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Posts Tagged ‘Fertility Clinics’

Fertility Myth #2– Men are Rarely Infertile

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Though it seems as if we say it at our fertility clinic again and again, people are still sometimes hesitant to believe (or perhaps accept) that males have just as much chance of being infertile as females.

Perhaps it’s because of the age-old idea that men are testosterone-filled to the point where they can’t help but be able to impregnate women. However, that’s a flat-out myth.

In the United States, studies have shown that 40% of the issues that fertility clinics like Philadelphia area’s RSI uncover are related to male infertility. To put that number in perspective, about 40% are due to female infertility. The remaining 20% falls under a category of impossible to diagnose at this time.

So what does this mean? First of all, it doesn’t mean men are somehow “at fault”; they simply have to be aware that they might have an issue if they and their partners have been unable to have children.

Secondly, it’s critical for men to put aside any embarrassment and get treated. Sometimes, solving a couple’s fertility concerns can be easier than they might expect. But without diagnosis, there’s no chance for a resolution.

This is why we emphasize some form of therapy in conjunction with fertility treatments. Therefore, partners can address their problems together and without judgment.

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5 Fertility Myths – DEBUNKED!

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

You’ve heard them all… those fertility myths that abound on the Internet. But sometimes, information seems logical or acceptable; therefore, it’s hard to tell what’s accurate from what’s incorrect.

Below are 5 fertility myths that we’ve decided to bust:

1. Infertility Is a Woman’s Problem.

While it may be that females are often more vocal about their infertility experiences, men actually contribute to infertility just as much as women do. In fact, approximately one-third of all infertility cases can be attributed to female infertility; one-third to male infertility; and one-third to unknown/unidentifiable causes.

2. If You’d Relax, You’d Get Pregnant

Though it is definitely a great idea to focus on de-stressing when going through fertility treatments, it’s also not a comprehensive solution for conception. Many problems, such as PCOS, do not go away on their own, regardless of how relaxed you are. Instead, you need medical intervention.

3. Fertility Clinics Will Not Want to Treat Those with Alternative Lifestyles

Actually, people with alternative lifestyles are being accepted more and more by American fertility clinics. In fact, RSI has a special webpage devoted to discussing options especially for same-sex couples.

4. Infertility Only Happens after 35

Though the majority of fertility patients are, indeed, older than 30, it is possible to be infertile at any age.

5. If I’ve Had One Baby, I Can Have More

Many women are shocked by secondary infertility, the phenomenon of being unable to conceive after successfully having one or more children. There are numerous reasons that a female may be having trouble getting pregnant again; that’s why it’s important to seek help from a fertility specialist.

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Disney Works with The American Fertility Association

Monday, June 27th, 2011

On Tuesday, June 21, 2011, it was announced that Disney/ABC Television Group and The American Fertility Association (AFA) would be working together in a limited fashion. Briefly, Disney/ABC has given the AFA an unrestricted educational grant to help the organization further its infertility prevention program.

The AFA currently has an online Infertility Prevention Handbook, which the Disney/ABC grant will help the AFA promote to educate people around the country about risks, choices and other information related to infertility. Currently, the AFA tries to get its Infertility Prevention Handbook to as many individuals as possible as a main part of its mission.

Though the amount of the Disney/ABC grant has not been publicly disclosed, it has been described in press releases as “generous”.

Like the AFA, the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), one of the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, also maintains a site with a plethora of in-depth, up-to-date patient resources. We invite you to look through our many webpages to find out more about infertility and the options available to you.

Remember that reputable infertility information should always be gleaned from trustworthy sources. There’s a lot of misinformation on the Internet; that’s why it’s always critical to make your final decisions with the help of a fertility specialist.

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Is There Really a “Cure” for Infertility?

Monday, May 9th, 2011

“New cure for infertility!”

“Cure your infertility once and for all!”

“New secrets to curing infertility revealed!”

 In the reproductive health science industry, we hear it all – the claims of cures, the offers of “secret tricks”, the tell-all missives from “gurus”.  But the truth of the matter is that there is no single “cure” for infertility.

Now, before you become upset or unhappy, please know that there are ways to overcome infertility in many cases.  At RSI, one of the Philadelphia area’s most reputable fertility clinics, we perform “miracles” every day.  But there is not one cure-all for all types of infertility.

That’s one of the reasons it pays to be very cautious – and scientific – when it comes to your reproductive health.  If you’ve been having trouble conceiving, you need to see a specialist, not just read a book or buy a tonic or vitamin.  Every case is 100% unique; thus, the way to work around different forms of infertility varies accordingly.

P.T. Barnum said that there was someone willing to give up his money born every minute… and P.T. Barnum took advantage of that willingness.  Others will try to operate similarly and separate you from your finances in an effort to sell you a “cure” that simply doesn’t exist.

It would be amazing if there really were a one-stop-shopping method to treating infertility.  However, there is not.  But there ARE answers… and there IS hope!  Come to RSI for a consultation and find out what your options are before falling prey to snake oil.

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Facts to Know for National Infertility Awareness Week

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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Father of IVF Receives Nobel Prize

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Robert Edwards, a British physiologist, is often called the “father” of IVF (aka, “test tube babies”, a term that has gone out of vogue though is still remembered by many.)  To honor his achievements that have allowed so many couples and individuals to become mothers and fathers, he was recently given a special award – the Nobel Prize for Medicine.

Edwards began working on IVF in the 50s and continued to hone it throughout his career despite huge controversies surrounding the treatment.  Today, IVF has become a standard procedure in fertility clinicsaround the world from Australia to Hong Kong.

Upon giving Edwards his Nobel Prize, the Nobel Prize committee noted that: 

“His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large proportion of humanity including more than 10 percent of all couples worldwide…”

The first baby born via IVFwas the UK’s Louise Brown, whose date of birth is July, 1978.  Ironically, in 2006, Brown gave birth herself, though she didn’t use fertility drugs or processes.

Infertility News to Know – Quebec Offering Government-Funded Fertility Treatments

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

What’s new in infertilitynews around the inter-webs?  Check out one item that’s been stealing headlines for the past week:

Quebec to Pay for IVF Treatments

The Canadian province of Quebec has passed a law that goes into effect later this summer and gives couples the option of getting government funded assistance to pay for their fertility treatments. 

The law states that Quebec will pay for three rounds of fertility treatments for Quebec citizens.  It’s estimated that up to 10,000 Quebec couples are eligible to take advantage of this government funded program.

In America, fertility treatments are not covered by insurance plans; however, many fertility clinics try to keep their rates as reasonable as possible to help individuals and couples achieve their dreams of having children. 

At RSI, we understand the importance of this kind of financial responsiveness and always aim to provide the most valuable service at a competitive rate.  We will continue to offer the most cost-effective, safe and proven methods for our patients.

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  • Yale Graduate, Hyacinth Nicole Browne, M.D. Joins RSI

    Monday, October 5th, 2009

    It’s been two months since Dr. Browne has been a part of the RSI team of leading fertility doctors.  Below, you will find the press release that was distributed announcing this exciting news! 

     

    Hyacinth Nicole Browne, M.D., is a graduate of Dartmouth College, B.S. in 1998 and Yale Medical School in 2002.  She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale University Hospital in 2006 where she achieved top distinction for academic excellence. 

     

    Dr. Browne is board qualified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility having completed a clinical and research fellowship at The National Institutes of Health in 2009.  During her fellowship at NIH, she was a Lieutenant Commander in the Public Health Service and a clinical instructor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

     

    “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Browne to RSI,” said Dr. Abraham Munabi, M.D. Medical Director and Founder at RSI.  “She brings with her a fresh perspective and excellent credentials, and will be a wonderful addition to our team.”

     

    With two Pennsylvania fertility clinics that serve clients in Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey – RSI is a leader in Reproductive Endocrinology.  RSI’s expertise in IVF, ICSI, Donor Egg, and PGD puts them at the forefront of fertility care.

     

    “RSI is known for providing compassionate and highly individualized treatment plans to its patients,” said Hyacinth Nicole Browne, M.D.  “I am very excited to be joining the team.”

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