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Posts Tagged ‘Abraham Munabi’

Adhesions and Fertility Concerns

Monday, October 10th, 2011

If you’ve ever had surgery or trauma (as in tearing) in or on any part of your reproductive system or (sometimes) in areas surrounding your reproductive system, you may end up with pelvic, abdominal or other adhesions.

In essence, adhesions are a form of scarring that can occur. Sometimes, the adhesions are quite small and unnoticeable. In other cases, however, adhesions can pose problems, especially when it comes to fertility concerns. Many women even experience secondary infertility as a result of adhesions from their first or last childbearing occurrence.

So how do you know if adhesions could be a contributing cause of your fertility issues? For many women, adhesions accompany pain. Or they’ve been having unprotected sex regularly for six or more months without getting pregnant. Obviously, only a trained medical specialist can help you determine if adhesions exist. And if they are, you can proceed to either look for alternatives to natural conception or try surgical methods to reduce or remove adhesions.

Obviously, you need to examine the possibilities thoroughly. And that’s where a reproductive specialist who has an exemplary background can help you make the right choices for your fertility needs.

If you are within driving distance of Philadelphia or Reading, Pennsylvania, we suggest you consider setting up an appointment with The Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) of Suburban Philadelphia to talk about adhesions, fertility and other similar medical concerns.

 

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Male Infertility – It May Be All about Sticky Eggs

Friday, August 26th, 2011

Sialyl-lewis-x.

No, it’s not some strange name for a new alternative band. It’s a sugar chain found on the outer shell of ova. It may also be the key to binding the sperm and egg to allow fertilization to begin.

As everyone learns in high school, the egg (ovum) is fertilized by one fortunate sperm. That sperm not only has to be plucky and strong, but it also has to have the right kind of proteins on its head to push through the egg’s outer shell and start the process of conception.

The problem has been that researchers weren’t quite sure what molecular structures made the process go smoother… until now.

Scientists are seriously contemplating as to whether or not sialyl-lewis-x might make an ovum’s surface “stickier”. Thus, if the sperm that’s most likely to “stick” to that surface is introduced, conception can happen faster.

To help illustrate the point, picture a golf ball covered in glue. If a piece of material also covered in a glue-like substance were to be adhered to the golf ball, it would likely stick. But if a piece of material that had been coated with an oily substance were adhered to the ball, it would probably fall off.

So how can these “sticky situations” be encouraged in the laboratory setting? Scientists are dabbling in various ways to create sperm that better attach themselves to the gluey outside of eggs, including with medications.

It’s a real boon to the science of male infertility and we at RSI, one of the Philadelphia region’s most reputable fertility clinics, are eager to find out more as the months go by.

 

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Male Infertility News and Test Tube Sperm

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

It’s no secret that male infertility is taking as much prominence as is female infertility in the scientific race to find solutions for fertility problems in couples.

At the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), conveniently located outside Philadelphia, we strive to stay on top of the latest developments to help those with male infertility conditions. Recently, there’s been a lot of press from an Asian study about the possibility of creating viable “test tube” sperm in a laboratory setting.

Fertility researchers in Japan used mice for their trials and were able to replicate sperm artificially within a ten-week period using stem cells from the mice. The sperm, once verified as viable, were implanted into mice testes, later removed, and then used to fertilize ova.

Mouse babies created from this sperm were not only conceived, but were born healthy. Those babies eventually grew to adulthood and reproduced as well, suggesting that the artificial sperm had no negative repercussions on the fertility of those babies who were conceived from them.

The breakthrough is a fascinating peek into the opportunities that fertility specialists have when it comes to combating male infertility. However, it’s important to note that while this research has caused some small earthquakes, it hasn’t produced any tsunamis in terms of watershed fertility treatment methodologies.

As this story develops, RSI will, of course, keep you in the loop. Until then, if you or your partner are/is suffering from male infertility symptoms, we urge you to contact us for an initial consultation.

 

 

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The Latest Fertility Treatment News

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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Giuliana Rancic – Not Giving Up on IVF

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Giuliana Rancic of E! News and Fashion Police hasn’t kept quiet about her first two in-vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts, and she’s not keeping quiet now as she goes for the third try.

Despite setbacks, Rancic has kept her sense of humor, quipping, “I think third time’s a charm. I feel good about the third time!” This attitude is refreshing, especially given the fact that she experienced a miscarriage during her second IVF attempt.

(As an FYI, miscarriage is not uncommon; in fact, many women undergo several IVF rounds to healthily conceive a child. And Rancic’s own doctor is the one recommending a third try; again, we’re not in the least bit surprised.)

Having someone as visible as Rancic show the public what IVF is all about is a boon to fertility specialists and clinics, including the Philadelphia area’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI). Not only does having her speak openly add a familiar face to fertility treatments, but it also helps squelch many of the commonly-held myths and misconceptions about IVF.

Rancic’s positivity has positioned her as a great role model for women who are undergoing fertility treatments. As she noted in a recent article: “It’s very easy to just be sad and feel bad… and get a lot of attention for it. Mourn, be sad. But then you have to look at the positive. There are so many things in my life…”

We look forward to hearing how Rancic’s next IVF treatment goes. Here’s hoping for all the best in the world for this optimistic star!

 

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Focus on Male Infertility – Lifestyle Changes for Higher Success Rates

Friday, July 29th, 2011

If you’re a man who has been told (or who believes) he has male infertility, it may be wise to make some lifestyle changes. Though such changes may not alter the infertility enough to enable you to conceive without reproductive technology assistance, they have been shown to make your body produce better quality sperm to be used during such procedures as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Working with your fertility specialist, you may be asked to make some or all of the following daily habit modifications. Be open to them; they are meant to combat the effects of male infertility, not to make your day-to-day experiences difficult!

1. Smoking cessation – Smoking has been known to reduce the quality of sperm, so if you’ve been looking for a reason to quit, now is the perfect time.

2. Reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption – Alcohol may contribute to male infertility, so opt for another drink while you’re working with a fertility specialist.

3. Elimination of drugs – Obviously, illegal drugs are not to be taken under any circumstances, but some over-the-counter medications may also be counterproductive to dealing with fertility issues. Make sure you let your fertility specialist know everything you’re taking so he or she can make recommendations.

4. Reduction of intercourse or ejaculation – Though it might seem counterintuitive, it’s not necessarily a good idea to ejaculate every day. Depending upon what your physician suggests, you may be asked to have sexual intercourse on a very strict schedule, thus increasing the chances that your sperm will be more viable.

5. Reduction of stressors – This can be easier said than done, of course. But it’s important for men and women struggling with infertility to reduce the stressors in their lives as much as they realistically can.

6. Modification of exercise habits – It’s been shown that excessive exercising can be harmful to sperm quality, and some exercises, such as cycling, have been linked to male infertility (due to pressures on the testes.)

7. Reduction of weight – Though weight plays more of a role in female infertility than it does in male infertility, it’s still a good idea to lose extra pounds, especially if your BMI has reached a rating that would qualify you as extremely overweight or obese.

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Focus on Male Infertility – The Courage to Take Action

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

For many men, taking the first trip to a fertility specialist can seem embarrassing or uncomfortable. That’s likely due to the media’s focus on female infertility rather than male infertility. However, it’s important for guys to be open to finding out why they’ve been unable to conceive.

Many individuals are surprised to learn that male infertility is the primary issue in at least one third of all cases of infertility between couples. (Some statistics report this number to be 40 percent or higher!) Just hearing this fact is calming for many male fertility patients, as it eases the psychological burden of them feeling like they are “alone” in their fertility struggles or that they “cannot perform”.

Still, it’s not unusual for us at RSI, one of the premiere fertility clinics in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, to come against some resistance when men initially arrive at our facility. This is especially true when they have been brought by the women in their lives; for men, this can feel akin to being “pointed at” in a crowd.

Guys, the bottom line is this: We understand. Male infertility is one of our specialties; therefore, we are sensitive to the emotional considerations that accompany the diagnosis. If you’re feeling irate, standoffish, sad or uncomfortable, it’s okay. We as fertility specialists are not here to push you in one direction or another; we’re here to make sure you have all the facts and can proceed as makes sense for you and your significant other.

The upshot – and it’s a great one! – is that we’ve successfully helped many couples with their infertility issues, whether they stemmed from female infertility or male infertility. But it’s necessary for patients to take the first step and give us (or a preferred, reputable fertility clinic) a call.

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Missing Sperm Coating May Be Link to Some Cases of Male Infertility

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Recent findings in the area of male infertility may help explain why some men are subfertile or infertile.

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, have announced that a recent fertility study has shed light on the occurrence of a protective “coat” that wraps around sperm. The protein-based coat shields the sperm as they attempt to reach an egg; however, without the coat, they are left vulnerable.

The fertility study was conducted on 500 Chinese couples; birth rates among the couples were significantly lowered if the protein coating did not exist in the males.

Men with a missing sperm coating likely have the condition genetically. In fact, the University scientists are suggesting that up to 1 in 5 men may be without the protein protection, thus leaving them open to male infertility.

To combat the effects of the gene mutation, experts are suggesting the usage of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). With IVF or IUI, the potentially-hazardous journey of the sperm to the egg is eliminated, therefore upping the chances of a successful conception.

Because the findings are new, no tests have been developed. However, it’s a topic that we at RSI, one of the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, will be following closely in the months to come.

Male Infertility Facts:

  •  30-40 percent of all couples’ fertility issues can be related to male infertility factors.
  • Each year, there are approximately 2 million new cases of male infertility in the United States.

 

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Ovarian Suppression Therapy May Help Women with Breast Cancer Retain Fertility

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

For women, especially those under 40, a diagnosis of breast cancer is difficult enough to hear. But when compounded with the fact that she might not be able to retain her fertility after undergoing chemotherapy, it can be doubly devastating.

Realizing this, researchers have begun medical treatments on younger females who have early stage breast cancer to suppress the women’s ovaries. Using triptorelin, physicians in an Italian study have successfully been able to help breast cancer victims stave off early menopause, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Patients in the study were able to potentially avoid permanently losing their fertility, enabling them to possibly have children naturally in the future.

The use of triptorelin to reduce the rate of early menopause in subjects by greater than 17 percent made waves throughout the international fertility treatment community, especially after the Italian study was made public earlier this week by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Of course, it’s important to note that results haven’t been confirmed long-term and are only the tip of the iceberg. Cautions oncologist Lucia Del Mastro, the study’s leading author, in an article widely spread throughout the Internet:

“This strategy [of using triptorelin] increases the probability of ovarian function maintenance but it doesn’t assure the fertility.”

Still, it’s a happy prospect for women who have been given the devastating news that they have breast cancer and who want to have children later in life.

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Big Brother’s Chantelle Houghton’s Eating Disorders May Have Caused Infertility

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

What does the UK’s version of Big Brother have to do with infertility? Read on to discover the inside scoop….

Chantelle Houghton, 27, was a contestant on the show several years ago (2006) and has admitted that her obsession with being thin has hurt her chances to have a child without IVF treatment.

Noted Houghton to the BBC:

“Because of my obsession with food and my crash dieting when I had bulimia, I’ve ruined my chances of having a baby naturally.”

Though doctors have not said she absolutely cannot have children on her own, they have reportedly told Houghton she has “low fertility” and have suggested fertility treatments should she and current boyfriend Alex Reid want to get pregnant.

Houghton isn’t taking the discovery lightly and is now speaking out to raise awareness about the connection between eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating on fertility.

It’s sad to hear Houghton say she blames herself, especially since eating disorders are not a deliberate choice. Yet it’s heartening to know that she’s trying to help others not become as obsessed with numbers on a scale or looking “a certain way” to fit unrealistic media standards.

If you have or have had an eating disorder, we at RSI, one of Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, recommend you undergo therapy (and hospitalization, if necessary) to control the condition before entering into fertility treatments.

Remember that there IS life and can be pregnancy after an eating disorder. But not until you get control of your health.

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