Archive for the ‘Fertility Info 101’ Category
Monday, November 28th, 2011
If you’re new to the world of fertility treatments or are just beginning your research into it, chances are you’re being inundated with acronyms, some of which you may not know. Here’s a big one that you’ll see often — ART. Assisted Reproductive Technology is nothing like the art you did in grade school, but it is an art form in its own right, one where science and technology work together to create a masterpiece — human life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ART refers to fertility treatments that involve the handling of both eggs and sperm. This can include procedures in which eggs are surgically removed from a woman’s ovaries, combined with sperm in the laboratory, and returned to the woman’s body (in-vitro fertilization) or donated to another woman. ART does not include treatments in which only sperm are handled, such as intrauterine insemination or artificial insemination, or procedures in which a woman takes medicine only to stimulate egg production.
Since 1981, ART has been used in the United States to assist women in their quests to become pregnant. According to the CDC, today more than 1 percent of all infants born in the U.S. were conceived using ART. Are you interested in ART helping to create your own masterpiece? Contact us for an appointment to discuss your options.
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Tags: Appointment, ART, Art Form, Artificial Insemination, Assisted Reproductive Technology, Cdc, Centers For Disease Control, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, Disease Control And Prevention, Egg Production, Eggs, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, in vitro fertilization, Intrauterine Insemination, Masterpiece, Medicine, Science And Technology, Technology Work, Using Art, Vitro Fertilization, Woman Art
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Monday, November 21st, 2011
How much do women know about common fertility issues? Perhaps not as much as you might think.
In a recent survey sponsored by biopharmaceutical firm EMD Serono Inc., with investigators from RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, more than 50 percent of the 1,000 women questioned failed to correctly answer at least seven out of 10 basic fertility questions.
The questions that stumped many of them had to do with infertility as it relates to age and how long it may take to get pregnant at ages 20, 30, and 40. That’s not surprising, given the boon of health and beauty products that purport to keep a woman looking and feeling young as she ages. The problem is, there’s no magic anti-aging tonic for a woman’s reproductive system, which does continue to decline with time, making it considerably harder for a woman to conceive at 40 than at 20.
Researchers found that women think they can easily conceive into their late 30s and early 40s because celebrities make it look so easy. What they don’t realize, however, is that celebrities often call on fertility treatments, including in-vitro fertilization, donor eggs and surrogacy, to increase their chances of having a baby later in life.
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Tags: 40s, Boon, Celebrities, Donor Eggs, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Decline, Fertility Issues, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Having A Baby, Health And Beauty, Health And Beauty Products, Health Products, Infertility, Investigators, National Infertility Association, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Reading, Reproductive System, Serono Inc, surrogacy, Tonic, Vitro Fertilization, Wyomissing
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Monday, September 12th, 2011
Many times, women who have trouble conceiving immediately assume the worst; but often, something as simple as getting them ovulating regularly can solve their fertility issues.
Ovulation occurs when the ovum is released from one of the ovaries. Typically, this happens mid-cycle; however, there are some women for whom it happens infrequently or at a different time of the month. Thus, they try to have a child, but at the inappropriate moment.
Making it even tougher to diagnose this as the heart of your fertility issues, the signs of ovulation may or may not be present. Commonly, those include any or all of the following symptoms:
- Change in vaginal fluids making them take on an “egg white”, stringy appearance. (This should not be confused with a yeast infection or STD, which can cause thick, foul-smelling discharge.)
- Change in basal body temperature. This is the temperature of your body, typically taken by women in the morning before they get out of bed. Those females who use the “rhythm method” of birth control often keep a chart of their basal body temperatures so they recognize when they need to abstain from sexual intercourse.
- Light spotting or cramping. As a woman’s hormones shift, she may experience bleeding or muscle contractions. Bloating and breast tenderness can also accompany ovulation.
So what happens if you can’t be certain you’re ovulating? First, it’s a good idea to go to a fertility specialist or your gynecologist. He or she will help you figure out if you’re ovulating regularly.
Next, if you discover that you are not ovulating, a fertility specialist can prescribe medications to help your body “reset” itself. Drugs such as Clomid are used for this purpose and have had excellent results for females with fertility issues across the world.
Finally, if testing uncovers that you do not ovulate at all and you are unresponsive to medications like Clomid, other fertility options will be presented for your consideration.
If you’d like to discuss this topic further and you live in or within driving distance of Wyomissing or Chesterbrook, we invite you to make an appointment with the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI).
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Tags: Basal Body Temperatures, Bloating, Body Temperature, Breast Tenderness, Clomid, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Gynecologist, Inappropriate Moment, Irregular Ovulation, Mid Cycle, Muscle Contractions, ovum, Philadelphia PA Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rhythm Method Of Birth Control, Rsi, sexual intercourse, Signs Of Ovulation, Time Of The Month, Times Women, Vaginal Fluids, Wyomissing PA Infertility, Yeast Infection
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Friday, June 17th, 2011
No smoker will say, “Smoking cessation is easy!” However, most will admit that it’s a habit they wish they’d never adopted.
For individuals (especially females) who are trying to have a baby and are finding it difficult, smoking may actually be a significant part of their problems. That’s because tobacco can contribute to infertility; thus, fertility treatments may not work as they would normally be expected to.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, almost without fail, smoking has an adverse affect on a person’s fertility:
- In smokers, the prevalence of infertility is higher than in non-smokers.
- It takes smokers longer to conceive than it does for non-smokers.
- “Second hand” smoke exposure can be almost as bad for fertility treatment success as smoking itself.
- Smoking seems to increase loss of eggs and may even advance menopause.
- Smoking can make a woman’s eggs more prone to abnormalities.
- Smoking has been associated with spontaneous miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.
- Smokers tend to undergone twice as many cycles of IVF (in vitro fertilization) as non-smokers.
If you’re serious about fertility treatments, it’s a great time (and reason) to stop smoking. There are plenty of smoking cessation programs available, and if you haven’t tried any lately, you may be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of options. Of course, you’ll want to address your smoking concerns and cessation desires with both your primary physician(s) and fertility specialist for maximum outcomes.
Good luck with your journey and stay strong along the way. Tobacco is an addictive drug, but it can be overcome.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Addictive Drug, American Society For Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Infertility Treatments, IVF, Miscarriages, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Second Hand Smoke, Smoke Exposure, Smokers, Smoking Cessation, Smoking Cessation Programs, Smoking Concerns, Treatment Success, Trying To Have A Baby, Twitter, Vitro Fertilization
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
Infertility may be a medical condition, but it has far-reaching consequences, especially psychologically. Many women and men who have been diagnosed as permanently or temporarily infertile suffer from emotional experiences like depression (mild to severe), anger, guilt and more.
Though these types of responses to infertility are completely understandable – and expected –, they can also be difficult to accept and handle.
According to an article released by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, it’s important for all individuals and couples (when applicable) to stay in touch with their psychological states when going through fertility treatments. If any of the following warning signs appear, counseling should be pursued immediately:
- disinterest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- depression that’s beyond “the blues”
- problems with relationships (e.g., partner, family members, friends, colleagues)
- inability to finish responsibilities
- sleeping too much or too little
- trouble focusing
- weight changes
- use of drugs/alcohol to “numb” the pain
- suicidal thoughts
- alienation of oneself from family, friends, etc.
- constant feelings of bitterness, pessimism or worthlessness
Again, these are not uncommon response, especially when the journey to have a baby includes challenges. However, it’s critical that those undergoing treatments for infertility be open with their fertility specialists about their psychological/emotional states in order to be at their strongest during treatment.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Alienation, American Society For Reproductive Medicine, Disinterest, Dr. Munabi, Emotional Experiences, Emotional States, Facebook, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Little Trouble, Partner Family Members, Pessimism, Psychological Aspects, Psychological States, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Suicidal Thoughts, Twitter, Uncommon Response, Warning Signs, Weight Changes, Worthlessness
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Monday, June 6th, 2011
At The Reproductive Science Institute, we offer donor oocyte (egg) services; however, patients usually many questions about the processes. That’s why we’ve developed a short guide to give you more information and education to read and, if applicable, share with your family.
Throughout the guide, you’ll learn more about:
- What Is Oocyte (egg) Donation?
- Why Choose Oocyte (egg) Donation at RSI?
- Oocyte (egg) Donor Categories
- Sperm Donor Considerations
- Preparation for Oocyte (egg) Recipients
All information contained within this guide should be considered an overview. As such, it is intended to be supplemented with discussions with your physician, a critical component in providing you with a clear and realistic picture of your own medical situation.
Click here to download your complimentary copy of Donor Oocyte Services.
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Tags: Complimentary Copy, Critical Component, Donor Categories, Donor Egg, Donor Oocyte, Donor Sperm, Dr. Munabi, education, Egg Donation, Egg Donor, Egg Recipients, Facebook, Medical Situation, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, sperm donor, Twitter
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Friday, June 3rd, 2011
If you’re like most individuals, you’re unfamiliar with treatment cycles associated with assisted reproductive techniques (referred to as “ART” by the medical community.)
That’s why we at the Reproductive Science Institute have created the following short booklet.
Within this guide, you’ll learn more about:
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- An ART Stimulated Cycle
- Side Effects and Personal Considerations
All information should be considered an overview. As such, it is intended to be supplemented with discussions with your physician, a critical component in providing you with a clear and realistic picture of your own medical situation.
Click here to download your complimentary copy of Assisted Reproductive Techniques.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Complimentary Copy, Critical Component, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Fertilization Ivf, Intrauterine Insemination Iui, Medical Community, Medical Situation, Personal Considerations, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Treatment Cycles, Twitter, Vitro Fertilization
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Monday, May 2nd, 2011
A lot of men and women going through the fertility journey process are surprised at how they have a strong desire – and need – to talk about their experiences. But it’s not always reasonable for them to speak their innermost thoughts with friends and family members.
Thank goodness for the Internet, where people can join together and discuss fertility journey ups and downs in a confidential environment. In fact, many individuals find great joy and comfort in knowing that there is a place where they can vent, cry, laugh and commiserate with likeminded folks.
If you’re considering fertility treatments or have begun your fertility journey but have kept silent because you’re afraid of what those in your life might say or think, it’s time to allow yourself to have some freedom. You can look online for fertility/infertility forums and subscribe to those that best fit your needs.
Alternatively, you can ask your fertility specialist, such as those at the Philadelphia area’s RSI fertility clinic, for some recommendations. He or she may even be able to connect you with an in-person group (if you feel that you’d rather meet with people instead of or in addition to joining a group on the web.)
Remember that it’s not a good idea to keep your emotions locked inside. The fertility journey is one that’s filled with many different roads… and sometimes the paths you take aren’t those you intended to at the start of your adventure. So it’s nice to have others to help guide you.
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Tags: Best Fit, Confidential Environment, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Family Members, fertility clinic, Fertility Infertility, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatments, Great Joy, Infertility, Innermost Thoughts, Joining A Group, Many Different Roads, Person Group, Philadelphia Area, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Strong Desire, Twitter, Ups, ups and downs
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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010
If you have an appointment lined up with a fertility specialist, it’s important for you to prepare in advance.
Often, by the time you get in front of the fertility specialist, your emotions begin to overwhelm your thought process. Though this is totally natural, it can also lead to forgetfulness.
To combat this possibility, always come to your fertility appointments prepared with a list of questions. To help you get started, we’ve put together the following queries:
- How long have you been a fertility specialist?
- What types of assisted reproductive techniques do you handle?
- Can you explain each type of assisted reproductive technique you offer to patients?
- What are the pros and cons of each type of assisted reproductive technique?
- What if I want to discontinue treatment at some point?
- What kind of a time commitment should I expect with each assisted reproductive technique?
- What lifestyle changes will I have to make with each assisted reproductive technique?
- Are there any fertility treatment related clinical trials that I might be a candidate to join?
- What if I have a problem and need to contact you or a member of your team?
- How many rounds of assisted reproductive techniques do most women in my situation undergo?
- What is your clinic’s success rate?
- Can I speak with some of your former/current patients?
Remember that this is your opportunity to gather all the information you want and need. Take a pen and paper with you and be assertive. You’ll be glad you did.
Tags: Appointment, Appointments, Assisted Reproductive Technique, Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Clinical Trials, Contact, emotions, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Forgetfulness, Lead, Lifestyle Changes, Opportunity, Pen And Paper, Pros And Cons, Queries, Success Rate, Thought Process, Time Commitment
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Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
How do you know if a fertility specialist is right for you? It’s a good question to ask, especially given the fact that you’ll be discussing intimate lifestyle details with him or her on a regular basis.
Though the following list is not all-inclusive, it will give you a good starting point for determining if the fertility specialist you’re considering is the perfect one for your needs:
1. Does the Fertility Specialist Show You Respect?
Your experiences with your fertility specialist should be positive, and that starts with him or her showing you respect.
2. Do You Like the Fertility Specialist’s Office?
Does the office space seem clean to you? Do you feel comfortable there?
3. Does Your Fertility Specialist Make You Wait Inordinate Amounts of Time?
Though it’s not unusual for all physicians, including fertility specialists, to run behind from time to time, if you feel you’re constantly waiting… and waiting… and waiting… you may not be getting the service you deserve.
4. Does Your Fertility Specialist Take Your Questions Seriously? Does He/She Answer Them Promptly?
Have you ever had the experience of asking your fertility specialista question and receiving a rude or non-existent response? If so, you may want to consider switching to a reproductive health science professional who will treat your concerns seriously.
5. Does Your Partner Like the Fertility Specialist?
If you love your fertility specialist but your partner doesn’t, it may cause difficulty down the road. While this isn’t a definitely “deal breaker”, it’s absolutely something you need to consider.
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Tags: Experiences, fertility specialist, Fertility Specialists, Good Question, Good Starting Point, Health Science Professional, Inordinate Amounts, Lifestyle, Love, Miracles, Office Space, Partner, Physicians, Reproductive Health, Respect
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