Reproductive Medicine in Delhi

Reproductive medicine is a field of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of male and female reproductive issues. It encompasses the prevention and assessment, as well as the treatment and prognosis of a wide variety of reproductive conditions. The main goal of reproductive medicine is to improve or maintain the female and male reproductive systems. Reproductive medicine specialists particularly treat and advise on any issues impacting a person’s or a couple’s ability to conceive. They treat issues of puberty, sexual education, family planning, birth control, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive system disease, such as:

• Infectious diseases, such as reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Cancer that affects the reproductive system, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, penile cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Conditions that affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism, vasectomy, and retrograde ejaculation.
• Congenital abnormalities, such as imperforate hymen and epispadias.
• Endocrine disorders, such as teratoma, hypogonadism, idiopathic hirsutism, androgen insensitivity syndrome, ovarian cysts, and hypopituitarism.

Tests and treatments that reproductive medicine may perform include:

• Full medical history assessment
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging techniques, such as pelvic ultrasounds
• Investigations of semen samples
• Ovulation induction
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility medication, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer, and frozen embryo replacement (FER)
• Open surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Prescribing medication, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the HIV virus.

Reproductive medicine is a multidisciplinary branch of medicine that combines physiology, endocrinology, and anatomy, as well as some aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology. Reproductive medicine also overlaps with other branches of medicines, such as gynecology, urology, obstetrics, and psychiatry.

How Long Should I Stay in Delhi?

Your length of stay in Delhi depends on your specific condition and the type of test and/or treatment you underwent. In general, it is advisable that you stay in Delhi for at least 1-3 weeks, although you may be able to travel home within 1 to 2 days after some diagnostic tests. During your stay, you will attend follow-up appointments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your specific condition, the type of test/treatment you underwent, the technique your doctor used, and your overall health determines the recovery time. For open surgery, it may take around 4 to 6 weeks until you are allowed to resume your normal activity and to go back to work. Laparoscopic surgery offers shorter recovery time, usually only 3 to 4 weeks until you can return back to your normal activity level. For non-surgical procedures, such as IVF, you should be able to go back to your normal routine immediately after the procedure.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given detailed aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. In most cases, you will attend regular checkups with your reproductive medicine specialist in Delhi or with your local doctor back at home. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of reproductive medicine and a better understanding of the human reproductive system has lead to an increased safety and success rate of the reproductive system’s tests and treatments. The field has allowed the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), resulting in advances in overcoming infertility. ART is also safer than surgical procedures, minimizing the risks that surgical procedures carry.

Are there Alternatives?

Depending on your specific case, you may be able to see a gynecologist, urologist, obstetrician, or even oncologist as the alternative to seeing a reproductive medicine specialist. It is best, however, to talk to your general physician first as they will be able to direct you to the right specialist. 

Reproductive Medicine in and around Delhi

Introduction

Delhi is officially known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). It is home to the capital of India, New Delhi. With a population of over 18 million, it is the second most populous city in the country. The city is brimming with vibrant modern life but also still steeped in history. People come to the city for its cultural richness and gastronomic scene.

Recently, Delhi has emerged as a medical tourists’ favorite destination. It’s the perfect place for those who seek low cost high-quality, world-class healthcare. India continues to expand its medical tourism sector with Delhi as one of the top hubs for medical facilities. Among the leading hospitals in Delhi are Max Super Specialty Hospital, Apollo Hospital Indraprastha, and BLK Super Specialty Hospital. Breast Augmentation and heart surgery procedures are two of the most popular procedures in the city. Patients come to Delhi for the following reason:

• State of the art medical facilities with international and local accreditation
• Skilled doctors, many of which trained in the UK
• English speaking doctors and staff
• Wide range, cost-effective procedures
• Traditional healthcare therapies and practices such as Ayurveda and yoga

Popular Areas in Delhi

Delhi is overflowing with enchanting history and colorful modern life. The city is made of layers of history, temples, monuments, markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many tourists come to witness its charm and discover its hidden treasures. Go to Old Delhi and visit the Red Fort where a load of people fell in love with its beautiful structure influenced by Islamic, Persian, Hindu, and Timurid traditions. Learn Islamic history in one of the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid. Shop in Chandni Chowk Market, the largest shopping hub in Delhi. Pay your respect in Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

There is also New Delhi, India’s capital, where you can stroll around India Gate, a war memorial that was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe. Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, is also worth a visit for anyone who loves history. Don’t forget to go to the Gandhi Museum (Gandhi Smirti) to learn more about the leader of Indian independence’s life. Tourists can also visit an enthralling historical site known as Purana Qila. In your spare time, you can shop in Janpath Market and Sarojini Market.

South Delhi has many sites to enjoy such as the unique Lotus Temple, the soaring tower of victory Qutab Minar, and the thriving nightlife of Hauz Khas Village. This district also has a famous shopping paradise including Dilli Haat, Shahpur Jat, GK 1 N-block market, and Dastkar Nature Bazaar.

Weather and Climate in Delhi

Delhi has a high variation of temperature between summer and winter. Summer in Delhi can get really hot with an average temperature of around 32°C. The season starts in April to June and the temperature can reach as high as 46°C. It is advisable to avoid this season if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities. The monsoon starts in late June to mid-September. The temperature usually falls to an average of 29°C, but it’s rainy and humid.

The temperature plummets during winter, ranging between 6°C to 7°C. This season starts in November and lasts until March. October to March is the best time to visit Delhi because the weather is neither too hot or too cold.

Getting Around in Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport, located 16 km from New Delhi city center, is the busiest airport in India. This airport serves domestic and international flights that connect the city with almost every country across the globe. Terminal 1 is used by budget airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, while Terminal 3 is mainly used for international operations and several domestic flights.

The city center can be reached by bus, airport taxi, and metro. The bus is the most affordable option although it can be very crowded. Taxi is a good way to travel but always use licensed taxis such as WTi Cabs, Meru, and Mega Cabs. App-based taxis like Ola and Uber is another choice of travel. The fastest way to travel to Delhi’s city center is by The Delhi Metro. The travel time is less than 25 minutes and should cost around 10 INR to 60 INR.

There are several transportation modes to get around Delhi. The Delhi Metro is the best option to travel around because it offers comfort and fast travel. Taxis are widely available in the city. The easiest way to call a taxi is by the Ola app. It’s usually cheaper to use Ola than a local taxi stands.

For shortstops, opt for auto rickshaws. They’re affordable and easy to find. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in because most drivers will refuse using the meter. The drivers are also known to overcharge foreign visitors. Driving around Delhi is not recommended since the traffic can be time-consuming and there is a lot of bad driving. You can always hire a local driver if you want to get around by car.

Tourist Visas in Delhi

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa. Citizens of Japan and South Korea can apply for a visa on arrival. Citizens of 150 countries can apply for e-Visa which is valid for 60 days. There are medical and medical attendant e-visas for tourists who come for healthcare. Other nationalities are required to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 180 days after their entry to India and should have at least two blank pages.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency is the Indian rupee (INR). 1 USD converts to 70 INR.
2. Money & Payments: Major currencies such as US dollars, euros, and pounds sterling are easy to change throughout the city. The easiest way to exchange money is by using ATMs. Some shops, restaurants, and hotels will accept credit cards. It is advisable to always carry cash since a lot of places still accept cash only. Restaurants sometimes add a 10% service fee to the bills.
3. Local Language: Hindi is the official language of Delhi. Urdu and Punjabi are widely spoken. Most people will be familiar with English. Many young people shop keepers, and tour guides can speak English very well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The major religion is Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Judaism.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates major religions (Hindus, Muslims, and Christians) holidays. The city hosts many festivals all year round such as The Grub Fest, The Palate Fest, and Holi Festival.