The lack of mental health awareness has always been an issue in India. While this may be a passing issue for many people, it affects people of various sections, differently. One such sensitive section is the queer youth. Many people have commented on the rise of mental health issues in the youth and given polarizing views on the same. While some were empathetic, others claimed the new generation is just ‘too soft’ and are making up issues out of nothing. The phrase ‘we were raised the same way, we turned out fine’ is also one thrown around quite often. Queer youths are often seen as posers and people looking for attention, this along with many other issues cause their debilitating mental health. Manavi Khurana, Founder, CEO, and Senior Counselling Psychologist at Karma Care (Karma Center for Counselling & Wellbeing) says, “Coming out is a privilege for a lot of people in India and it is a deeply personal decision.”

Common complaints of queer youth

Many queer individuals come from societies and communities that do not accept them. They fear rejection and abandonment first and foremost, according to Dr Manavi Khurana. “further complaints do often include relationship issues, identity struggles, dysphoria and internalized homophobia or transphobia.” The stress of coming out or being outed have often led many queer individuals to have self-harming thoughts. “Issues of belonging and acceptance within both their families and the broader society are also frequent, with concerns like bullying, discrimination and being disowned by family often coming up” says Dr Khurana.

Lack of mental health awareness and queer teens

Many young people in India who are LGBTQ+ are struggling with their mental health. They often feel lonely and misunderstood because there aren't many people talking about these issues openly. It's hard for them to get help because people don't always believe their feelings are real problems. Dr Khurana states, “The absence of open conversations about mental health, gender and sexuality makes it difficult for teens to seek help or even recognize what they are experiencing as a valid mental health issue.” This makes them feel even worse like nobody cares or understands. Things are even harder for those who face discrimination because of their gender, race, or other backgrounds.

Coming out and the concerns behind it

While it may seem trivial to other people, there are many things that go behind the coming out that many people are not aware of. It's a personal choice based on your safety, how you feel, and how it might affect your family. Some people have told their parents even though they knew it would be hard, and things got better over time. But it's important to be safe. If you're not sure, think about the good and bad things that could happen. Your background, like where you live, your family, and how much money you have, can also make a difference. “One of my clients, for example, chose to come out to their parents only after they were financially independent, which allowed them to handle any negative reactions more confidently. The most important thing is to weigh the pros and cons in their unique situation and do what feels right for them” Dr Khurana expressed.

Starting a family is a very personal experience—one that comes with optimism, questions, and sometimes, unforeseen setbacks. If you've been the one asking, "Is it too early or too late for IVF?" or "How many attempts can we make before we give up?"—you're not the only one. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has brought new possibilities to couples fighting infertility, but timing, expectations, and psychological preparation are vital. From biological clocks to financial realities, understanding when and how to begin IVF can make all the difference.

An IVF expert helps break down all the elements involved in conceiving via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). As assisted reproduction becomes more prominent and mainstream, it's important to consider IVF from a broader picture than the mere clinical procedure. Whether one is successful or not with IVF depends on an intricate mix of biology, preparedness, and timing—factors that are very personal and specific to each and every individual and couple.

Why Timing in IVF Matters?

Timing in IVF is not so much a matter of calendar or age—it is a question of coordinating physical health, emotional readiness, and financial capability.

Biologically, age plays a pivotal role, particularly for women. A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever possess, and as she gets older, both the number and quality of these eggs decrease. This natural decline generally becomes appreciable after age 30 and more sharply after 35. In Dr. Pavithra M, Fertility Consultant at Garbhagudi IVF Centre's opinion, "The best time for a woman to opt for IVF is between her early to mid-30s. Fertility starts decreasing gradually from age 30, and after 35, the possibilities fall sharply." Conversely, men have a more insidious decline in fertility, with sperm quality usually decreasing after 40–45 years of age. Reduced motility, sperm density, and elevated DNA fragmentation can impact IVF success when paternal age is increased. While men can theoretically sire children at older ages, older paternal age has been linked to greater conception and pregnancy complications.

IVF initiated at an earlier reproductive age offers higher chances of success per cycle, requires fewer attempts, and can be more cost-effective. “Success rates are significantly higher in younger women,” says Dr. Pavithra. “That’s why early intervention is key.”

How Many Times Can Couples Try IVF?

IVF is not a single-process affair, and the number of attempts necessary can range widely. Although there is no theoretical limit to the number of cycles an individual or couple may attempt, professionals insist on a realistic strategy.

"Usually, if the patient has failed to conceive after three to four IVF cycles, it might not be worth continuing," says Dr. Pavithra. She adds that repeated failure of cycles deserve a more in-depth examination of protocols, lifestyle influences, and possible underlying pathology.

For others, it is in the first or second try. For others, it may be six or more. But the process is physically and psychologically draining. Many insurance policies don't entirely cover fertility treatment, so couples are left with significant out-of-pocket costs. Aside from cost, the bodily and psychological price of hormone shots, egg retrieval, and successive failures is significant.

Clinically, once three to six cycles have failed, physicians usually re-evaluate everything right from the embryo quality to uterine status and even immunological variables. "Every failed cycle is also a diagnostic," Dr. Pavithra says. "We know more about the reproductive health of the couple after each attempt."

Waiting Between IVF Cycles: How Long Should You Pause?

The mind and body require time to recuperate between IVF cycles. Experts normally advise a break of one to three months between tries, depending on how the person has coped physically and emotionally.

"The waiting time between cycles is very important for emotional recuperation," says Dr. Pavithra. "It also provides time to analyze embryo growth from the previous cycle, make necessary changes to protocols, and mentally prepare for the next step."

In some situations—particularly with diminished ovarian reserve or age-related drop)—physicians might start another cycle in as brief a time as a month. This accelerated timing is often selected if waiting would result in a subsequent diminishment of egg quantity and quality. It is not typically recommended, though, to hurry into back-to-back cycles, because physical stress can compromise oocyte (egg) quality and affect results.

What if IVF Fails?

When IVF fails the first time, there is usually an emotional rollercoaster for couples. Understand that a failed cycle does not necessarily mean something is "wrong" with you—but it may indicate that further investigation is needed.

About 50–70% of implantation failure is due to chromosomal defects in the embryo. Other problems are due to poor development or inadequate lab conditions on the embryo side. On the maternal side, some causes of failure include uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps, thin endometrium, or even immunological disorders.

"Sometimes" and even with" all" being "good quality eggs," "embryos," and "a healthy uterus," implantation just doesn't happen," explains Dr. Pavithra. "Those are termed idiopathic or unexplained cases." In these cases, additional testing would usually be carried out to detect any immunological reasons why" the body is rejecting the embryo, and treatment would be designed to curb overactive immune reactions.

Hormonal instability, endometriosis, blood clot disorders, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol drinking, or major weight concerns also contribute to outcomes. IVF involves considering the whole person, usually with lifestyle changes alongside medical treatments.

What Couples Should Expect?

IVF is not just a fertility treatment, it is a journey that is as much diagnostic as it is therapeutic. For several couples, IVF is the start of an understanding of their reproductive well-being. Even though pregnancy may not be achieved in the first try, the process provides insight into egg quality, sperm condition, and the body's reaction to assisted reproduction.

Couples have to enter this process educated and emotionally equipped. They need to be patient, resilient, and realistic. While science and medicine can lay out the route, the choice of when to begin, how many times to attempt, and when to stop or take a break is a highly personal decision.

Statistics reveal that the majority of successful IVF pregnancies happen during the first three to six cycles, but there can be variations depending on age, reason for infertility, and other medical factors. The process tends to be non-linear, and support in any form—whether from medical providers, therapists, or loved ones—can be the turning point.

Is There A "Perfect Timing"?

In the end, the optimal time to start IVF is not a number, but rather defined by personal health, relationship maturity, and life situation. For certain individuals, beginning in one's early 30s can be the highest likelihood of success. For others, IVF at an older age is still a viable and worthwhile option—particularly with newer developments such as egg freezing and donor assistance.

As Dr. Pavithra notes, "IVF is a journey of hope, science, and strength. It's crucial that couples don't lose hope with one or even more failed attempts. Every step brings us closer to knowing what the body needs to nourish new life."

Miley Cyrus has proven her longevity and love for her craft as a musician, known for her extensive career, spanning from her time as Disney’s Hannah Montana, to her recent achievements as a singer. Recently she shared the reason behind her signature singing style, sharing that her famous raspy voice is due to a rare voice condition called Reinke’s edema. She explained that this condition also makes singing live incredibly challenging.

People and fans had noticed the shift in Miley’s voice, which is much more apparent when you listen to her early music or interviews, and compare them to her current songs.

During an interview in Apple Music’s "The Zane Lowe Show," Cyrus described Reinke’s edema as a form of "abuse of the vocal cords" that she’s had for a long time. She admitted that her lifestyle in her early twenties, which included a lot of late nights as a performer, staying up late, drinking, and smoking after shows. She admitted that these things didn't help her condition, as her voice continued to shift. However, she emphasized that these habits didn't cause the condition, as her voice always had that unique quality.

How Did Her Voice Change Over Time?

Cyrus explained that she has a large polyp on her vocal cord, which gave her a lot of tone and the texture to her voice, saying it made her who she is today.

Despite making her voice distinctive, the condition makes performing live very difficult. She compared it to "running a marathon with ankle weights on." Even just talking by the end of the day can be exhausting, leading to a deep, tired vocal sound that her mom notices.

What is Reinke's Edema?

According to StatPearls journal, Reinke’s edema is a condition that causes the vocal cords to swell. It's also known by other names like vocal cord edema or polypoid corditis. While it's most common in people who smoke for a long time, it can also affect individuals with acid reflux or those who frequently use their voice, like singers. In some cases, the swelling can even form growths that look like small polyps on the vocal cords.

This condition is quite rare, affecting less than 1% of the population and it causes a noticable shift in a person’s vocal abilities you may notice how people who have this condition have

• Hoarseness or a raspy voice
• A deeper-sounding voice
• Trouble speaking loudly

What Causes Reinke's Edema?

The Cleveland Clinic explains that the most common reason people develop Reinke's edema is long-term smoking. The chemicals in smoke severely irritate the vocal cords. Other things that can lead to this condition include

Acid reflux (GERD/LPR), which is a condition where stomach acid can travel up to your throat and irritate your vocal cords.

Being around irritants for a long time can also be a cause as this means breathing in chemicals or other substances that can harm your throat.

Overusing or straining your voice, meaning you may be constantly speaking, singing, or shouting in ways that put too much stress on your vocal cords can also contribute.

Is There A Cure?

There are different ways to treat Reinke’s edema, including both surgery and non-surgical methods. Surgery might involve using a laser or small tools to remove the swollen tissue. Non-surgical approaches include speech therapy and addressing the root causes, such as quitting smoking or taking medication for acid reflux.

However, Miley Cyrus is currently choosing to avoid surgery. She's not willing to sever the tissue that causes this vocal fry, because of the chance that she wakes up from the surgery and doesn’t sound like herself. Despite the difficulties it presents performing, Cyrus sees the condition as an integral part of what makes her voice so unique.

Cancer diagnosis often happens very late, whether it is due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, unidentifiable symptoms or simply missing cancer screenings. As a disease that affects many people globally, over the years, cancer treatments have gotten much more advanced, with people educating themselves with symptoms or subtle signs to ensure their health and well-being.

Pancreatic Cancer is the 10th most common diagnosed cancer in the US with 67,000 American expected to be diagnosed with it in 2025, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Pancreatic Cancer UK explains that the survival rates of pancreatic cancer are not very optimistic, as often they are diagnosed very late, and by the time it happens, the cancer becomes quite advanced.

To help people understand the disease better and recognize signs, Dr Ahmed Ezzat, a general surgery registrar at Imperial College Trust, explains three subtle signs of pancreatic cancer that you shouldn’t ignore.

Watch for These Three Subtle Clues

Catching these signs early can be very important for your health and survival. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers. Current data shows it has the lowest survival rate among all common cancers, with less than 7% of people surviving for five years. Less than 10% of all patients diagnosed will make it to 10 years. That's why it's so vital to recognize the early signs. Do not miss these three signs.

Changes in Blood Sugar

One subtle sign is low blood sugar levels, which might show up as unusual hunger pangs. You might also suddenly develop Type 2 diabetes, or if you already have diabetes, your blood sugar levels might become very hard to control. This happens because the pancreas makes insulin, which controls blood sugar. If the pancreas isn't working right because of cancer, it can't make enough insulin, leading to unstable blood sugar. If you notice this, you should see your doctor urgently.

Unexplained Abdominal or Back Pain

Another important sign is pain in your belly or back that you can't explain. This pain might feel worse when you lie down or eat, and it could get a little better if you lean forward. If you experience these aches, it's crucial to get them checked out by your doctor.

Jaundice

The third subtle sign to be aware of is jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin or eyes. This is most easily seen in the whites of your eyes. Jaundice happens when a yellow substance called bilirubin builds up in the body and can be caused by many things, including liver disease or cancer.

Other Important Symptoms to Note

Most people with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at a late stage, when survival rates are much lower. In fact, if pancreatic cancer is found at an early stage, the chance of surviving for one year is six times higher than if it's found at stage four. That's why being aware of these subtle symptoms and seeking medical advice quickly could make a life-saving difference. Besides these three key signs, other red flags for pancreatic cancer include

• Indigestion (like feeling bloated)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling or being sick
• Getting blood clots in a vein
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)