At the age of 63, Jaipur’s Premlata Sand has defeated cancer, twice. She is now helping other cancer patients with their battles. Counselling them, motivating them, and helping them navigate through the challenges of cancer at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (BMCHRC) as the cancer consultant.

“I was first diagnosed with cancer in 2001,” she says. Premlata, back then lived in Vijayanagar, a tehsil in Rajasthan, without advanced medical facilities. “I experienced a sharp pain in her left breast, so I went to a doctor, and I was told that it was just a non-harmful cyst in my underarms due to hormonal changes,” she shares.

It was normal for her because she had just undergone uterus removal surgery a year ago. The doctor suggested that hormonal imbalance is one of the common impacts of the surgery. Not paying much attention to that, Premlata, continued with her daily life, until one day, she could not bear the pain anymore. “I could not move my left hand at all and lost a lot of hair,” she says.

“This is when I was suggested to go to Ajmer and get it checked properly,” she shares. Going to Ajmer, getting herself checked, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Back then I did not know anything about cancer, but I did not have any fear. I was very positive towards life.” But it was only until she underwent the operation, followed by chemotherapy. This broke her down.

“I experienced so much pain that I wanted to hammer my head. I used to tell my mother to poison me,” she says. Her mother helped her navigate through these challenges. “My mother told me that my kids are very young, and they need me, so I should get better for them. This is what kept me going,” she says.

Helping Others with Their Cancer Battles

In 2008, after her husband passed away, she moved to Jaipur with her son. This is where she reached out to BMCHRC. “I shared my story with them and told them that I wanted to help other patients who were battling cancer,” she shares.

Premlata shares that her father had always said to her that humanitarianism is the greatest virtue, which is where her inspiration to help other cancer patients came to her.

“I did not just want to sit idle, I wanted to keep doing something. So, I learned yoga from Baba Ramdev, and I also earned my MD in Acupressure in Jodhpur. I wanted to seek alternatives to stay fit and healthy. Medicines are very costly, so I wanted an alternative that can help people without spending so much on pills,” she shares.

Now, along with a cancer consultant, she is a Yoga instructor and an Acupressure specialist, treating over 60k people.

In 2018, she went to Jaipur’s old age home and lived there to serve the elderly, help them and motivate them through their challenges.

Another Battle, All Over Again

18 years after her first battle with cancer, Premlata was diagnosed again with cancer, this time, a different kind. “I had severe back pain, but I ignored it at first thinking that it was just one of the things that happened with old age when you lift a heavy thing,” she shares.

Being associated with a cancer hospital came in handy here and she went for a bone scan as suggested by one of the doctors. This is when she was diagnosed with fourth-stage cancer. “The doctor said that I only had a week’s time, but here I am, 5 years since I was diagnosed the second time,” she says with pride.

Evolution In Medicine

Premlata mentions that she has seen a lot of change in medicine, especially how accessible and less painful it has become. She underwent five radiation therapies that she recalls as being challenging, but not as painful as chemotherapy.

Despite all odds, she still greets everyone with a smile and hopes to inspire others with her journey of defeating cancer twice.

After the long, emotionally and physically demanding journey of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), hearing the words “you’re pregnant” often feels like crossing the finish line. However, for many couples, particularly those navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy is only part of the journey—and miscarriage remains a deeply feared possibility.

Experts points out that although IVF brings a lot of couples closer to parenthood, it does not entirely prevent the risk of miscarriage. "About 15% of all pregnancies, whether they occur naturally or through assisted reproductive technology such as IVF or IUI, result in miscarriage," says Dr. Varsha Patil, a well-known fertility expert. The number may sound shocking, but with the knowledge of the causes, risk factors, and preventive measures, the couple is given the clarity and confidence to proceed.

What Is A Miscarriage?

A miscarriage in medical terminology is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. In Dr. Patil's opinion, miscarriages can be generally divided into two broad categories—early miscarriage, which is a pregnancy loss before 13 weeks, and late miscarriage, which takes place between 13 to 20 weeks. Although it's easy to think that when women become pregnant after IVF, they've exceeded the most dangerous period, the truth is usually different. IVF pregnancies, which are thoroughly monitored, are not completely safe from complications. Actually, some factors underlying the case—like maternal age, embryo quality, uterine anomalies, and hormonal imbalance—can still lead to miscarriage despite a successful embryo transfer.

What Causes Miscarriage After IVF?

Miscarriages after IVF are generally not an indication of treatment failure but usually result from natural biological and physiological problems. Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the most frequent reasons for miscarriage irrespective of how pregnancy is achieved. "An embryo with the incorrect number of chromosomes is unlikely to survive," says Dr. Patil, pointing to the biological problem that can sideline even the best-planned IVF pregnancy. In addition to this, maternal health is also crucial—chronic diseases like uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disturbances, kidney illness, and autoimmune diseases can disrupt a normal pregnancy and predispose to loss. Lifestyle factors are also very important.

Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, illicit drug use, and even overuse of caffeine are all recognized risk factors for miscarriage. Dr. Patil reiterates that having IVF doesn't erase the need to make healthier lifestyle changes. Physical conditions like fibroids, polyps, a uterine septum, or an incompetent cervix can make it difficult to carry a pregnancy to term. Advanced age is another significant factor; women above 35 have a 25% or more chance of miscarriage, and for women aged above 40, this chance increases to more than 50%. In addition, serious anemia, malnutrition, and inadequate post-embryo transfer medical follow-up can adversely affect pregnancy and hence require holistic post-IVF care to ensure a successful process.

How Age Can Affect Chances Of Miscarriage After IVF?

Although age is a natural component of reproductive aging, it plays an extensive role in the success of IVF. Dr. Patil clarifies, "Between 20 and 35, the rate of miscarriage is 10–15%. But post 35, the rate increases significantly." This is partly because eggs from women who are older have a greater chance of chromosomal abnormalities.

For individuals who are thinking about IVF later in life, this information underscores the value of genetic screening and preconception counseling to get the healthiest embryos to transfer.

Role of Embryo Quality

Embryo quality is critical to the success of IVF—and to eliminating the risk of miscarriage. As Dr. Patil puts it, "A good quality embryo has a much lower risk of miscarriage than a poor quality one."

Chromosomal information clarifies the different rates of miscarriage associated with the quality of the embryo.

Research indicates that high-quality embryos suffer a miscarriage rate of about 13.3%, but low-quality embryos can suffer a much higher percentage, about 20%. This is where sophisticated reproductive procedures such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGTA) are utilized. PGTA allows physicians to detect chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos prior to implantation, significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy while minimizing the risk of miscarriage. For couples who have gone through the devastation of miscarriage following IVF, the path ahead seems uncertain.

How long, then, should one wait before attempting another pregnancy? In Dr. Patil's opinion, a waiting time of 2 to 3 months is what is usually advised. This window of time accommodates both emotional recovery and physical healing," she explains. It also allows fertility doctors to assess any underlying complications, fine-tune medication regimens, and perform any further medical procedures that are required. Sparing this time not only gets the body ready for another cycle, but it also enables couples to rejoin the process with fresh hope and knowledge-based support.

Signs of Miscarriage Women Should Watch For

Pregnancies that occur through IVF are normally closely monitored, but it's still important for women to remain vigilant for complications. Dr. Patil enumerates the following signs that may be a sign of miscarriage:

• Spotting or brownish discharge
• Moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal cramps or lower back pain
• Sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms (such as nausea or breast tenderness)
• Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina
• Lack of fetal heartbeat or growth on ultrasound

If any of these symptoms are noticed, immediate medical consultation is essential. "The sooner we take action, the greater opportunity we have to offer support or handle complications," she maintains.

A miscarriage, be it following natural conception or IVF, is not merely a medical occurrence—though an emotional one. Dr. Patil forbids couples to blame themselves. "It's a natural aspect of the reproductive cycle, frequently as a result of factors nobody has control over."

Support systems, counseling, and community groups may assist couples in dealing with sorrow in a positive way while remaining positive about the future. Significantly, a single miscarriage does not predict the next pregnancy to end similarly. With updated technologies, individualized fertility care, and psychological strength, numerous couples proceed to have healthy pregnancies following miscarriage.

Whereas IVF provides access to parenthood for millions worldwide, it's also important to note that it does not entirely eliminate the threat of miscarriage. Elements such as age, the quality of the embryo, maternal health, and lifestyle all remain crucial in determining the success.

What is still crucial, as Dr. Patil stresses, is educated optimism. "Couples must know about the risks but not be discouraged by them. With proper medical attention, emotional support, and healthy lifestyles, the journey to parenthood continues to hold hope."

Dr Varsha Patil is a Fertility specialist at GarbhaGudi IVF Centre, Bengaluru in India

If you have noticed more and more people sneezing around you, it is because the seasons are shifting. However, what is making it worse is the global warming. Whether or not you believe it, global warming is real and it is causing climate change, and as a result, making our seasonal allergies worse.

Tree pollen kicks in during this time, and then comes grass pollen that stays through the late spring and summer. Then fall pollen such as ragweed begins in the late summer and continue into autumn.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, 25.7% of US adults were diagnosed with seasonal allergies. This means that about a quarter of the population was suffering from watery eyes, a tickly throat, and a runny nose. Pollen allergies can make it difficult for you to step out and thanks to climate change, it keeps getting worse.

How Climate Change Impacts Pollen?

Climate change alters weather patterns and it can trigger an earlier onset of pollen count that stays till late. As a result, we experience more sneezing and breathing related issues.

Paul Gabrielsen of the University of Utah writes that if you think you are living under pollen season a bit longer every year, then you are right. The seasons have started 20 days earlier and stay 10 days longer, almost a month-long increase.

However, US is not the only country where it happens. It is there everywhere.

In 2015, the World Allergy Organization which comprised 97 medical societies from around the world released a statement that warned that climate change would indeed impact the timing, duration and severity of pollen seasons.

As per biologist William Anderegg, who also works in the University of Utah, who commented on his team's research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2020, "The strong link between warmer weather and pollen seasons provides a crystal-clear example of how climate change is already affecting people's health across the US."

The Hot The Weather Is, The More Pollen Allergies Will Be

Shifts in weather can have a major impact on allergy symptoms. A sudden temperature drop often dries out the air, making it easier for pollen and mold spores to become airborne. On the other hand, a warm spell can raise humidity levels, creating conditions where both mold and pollen thrive. Wind is another key factor—strong gusts can spread allergens across long distances, worsening symptoms for sensitive individuals.

The Role of Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity are two of the biggest weather-related triggers for allergies. Warm weather tends to increase pollen production as plants become more active. High humidity encourages mold growth, both outdoors and inside homes. In contrast, cooler temperatures can reduce pollen levels, and dry air makes it harder for mold to grow. By staying aware of how these conditions affect allergen levels, individuals can better manage their exposure and take preventative steps to reduce symptoms.

A surprising rise in unplanned pregnancies among women taking popular weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has prompted global health authorities to issue a clear warning0- use effective contraception. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK has released its first public alert linking the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) with potential contraceptive failure especially among overweight users relying on oral birth control.

With more than 40 pregnancy reports associated with these medications such as semaglutide-based injectables (Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) the data has raised alarm within the international medical community. The unforeseen side effect is sparking a pressing debate regarding reproductive health, drug safety, and the unforeseen effects of "skinny jabs" that have gained immense popularity.

These drugs in question, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are members of the GLP-1 RA drug class. Initially developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, these medications simulate the GLP-1 hormone to control insulin levels, delay digestion, and curb appetite.

Mounjaro, which acts on a second hormone (GIP), extends this mechanism even further by increasing sensitivity to insulin and offering even stronger control over appetite. These actions make the drugs extremely useful as weight losers—but they also modify digestion and hormone balance, potentially disrupting the absorption and metabolism of oral contraceptives, particularly among overweight patients.

The MHRA specifically states that Mounjaro can decrease oral contraceptive efficacy, especially in the first four weeks of treatment and following any increase in dosage. This is a major concern for women who use the pill as their method of birth control when on these injections.

What Is 'Ozempic Baby' Phenomenon?

The real-world consequences are starting to become more apparent. Social media groups such as the Facebook group "I Got Pregnant on Ozempic," which had over 750 participants in the past year, are full of anecdotal accounts from women who were surprised to find that they were pregnant after using precautions. "Ozempic babies" these pregnancies are generating new publicity for a once little-discussed side effect of these treatments for weight loss.

MHRA records indicate 26 cases of pregnancy associated with Mounjaro, eight with semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), and nine with liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza). Although not all cases indicated whether the pregnancy was unplanned, at least two did. The trend has health officials and clinicians reassessing how contraception is counselled and controlled in conjunction with these treatments.

Contraception, Timing, and Pregnancy Risks

The MHRA and similar medical agencies now fully recommend women taking these weight-loss injections to use safe contraception—ideally combining methods. Women are asked to engage in barrier methods such as condoms alongside oral contraceptives, especially when taking Mounjaro.

In addition, these drugs are also contraindicated during pregnancy, conception, or lactation. Since there is no long-term safety information, experts advise that GLP-1 RAs may be having unforeseen effects on fetal development. The MHRA advises women to discontinue using these drugs at least two months prior to trying to conceive so that the drug has been completely cleared from the body.

Healthcare providers are also being reminded to clearly convey these warnings at the time of prescribing and to make patients fully aware of the possible reproductive consequences of these potent drugs.

The world's popularity with weight-loss injectables is on the rise, fueled partly by endorsement from celebrities, social media buzz, and increasing recognition of obesity as a disease. But that increased usage has far surpassed public awareness of the drugs' side effects—especially those related to reproductive health.

Experts caution that off-label use of such drugs, like buying them from beauty salons or internet retailers without prescription, may open more women to unregulated risks. The MHRA insists these drugs are approved to deal with certain clinical conditions and must not be used for cosmetic weight loss only.

"They are not a weight loss quick fix," the MHRA said. "They have not been evaluated as safe for use for aesthetic purposes, and improper use could have serious health consequences, particularly in pregnancy."

Serious Side Effects To Look Out For

Besides reproductive issues, GLP-1 RAs have been associated with a rare but severe complication: acute pancreatitis. The symptoms are chronic stomach pain that radiates to the back and doesn't resolve. Anyone with these symptoms should immediately consult a physician.

Prescription leaflets issued with the drugs now contain revised advice on pregnancy, contraception, and possible side effects. Both patients and healthcare professionals are asked to report any adverse effects through the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme, enabling monitoring of the safety of such widely used medicines in real-time.

Weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are changing lives by providing safe, health-approved solutions to obesity and diabetes. With great benefit, however, comes the burden of informed use. That means for women of childbearing age, it's necessary to know how such medications can affect fertility and the reliability of birth control.

If you are taking or thinking about taking GLP-1 medications, discuss with your doctor what kind of birth control is appropriate for you, and if pregnancy is in the cards, get off the drug well ahead of time.

While the potential of these drugs is great, their administration has to be based in science, safety, and full medical care—particularly when it comes to reproductive health.