Stem Cell Therapy in IndiaStem Cell Therapy for Fertility in India

Stem cell therapy has emerged as one of the most promising advancements in medical science. By harnessing the body’s natural ability to heal, stem cells are now at the forefront of treatments for a variety of chronic and degenerative conditions. In this blog, we explore the science, current applications, and future of stem cell therapy in 2025 and beyond.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are unique, undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and specialization into various cell types.

Types of Stem Cells

• Embryonic Stem Cells: Pluripotent and capable of becoming any type of cell.
• Adult Stem Cells: Found in organs and tissues; limited differentiation abilities.
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Adult cells genetically reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells.

Applications of Stem Cell Therapy

1. Regenerative Medicine

Used to repair or replace damaged tissues in heart disease, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.

2. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants

Widely used in treating blood disorders like leukemia and lymphoma.

3. Orthopedic and Joint Treatments

Effective in cartilage regeneration, treating osteoarthritis and joint degeneration.

4. Neurodegenerative Conditions

Research is ongoing for using stem cells in conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and MS.

5. Diabetes and Pancreatic Repair

Potential to regenerate insulin-producing cells in diabetic patients.

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

Stem cells repair tissue by differentiating into specialized cells and releasing growth factors that promote healing.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Ethical Concerns

Embryonic stem cell research continues to raise ethical questions around consent and source.

2. Risk of Tumor Formation

Improperly managed stem cell growth can lead to tumors.

3. Immune System Rejection

Rejection risk exists when donor cells are used.

Clinical Trials and Innovations in 2025

Ongoing clinical trials in 2025 are exploring uses in heart repair, spinal cord regeneration, and gene-edited cell treatments using CRISPR technology.

Regulatory Framework

Stem cell therapy is regulated by health authorities like the FDA, ICMR, and EMA to ensure safety, ethics, and effectiveness.

Future of Stem Cell Therapy

Gene Editing & CRISPR Integration

Gene editing is enabling correction of genetic defects at the stem cell level, offering customized treatment options.

Personalized Regenerative Medicine

Patient-specific stem cells are reducing rejection risk and enabling tailored treatments.

Stem Cell Banking

Umbilical cord and tissue banking are making stem cells more readily available for future treatments.

Conclusion

Stem cell therapy represents a powerful shift in how we approach healing and chronic disease treatment. With ongoing innovations and increasing clinical applications, 2025 is set to be a transformative year in regenerative medicine. Stay informed, and consult with healthcare professionals to understand if stem cell therapy is right for your condition.

Present Position : IVF Consultant

Working as IVF consultant in Akanksha IVF, Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, Delhi since 2020

Dr. Sabina Sanan is a dedicated IVF consultant with a strong background in reproductive medicine, currently practicing at Akanksha IVF Centre, Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, Delhi, since 2020. With a patient-focused approach and deep clinical insight, Dr. Sanan specializes in fertility evaluations, ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, and patient counseling. She is committed to providing personalized care to individuals and couples facing infertility, guiding them with compassion and evidence-based treatment protocols. Dr. Sanan stays updated with the latest advancements in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the highest standards of care. Known for her empathy, clear communication, and ethical practice, she has earned the trust of many patients across Delhi. Her mission is to help people achieve their dream of parenthood through safe, effective, and individualized fertility solutions.

Education

• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, Fellowship of national board in reproductive Medicine (FNB) April 2016 – April 2018
• Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjang Hospital, GGSIPU, Delhi, India May 2012 – April 2015 Masters in Surgery (MS), Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Jawahar Lal nehru medical college, Belgaum June 2003 – Feb 2009 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
  • Completed one year of mandatory Internship in various clinical departments

Work Experience

• IVF consultant in Medicover Rohini (August 2019- December 2019)
• Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, Residency (2016-2018)
• Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjang Hospital, GGSIPU, Delhi, India Senior residency January 2016 to March 2016
• MMU Solan, Senior residency- August 2015- December 2015

Most Recent Presentations in Conferences

• Covid recent trends – chapter 2021
• Etiopathogenesis of endometriosis – Dr KD Nayar, Dr Sabina Sanan 2021
• A preliminary experience of Validation and Integration of an Electronic Witness System (EWS) into a busy Indian IVF laboratory” for possible publication in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India 2019.
• Oral paper presented on ‘Role of progesterone in intra-hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) in IVF-ET conceptions’, at the first world congress held in India by International Federation of Fertility Society (IFFS) in September 2016. This is a triennial congress being held in various countries of the world since 1995 when the society was first formed. India hosted it for the first time in 2016.
• Oral paper presented on ‘Is preeclampsia predictor of maternal health’ at the annual conference held by the Federation of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) at the AICOG on 26th of 2016, at Ahmedabad.
• Oral paper presented on ‘Role of endometrial receptivity assay in recurrent implantation failure’ at annual conference held by Academy of Clinical Embryologist of India (ACE), in September 2017, at Hyderabad.
• Oral paper presented on ‘Does administration of intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin, immediately after oocyte retrieval, have an effect on IVF outcome?’ at the annual conference Fertivision 2017 held at New Delhi in december 2017. This is an annual congress organised by the Indian fertility society (IFS) which one of the largest infertility society of the country. I was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5000 and a certificate for the best oral paper presentation.
• A mock Examination for all reproductive medicine fellowship students from various Indian universities is conducted every year at the Milan Centre of Human reproduction, Bangalore. I appeared for this Examination on 21st January 2017 and stood first among first year fellows from different institutes’ and got a cash prize of Rs 4000.
• I participated in the quiz at the Fertivision 2017 annual conference in December 2017.
• Role of VBAC in previous LSCS- AICOG Patna 2014.

Publications

• Does progesterone exposure increase the risk of intra-hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) in IVF-ET conceptions?’ This publication was done under the guidance of Dr Abha Majumdar who was as a co-author of the article. It has been published in the International Journal of Scientific Research UGC Sr. No. 49217, Volume-6, Issue 10, October 2017. This is a PubMed indexed journal.
• ‘I have also sent another rare case report with its literature review titled‘ Accessory cavitory uterine mass’, in the ‘Annals of Medical and Health Science Research” this January which is under peer review process. This article also is under guidance of Dr Abha Majumdar and her as a co-author too. This is also a PubMed indexed journal.

Awards

• Best oral paper presentation at Fertivision conference on topic ‘Does administration of intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin, immediately after oocyte retrieval, have an effect on IVF outcome?’
• Best resident in super speciality in reproductive medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi in 2018.

Societies

• Member of ACE (Academy of Clinical Embryologist of India).
• Member of AOGD and FOGSI

Continuing Education Courses

• Practical course & CME in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Maulana Azad Medical College & Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi.
• Obstetrics skills refresher course at VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital.

Understanding IVF Failure: Causes and What Can Be Done

Published: June 14, 2025

The breakthrough of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has enabled many couples to conceive, but IVF failure remains a challenge with multiple causes—some obvious, others overlooked.

1. Obesity

Women with a BMI above 35 face lower implantation and pregnancy rates. Though obesity may not directly cause IVF failure, it negatively affects ART success rates.

2. Cigarette Smoke

Both active smoking and secondhand tobacco smoke (STS) exposure negatively impact fertility and IVF outcomes.

3. Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids can hinder implantation when they distort the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids may also affect outcomes, especially in unexplained IVF failure cases.

4. Uterine Anomalies

Conditions like uterine septum are linked to pregnancy loss and may interfere with fertility, though further research is ongoing.

5. Thyroid Dysfunction

Even mildly elevated TSH levels (>2.5 mIU/L) may lead to lower birth weight and increased miscarriage risk during IVF pregnancies.

6. Psychological Stress

High cortisol (“stress hormone”) levels increase miscarriage risk. Reducing stress can potentially improve ART success rates.

7. Embryo Transfer Technique

While not an independent cause, poor embryo transfer technique can affect success and must be carefully considered after repeated failures.

8. Immune Factors and Thrombophilias

Controversial but increasingly studied, immune and blood clotting disorders may impact IVF outcomes and deserve individualized investigation.

Our Twofold Mission

• Reduce the negative impact of modifiable factors through treatment or lifestyle changes.
• Identify hidden factors preventing successful pregnancies.

And this doesn’t end here… stay tuned for our next article diving deeper into infertility and practical treatment approaches.