Archive for the ‘Fertility Treatments’ Category
Monday, August 22nd, 2011
As one of the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, The Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) tries to keep you informed and up to date about all things related to fertility treatments, infertility and similar topic areas.
This week, we’d like to share some of the fertility “buzz” from around the Interwaves. As always, if you’d like to discuss your specific situation, please contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
Belfast: A new fertility test from Lewis Fertility Testing is being marketed across the UK and Ireland, as well as the rest of the world. Backed by Ulster Bank, the fertility test claims to provide couples with faster ways to discover whether or not they are fertile. With the test, men and women would have the opportunity to know earlier whether or not it would be a smart idea to contact a fertility specialist.
New York: Could male hormones (androgens) be the key to successful fertility treatments in women? Researchers are studying whether a combination of specific male hormones and FSH may in fact boost a female’s fertility ability, especially in patients who suffer from PCOS.
Internet: The Journal of Reproductive Medicine has printed a piece suggesting that women with infertility may in fact often also have undiagnosed celiac disease. This is re-fueling the chicken-versus-egg debate between celiac disease and infertility. Some scientists say the two have little in common, others say one may feed the other. In the study, the authors noted: “Women with unexplained infertility are at increased risk of having undiagnosed celiac disease, which may be a potentially modifiable (and treatable) risk factor.”
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Friday, August 19th, 2011
If you’ve been to a fertility specialist like the Philadelphia region’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), you may have been introduced to the procedure known as blastocyst embryo transfers or “blast transfers”, for short.
Though blastocyst embryo transfers are not for every person or every couple, they can be advantageous.
Below is a list of some of the “pros” of undergoing blastocyst embryo transfers as opposed to some other methods of producing viable embryos for fertility treatments:
1. The blastocyst embryo transfer happens close to the time when an embryo would naturally “implant” in the woman’s body. Thus, it mimics nature, which can be a definite asset.
2. Fertility specialists select blastocyst embryo transfers using specific criteria. Consequently, success rate percentages tend to be relatively high.
3. Blastocyst embryo transfers have gained a tremendous amount of popularity, which means the process has been and continues to be state-of-the-art.
4. With blastocyst embryo transfers, patients can practically eliminate the concern over multiple pregnancies, which can be a deciding factor for many couples.
5. A smaller number of embryos are needed for the blastocyst embryo transfer process. (This dovetails with #4.)
6. Because the embryos are allowed to grow for 2-3 days longer than they would with other types of embryo transfers, there is a better chance for implantation.
Of course, there are “cons” to blastocyst embryo transfers as well. That’s why it’s important to discuss this procedure in depth with your preferred fertility specialist. Only then can you make the best, most informed decision for you and your partner.
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Tags: Better Chance, Blastocyst Embryo, Blastocyst Transfer, Couples, Definite Asset, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Embryo Transfer, Embryo Transfers, Embryos, fertility specialist, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Implantation, Multiple Pregnancies, PA Infertility, Patient Appointment, Percentages, Philadelphia Infertility, Philadelphia Region, Reading, Reproductive Science Institute, State Of The Art, Success Rate, Wyomissing
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Wednesday, August 17th, 2011
Perhaps you’ve heard friends or relatives who have gone through fertility treatments rave about blastocyst embryo transfers. If so, you might be wondering whether it’s a good option for you and your partner to consider.
However, the truth is that not everyone (or every couple) is a good candidate for a blastocyst embryo transfer. Typically, fertility specialists relegate this procedure for patients with specific characteristics, conditions, desires etc.
Some of the following criteria are typical of patients for whom the blastocyst embryo transfer process is recommended:
1. Women for whom cleaved embryo transfers repeatedly have failed. (Cleaved embryo transfers are often a “first line” type of fertility treatment procedure.)
2. Couples who do not want to have extra embryos frozen (for whatever reason.)
3. Women who do not want to risk having multiple births or for whom multiple births are a significant possibility. (These women usually fall in the under age 35 category.) Objections can be related to religious preferences, social preferences, familial expectations, financial considerations, health issues/complications, etc.
4. A couple that is able to produce many embryos, giving fertility specialists the option of blastocyst embryo transfer.
If you still feel that you might wish to consider blastocyst embryo transfers, it’s time to talk with your fertility specialist. You need to make sure you are fully prepared for the procedure and understand all the potential risks as well as the possible rewards.
As a premiere fertility clinic in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, The Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, P.C. (RSI) would be happy to engage you in a face-to-face discussion about blastocyst embryo transfers. Feel free to contact our offices today.
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Tags: Blastocyst Embryo, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Embryo Transfer, Embryo Transfers, Embryos, Facebook, fertility clinic, fertility specialist, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Financial Considerations, Having Multiple Births, Health Issues, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Philadelphia Pennsylvania Area, Reading, Reason 3, Religious Preferences, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Social Preferences, Suburban Philadelphia, Wyomissing
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Monday, August 15th, 2011
If you’ve been investigating different types of fertility treatments, you may have come across the process known as blastocyst embryo transfer (sometimes referred to colloquially as “blast transfer”.)
The blastocyst embryo transfer procedure has been successfully used for decades; in fact, this was how the first “test tube baby” was conceived. However, it may seem a confusing process, so we at RSI, one of Philadelphia’s premiere fertility clinics, want to take the mystery out of the procedure.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what a blastocyst is. As an embryo develops naturally, it sometimes becomes a collection of 100+ cells. This collection is referred to as a blastocyst and takes a little less than a week to reach this stage. The blastocyst has an outside (which will become the placenta) and an inside (which will become the fetus.)
Not all fertilized eggs become blastocysts; in fact, only about one fifth of them will reach this stage in nature, although some fertility specialists have been able to do better than that number in a clinical setting. They prefer to use blastocysts to do transfers, as they have a better chance of implanting than do other cells and thus producing a successful IVF treatment outcome.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that a blastocyst will implant. Even the most solid blastocyst embryo transfer doesn’t equate to a live birth. Yet it does increase the odds for parents-to-be.
If you’re interested in blastocyst embryo transfer, please contact RSI today for a consultation with one of our fertility specialists.
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Tags: Better Chance, Blastocyst Embryo, Blastocyst Transfer, Cells, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Eggs, Embryo Transfer Procedure, Facebook, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Fetus, First Test Tube Baby, IVF treatment, Live Birth, Odds, One Fifth, PA Infertility, Pennsylvania Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Placenta, Reading, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadlphia, Rsi, Test Tube Baby, Treatment Outcome, Wyomissing
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Friday, August 12th, 2011
If you’re accustomed to sipping a morning cup of coffee (or two… or more), you might not be happy to hear that some fertility specialists are suggesting that caffeine can be problematic for women undergoing fertility treatments.
This warning comes from a recent research study carried out in theUnited Statesat Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. During the study, it was noticed that caffeine appeared to reduce muscular activity in the fallopian tubes of mice. Unfortunately, the lessened muscular activity had an effect on the natural contractions that move ova (eggs). Thus, the ova could not make it to a prime location within the uterus in order to be fertilized.
Though the study hasn’t been conducted on humans, it’s having a huge impact thanks to the implications.
Of course, giving up that java isn’t easy, especially if you have a “Starbucks habit” like so many other Americans!
To assist you in your quest to prepare your body for fertility treatments by reducing or eliminating your caffeine intake, we’d like to share some tips that have worked for other females in your situation:
- If you’re accustomed to drinking a lot of caffeine, don’t stop “cold turkey”. Taper off gradually to avoid withdrawal.
- Don’t forget that more than a cup o’ joe contains caffeine! Soda, chocolate and coffee-flavored ice cream can pack a caffeinated wallop, too!
- If you find yourself missing your morning routine, switch to decaf. You’ll still get the benefit of having a mug of rich coffee.
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Tags: Caffeine Intake, Cold Turkey, Contractions, Cup Of Coffee, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fallopian Tubes, Females, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Habit, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins University School, Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine, Mice, Muscular Activity, PA Infertility, Patient Appointment, Philadelphia Infertility, Prime Location, Reading, Rich Coffee, School Of Medicine, Starbucks, Uterus, Wallop, Wyomissing, Wyomissing Infertility
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Health and Nutrition | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
You know you should eat well when undergoing fertility treatments, but do you know how to start and maintain a nutritionally sound diet?
It’s not always easy to know what to put into your body; after all, some people will claim one food is great, while another group will demonize it. However, there are some solid choices to potentially help boost your fertility treatment success. Here are three.
1. Pineapple, which containing bromelain.
The compound bromelain breaks down proteins and can only be found in a natural form by eating pineapple. Though the jury is out on exactly how bromelain helps women undergoing fertility treatments, it’s assumed that its anti-inflammatory properties play a huge role.
2. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for overall health (they, like bromelain, have anti-inflammatory advantages) and can be found in walnuts, flax seeds, soybeans, tofu and oily fish.
3. Foods high in folic acid.
Folic acid has long been known to help with conception, as it assists in cell health. Choose lentils, okra, sunflower seeds, spinach, orange juice and much more (some foods are fortified with folic acid – check the labels) to get folic acid’s benefits.
Of course, regardless of whether or not your nutritional changes result in a pregnancy, you will be healthier overall. And this can help in other areas of your life, including stress reduction and ability to concentrate.
Foods and beverages to avoid during fertility treatments include:
- Alcohol
- Excessively fatty foods
- Artificial dyes and flavorings
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Tags: 3 Fatty Acids, Acid Folic, Artificial Dyes, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fatty Acids Omega, Fatty Foods, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Flavorings, Flax Seeds, Foods And Beverages, Foods High In Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Lentils, Nutritional Changes, Oily Fish, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Orange Juice, PA Infertility, Patient Appointment, Philadelphia Infertility, Reading, Sound Diet, Stress Reduction, Sunflower Seeds, Treatment Success, Wyomissing, Wyomissing Infertility
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Friday, August 5th, 2011
As if women needed another reason to deal with eating disorders, a new British research study has concluded that females with eating disordered pasts tend to have trouble getting pregnant quickly… or at all. Thus, many women who had anorexia and/or bulimia may find themselves turning to fertility treatments later in life.
During the study, UK scientists tracked over 11,000 mothers and discovered that those who had experienced eating disorders lagged behind in conceiving by about six months. Mathematically, this led many to seek fertility treatments.
So what does this mean for you if you have a history of anorexia or bulimia and you want to have children now or in the future?
1. Get your eating disorder under control before attempting to conceive. This is healthy for you, your relationship with your partner and your future child(ren).
2. Seek fertility treatments sooner rather than later if you’re having trouble getting pregnant. And don’t assume “the worst”. Sometimes, a round of a drug like Clomid (which helps to regulate ovulation) can be all that’s needed to get your body on track.
3. Connect with a counselor when you do become pregnant, as the weight gain associated with pregnancy can be a trigger for someone with an eating disordered past.
Fortunately, former anorexics and bulimics have many choices when it comes to having kids of their own. Visit a fertility specialist such as the Philadelphia region’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) for more information on your options.
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Tags: Anorexia Bulimia, Anorexics, Bulimics, Child Ren, Clomid, Counselor, Dr. Munabi, Eating Disorder, Eating Disorders, Females, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatments, Future Child, Ovulation, PA Infertility, Pasts, Patient Appointment, Philadelphia Region, Reading, Reproductive Science, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Track 3, Uk Scientists, Weight Gain, Wyomissing Infertility
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Monday, July 11th, 2011
If it seems like “everybody” around you is getting pregnant, it can be difficult; this is especially true if you’re having difficulty conceiving. However, looks can definitely be deceiving, and they are in this case.
There are numerous factors that go into whether or not a couple conceives. Some considerations include, but are not limited to:
- Whether the woman is ovulating.
- Whether the man has issues with sub-fertility or infertility.
- The medications each person is taking.
- Medical histories of both parties.
- Age (for females, mainly, but may also be a consideration for males).
- Lifestyle habits.
- Weight and nutrition.
- Environmental and geographic concerns.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Stress levels.
- Prior pregnancies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, up to 15% of the American population who are within child-bearing age parameters may have fertility problems. That’s over 7 million individuals!
The bottom line is that if you’re not able to naturally conceive within six months of trying, you should talk to a physician. This is especially true if you’re a woman who is over 30. But don’t convince yourself that you’re alone; pregnancy doesn’t come to every couple in the timeframe they’d prefer. That’s why every case involving fertility issues needs to be addressed in an individualized fashion.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Alcohol Consumption, American Population, Bottom Line, Centers For Disease Control, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Fashion, Females, Fertility Issues, Fertility Problems, Infertility, Lifestyle Habits, Medical Histories, medications, Myth, Parameters, Pregnancy, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Six Months, Stress Levels, Timeframe, Twitter
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
One of the biggest issues many individuals and couples face when considering fertility treatments is what financial ramifications they will have on the family’s finances.
It’s definitely a consideration that needs to be mulled over; after all, though many fertility treatments are easily afforded by most persons, some can be a little costlier than others.
To help you proceed with the knowledge you need, we’ve put together some ideas for you:
1. Understand your financial options for fertility treatments.
Many people don’t realize there are financial options out there, such as IVF refunds, IVF financing or low-cost IVF offerings.
2. Ask your fertility specialist for his/her recommendations.
Reputable fertility specialists, like Philadelphia area’s RSI, will be able to direct you to a wealth of information and professionals that can talk to you about your financial options.
3. Check online for financial assistance.
Many sites are dedicated to providing information to individuals and families looking to pay for fertility treatments. One caveat, though – never give out your personal information over the Internet. If you want to reach an organization, pick up the phone and call them.
4. Ask your financial planner for ideas.
If you have money invested with a financial planner, ask him or her what he or she recommends. You may be surprised to hear of financial possibilities about which you were previously unaware.
5. Ask friends and family for help.
Though this isn’t an option for all individuals or couples, it may be wise in your case to ask family members or very close friends for their assistance. Some may be willing to give you low-interest loans. Just make sure that all money received (that is to be repaid) is documented.
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
Recently, a rash of articles discussing the way stress negatively affects fertility treatment outcomes found their way across the Internet. While the topic is always medically fascinating (e.g., the way that stress causes our bodies to go into “survival” mode and shut down non-critical functions), it beckons the real question:
If this is true, what can we do about the core problem – STRESS?
There are numerous ways to deal with stress, whether or not you’re undergoing fertility treatments. And there is no “right” or “wrong” way (as long as what you’re doing is emotionally and physically healthy, that is.) You simply have to try different techniques until you find those that work for you.
In the past, we’ve found that some excellent stress relievers for women and men undergoing fertility treatments include:
- Taking up moderate physical activity. (Please speak with your primary care physician and fertility specialist to ensure you’re not overexerting yourself.)
- Switching to a healthier, more nutritious diet.
- Taking breaks to do something you love – watching a movie, going to the spa, window shopping, etc.
- Spending time with friends and/or family.
- Taking “mini vacations” during weekends.
- Getting massages on a consistent basis.
- Volunteering at a local nonprofit. (Doing something for others always helps!)
- Cleaning the house. (Yes, this can be a stress reliever for some folks!)
- Reading and/or journaling for a few moments every day.
- Attending religious services periodically (even if you’re not a member of the church or organization.)
- Turning off the Internet and TV after a certain point each evening to spend time together doing something quiet and fun.
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