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A Quick Guide on Different Methods of Abortions

Abortion is a sensitive and complex topic that involves terminating a pregnancy. There are different types of abortion procedures available, which may vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the woman’s individual circumstances. However, it is important to find the best abortion clinic in Delhi before opting for the procedure. Besides this, it is also necessary to find the best gynecologist in Delhi for the same. Here, we will discuss different methods of abortion.

Different Types of Abortion Methods

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a non-surgical procedure used to terminate early pregnancies, typically up to 10 weeks gestation. It involves taking a few medications that work together to induce a miscarriage. One medicine is taken orally at the clinic followed by another one at home, usually within 24 to 48 hours later. This method is generally safe and effective, with the process resembling a heavy menstrual period. The medicine must be taken after guidance.

Aspiration Abortion

Aspiration abortion also referred to as suction or vacuum aspiration, is a common method used in the first trimester (up to 12 weeks) of pregnancy. It involves dilating the cervix and using a suction device to remove the contents of the uterus. This procedure can be performed in a healthcare provider’s office, clinic, or hospital setting. It is typically a quick procedure, lasting about 5-10 minutes, and recovery time is relatively short.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

D&C is a surgical abortion method used in the first trimester or early second trimester of pregnancy (up to 16 weeks). It involves dilating the cervix and removing the pregnancy using a suction device and a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument). The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia in a clinic or hospital. D&C may be recommended in cases where the pregnancy has stopped developing or if there are certain complications.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

D&E is a surgical procedure used for second-trimester abortions (from around 13 to 24 weeks gestation). It involves dilating the cervix and using suction and surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy. This procedure is usually performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. D&E may be necessary in cases where the pregnancy poses risks to the woman’s health or if there are fetal abnormalities.

Induction Abortion

Induction abortion is a method used in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (typically after 24 weeks) when the pregnancy is no longer viable or poses significant risks to the woman’s health. It involves the administration of medication to induce labor and deliver the fetus. This procedure is typically performed in a hospital, where the woman is closely monitored throughout the process.

The legality and availability of the procedure varies by country. These procedures are performed after proper documentation by experienced gynecologists. If you are looking for the best abortion clinic in South Delhi, consult Dr. Ruchi Tandon.

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Spine Health and Pregnancy – What You Should Know About?

Pregnancy is one of the best phases in a woman’s life. And why not? It is the time when life is giving birth to another life. However, the fact can also be not denied that this phase is not easy for women as they go through a lot of emotional and physical changes. To avoid any severe complications and manage such changes, it is important to stay in touch with the Best Gynecologist in Greater Kailash.

Well, one of the noticeable facts during pregnancy is the changing spine health, and this is what we will be discussing in the post.

How Pregnancy Affects Spine Health?

If we talk about lower back pain during pregnancy, then it often occurs because of the change in the posture of women. Added weight because of the growth and development of the fetus is the reason.

Now, the fetus’s growth also contributes to postural changes in women. Studies have found that the curvature of the lumbar spine increases to around 2.7° during the third trimester of pregnancy when compared to the curvature in non-pregnant women. This is because of the forward-pushing weight of the fetus. However, lower back pain in the first and second trimesters may not be because of these changes. The pain often becomes intense during the later stages of pregnancy and the growing fetus is the cause of the same.

How to Maintain Spine Health During Pregnancy?

Over 50% of women complain of lower back pain during pregnancy and we can say it is a sign of a developing baby. Well, as the fetus grows, your back has to take all the pain. However, there are certain tips that can help you with the pain and maintain spine health during pregnancy:

Regular Exercise

Exercising is the best form of defense against back pain, and during pregnancy, it becomes a must. So, safe exercises must be routinely performed to get long-term relief from backache and maintain optimum spine health. If you are confused about which exercises you should perform, consult a specialist.

Heat and Cold Therapy

The application of heat or cold packs may also help with temporary back pain relief. This must be done for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Here, it is advised not to apply heat to the abdomen during pregnancy.

Improve Posture

Another way of maintaining spine health is to improve posture while sitting, standing, or sleeping. Leaning towards the back is likely during pregnancy, however, expert advice may help you cope with the changing posture. The use of a support belt may be of good help in such a situation.

Dr. Ruchi Tandon is a renowned pregnancy doctor in Delhi and she also provides the best fibroids treatment in Greater Kailash.

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What Are the Common Gynecological Problems?

Gynecological problems are common as almost every woman experiences one or the other issues in her lifetime. However, in most cases, the conditions are mild and easily treatable. While on the other hand, some issues are severe enough to need surgical intervention. It is always better to consult an experienced Gynecologist doctor in South Delhi to address these issues timely and get the best treatment.

In this blog, we will have a quick look at some of the commonly reported gynecological problems.

Common Gynecological Problems

There are several common gynecological problems that women may experience at some point in their lives. Some of these problems include:

Menstrual disorders: Menstrual disorders refer to a range of conditions that affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, including the length of her cycle, the amount of bleeding, and the regularity of her periods. These include irregular periods, heavy periods, painful periods, and the absence of periods.

Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain refers to discomfort or pain in the lower abdominal area, below the belly button, and between the hips. It can affect both men and women. However, women are commonly affected. This can be caused by various factors such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and fibroids.

Vaginal infections: These can be caused by yeast, bacteria, or viruses and may cause symptoms such as itching, discharge, and pain during intercourse.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women. It is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, which can cause irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, and other symptoms.

Menopause and perimenopause: These are natural stages in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of estrogen and progesterone decline, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and may cause symptoms such as itching, burning, discharge, and pain during intercourse.

Pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse is a medical condition in which one or more organs in the pelvic region, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, slip or protrude into the vaginal wall or outside the vaginal opening. This condition is more common in women and is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles or damaged connective tissues that support the pelvic organs.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms or have concerns about your gynecological health. Consult Dr. Ruchi Tandon, an experienced Gynecologist doctor in South Delhi.

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What Are the Causes of Infertility?

Infertility could be debilitating and why not? Every couple wants a child and when it is unable to do that, the situation becomes frustrating. Well, there is no need for that as advanced medical technologies are available in the market for the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. In this blog, we will see some of the possible causes of infertility along with its diagnosis. If you are also struggling to conceive, consult an infertility specialist in Greater Kailash.

Before we move ahead, let us have a brief look at infertility.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is a medical condition characterized by the inability of a person or a couple to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can affect both men and women. There could be many causes of infertility including hormonal imbalances to structural problems. Infertility can be temporary or permanent. The condition can be treated with various medical, surgical, or assisted reproductive techniques.

What Are the Causes of Infertility?

There could be several reasons for infertility in males and females. Let us see:

Female Infertility

Age: As women age, their ovarian reserve and the quality of eggs decrease, leading to reduced fertility.

Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) can affect ovulation and fertility.

Structural problems: Structural problems in the reproductive system, such as blocked fallopian tubes, can prevent sperm and egg from meeting.

Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, which can cause scarring and blockages in the reproductive system.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and can cause irregular periods.

Lifestyle factors: Factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and poor nutrition can affect fertility.

Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders can cause the body to attack reproductive organs, leading to infertility.

Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations can cause infertility or increase the risk of infertility.

Male Infertility

Abnormal sperm production: This can be due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, infections, radiation, chemotherapy, or certain medications.

Blockages in the sperm ducts: This can be caused by infections, injury, or prior surgeries.

Varicocele: This is a condition where the veins that drain the testicle become enlarged, leading to reduced sperm quality and quantity.

Erectile dysfunction: This can make it difficult or impossible to achieve or maintain an erection, which can affect fertility.

Retrograde ejaculation: This is the condition when the semen goes into the bladder instead of coming out during ejaculation.

Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, such as pesticides, lead, or radiation, can affect sperm production and quality.

Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity, can also affect fertility.

Genetic disorders: Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, Y chromosome deletions, or cystic fibrosis, can affect male fertility.

For a consultation, contact Dr. Ruchi Tandon, an infertility specialist in Greater Kailash.

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Tips for Healthy Pregnancy

The joy of becoming a mother cannot be explained in words. It is simply the best feeling in the world for the expecting mother. During the entire pregnancy period, the woman goes through a lot of physical and emotional changes. However, it is important to consult the best pregnancy doctor in South Delhi for guidance and cope with those phases without much stress. A healthy pregnancy should always be the priority for the expecting mother. This is because it minimizes the risk of pregnancy problems and helps deliver a healthy child. In this post, we will see some tips for your safe and healthy pregnancy.

Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Pregnancy

Start with a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Take enough rest and try not to take the stress.

Take prenatal vitamins: Your doctor may recommend prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, iron, and other essential nutrients.

Do not miss prenatal checkups: Regular prenatal care is essential to monitor your health and your baby’s growth and development. At every sitting, your healthcare service provider will closely assess your condition and the development of the fetus. So, don’t miss any appointments.

Exercise regularly: Exercise can help you manage weight gain, improve your mood, and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Here, it is important for you to seek an expert’s help to assess which exercises are safe for you.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important during pregnancy to support the growth and development of your baby and prevent dehydration.

Avoid certain foods: Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish with high mercury content, and unpasteurized dairy products, as they can pose a risk of foodborne illness.

Get vaccinated: Vaccinations can protect you and your baby from potentially serious infections such as flu and pertussis. Consult with your healthcare provider to know which vaccinations are safe to take during pregnancy.

Prepare for delivery: Attend childbirth education classes and learn about labor and delivery. If you have any queries regarding pain management during delivery or others, don’t hesitate talking to your pregnancy doctor.

Stay informed: Read up on the changes that occur during pregnancy and what to expect during labor and delivery. Stay in touch with your doctor for any questions you may have.

Remember, every pregnancy is different, and you should always consult with your healthcare provider about what is best for you and your baby. It is not necessary that the guidance given to your pregnant friend or relative will be the same for you. Pregnancies may vary from woman to woman and it is necessary to consult an experienced pregnancy doctor in South Delhi for guidance. Only she can guide you to the best for your pregnancy.

Consult Dr. Ruchi Tandon, a renowned gynecologist in South Delhi, and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

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After Abortion Care – What You Should Know

Abortion sometimes becomes necessary considering the overall health of the expecting mother. While on the other hand, in some cases, there are personal reasons. However, abortion is not as taboo as our society thinks. Well, we will talk about some reasons for abortion in another post, here, our focus is to discuss the care one needs after abortion. The first and most important thing you need to do is find the best abortion clinic in south Delhi.

Let us now see what you should do after undergoing an abortion.

Care You Need After Abortion

After undergoing an abortion, it is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Here are some of the aftercare guidelines:

Rest and take it easy

It is normal to feel tired and emotional after an abortion. Take some time off work and enough rest.

Follow your doctor’s instructions

Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for yourself after the abortion. Follow these instructions given carefully.

Avoid strenuous activity

Avoid any strenuous physical activity for at least a week after the abortion, and avoid lifting heavy objects.

Avoid Intercourse

You should avoid having sex for at least two weeks after the abortion, or until your doctor gives you the green light. 

Watch for signs of complications

Call your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, or severe abdominal pain.

Take care of your emotional health

It is common to experience a range of emotions after an abortion, including sadness, guilt, and anxiety. Take care of your emotional health by talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking counseling, or joining a support group.

Remember, every woman’s experience is different, and it is important to follow your doctor’s specific instructions for aftercare.

What Are the Common Side Effects After Abortion?

After an abortion, there can be a range of physical and emotional side effects. Some of the common physical side effects of abortion include:

Bleeding

Bleeding and cramping after an abortion is normal. The bleeding may be heavy and last for several days to several weeks.

Pain

You may experience abdominal pain and cramps after an abortion. Pain medication may be prescribed to relieve the painful symptoms.

Infection

There is a risk of infection after an abortion. Signs of infection include fever, chills, and abdominal pain.

Nausea and vomiting

Some women may experience nausea and vomiting after an abortion.

Fatigue

You may feel tired and weak after an abortion.

Changes in the menstrual cycle

It is common to experience changes in your menstrual cycle after an abortion.

Emotional side effects

Many women experience emotional side effects after an abortion, such as guilt, sadness, and anxiety.

It is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider after an abortion to minimize the risk of complications and manage any side effects that may occur. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms contact Dr. Ruchi Tandon. She owns the best abortion clinic in south Delhi.

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A Quick Guide to Uterine Fibroids

A Quick Guide to Uterine Fibroids

Abnormal growths in or on the uterus are called fibroids. They are also interchangeably called uterine fibroids. They generally don’t show any symptoms and go away on their own. However, in certain cases, they become large enough to cause symptoms. In such situations, you need to find the best fibroids surgeon in South Delhi.

In this blog, we will have a quick look at uterine fibroids along with the symptoms and treatments.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growth (benign) on/in the uterus. They are also known as uterine fibroids, myomas, and fibromas. Studies have found that around 20-80% of women experience uterine fibroids. Most of them do not experience any severe symptoms and do not require any treatment as well.

What Are the Types of Fibroids?

Fibroids are classifieds based on their location in/on the uterus:

Intramural Fibroids

These are the commonest types of fibroids that appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. They may grow large stretching the uterus.

Subserosal Fibroids

Fibroids that develop on the outside of the uterus (serosa) are called subserosal fibroids. These fibroids may also grow big making the uterus appear big from one side.

Pedunculated Fibroids

Sometimes, subserosal fibroids develop a stem supporting the tumor. Such fibroids are called pedunculated fibroids.

Submucosal Fibroids

Fibroids that develop in the myometrium (middle layer of the uterus) are called submucosal fibroids.

Cervical Fibroids

As the name suggests, these types of fibroids develop in the cervix.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

The location and size of uterine fibroids decide the type of symptoms they will show. If the woman has submucosal fibroids, she may experience heavy menstrual bleeding along with problems in conceiving.

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with uterine fibroids:

  • Heavy bleeding that may occur between or during menstruation
  • Clots in menstrual bleeding
  • Menstruation that may last longer
  • Severe cramps during menstruation
  • Lower back pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Increased urination

What Causes Fibroids?

The cause of fibroids is still under research. However, there may be certain factors that influence their development:

Hormones

The production of estrogen and progesterone may result in the regeneration of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle while stimulating the growth of fibroids.

Family history

If you have anyone (women) in the family with a history of fibroids, you are also likely to develop the same.

Age

Women above 30 are at high risk of developing fibroids.

Obesity

Fibroids risk becomes high in women with high body weight.

What is the Treatment for Fibroids?

The age of the patient and the size & location of the fibroid will decide the type of treatment required. In moderate cases, home remedies like exercise, yoga, & massage along with acupuncture and dietary changes can help improve the condition.

Medications may be prescribed to relieve painful symptoms and control hormonal levels. If fibroids develop bigger, surgery may be required to remove them. Minimally invasive surgery is preferred by surgeons these days. Sometimes, non-invasive procedures like forced ultrasound surgery may also remove fibroids.

If you are looking for the best fibroids surgeon in South Delhi, contact Dr. Ruchi Tandon.

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Common Orthopedic Problems in Pregnancy

Common Orthopedic Problems in Pregnancy

A woman experiences a lot of physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. To cope with them, it is important to consult the Best Gynecologist in Greater Kailash.

If we talk about physical changes in women during pregnancy, then orthopedic problems are common, and this is what we will be discussing here in the post.

Orthopedic Issues During Pregnancy

Lower Back Pain

Back pain is among the commonest orthopedic issues that a pregnant woman experiences. This is often because of the extra body weight. As a result of the growth and development of the fetus, the expecting mother gains weight. This puts pressure on the back muscles. Sometimes, the pain is severe. In such situations, having a strong back is important. So, maintain a strong back by doing exercises under the guidance of a skilled and experienced physiotherapist.

Osteitis Pubis

Another orthopedic condition that women may experience during pregnancy is osteitis pubis. It is an inflammatory condition that affects pubis symphysis. Bones at the front of the pelvis are called the pubic symphysis. Inflammation at this junction occurs because of the added weight and the position of the developing fetus. Pain associated with the condition can improve with the application of ice and heat and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Heel Pain

Added body weight during pregnancy also causes heel pain. However, heel pain may occur because of plantar fasciitis. This is a condition characterized by the inflammation of a thick band of tissue present at the bottom of the foot. This band is called the plantar fascia and it connects the heel bone to the toes. Stabbing pain is what one experiences because of the condition which occurs during pregnancy. It is intense in the morning and the latter stages of pregnancy.

The application of ice and the use of shoe inserts may help improve the condition. In severe cases, the healthcare service provider may give cortisone shots.

Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip

This often occurs during late-term pregnancy. Transient hip osteoporosis is characterized by temporary bone loss around the hip joint. This makes the hip joint weak. The reason for the same is unknown but hormonal changes are believed to cause the same. Besides this, weight-bearing stress also contributes to the condition.

Knee Pain

Knee pain is very common in pregnancy and the reason for the same is simple i.e., added weight of carrying the baby. This is why rest is advised during pregnancy as it helps cope with knee pain by relieving pressure. This is especially true in the later stages of pregnancy as the fetus grows heavy.

To manage these conditions timely and ensure a healthy & happy pregnancy, consult an experienced doctor. Dr. Ruchi Tandon is an experienced gynecologist in South Delhi and also provides the best fibroids treatment in Greater Kailash.

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Cervical infection in women

Cervicitis

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix (the end of the uterus). Cervicitis often does not cause symptoms, but if they do happen, they may include abnormal vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, or vulvar or vaginal irritation. Antibiotics successfully treat cervicitis in most cases. For other cases, laser therapy or surgery may be required.

What is cervicitis?

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix (the end of the uterus). This inflammation may be acute or chronic in nature. Cervicitis might not have symptoms, or a woman with cervicitis may have abnormal vaginal discharge.

Who gets cervicitis?

Cervicitis is very common. It has been projected that more than half of all adult women will have cervicitis at some point. Women who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors and have multiple partners are at a higher risk for cervicitis. Women who have had sexually transmitted diseases, or who have partners who have had sexually transmitted diseases, are also at a higher risk for cervicitis. Sexual practices are far from the only cause of the condition, however.

What are the causes of cervicitis?

There are many causes of cervicitis. Acute cervicitis is usually caused by an infection. Chronic cervicitis is more likely from a noninfectious cause.
Infections can result from the introduction of staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria into the uterus. The sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and gonorrhea are also significant causes of cervicitis. It has been estimated as much as 40 percent of cases of cervicitis are related to chlamydia. Herpes simplex virus, trichomonas and mycoplasma genitalium are also sometimes a cause.

Noninfectious causes of cervicitis include exposure to chemicals or

mechanical irritation. These include:

• Chemical irritation from spermicides or douches or the latex used in condoms
• Reaction to diaphragms, cervical caps, tampons or pessaries inserted
• Radiation therapy or systemic inflammatory diseases

What are the symptoms of cervicitis?

Symptoms of cervicitis can include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be yellow, white, or gray and have an unpleasant odor. This may persist for a long period of time.
• Sexual intercourse may become painful.
• Vulvar or vaginal irritation.

Cervicitis often does not have any symptoms, however. This is one reason why women should have regular gynecological appointments. It is especially important to seek an exam if you notice any of the above symptoms and/or have had chlamydia or another sexually transmitted disease in the past.

How is cervicitis diagnosed?

If you have any of the above symptoms, or if you have engaged in high-risk sexual practices, you should see your Gynecologist for a full pelvic exam. At this exam, your Gynecologist may perform tests including a Pap smear. In this test, a swab is used to collect cells from the cervix and uterus to look for abnormalities.

Your Gynecologist will also take a sample of any vaginal discharge to test for bacteria, such as bacterial vaginosis under a microscope. Tests for the sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia will also be done.

Your Gynecologist also perform a full manual pelvic exam, looking for:

• Any redness on the cervix
• Discharge
• Blood on the vagina or cervix
• Inflammation of the vaginal walls
You will lay down on an examination table with your feet in stirrups for these tests.

How is cervicitis treated?

If your Gynecologist determines that you have cervicitis, you will usually be prescribed an antibiotic to treat any bacterial infections that may be causing the condition. Women under age 25 or who engage in high-risk behaviors may be treated with antibiotics even if bacteria are not detected in the diagnosis. Some bacteria can be hard to detect but may still be present. You should abstain from intercourse until treatment is done.

Antibiotics successfully treat cervicitis in most cases. If cervicitis is not successfully treated by antibiotics, laser therapy or surgery may be required. Your Gynecologist can best determine the treatment for your cervicitis based on your age, habits, diagnostic tests, and the length of the condition.

Dr. Ruchi Tandon is a reputed Gynecologist practicing in leading hospitals in South Delhi namely Max and Apollo hospitals with over 14 years of experience in handling all kinds of Gynecological conditions including cervical and vaginal infections .

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Can Pelvic or uterine adhesions cause infertility?

Pelvic adhesions, sometimes referred to as “scar tissue”, are a common cause of both infertility and pelvic pain.

Pelvic adhesions can occur as a result of a variety of different conditions including endometriosis, pelvic infection, and previous abdominal or pelvic surgery. It is well known that pelvic adhesions develop over 90% of the time following major abdominal surgery. The most common types of surgery that predispose to the development of pelvic adhesions include the removal of uterine fibroids (myomectomy), treatment of endometriosis, removal of ovarian cysts, and the repair of obstructed fallopian tubes.

Many complications can occur as a result of pelvic adhesions. For example, it is thought that adhesions may be a significant factor in as much as 40% of cases of infertility. They are also thought to be responsible for up to 50% of cases of chronic pelvic pain. In addition, adhesions are typically responsible for 50-75% of cases of bowel obstruction. Although more recent data are lacking, the treatment of pelvic adhesions accounted for 3% of all surgical procedures performed in the United States in 1998, as well as 1% of all hospital admissions and 2% of all patients admitted for surgeries around that time.

How do pelvic adhesions occur?

Adhesions typically develop in response to injury, as part of the normal healing process. Immediately following injury, cells that cause healing (inflammatory cells) migrate to the site of the injury. Within seven days following injury, the scaffold for healing or adhesion formation has already developed. As a result, it appears that no new adhesions form more than seven days after an injury. Rather, the character of the adhesion changes, progressing from thin, filmy adhesions to more dense, vascular adhesions. The earlier in this process that adhesions can be removed, the less likely it is that they will recur and cause long-term problems.

Adhesion formation that occurs following surgery can be of two types; de novo adhesion formation or adhesion reformation. De novo adhesion formation means the formation of adhesions at a site that did not have any adhesions affecting it prior to surgery. This would include the formation of adhesions around the uterus following the removal of a fibroid tumor or the formation of adhesions around an ovary following removal of an ovarian cyst.

Adhesion reformation refers to the recurrence of adhesions following a procedure designed to remove pre-existing pelvic adhesions. This difference is important, as the techniques described below may be very effective at preventing de novo adhesion formation, while they appear to be somewhat less effective at preventing adhesion reformation

What types of surgeries can increase my risk of adhesions?

In most cases of adhesions, they form in the majority of women after gynaecologic pelvic surgery. Studies have shown that adhesions formed in 55-100% of patients who had reproductive pelvic surgery, whether open or laparoscopic.

For example:

• myomectomy (surgery to remove fibroids)
• tubal surgery (to remove an ectopic pregnancy)
• surgery on the ovary (to remove cysts)
• surgery for endometriosis
Even surgery to remove adhesions can lead to new adhesions. It can be a vicious cycle.
• Laparoscopic surgery (surgery done through several small incisions using a camera) has been known to cause less adhesion formation than laparotomy (surgery through one larger incision without use of a camera).
• Microsurgery (surgery using a microscope or magnifying glass, and special surgical technique) leads to less tissue damage and has a lower incidence of adhesion development than the traditional approach.
• Diagnostic procedures, which only involve a visual inspection of the organ(s), such as a diagnostic hysteroscopy or diagnostic laparoscopy, rarely lead to adhesions.

How can I reduce my risk of adhesions?

It starts with talking to your doctor and explaining your concerns about adhesions. There are techniques which can be used at the time of surgery to reduce the risk of developing adhesions. In addition to using microsurgery or laparoscopic techniques, prevention of infection is essential.

During surgery, various products are used to inhibit adhesion formation, known as adhesion barriers. These include gauze-like materials placed over the tissue which dissolve to become a gelatinous layer to reduce the incidence of post-operative adhesions. This material is eventually absorbed by the body.

Dr. Ruchi Tandon is a reputed Gynecologist practicing in leading hospitals in South Delhi namely Max and Apollo hospitals with over 14 years of experience in handling all kinds of Gynecological conditions including infertility and high risk Pregnancies.