Author name: Dr Anuj Suketu

Can Ovarian Cancer Affect Fertility? The ovaries are where eggs are stored and where female hormones are made. When cancer grows in an ovary, it can damage that tissue. This may lower egg quality or disturb the hormone balance needed for regular ovulation. Sometimes a tumor also presses on or spreads to nearby structures, such as the fallopian tubes. That can make it harder for an egg to meet sperm. Not every woman notices a change. Some continue to have regular cycles until the diagnosis is made. Can Ovarian Cancer Really Affect Fertility? It can, but the answer is different for every woman. Your ovaries are two small organs on either side of the womb. They release an egg each month and make hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Fertility can be affected in two ways: by the cancer itself, and by the treatment. How much depends on the type of cancer, its stage, your age and the surgery or medicines you need. Here is the hopeful part. Most ovarian cancers appear after menopause, but when younger women are affected, the disease is often found early or is a slow-growing type. Many of them have real options to protect their ability to have children. Does the Cancer Itself Cause Infertility? Usually not by itself, especially in the early stages. If the cancer is limited to one ovary, the other can keep releasing eggs. Larger or more advanced tumours are different. They can damage ovarian tissue, press on the fallopian tubes or spread inside the belly. Pain, tiredness and illness can also make conceiving harder. One more point is worth saying clearly. Struggling to get pregnant is not a sign of ovarian cancer. Far more common causes include PCOS, blocked tubes, endometriosis and thyroid problems. How Can Treatment Affect Fertility? Treatment is where most fertility questions come from. Each part works differently. How does surgery affect it? It depends on what needs to be removed: One ovary and its tube removed: You can often still conceive with the remaining ovary and womb. Both ovaries removed: There are no eggs, so natural pregnancy is no longer possible. Menopause begins right away. Womb removed (hysterectomy): You cannot carry a pregnancy, even if eggs are available. Standard surgery for many ovarian cancers removes both ovaries, both tubes and the womb, along with other tissue. That is why conversations about fertility must happen before the operation, not after. Is Fertility-Sparing Surgery Possible for Ovarian Cancer? For some women, yes. This is an important point that many patients are never told. In fertility-sparing surgery, the surgeon removes the affected ovary and fallopian tube but leaves the uterus and the healthy ovary in place. The remaining organs can still support a pregnancy, naturally or with medical help. The surgeon also checks the abdomen carefully and takes samples to see whether the disease has spread. This staging step is essential for safety. Why Does Choosing an Experienced Ovarian Cancer Surgeon Matter? Surgery for ovarian cancer is delicate. The aim is to remove all the disease while keeping healthy tissue wherever it is safe to do so. That balance takes training and judgment. When you look for an ovarian cancer surgeon in Ahmedabad, consider a gynecologic oncologist. This is a doctor trained specifically in cancers of the female reproductive system. They can plan surgery, coordinate chemotherapy and discuss fertility in the same conversation. Specialists such as Dr. Anuj Suketu Shah focus on careful evaluation and open discussion. A good surgeon listens to your life goals, not just your scan reports. Which Symptoms Should Never Be Ignored? Early ovarian cancer is easy to mistake for a stomach problem. See a doctor if you have any of these for more than two to three weeks: Constant bloating or a belly that keeps growing Pain in the pelvis or lower belly Feeling full after eating very little Needing to pass urine more often than usual A change in bowel habits, such as new constipation Unexplained weight loss or tiredness Bleeding after menopause Go to a hospital right away for sudden severe belly pain, fainting, or a hard swollen belly with vomiting. Final Thought Ovarian cancer can affect fertility, but it does not always take it away. Early detection, careful surgery and timely fertility planning can keep options open for many women. If you are worried about your symptoms or a recent diagnosis, you do not need to face it alone. Speaking with an experienced ovarian cancer surgeon in Ahmedabad can help you understand what is possible in your situation. Have questions about your diagnosis or fertility options? Consider booking a consultation with Dr. Anuj Suketu Shah for a calm, honest discussion about your next steps.

Why Do I Have Pelvic Pain Without My Period? Pelvic pain is any ache or discomfort in the lower belly, below your belly button. It can feel dull, sharp, cramping or heavy. It may come and go, or stay for days. Your pelvis holds the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and part of the bowel. So the pain does not always come from the reproductive organs. That is why finding the cause takes a little detective work. Why Do I Get Pelvic Pain When I’m Not on My Period? Many women expect pelvic pain only around their cycle. In reality, several conditions can cause it at any time of the month. Could It Be an Ovarian Cyst? Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Most are harmless and disappear on their own. Larger ones can cause a dull ache, bloating or a sudden sharp pain, especially if a cyst twists or bursts. Are Fibroids a Reason for Pelvic Pain? Fibroids are non-cancerous lumps in the uterus. They can cause a heavy or pressing feeling, and frequent urination. They are very common in women in their 30s and 40s. Can Endometriosis Cause Pain Outside My Period? Yes. In endometriosis, tissue similar to the uterus lining grows in places it should not. It can cause ongoing pelvic pain, painful intercourse and tiredness. Many women live with it for years before getting a diagnosis. What About Infections? A pelvic infection (pelvic inflammatory disease) or a urinary tract infection can cause pain along with fever, unusual discharge or burning while passing urine. These need prompt treatment to prevent complications. Could Pelvic Pain Mean Cancer? This is the question many women are afraid to ask. Here is the honest answer: it can, but it is uncommon. Cancers of the ovary, uterus (endometrium) and cervix can sometimes cause pelvic pain. Early on, they may cause no pain at all. That is why other symptoms matter just as much as the pain itself. Please do not panic. Many women with these symptoms turn out to have benign, easily treated conditions. The goal is simply to find out early. What Warning Signs Should I Never Ignore? See a gynecologist soon if your pelvic pain comes with any of these: Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause Constant bloating or a swollen belly Feeling full quickly after eating small meals Unexplained weight loss Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge Pain that keeps getting worse or lasts more than a few weeks Changes in bowel or bladder habits Extreme tiredness Any one of these deserves attention. Together, they should not wait. How Do Doctors Find the Cause? Diagnosis usually begins with a simple conversation. Your doctor will ask when the pain started, how it feels and what makes it better or worse. A gentle pelvic examination often follows. Depending on your symptoms, tests may include: Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to look at the uterus and ovaries. Blood tests: Check for infection, anemia or specific markers. MRI or CT scan: Give a more detailed picture when needed. Biopsy or laparoscopy: A small sample or a look inside the pelvis using a tiny camera, if the cause is still unclear. None of these should be feared. They simply help your doctor give you a clear answer. What Does Treatment Look Like? Treatment depends entirely on the cause. Infections are treated with medicines. Small cysts may only need monitoring. Fibroids and endometriosis can be managed with medication or, when needed, minimally invasive surgery. If a tumor or cancer is found, a specialist team will plan the right course of care. That may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination. When Is Gynec Cancer Surgery Needed? Surgery is one of the main treatments for gynecological cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical and vulvar cancers. The aim is to remove the tumor and any affected tissue, and to check whether the disease has spread. Today, many procedures can be done with laparoscopic or robotic techniques. These use small cuts, which often mean less pain, less blood loss and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. Not every patient is suitable for this, so the approach is chosen carefully for each person. If you are looking for gynec cancer surgery in Ahmedabad, experience matters. A gynecologic oncologist is trained specifically to treat cancers of the female reproductive system. Specialists like Dr. Anuj Suketu Shah focus on careful evaluation, clear communication and treatment plans that fit each patient’s situation. Final Thoughts Pelvic pain without your period has many possible causes, and most of them are treatable. Cancer is a rare reason, but paying attention to symptoms means any problem can be caught early, when treatment works best. If you are worried, you do not have to work through it alone. A timely consultation can either give you reassurance or start the right treatment without delay. Whether you need a simple diagnosis or expert guidance on gynec cancer surgery in Ahmedabad, help is available.

How Do You Check for Breast Lumps at Home? Knowing your body is one of the simplest ways to look after your health. One important habit that many people overlook is becoming familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel. This makes it easier to notice any changes, including a new lump, swelling, or skin changes.  Checking your breasts at home does not replace regular medical check-ups or screening tests like mammograms. However, it can help you recognize changes early so you know when it’s time to speak with a doctor.  Here’s a simple guide to checking for breast lumps at home and understanding what to look for. Why Is It Important to Check Your Breasts? Most breast lumps are not cancer. In fact, many are caused by harmless conditions such as cysts (fluid-filled sacs), hormonal changes, or non-cancerous growths.  Even so, it’s always a good idea to have any new or unusual change checked by a healthcare professional. Finding a problem early often gives doctors more treatment options and can improve outcomes if breast cancer is present.  The goal of checking your breasts isn’t to diagnose yourself; it’s simply to notice changes that deserve medical attention. When Should You Check Your Breasts? There isn’t one perfect schedule, but checking your breasts once a month is a good habit.  If you still have menstrual periods, try to check them a few days after your period ends. At this time, your breasts are usually less tender or swollen, making it easier to notice anything unusual.  If you’ve gone through menopause or no longer have regular periods, choose the same date each month so it’s easier to remember.  Step 1: Start With a Visual Check  Before you even touch anything, stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed at your sides. Look at your breasts and check for:  Any change in size, shape, or symmetry  Dimpling, puckering, or skin that looks like an orange peel  Changes in the nipple, such as it turning inward when it didn’t before  Any redness, rash, or unusual discharge  Then raise your arms overhead and look again. Some changes only become visible in this position.  Step 2: The Physical Check, Lying Down  Lying down actually makes this easier because it helps spread the breast tissue evenly across your chest, making lumps easier to feel.  Lie on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right arm behind your head. Using the pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand, press gently but firmly in small circular motions.  Move systematically, either in a circular pattern starting from the outer edge and spiraling inward, or in up-and-down strips, covering the entire breast from your collarbone down to your bra line, and from your armpit to the center of your chest. Use three levels of pressure: light pressure for tissue near the surface, medium pressure for the middle layer, and firm pressure to feel closer to the ribs.  Repeat the same process on the left breast using your right hand.  What Are You Actually Feeling For? You’re checking for anything new or different from your usual texture, things like:  A distinct lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue  Thickening or a firm area that doesn’t move around like the rest of your tissue  Any lump in the armpit area, since lymph nodes are located there too  Remember, breast tissue is naturally a little lumpy for most people, especially before a period. You’re not looking for perfectly smooth tissue; you’re looking for something that stands out from your own normal pattern. Familiarity Over Fear A home breast check takes just a few minutes and puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to your own health. It’s not about fear, it’s about familiarity. The more comfortable you get with your own normal, the more confident you’ll feel about noticing anything that changes.  Make it a monthly habit, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a surgical oncologist if something feels off. As Dr. Anuj Suketu Shah, a surgical oncologist, often reminds patients, most lumps turn out to be nothing serious, but getting them checked promptly is what makes early detection possible when it truly matters. Peace of mind is always worth the few extra minutes.    

Is Irregular Bleeding After Menopause a Sign of Cancer? Menopause is supposed to mean the end of periods for good. So when bleeding shows up again months or years later, it’s natural to feel confused, and honestly, a little worried.  Here’s the good news right away: most cases of postmenopausal bleeding are not cancer. But it’s also one of those symptoms doctors take seriously every single time, because it can sometimes be an early warning sign. Let’s talk through what’s actually going on, without the panic. Defining Postmenopausal Bleeding: Even Light Spotting Counts Menopause is officially confirmed once you’ve gone 12 full months without a period. Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after that point, even if it’s just a tiny bit of pink or brown discharge, is considered postmenopausal bleeding.  It doesn’t matter if it’s heavy like an old period or just a light spot you noticed once. Either way, it’s your body sending a signal that something has changed, and it deserves a proper look by a doctor. The Common, Less Scary Causes Before your mind jumps to worst-case scenarios, know that there are several everyday reasons this happens, and most of them are very treatable.  Thinning of the vaginal tissue. After menopause, your estrogen levels drop significantly. This can cause the tissue lining the vagina and uterus to become thinner and more fragile, a condition called vaginal atrophy. Thin tissue can bleed easily, even from something as simple as intercourse or a pelvic exam.  Uterine polyps or fibroids. These are small, usually noncancerous growths in the uterus. They’re quite common and can cause spotting or bleeding, especially as hormone levels shift.  Hormone therapy. If you’re on hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms, it can sometimes cause breakthrough bleeding, particularly when you’re just starting out or adjusting your dose.  Infections or minor irritation. Sometimes it’s as simple as a vaginal or cervical infection causing irritation and light bleeding.  When It Could Point to Something More Serious While most causes are benign, postmenopausal bleeding is also the most common early symptom of endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the uterine lining. This is actually one of the reasons doctors don’t brush this symptom aside, because catching it early makes a real difference.  Roughly 1 in 10 women who experience postmenopausal bleeding will be found to have endometrial cancer. That number might sound alarming, but flip it around: about 90 percent of the time, the cause turns out to be something else entirely, and often very manageable.  Less commonly, bleeding can also be linked to cervical or ovary cancer. This is exactly why any bleeding after menopause needs a checkup, not a wait-and-see approach. Don’t Wait It Out It’s tempting to think, “It was just a little spotting; it’ll probably go away.” And sometimes it does. But because early detection makes such a big difference in treatment outcomes, especially with endometrial cancer, it’s always worth getting checked rather than waiting to see if it happens again.  Think of it this way: getting it checked either brings you peace of mind quickly or it catches something early when it’s most treatable. There’s no downside to asking. Trust the Signal, Don’t Ignore It Bleeding after menopause is common, and in most cases, it turns out to be something manageable like thinning tissue, polyps, or a hormone adjustment. But because it can occasionally signal something more serious, it’s never something to ignore or feel embarrassed about mentioning to your doctor.  If you notice any bleeding or spotting after menopause, reach out to your healthcare provider. As Dr. Anuj Suketu Shah, a surgical oncologist, often tells patients, the goal of early evaluation isn’t to cause worry; it’s to rule out the serious causes quickly so you can move forward with confidence. If further evaluation is needed, a gynecologic or surgical oncologist can guide you through the right tests and next steps with clarity and care, so you’re never left guessing about your health.