Hormonal Therapy
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Hormonal therapy, also commonly referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or endocrine therapy, is a medical procedure employed to regulate or replace natural hormone levels in the body. It's frequently used for treating conditions such as menopause, hypothyroidism, and certain kinds of cancers (e.g., breast and prostate cancer). The treatment involves administering synthetic hormones or hormone-blocking drugs through various methods including oral medications, injections, skin patches, and topical gels.
The purpose of hormonal therapy varies depending on the condition being treated. For instance, in menopause, it is used to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings by supplementing the declining levels of estrogen and progesterone. In the case of cancer, hormonal therapy can slow down or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors. It can be a standalone treatment or used in conjunction with other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
While hormonal therapy has been a subject of ongoing research and debate, especially with regard to its long-term effects, it remains an important option for many patients. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if hormonal therapy is appropriate for you, and under what conditions or limitations.
Procedure Duration
The duration of hormonal therapy depends largely on the specific condition being treated and the individual needs of the patient. For menopausal symptoms, the treatment may last a few years but should be as short as possible due to long-term risks. For cancer treatment, the therapy could be more prolonged, possibly extending for several years.
After the initial prescription, patients typically need to undergo periodic evaluations to monitor the therapy's effectiveness and adjust dosages if needed. These check-ups may be frequent initially, often monthly or quarterly, and may extend to yearly evaluations as the treatment progresses.
Recovery time is a complex variable in hormonal therapy. Generally, there is minimal to no recovery time involved in the sense of surgical interventions, as most forms of hormonal therapy are non-invasive. However, adjusting to the new hormonal levels can take time, and side effects may appear that need to be managed. Monitoring and adjusting treatment is crucial for minimizing risks and complications.
Benefits
- Cost Savings: Getting hormonal therapy abroad can significantly reduce the financial burden. Countries with lower cost-of-living often offer competitive prices for the same quality of healthcare.
- Expertise: Some countries specialize in endocrinology and hormonal treatments, providing highly skilled healthcare professionals and cutting-edge research.
- Advanced Technology: Medical tourists may find advanced diagnostic and treatment methods not readily available in their home country.
Potential Destinations
- Thailand: Known for its state-of-the-art medical facilities.
- India: Offers affordable yet high-quality healthcare services.
- Turkey: Emerging as a leading destination for various medical treatments, including hormonal therapy.
Risks & Considerations
- Quality of Care: Varying standards of healthcare services and qualifications of physicians.
- Travel Concerns: Logistics, including flights and accommodation, especially for a treatment requiring frequent visits.
- Language Barriers: Communication can be an issue in non-English speaking countries.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
- Certifications: Ensure that the doctor is certified in endocrinology or relevant specialty.
- Facility Accreditation: Look for internationally accredited hospitals or clinics.
- Patient Reviews: Seek testimonials and case studies to assess the quality of care.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
