On embarking upon future exchange of ultrasound and infertility knowledge, recently Bangladesh Institute of Medical science (BIMS) and Bangladesh Association of Sonologist (BAS) jointly organised a three day long National Diagnostic Ultrasound Conference (3rd NDUC) at BIRDEM auditorium in the capital.

This was a step towards meeting of the minds in future promoting the theme - "Development of Ultrasound and its Research Activities".

Eminent ultrasonologists of the country attended and presented scientific papers in the conference. They presented different aspects, applications and recent updates in relevant field. Dr Christine Yap, consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist and IVF clinician of Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore attended the conference to present scientific paper and exchange views regarding the latest updates in this field.

Bedsides attending the conference, she also shared views with Star Health. She told about different burning issues and latest updates on gynaecology and assisted reproduction.

Dr Yap informed that there are some new drugs like recombinant FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which is pure and chemically synthesised by recombinant technology to help stimulating ovulation (release of an ovum from the mature ovarian follicle into the Fallopian tube) that helps women to conceive. This drug comes in liquid form that is more convenient for the patients to use. The result of stimulation by this drug is much better; in fact getting pregnant is easier than ever before.

Alternatively some others drugs like adrenergic antagonists are used to stimulate the ovum. All these come to make it more comfortable to the patients. The benefit of using these modern drugs are --- pain-free procedure, better stimulation and better outcome. Moreover these drugs are safer, because there is no biological risk. These drugs also make the cycle shorter that helps women avoiding the pain of injecting the drugs more frequently.

With the virtue of ultra-sonography and other investigations, detection of different congenital anomalies including chromosomal abnormalities are much easier to detect now. So people can now exclude these hassles before giving birth of a miserable child.

The use of 3D and 4D ultrasound machines have widespread applications to detect these abnormalities including screening. The field of ultrasound is extended now incorporating other techniques. MRI guided ultrasound ablation of fibroid is such an example, which is a medical breakthrough.

Another important use is embolisation (using emboli inserted down a catheter into a blood vessel to treat internal bleeding) in fibroid to crack up its vessels.

Dr Yap also noticed that infertility is increasing day by day and are being considered as an emerging problem in women all over the world. It is most likely due to being pregnant at late age. So she advised women not to make unnecessary delay in getting pregnant whereas it increases complications putting them in high risk group.

Cervical cancer is another most common and notable ailment in gynaecology. The rate of cervical cancer is also increasing. HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine is a pretty good preventive measure. It prevents some subtypes of cervical cancer. But women are not aware of getting vaccinated with HPV vaccine. Since it is available, women should get vaccinated immediately.

Cancer of ovary and breast are also common now-a-days. Changing the lifestyle to a healthy lifestyle, exercise, avoiding risk factors, regular screening are key to prevent the cancers.

Dr Yap emphasised on regular check up, at least once a year gynaecological routine check up, since early detection can play a good role in treatment. She also stressed on HPV vaccination to avoid cervical cancer.