Posts Tagged ‘Couples’
Monday, July 18th, 2011
A new strain of gonorrhea that’s resistant to traditionally-used antibiotics could have widespread implications when it comes to fertility. And this development is concerning physicians and scientists around the world.
The “superbug” (as the media has been dubbing it) strain was first found in Japan and is classified as H041. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has even jumped on the bandwagon, issuing a warning that includes the serious admonition:
“While antibiotics can successfully treat gonorrhea, over time the bacteria has developed resistance to several of these drugs … CDC now recommends only one class of antibiotics, called cephalosporins .. however, findings from the recent analysis signal the potential for resistance to cephalosporins, the last line of defense for treating gonorrhea.”
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in general have long been causes for infertility (temporary or permanent) in both males and females, but gonorrhea has, until now, shown itself to be curable. However, if the new H041 strain enters into the population in earnest, issues faced by couples today and in the future could become more problematic.
To protect yourself from gonorrhea and other fertility-stealing STDs, it’s important to:
1. Always use protection, even during oral sex.
2. Get yourself tested if you (or your partner) have had more than one sexual partner in your lifetime.
3. Contact your doctor or fertility specialist immediately ff you think you may have been exposed to an STD.
Remember – it may seem embarrassing to admit to having an STD, but it won’t go away on its own. Thus, it’s up to you to take care of your health, for your – and your fertility’s – sake.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Admonition, Antibiotics, Bacteria, Bandwagon, Cdc, Center For Disease Control, Couples, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, fertility specialist, Infertility, Lifetime, Males And Females, New Strain Of Gonorrhea, oral sex, Physicians, Reproductive Science Institute, Resistance, Rsi, Sake, Scientists, Sexual Partner, sexually transmitted diseases, Superbug, Twitter
Posted in Infertility, STDs | No Comments »
Friday, July 15th, 2011
“Just relax and go with the flow! That’s how you’ll get pregnant!”
“If you’d calm down a little, you’d be able to get pregnant in no time.”
“I wish you would take it easy, for goodness’ sake. That’s your real problem. Go on vacation and you’ll come home pregnant!”
Unfortunately, those sentences are indicative of the advice that far too many individuals and couples dealing with fertility concerns hear. To be sure, the comment isn’t meant to be hurtful, but it does tend to send the wrong message. In a nutshell, it’s just not true.
Don’t get us wrong – stress can absolutely be a contributing factor to fertility problems. However, relaxation is not typically a one-size-fits-all solution. Though being able to enjoy “down time” does contribute to a healthier attitude, mindset and, sometimes, outcome, it’s complementary to fertility treatments, not a treatment in and of itself.
The next time someone makes this type of statement to you, there are a few choices:
1. Say nothing. Just smile and nod.
2. Tell the person that your fertility is not any of their business.
3. Reply, “I’m glad that worked for you.”
Whatever you do, don’t assume that you’re under any obligation to believe this myth. It’s an old wives tale, which means it’s best left to the annals of history.
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Tags: Annals, Attitude, Calm Down, Choices, Couples, Facebook, Fertility Concerns, Fertility Problems, Fertility Treatments, Goodness Sake, Mindset, Myth 3, Nutshell, Obligation, Old Wives, Pregnant, Relaxation, Reply, Sentences, Smile And Nod, Stress, Twitter
Posted in Myths & Misconceptions | No Comments »
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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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Caveat, Close Friends, Couples, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Family Members, fertility specialist, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatments, Financial Assistance, Financial Options, Financial Planner, Financial Possibilities, Financial Ramifications, Friends And Family, Low Interest Loans, Many People, Offerings, Philadelphia Area, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Twitter
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Financial Issues | No Comments »
Friday, July 1st, 2011
There are many considerations to make when you’re struggling with infertility. Depending upon what type of fertility treatment you decide to undergo, one of those considerations may be to seek out legal assistance.
Lawyers can be an asset to individuals and couples, but only if they fully understand the complexity (and legal issues) surrounding fertility issues.
To help you make wise choices, here are several points to remember when hiring an attorney for your fertility matters:
1. Make sure the attorney you choose has experience in the area you need.
Many lawyers handle aspects of fertility treatments, but not all of them have wide-ranging experience in all types of fertility issues. Whether you need someone to help you with adoption, donor egg, surrogacy or other considerations, make sure you find someone who can represent you well.
2. Reproductive law is a very specific area right now – find someone who has immersed him- or herself in it.
It may be wise for you to hire an attorney who has made reproductive law a passion, rather than someone who does “reproductive law on the side”. Look to work with a lawyer whose other areas of law complement reproductive law.
3. Interview all prospective attorneys before making any decisions.
Don’t choose an attorney in haste. You will be paying serious money for representation, so make sure you get the best person you can afford. If a lawyer balks at being “interviewed”, move on.
4. Look for a track record and ask for referrals.
Attorneys who have a long track record of helping individuals and couples with fertility treatment and reproductive law issues will be happy to share their successes. Look at their numbers and ask for referrals to other clientele, then ask those clientele pointed questions that pertain to what you need.
5. Don’t be bullied.
Finally, it’s critical to understand that you needn’t accept any kind of verbal “pushiness” from your attorney. If you feel like you’re being bullied or “talked down to”, it’s time to find better representation.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Adoption, Areas Of Law, Attorneys, Clientele, Complement, Complexity, Couples, Donor Egg, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Issues, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Haste, Infertility, Legal Assistance, Referrals, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Serious Money, Several Points, Successes, surrogacy, Wise Choices
Posted in Infertility, Legal Considerations | No Comments »
Friday, April 29th, 2011
Hooray! It’s National Infertility Awareness Week from April 24-30, 2011!
In celebration, we at RSI, one of the Philadelphia area’s most reputable fertility clinics, would like to share some facts about fertility treatments, assisted reproductive techniques and other pertinent tidbits:
- The world’s first IVF birth was in 1978 in England.
- The first American IVF birth was in 1981 (30 years ago!)
- In some countries, fertility clinics will not allow certain couples to go through procedures because of age, sexual orientation and other factors. Thus, a phenomenon called “fertility tourism” has sprung onto the international scene.
- Not all fertility clinics accept patients in same-sex relationships. (RSI does.)
- Fertility clinics aren’t just for those over 35 or 40… many younger people are now seeking fertility treatments, especially if they have been trying to have a child unsuccessfully for six months or more.
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF) may get a lot of press, but it only represents about 5-10% of the procedures handled by fertility clinics.
- About 10% of all couples have trouble with fertility at some point. (This includes secondary infertility.)
- Endometriosis is a large contributing factor for many women; ironically, a good number of females do not realize they have this condition until they go to fertility clinics.
- Men and women have an equal chance of being infertile.
- STDs (especially those which have been undetected) are an increasing problem for those wishing to become pregnant.
- Even if you’ve had a child once, you can experience “secondary infertility.”
- The stigma of fertility treatments has been greatly reduced; consequently, more couples (and singles) are making appointments at fertility clinics in an effort to have children.
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Tags: April 24, Couples, Dr. Munabi, Endometriosis, Facebook, Females, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Treatments, Fertilization Ivf, Infertility, Infertility Awareness, National Infertility Awareness Week, Phenomenon, Philadelphia Area, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Same Sex Relationships, Secondary Infertility, Sexual Orientation, STDs, Stigma, Twitter, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Fertility Treatments, In the News | 1 Comment »
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
There are many considerations to keep in mind when contemplating whether or not fertility treatments are the right choice for you and your partner. And one of them is how to legally protect your rights to frozen embryos, ova and/or sperm.
For instance, a recent Australian Supreme Court case involving the legality of a fertility treatment has been making headlines. Jocelyn Edwards’ husband Mark died while the two were in the process of going forward with IVF treatments. Despite the tragedy, Jocelyn, 40, wished to go forward with the procedure and had doctors remove sperm from Mark’s body after his death (which is a controversy unto itself that goes beyond the scope of this post.)
Unfortunately, courts have thus far nixed her request because the country’s law necessitates her having the sperm donor’s written consent before she can go forward with fertility treatments. (Ironically, the consent forms were scheduled to be signed but Mark died before that occurred.)
So what does this case from halfway around the world have to do with you? Perhaps nothing… and perhaps everything.
Basically, it illustrates how important it is for anyone considering fertility treatments to take the time to get to know laws and rights surrounding assisted reproductive technique (ART) procedures, especially when frozen embryos, sperm, eggs, etc., are involved.
At RSI, we have the expertise to counsel our patients on such matters so legal problems like the one discussed above have less of a chance of occurring. And we always support couples contacting their attorneys (or an attorney who specializes in this arena) for law-related advice.
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Tags: Art Procedures, Assisted Reproductive Technique, Attorneys, Consent Forms, Controversy, Couples, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Edwards, Eggs, Facebook, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, IVF treatments, Jocelyn, Philadelphia Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Right Choice, Rsi, Scope, sperm donor, Supreme Court Case, Tragedy, Twitter
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Legal Considerations | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
Have you been considering undergoing fertility treatments? If so, make sure the reproductive health clinic you choose has the following 10 attributes:
- Clean, inviting, state-of-the-art facility with highly accredited physicians and staff.
- Clinic has a comprehensive, educational website.
- Clinic offers numerous fertility treatment services.
- Clinic offers surrogacy, egg donation and other options.
- Clinic has worked with hundreds of individuals and/or couples.
- Clinic’s laboratory is CLIA approved.
- Clinic’s laboratory is certified and accredited by The College of American Pathologists (CAP) and The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
- Clinic has higher-than-national-average success rates.
- Clinic offers appealing hours that fit with your lifestyle and schedule.
- Clinic’s team is constantly on the cutting edge of reproductive health medicine.
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Tags: American Society For Reproductive Medicine, Art Facility, Asrm, Attributes, College Of American Pathologists, College Of American Pathologists Cap, Couples, Cutting Edge, Educational Website, Egg Donation, fertility clinic, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Health Clinic, Health Medicine, Lifestyle, Physicians, Reproductive Health, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, State Of The Art, Success Rates
Posted in Fertility Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, April 18th, 2011
For couples who are without any children and who are trying to become pregnant, it can be difficult to understand why partners facing secondary infertility* are so upset.
(*Secondary infertility is, quite simply, infertility after having successfully conceived a child or children.)
The truth of the matter is that whether or not you have a household full of children or you’ve been relegated to caring for furry, four-legged “kids”, infertility can still be emotionally difficult.
If you’ve been having issues getting pregnant even though you’ve been pregnant before, it’s time to see a reproductive health specialist to talk about secondary infertility. Stop listening to the negative people who say you’re “selfish” to want more children; if having a larger family is your goal, it’s reasonable to find out why you’re not conceiving naturally.
As for the reasons behind secondary infertility, there are numerous possibilities to explain the problem. Some, like ovulation issues, are relatively easy to address. Others, like the case of a woman who has entered into menopause earlier than expected, may require medical action.
Regardless, it’s important to recognize that secondary infertility is a condition that a) can be addressed and b) shouldn’t be ignored if the couple truly wants more kids.
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Tags: Couples, Health Specialist, Household, Infertility, Legged Kids, Medical Action, Menopause, Ovulation, Possibilities, Pregnant, Reproductive Health, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Secondary Infertility, Truth Of The Matter
Posted in secondary fertility | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
Today, we’re dispelling three myths about fertility based on fertility information (or should we say MISinformation) widely available (unfortunately) via the World Wide Web. Check yesterday’s blog post for the first part of this two-part series.
Myth #3: If You Adopt, You’ll Get Pregnant
Again, this is one of those “old wives tales” that would be nice if it were true. But it’s really just anecdotal and has no bearing in science. Has this happened for some couples? Absolutely. Has it not happened for others? Of course. So to make the assumption is to set yourself up for disappointment.
Myth #4: I Can Buy Fertility Drugs on My Own
Please don’t go online and buy “fertility boosting” drugs from unknown sources!
First of all, you don’t have any idea what these drugs contain. (Some are harmless, some are not… but the majority are NOT what you think you’re buying.) Secondly, if you haven’t been to a reproductive health specialist, you should not try to diagnose your infertility. And finally, you will be wasting your money and potentially losing precious time.
Myth #5: I’m Too Young to See a Fertility Doctor
If only more individuals and couples would come to reproductive health specialists EARLIER rather than later!
There’s no reason to feel that you’re not “old enough” to be infertile. If you’re under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for 6-12 months, make an appointment. You’ll never know until you ask questions!
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Tags: 12 Months, Appointment, Assumption, Bearing, Buy Drugs, Couples, Disappointment, Dr. Munabi, Fertility, Fertility Doctor, Fertility Drugs, Fertility Myths, Health Specialist, Infertility, Misinformation, Myth 3, Myths, Old Wives Tales, Online Drugs, Precious Time, Reproductive Health Specialists, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Web Check, World Wide Web
Posted in Myths & Misconceptions | No Comments »
Monday, March 14th, 2011
Despite the fact that excellent fertility information is available online and in research papers, plenty of people are still buying into fertility myths and misconceptions.
That’s why we’ve decided to provide a little fertility information of our own in order to help you understand the topic area better.
Myth #1: Just Relax and You’ll Get Pregnant
One piece of fertility information that drives reproductive health specialists crazy is the notion that relaxation alone will guarantee pregnancy. In fact, this “home remedy advice” is touted left and right.
It would be great if this were true… but it’s simply not. The majority of cases of infertility have their roots in medical problems/issues. So while it IS a terrific idea to adopt a relaxed attitude when possible, it’s also necessary to contact a fertility specialist if you and your partner are struggling to conceive naturally.
Myth #2: Fertility Treatments are Always Going to Cost a Bundle
Until you know what kind of fertility treatment is right for you, there’s honestly no way to know exactly how much you’ll pay.
Do some individuals and couples end up paying more than others? Of course. But every situation is highly unique; yours may be one that requires a small investment in a drug like Clomid or a higher investment in a procedure such as IVF or IUI. But to assume that you “can’t afford” fertility treatments until you know the facts isn’t a smart way to approach your reproductive health.
In an upcoming post we’ll tackle fertility information myths three through five… see you then!
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Tags: Clomid, Couples, Fertility Issues, Fertility Myths, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Home Remedy, Infertility, IUI, IVF, Medical Problems, Misconceptions, Myth 2, Myths, Notion, One Piece, Relaxation, Relaxed Attitude, Reproductive Health Specialists, Reproductive Science Institute, Research Papers, Rsi, Terrific Idea
Posted in Infertility, Myths & Misconceptions | No Comments »
