Mangalore, Mar 30: The Mangaluru branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA) jointly with Asian Reproductive Medicine Centre (ARMC) conducted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on 'Infertility' at Dr. A. V. Rao Conference Hall, IMA House, Mangalore recently.
A team of Infertility specialists from ARMC led by its Resident Director Dr. Gaurav Gujarathi and comprising Dr. Raghavendra Prasad, Dr. Ayesha Afrosa and Dr. Susan Pradeep John were the speakers for the Scientific Programme.
After the rendering of the IMA prayer by Dr. G.K Bhat Sankabithilu, the IMA President Dr. M. Manjunath Shenoy welcomed the gathering. Dr Nithish M. Bhandary, IMA Secretary gave a report of the month's activities.
Guest lectures
The scientific programme consisted of four guest lectures following by question/answer forum.
The first speaker Dr. Ayesha Afrosa addressed the doctors regarding 'Prevention of Infertility'. “Infertility should not be seen in isolation as it is a sign of the person's overall health.” she said, “In the majority of cases, we find that infertility can be traced to avoidable causes like excessive smoking, consumption of alcohol or recreational drugs, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle, stress, age etc.”
The second speaker Dr. Susan Pradeep John spoke on 'Diagnosis and Management of Female Infertility'. She enlightened the audience regarding various facts about female infertility.
The third speaker Dr. Raghavendra Prasad spoke on 'Diagnosis and Management of Male Infertility'. “Infertility is not a diagnosis; rather it is a symptom of various underlying causes like overweight, stress and bad habits,” he said. “Normally about 92 per cent of couple who wish to have a child are able conceive within two years,” he explained, “Hence screening for infertility is recommended only after crossing that window period.”
Speaking on 'ART – Where do we stand now', the last speaker Dr. Gaurav Gujarathi said that research studies conducted Europe and USA have revealed that globally there has been a steady decline in the quality of sperm over the last 50 years. This could be due to environmental reasons or lifestyle changes.
He then briefed on the history of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) covering various landmarks like the invention of the oral contraceptive pill, in vitro fertilization and the birth of Louise Brown, the first 'test tube baby' in 1978.
“ART represents a major philosophical and ethical shift in medicine as the emphasis changed from healing to controlling fertility,” he said, before going into detailed technical discussion on his subject. About the technical soundness of ART, he said there is no evidence to indicate risk of birth defect in ART. “Studies have so far revealed no increased risk of birth defects for ART babies when compared to normally conceived babies,” he said.
The meeting concluded with presentation of mementoes to the speakers by Dr. R.S. Mahale and induction of new members who had joined IMA during the last month.
Dr. Animesh Jain, IMA Treasurer proposed the Vote of Thanks.
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