On the journey to motherhood, every step counts. Every hope, every dream, and every challenge drives us toward a future where our desires to conceive become a reality. However, we often encounter unexpected obstacles on this journey, such as chlamydia, a silent infection that can affect our fertility. It is essential that we fully understand how chlamydia can intertwine with our dreams of motherhood and how we can courageously confront it. Chlamydia, often associated with stigma and shame, can impact our ability to conceive. However, we must focus on our strengths and take steps to overcome the challenges. We will explore how we can take control of our sexual and reproductive health and how the available treatment options can pave the way to our cherished goal: becoming mothers. What is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, yet one of the least known. It is caused by the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and it is three times more common in women than in men. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year 2.8 million people are infected with chlamydia in the United States alone. In 40% of untreated cases, chlamydia infects the cells of the cervical neck and spreads to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or blocking the fallopian tubes. It can affect fertility in various ways: Additionally, untreated chlamydia can lead to serious consequences during pregnancy, such as: Main Symptoms of Chlamydia Chlamydia is known as a silent disease because 75 percent of infected women do not experience symptoms. In the remaining cases, symptoms may appear between one to three weeks after infection and include: If you experience any of these symptoms, you should abstain from sexual intercourse and consult a specialist immediately. Early diagnosis of chlamydia can prevent pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent damage to the reproductive organs. Causes of Chlamydia Chlamydia can be transmitted during unprotected vaginal or anal sex, and it can even be found in the throat of individuals who have engaged in oral sex with an infected partner. Anyone who is sexually active can become infected with chlamydia. However, the risk of infection is proportional to the number of sexual partners one has had or currently has. It is important to note that chlamydia can also be transmitted from mother to child during vaginal delivery, so it is important for infected women who have not been treated to undergo a cesarean section. How is Chlamydia diagnosed? In addition to reviewing your medical history and a brief, painless vaginal examination, your doctor will need to take a cellular sample from your vagina or cervix using a swab. This sample will be sent to a laboratory where it will be analyzed for infected DNA. Blood or urine tests may also be helpful in detecting antibodies that the body produces when exposed to the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all sexually active individuals under 25 years old and those over 25 years old should undergo annual chlamydia screening. Furthermore, the presence of this bacteria should be ruled out in all pregnant women. Chlamydia and gonorrhea often occur together, so if you have chlamydia, it is advisable to get tested for gonorrhea as well. Similarly, women with advanced chlamydia should undergo a gynecological vaginal ultrasound, during which a probe is inserted into the vagina to determine the damage that this infection may have caused to their reproductive organs. I want to have a baby and tested positive for chlamydia. Individuals who test positive for chlamydia should abstain from sexual intercourse until they and their sexual partners have been treated. Otherwise, they are at a high risk of reinfection and experiencing serious complications in their reproductive health. To ensure that the treatment has been effective, a follow-up test is recommended. In cases where reproductive organs are damaged (particularly the fallopian tubes), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the preferred procedure for achieving pregnancy. This is because the damage caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria often affects the transport of gametes and hinders the transfer of the fertilized egg to the uterus.  It is important to treat the chlamydia infection before starting an IVF cycle, as it can have adverse effects on the success rates of the procedure. Do not hesitate to reach out to experts for guidance!

Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when many experience significant physical and emotional changes. For some, it marks the end of their fertile stage, while for others, it may be the beginning of a new path toward motherhood. Although pregnancy during menopause may seem uncommon or impossible, many women have defied the odds and successfully conceived and carried a healthy baby to term. These women are true inspirations, demonstrating that there are no limits in life and that love and the desire to be a mother can overcome any obstacle. Pregnancy during menopause can also be an opportunity to reflect on life and the role of motherhood. It can be a time to find the inner strength necessary to face challenges and embrace the beauty and joy of creating life. However, it’s also essential to consider the potential risks and challenges that may arise during pregnancy in menopause, including complications such as preterm labor or preeclampsia. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek appropriate medical advice and receive the necessary emotional support to face these challenges. Pregnancy in menopause is a unique and exciting experience that can teach us about the power of love and determination. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams and create the life we desire. Keep reading for more details on pregnancy during the menopausal stage. Menopause nowadays Population change and growth have accelerated in recent decades throughout Latin America. The proportion of people over 60 years old has increased significantly; within this group, the majority are women. As a result of this phenomenon, there has been a formation of an adult population, resulting in a change in roles and social needs. What happens during menopause? In adult women, menopause signifies the end of menstruation and corresponds to a physiological event in a woman’s life that involves the termination of her reproductive cycle. With the onset of menopause, a woman’s menstrual period ceases due to the absence of hormones produced by the ovaries. While some women may not experience any other symptoms, as menopause approaches, it’s possible that the symptoms may include: During the stage called menopause or climacteric, there is a cessation of ovulation, meaning a woman’s reproductive life comes to an end, which limits conception. Can I be a mother during menopause? Fortunately, if a woman is in menopause and desires to have a baby, there are different alternatives. The most recommended option for these cases is egg donation, where young and healthy women provide eggs to women with depleted ovarian reserves, enabling them to carry a completely healthy pregnancy to term. This service is available at Ingenes for women up to 52 years old through an egg donation program, in which donor selection and evaluation are carried out according to parameters established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). In this way, a woman can be assured that the procedures and reliability of the donation will comply with international safety and quality standards, achieving her goal of having a baby at home. Your dream can be possible! Learn more about Lorena’s story, who achieved her dream of becoming a mom through egg donation. We also have the story of Maria del Carmen, who at the age of 50 had the joy of bringing her little stars down to earth. Do not hesitate to share your story with us to find the best solution for you.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the healthcare of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. This branch of medicine aims to prevent and treat problems that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth, ensuring the well-being of the mother and baby. Maternal-Fetal Medicine is applied in both low-risk and high-risk pregnancy situations that require specialized care. It is a multidisciplinary discipline that involves obstetricians, neonatologists, geneticists, and radiologists, among other specialists. It utilizes a wide range of techniques and technologies, including ultrasounds, genetic studies, and fetal monitoring tests to evaluate and manage maternal and fetal health. It is important to highlight that Maternal-Fetal Medicine has significantly evolved in recent decades, thanks to the development of new technologies and treatments. These advances have helped to reduce complications during pregnancy and improve the quality of life for mothers and their babies. Why is pregnancy monitoring important? A maternal-fetal medicine specialist is an obstetrician-gynecologist with a sub-specialization of two to three years in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, specifically trained to diagnose conditions such as Down syndrome, placental problems, fetal growth restriction, among others. In addition, they can detect and treat pregnancy-associated diseases such as preeclampsia (one of the complications with the highest mortality rates during pregnancy in our country) and gestational diabetes. The timely diagnosis of these conditions allows for actions to be taken that result in better care and outcomes for patients and their babies. Regular check-ups help you and your doctor monitor the progress of your pregnancy and are essential for detecting any health problems before they become serious. Are pregnancies achieved through Assisted Reproductive Technologies riskier? Pregnancy after infertility not only brings the usual concerns of a natural pregnancy but also the physical, economic, and emotional resources invested in achieving it may increase fear that something could go wrong. It is important to know that undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) does not necessarily affect the normal development of pregnancy. The factors that make a pregnancy high-risk do not depend on how it was achieved, but rather on: Whether you get pregnant naturally or through fertility treatment, prenatal care is essential. That’s why at Ingenes, we have a Maternal-Fetal Medicine unit consisting of specialists in high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, we have innovative methods and cutting-edge technology to increase the chances of your pregnancy reaching full term. How often do I need to visit the doctor during my pregnancy? The first three months are crucial for the development of the pregnancy, so we recommend that you schedule an appointment with our specialists as soon as you find out you are pregnant. During your pregnancy, you will need to see your doctor regularly: If you are over 35 years old, have had previous miscarriages, or have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor will likely want to see you more often. What tests or procedures are done during pregnancy? Traditionally, prenatal visits include ultrasounds, blood and urine tests, or other exams that allow the doctor to evaluate your condition and that of the fetus so that both can face pregnancy and childbirth in the best possible conditions. Some of the non-invasive studies provided by our Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit are: Additionally, we have state-of-the-art techniques such as: The key to having a healthy baby is to take care of your own health. We have a unit called Ingenes Emotional Support and we are ready to answer your questions or concerns about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit is here for you If you have gone through Assisted Reproduction Treatment, there is no difference from a spontaneous pregnancy. However, in both cases, prenatal care is crucial and this is achieved through Maternal-Fetal Medicine. At Ingenes, we have a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit staffed by specialists in high-risk pregnancies. We also have innovative methods and cutting-edge technology to increase the chances of successfully carrying your pregnancy to term.