In a recent episode of the Evolve Podcast hosted by Vikalp Sahni, Dr. Devika Gunasheela, a trailblazer in reproductive medicine, shares her insights on the emotional and societal challenges infertility patients face, while emphasizing the importance of blending advanced medical science with compassionate care.
Dr. Gunasheela, whose legacy spans the pioneering work of Gunasheela Surgical and Maternity Hospital, reflects on the hospital’s 50-year journey. The hospital is known for its groundbreaking contributions to reproductive healthcare, including South India’s first assisted reproductive treatment (ART) baby and India’s first in vitro maturation (IVM) baby. Dr. Gunasheela highlights the hospital’s commitment to advancing patient care through technology, such as the use of AI and genetic testing to improve treatment outcomes.
Despite the leaps made in reproductive medicine, Dr. Gunasheela underscores the importance of emotional support for patients dealing with infertility, often a deeply personal and isolating struggle. She explains, “Patients come to us with so much emotional baggage… Beyond medical treatment, they need hope, positivity, and belief in themselves.” This emphasis on emotional care has become a cornerstone of the clinic’s approach, making it a leader in patient-centric fertility treatments.
Innovation in Fertility Science: AI and Genetics
The IVF sector is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating the market could reach $32.11 billion by 2025 and $68.57 billion by 2034. Dr. Gunasheela points out how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming reproductive medicine, particularly in areas like embryo selection and sperm optimization for procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). AI’s ability to personalize treatments to an individual patient’s needs promises to improve success rates by tailoring protocols to each case.
Additionally, Dr. Gunasheela emphasizes the importance of genetic advancements, particularly through the work of her genetics lab, Tattvagene, which specializes in pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT). PGT allows for the detection of genetic disorders in embryos, offering parents the ability to make more informed decisions about which embryos to select for transfer. This reduces the likelihood of genetic disorders and increases the chances of successful pregnancies.
The Human Touch and Mental Support
While technological advancements in fertility treatments, such as IVF, ultrasound, laparoscopy, and innovative methods like IVM, are central to the future of reproductive medicine, Dr. Gunasheela stresses the importance of not losing sight of the human element in patient care. She highlights the need for doctors to understand the emotional and psychological burdens carried by infertility patients. “We can never take out the human touch,” Dr. Gunasheela says, underscoring that patient care should encompass both the science of reproductive medicine and the emotional well-being of patients.
The Future of Reproductive Medicine
Looking ahead, Dr. Gunasheela sees exciting developments on the horizon, including artificial ovaries and ectogenesis—the creation of embryos in artificial wombs. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach infertility, offering new solutions to couples who may otherwise struggle to conceive.
In conclusion, Dr. Gunasheela advocates for the careful integration of technology into fertility treatments. While AI and genetic testing offer powerful tools for improving patient outcomes, the human aspect of care remains central. As the reproductive medicine field continues to evolve, the focus will remain on combining cutting-edge science with the compassion and emotional support that infertility patients need to succeed in their journey toward parenthood.
This insightful discussion on the Evolve Podcast by Eka Care offers a deep dive into the future of reproductive medicine and the crucial balance of technology and empathy in patient care.
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