In this episode of AfterHours with All About Eve, host Bani Anand engages in an intimate conversation with her friend, renowned gynaecologist Dr Munjaal Kapadia. The discussion transcends typical medical topics as Bani shares her personal journey of freezing her eggs — a subject often clouded by societal expectations and misinformation.

During the podcast, Dr Kapadia demystifies the egg freezing process, explaining its significance in empowering women to make decisions based on personal timelines rather than societal pressure. While discussing the best age to freeze eggs, he notes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, though earlier is generally better for optimal results. He elaborates on the initial consultations, including medical tests like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) levels and ultrasound evaluations, which assess a woman’s fertility.

The conversation also highlights the importance of sperm quality, which Dr Kapadia asserts is equally vital as egg quality in conception. Dr Kapadia provides insights into the egg retrieval process, explaining the hormone injections designed to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. He reassures listeners that, even though the process can be uncomfortable, it is manageable with proper medical guidance.

A significant focus of the conversation is on IVF. Dr Kapadia outlines the meticulous process from egg retrieval to embryo implantation, explaining how fertilised eggs are monitored for viability. He candidly discusses the general success rates of IVF, revealing that healthy eggs and sperm can yield success rates between 35% and 60%.

Dr Kapadia also discusses the role of PCOD, detailing how it can affect fertility and the importance of tailored healthcare. He encourages women to understand their bodies and seek specialist guidance to assess their hormonal health and egg reserves.

The interview explores why Dr Kapadia supports oral contraceptives. He emphasises personalised approaches, encouraging those who experience side effects to explore alternatives. While effective in monogamous relationships, oral contraceptives do not protect against STDs and should not replace emergency contraception. He acknowledges their role in empowering women and advocates for open communication with healthcare providers to ensure tailored contraceptive choices.

As the podcast draws to a close, Bani asks Dr Kapadia about abortion. He praises India's progressive abortion laws that empower women. He reassures listeners that safe procedures usually do not affect future fertility and encourages women to consult gynaecologists. He also expresses optimism for societal change through increasing female empowerment and education.

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(0:00) Episode begins

(2:57) Bani talks about societal pressure to marry

(04:45) Dr. Kapadia on egg freezing

(06:07) Ideal age to freeze eggs

(06:57) Medical tests for egg freezing

(10:05) Stigma around egg freezing in India

(11:16) Egg freezing for single women

(13:46) What is AMH?

(19:28) Egg freezing process step-by-step

(23:53) Bani’s egg-freezing experience

(27:32) Egg retrieval and quality check

(29:38) IVF success rate

(31:06) Importance of sperm quality

(37:00) Lifestyle’s effect on fertility

(40:33) Role of cortisol levels

(41:48) What happens after egg retrieval

(44:25) IVF leading to Twins

(45:37) Checking embryo quality

(47:38) Cost of checking embryo quality

(48:19) Reasons for issues in conception

(50:43) PCO and its impact on fertility

(52:20) Birth control pills

(57:00) Oral contraceptive side effects

(1:03:05) Tips for a healthy pregnancy

(1:07:31) Abortion laws in India

(1:15:47) How does Dr Kapadia unwind AfterHours?

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