of development without disrupting embryo culture. More and more practices are prioritizing personalized care by tailoring treatment plans to their patient’s specific needs.How do you choose the perfect clinic for couples deciding to try IVF?Like any other specialty, the most important thing is to ensure that you and your doctor connect, on a professional and somewhat on a personal level. During this journey that many call long and complex, it is important for the couples to feel safe around the doctor, bold enough to ask questions or bring up concerns or even feel heard. Understanding one another plays a vital role in hopes of achieving the ultimate outcome of a successful pregnancy.Another major factor to consider is the physicians’ qualifications; in the US, there is a subspecialty of Gynecology that only deals with fertility called REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility). These physicians have dedicated their careers only to helping couples in their fertility journey and have very high standards of care focused on the complex hormonal cycles and mechanics of conception with advanced knowledge of sperm, eggs, male anatomy, female anatomy, and scientific research.How does proper diet and lifestyle play into the entire IVF process?Dr. Natalie Crawford, a double board certified ObGyn/REI doctor, says: “A healthy diet that is good for your body is the best diet for your eggs and reproductive system!” A diet high in whole foods, rich in dark leafy greens, lots of fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains is scientifically proven to boost our overall health, including your fertility. While no one has a perfect diet all the time, the goal is to remain consistent and make healthy improvements as much as you can. Toxins also play a big role in the IVF process. Smoking, scented products and the chemicals in our household items can have a significant negative impact on your egg and sperm health. Reducing unhealthy habits like smoking, vaping, and cutting back on the amount of toxins in your household can improve your chances of having a successful IVF cycle. Regular exercise, has proven scientifically to increase your chances of fertility, and the interesting data comes not only from cardio training but from strength training, so ladies, it’s time to lift some weights!“We are usually looking for the latest trends and crazy expensive solutions, but it is the simple, logical changes that give us the most significant results.”Which food types should we incorporate to boost fertility naturally?Nothing will miraculously ensure a boost in fertility in a way that will guarantee pregnancy. If somebody is offering you this, please run as fast as possible! Infertility is multifactorial, and there is no such thing as a magic pill or “one size fits all” kind of strategy. You need to ensure you have the best doctor, healthcare providers and lab team in your corner to excel in your journey.We are usually looking for the latest trends and crazy expensive solutions, but it is the simple, logical changes that give us the most significant results. I propose something: what if you just start adding more “fruits” and “veggies” into your diet? Plant-based Omega-3’s are so essential to your diet, think walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds or brussel sproust. They have proven to increase the time to pregnancy, improve ovulation and overall fertility outcomes. Even though fish has Omega 3’s, we want to avoid heavy metal consumption. Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, oats, etc) are the right choice, not your enemies! Carbs are not the problem; you need them! Refined carbohydrates like white sugar, white rice, white pasta, and white flour are the ones you have to limit; they have been shown to lower the chances of getting pregnant. High insulin levels impact normal hormonal function in the ovaries and, therefore, egg quality and chromosomal abnormalities. Higher sugar and insulin levels early in pregnancy have been associated with miscarriages however it is crucial to note that research in this area is ongoing. Vitamin D3 has been shown to increase reproductive outcomes, live rate births, and improve egg and sperm quality.And the ones to avoid that adversely affect fertility?In IVF studies, patients with a higher intake of plants and a lower intake of red meat had better embryo development. Red meat has a high glycation end product (GES). These are endocrine disrupting chemicals, which have been shown to be detrimental to egg quality. The more you eat red meat, the worst your reproductive parameters will be.Two large cohort prospective studies have also shown a negative reproductive association with more dairy consumption, as it lowers reproductive outcomes. The suggestion is to limit or lower their intake of meat and dairy and increase consumption of a whole food plant based diet.“In essence, a partner’s presence and active participation can provide practical assistance and invaluable emotional support during the IVF journey.”How important is it to involve your partners in the IVF process?The involvement of a partner in the IVF process is of profound importance, both emotionally and medically. While infertility is often thought of as only a woman’s issue, male factor infertility can contribute up to 40-50% of all cases of infertility. It is crucial to not only have a woman’s fertility tested, but the male partner as well. IVF is a journey that requires not only medical support but emotional and psychological support. Having a partner by one’s side provides crucial emotional reassurance, as it can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. Partners can offer empathy, comfort, and a sense of shared responsibility throughout the process, strengthening their emotional bond. Moreover, partners often participate in decisions related to IVF treatment, including choosing treatment options, attending medical appointments, and providing valuable input during the decision-making process. Their active involvement fosters a sense of unity and teamwork, which can be empowering and comforting during the sometimes unpredictable and uncertain path of fertility treatments like IVF. In essence, a partner’s presence and active participation can provide practical assistance and invaluable emotional support during the IVF journey.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Pexels; Supplied More