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Posts Tagged ‘Dr. Munabi’

What Is the “Biological Clock”, Anyway?

Friday, November 4th, 2011

The term “biological clock” is often used to describe a woman’s fertility. But what in the world does it really mean? Essentially, it’s important to understand that it refers, basically, to the diminishing amount of viable eggs that she has in her body.

When a female is born, she has about two million eggs. That number never increases, so what she has is what her body will one day use to potentially conceive a child. But when a woman begins to menstruate, her number of eggs has already dropped by about four-fifths to 400,000 total eggs.

As the months and years progress, she will lose about 12,000 eggs annually. At that rate, she will have no eggs within 33 years or so from the onset of menses, which is the point where menopause takes over.

Of course, other factors are involved in what happens to her eggs. Illnesses and medical conditions can affect the strength and health of the eggs over time, sometimes leaving them unavailable for fertilization. For instance, chemotherapy and radiation for cancer can create female fertility issues. (This is why some women free their eggs prior to undergoing such types of treatments.)

Getting back to the “biological clock”, though, it’s critical for all women to realize that there’s no set time period. The aforementioned figures are only generalizations and statistics. That’s why it’s important not to make assumptions without medical assistance to back up theories.

At The Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) of Suburban Philadelphia, we’re here to answer any questions related to female fertility or other similar concerns. Give us a call today and set up an appointment to learn more about your personal situation.

 

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Knowing the Facts about Infertility Is Critical

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

If you’re interested in learning more about infertility, it’s important to first have a good amount of knowledge about the topic area.

Below, we’ve put together eight basic facts on fertility to help you get started. If you want to learn more, contact the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) today to set up a consultation. And please understand that your case is unique to your situation. That’s why it’s so important to get advice from a reputable, experienced fertility specialist who can help you make decisions as to your reproductive concerns.

8 Basic Fertility Facts:

  1. Two-thirds of couples or individuals treated for infertility go on to have healthy pregnancies and children.
  2. One-third of women over 35 will experience some kind of fertility issue.
  3. In 2010, over 7 million American men and women sought help for their infertility issues.
  4. Ovarian cysts are the most common cause of infertility in females in the United States.
  5. Infertility statistics for 2011 have risen from those for 2010. This may be because of many factors, including couples marrying later in life and/or the willingness to seek out fertility treatments as opposed to adopting or simply not having children.
  6. 11.8 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have impaired fecundity.
  7. 7.4 percent of married women can be clinically classified as infertile.
  8. In America, there are almost 2 million reported pregnancy losses each year. (This is compared with over 4 million live births.)

Sources: National Women’s Health Information Center, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

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Know the Facts about Male Infertility

Monday, October 31st, 2011

As we’ve noted here before, up to a third of all cases of infertility between couples can be attributed to male infertility factors. But how much do you really know about this condition?

To help you understand male infertility a little better, we’ve amassed a series of statistics and facts:

• In the United States, around 6 percent of men aged teen to midlife have fertility difficulties. Outside of the United States, especially in developing countries, that figure can be significantly higher.

• Up to 71 percent of males who are diagnosed as infertile have infections, many of which are caused by untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia.

• Up to 90 percent of male infertility causes can be traced back to low sperm count. (Again, that low sperm count can be the result of many different issues, including an undiagnosed STD.)

• One in 25 males has a low sperm count. (This may or may not lead to male infertility, as the determining factor is whether or not the sperm are healthy and viable.)

• Blood tests and semen analysis are the most popular ways to determine the cause of male infertility.

• Some sources suggest that male infertility may be more prevalent than female infertility, although this hypothesis is heavily debated in the fertility specialist community.

If you’re interested in learning more about male infertility and you’re in the Philadelphia or Wyomissing, PA areas, please contact the Reproductive Science Institute today for an appointment. We’d be happy to discuss and evaluate your unique situation.

 

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Fertility Treatments for Couples with “Alternative Lifestyles”

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Gay and lesbian couples who are seeking fertility treatments are often concerned with several issues, including but not limited to:

  • How they will be treated by a fertility specialist.
  • What their options are depending upon their infertility issues.

What the legal ramifications of fertility treatments will be, especially given that they may not be “legally” married in the eyes of the government.

That’s why it’s so critical for them to connect with a reproductive services team that understands the emotional, social and financial considerations for couples with “alternative lifestyles” who are looking into fertility treatments.

At suburban Philadelphia’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), we have a deep understanding of and consideration for all individuals and couples who come through our doors, no matter if they are in heterosexual or homosexual relationships.  To us, that’s not important, nor should it be.  What is important is that we help them achieve their goals in the most practical, pragmatic way that we can using our many years of expertise in assisted reproductive techniques.

If you’re involved in a stable gay or lesbian partnership and you’d like to discuss fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertility (IVF), donor egg/sperm, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and/or gestational surrogacy, please contact us at (610) 981-6000 for an appointment.  We’re happy to help.

 

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Stress Reduction and Fertility Treatments

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

It’s no secret or surprise that stress can rear its head when it comes to couples and individuals facing fertility treatments. In fact, a recent report from the UK suggests that more than three quarters of those experiencing infertility or fertility issues rate their stress level as the highest they’ve ever had in their lives.

Again, this isn’t a shocking revelation; however, it does give pause as to how men and women going through fertility treatments can better cope with their situations.

Beyond the usual suggestions to relax, put the issue into perspective and eat well, we at the Reproductive Science Institute (located in Wyomissing and Chesterbrook, PA) have some other ideas as to how you can minimize the stress that can be attributed to dealing with fertility concerns:

1. Talk about your feelings with a trained professional.        It’s never a good idea to hold in your emotions, especially when you’re undergoing a potentially life-changing experience. Whether you speak with a counselor, member of the clergy or a psychiatrist, it’s essential that you discuss what you’re feeling inside rather than allowing it to build.

2. Gather information and understand what’s happening… but try not to obsess.                It’s always good to understand what’s about to happen; but sometimes, too much information can be a very bad thing for couples and individuals entering into fertility treatments. If you become too engulfed in data, you may unnecessarily increase your stress levels.

3. Be open and honest with your fertility specialist.                   Finally, it’s essential for you (and your partner, if applicable) to be honest with your fertility specialist. If something feels amiss or you have concerns, speak up. You’ll get your questions answered, and that will seriously help you automatically lower your stress levels.

 

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Getting an Early PCOS Diagnosis Can Aid in Finding the Right Fertility Treatments

Monday, October 24th, 2011

If you’re a woman and you’ve been having difficulty getting pregnant after trying for at least six months on a regular basis, you may want to consider the possibility that you could have polycystic ovary symptom (PCOS).

PCOS has been shown to affect fertility in women by interfering with hormones. Consequently, menstruation and ovulation may become irregular, leading to infertility or challenges in naturally conceiving a child without fertility treatments.

Ironically, many women with PCOS do not realize they have the condition. After all, PCOS symptoms can easily “mimic” ordinary experiences for many females. These may include menstruation changes, trouble with pregnancy, ovarian cysts (benign) and skin problems.

Because infertility or problems with fertility are often reasons for diagnosis, most women with PCOS are in their 20s and 30s. However, some teenagers have been known to discover that they have the condition.

For fertility specialists like the Philadelphia and Reading, Pennsylvania area’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), discovering PCOS can help greatly in deciding upon the best fertility treatments for a female patient and, if applicable, her partner. PCOS can be addressed with a number of medical interventions, including birth control pills, progesterone pills and medications.

The good news is that PCOS is quite treatable and can be overcome for women and couples who seek to become parents. If you’re interested in finding out more about PCOS and fertility treatments, contact RSI at your convenience to set up an appointment with one of our team.

 

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Male Infertility and Age

Friday, October 21st, 2011

It’s long been known that women’s fertility dips as they get older (and especially after they are in their mid-30s), but the traditional belief has been that males didn’t have this issue.

This may not be the case, according to a Colorado study performed in conjunction with the National Foundation for Fertility Research (NFFR) that has concluded that sperm from middle- and older-aged male mice is not as viable as that from younger male mice.

In the mice, sperm quality began to decline in their middle years, which would be roughly 40 years of age in a human man. And if the findings translate from mice to men, it could shed some light on male infertility.

For instance, a couple who is having fertility issues may find that the problem lies with the sperm quality of the man if he is in or past middle age. Should this be the case, there are options that could help the partners conceive using the strongest of his sperm as determined in a laboratory setting.

Key results of the study showed that sperm from midlife and older mice produced embryos that:

  • Were less likely to implant in the woman’s uterus than were those from younger male mice.
  • Were less likely to develop in the womb if they were able to implant.

If you would like to learn more about male infertility or other fertility issues, please contact the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) to schedule a consultation.

 

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Breast Cancer, Giuliana Rancic and Infertility

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which makes the following news story all the more pertinent…

E! Entertainment channel host Giuliana Rancic, whose fertility journey has been chronicled on the pages of major magazines as well as new blogs across the world, recently announced shocking news. The woman who has been so open about her IVF procedures now has another medical issue – breast cancer.

Ironically, it was her IVF treatments that led to the discovery. During her third round of IVF, she had to get a mammogram, and the breast cancer was detected.

Rancic is still going ahead with the third IVF treatment and has vowed to continue to try for a child despite her infertility and breast cancer. Her husband, Bill Rancic, is on board with her decision to remain a positive fighter in all aspects of her life.

We hope for the best for Rancic and her family as they battle together. We also support all the females and males who are dealing with infertility with as much grace, poise and optimism as the Rancics. We know it can be tough, but we’re here for any individual or couple who is seeking medical assistance to become a parent.

Feel free to contact the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) anytime to schedule an appointment and find out how our fertility specialists can assist you.

 

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Is There a Fertility “Switch” in a Woman’s Body?

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Could there really be a switch that turns fertility on and off in women’s bodies? The answer is “maybe” according to an Imperial College London study that linked a protein to infertility.

The study, which appeared in the journal Nature Medical Sunday, found that SGK1 at extreme levels seems to negatively affect female fertility. Women with low SGK1 are at higher risk of having a miscarriage, whereas women with high levels of SGK1 are more likely to be infertile.

This protein enzyme may provide a way for fertility specialists and scientific researchers to be able to essentially turn some women’s fertility “on” if it’s been “off” due to very low or high SGK1.

The study’s leaders are suggesting that perhaps blocking SGK1 altogether could help some women who are having fertility issues. Alternatively, for couples who wish to have no children, SGK1 could even be considered for a different contraception method than, say, the pill or IUD.

While only time will tell how far this finding will go, it’s promising for many reasons, including the hope that fertility specialists will have more options to provide women and their partners who are trying to have a baby.

If you’ve had fertility concerns, we invite you to contact the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) for an initial consultation.

 

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Going Abroad for Fertility Treatments? Think Twice.

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Some people call them fertility vacations. Others don’t give them names at all. But if you’re thinking of traveling out of the country to get fertility treatments, it’s important to remain cautious.

This isn’t to suggest that foreign doctors and hospitals cannot solve fertility issues. However, there are several concerns about going abroad for your fertility treatment needs. Consider the following:

  • It may be difficult to find credible information about a fertility specialist, especially if he or she speaks a foreign language that you do not understand.
  • If there are complications while you’re overseas, how will you deal with issues like needing to stay in that country longer than you anticipate?
  • What kind of repercussions do you have legally if something goes wrong with the reproductive techniques they decide to use?
  • How can you be assured that you’re getting the fertility treatments that you deserve?
  • Many countries do not have the same medical hygiene standards as those in the United States. Will you risk your health?
  • How long can you conceivably stay in a foreign country from a social, job-related or financial perspective if something goes amiss and you need to remain?
  • How will you verify the credentials of your fertility specialist?

This is one of the reasons we highly recommended looking nationally for the best fertility specialist you can. That way, you can be less concerned with all the associated issues that traveling to another country can create.

Of course, if you’re located in or near the Philadelphia or Reading, Pennsylvania, areas, we welcome you to make an appointment with The Reproductive Health Institute (RSI).

 

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