Posts Tagged ‘Fertility Treatment’
Monday, November 14th, 2011
If you’ve ever seen TLC’s “The Little Couple, you know stars Bill Klein and Jen Arnold have been working with a surrogate to help them have a baby. In the season finale this spring, the couple found out the surrogate was pregnant.
Well last week the couple received bad news — the surrogate has had a miscarriage. It is a devastating turn of events for the couple, as they were using a surrogate to increase their chances for a healthy baby. Because of Arnold’s health issues, carrying a pregnancy is a serious health risk; in fact it could even threaten her life. Also, the use of IVF technology can help them avoid passing on the genetic cause of their skeletal dysplasia, a disease that can be deadly for their baby. Using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, doctors are able to identify which embryos carry the genetic disease. Then, they can transfer healthy embryos to the surrogate’s uterus.
Time will tell if the couple opts to try again with their current fertility plan of using IVF technology and a surrogate. We certainly wish them well, and view them as an inspiration and an example of just what is possible with technological advancements in fertility treatments and surrogacy.
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Tags: Arnold, Bad News, Bill Klein, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Embryos, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Genetic Cause, Genetic Diagnosis, Genetic Disease, Health Issues, Health Risk, Implantation, IVF technology, Miscarriage, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, Reading PA Infer, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Season Finale, Serious Health, Setback, Skeletal Dysplasia, Surrogacy Journey, Surrogate, Technological Advancements, Tlc, Uterus, Wyomissing
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Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
With so many in the media and out in the world talking so openly about fertility treatments these days, some acronyms and catch phrases are becoming commonplace. In particular, many people recognize the acronym IVF and the procedure it stands for — in-vitro fertilization.
But IVF is not the only kind of with fertility treatments available — not by a long shot! There are other avenues for couples to take in their journey toward conceiving a child with medical assistance. One such procedure, called intrauterine insemination, helps scores of people who are having trouble conceiving. It is less expensive than IVF, though its success rate is lower. Here’s a little bit more about IUI:
- How does IUI work? In the IUI procedure, a catheter containing washed sperm is inserted through the cervix. The sperm is then pushed into the uterus in the hopes of fertilization with an ovum.
- When does IUI take place? IUI is typically scheduled within 6 hours (before or after) of a woman’s ovulation. (hCG injections may be used to ensure ovulation.) Timing is critical because sperm can only last 24-72 hours and are typically considered less viable after 24 hours.
- Does it hurt? Most women report very little discomfort during the procedure.
- Who is IUI most suited for? Since the IUI procedure manipulates the placement of sperm, IUI may be very effective in cases of male infertility. Also, since the IUI procedure accesses the uterus directly, it may be a good choice for women who suffer from cervical mucus problems.
- What is the success rate of IUI? Success rates vary quite a bit. Some studies report the success rate to be as little as 4-8%; others claim it is closer to 20%.
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Tags: Catch Phrases, Catheter, Cervical Mucus, Cervix, conceiving a child, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Hcg Injections, in vitro fertilization, Intrauterine Insemination, IUI, Iui Procedure, Iui Success Rates, IVF, Male Infertility, Medical Assistance, mucus problems, Ovulation, Ovulation Timing, ovum, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Reading, sperm, Success Rate, Twitter, Uterus, Vitro Fertilization, Wyomissing
Posted in IUI | 1 Comment »
Monday, November 7th, 2011
The decision to undergo fertility treatments is a complex and difficult one. You have to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally before embarking on such an important, life-changing journey. But once you have your heart, body and mind set on the goal of getting help with your fertility issues, the last thing you want to worry about is the way to finance that medical assistance your family needs to make its dreams come true.
Some couples avoid the talk of seeking fertility assistance simply because they believe the cost of fertility treatments is too much for them to handle. While it’s crucial to plan for the financial aspect of fertility treatments, there are several options for financing that can help make your dream a reality. Your financing options include:
- Insurance. The first place to start is with your insurance coverage. Fertility benefits vary by insurance provider as well as employer. Some plans cover laboratory services only, while others provide extensive coverage. Few plans provide full coverage for fertility treatments, but you don’t know how much coverage you can count on until you ask.
- Credit card. If you have been a loyal customer in good standing, your credit card issuer may increase your line of credit (sometimes at a reduced rate) that you can use as part of your fertility financing plan.
- Assets and investments. You may be able to use a home equity line of credit, or take a loan against your 401K or other investment.
- Grants. Nonprofit organizations such as B.U.M.P.S Inc. (http://www.yourbump.org) raise money and award grants to assist couples in need of financial assistance for fertility treatments.
- Savings. Many couples dip into their savings to help fund treatments.
We understand that cost is a major factor in your infertility plan. If you have already identified your treatment options and are comparing prices, please contact our financial counselor at 610-981-6000.
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Tags: Award Grants, Comparing Prices, cost of fertility treatments, Credit Card Issuer, Dollars And Sense, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Equity Line Of Credit, Fertility Assistance, fertility benefits, fertility financing, Fertility Issues, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Financial Aspect, Financial Counselor, Financing Infertility, Financing Options, Funding Infertility, Home Equity Line, Home Equity Line Of Credit, Infertility, Insurance Coverage, Insurance Provider, Investment Grants, Laboratory Services, Loyal Customer, PA Infertility, Plan Assets, Reading, Wyomissing
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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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Tags: 33 Years, Biological Clock, Chemotherapy, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Female Fertility, Fertility Issues, Fertility Treatment, Fertilization, Four Fifths, Generalizations, Illnesses, Medical Assistance, Medical Conditions, Menopause, Menses, PA Infertility, Personal Situation, Philadelphia Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Suburban Philadelphia, Two Million, Viable Eggs, Wyomissing
Posted in female infertility | No Comments »
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:
- Two-thirds of couples or individuals treated for infertility go on to have healthy pregnancies and children.
- One-third of women over 35 will experience some kind of fertility issue.
- In 2010, over 7 million American men and women sought help for their infertility issues.
- Ovarian cysts are the most common cause of infertility in females in the United States.
- 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.
- 11.8 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have impaired fecundity.
- 7.4 percent of married women can be clinically classified as infertile.
- 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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Tags: American Men, Centers For Disease Control, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, Disease Control And Prevention, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fecundity, Fertility Issue, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Having Children, Health Information Center, Infertility, Infertility Issues, Live Births, Married Women, National Women, Ovarian Cysts, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Pregnancy Losses, Reproductive Concerns, Reproductive Science Institute, Wyomissing
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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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Tags: Appointment, Blood Tests, Chlamydia, Couples, Developing Countries, Diseases, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, female infertility, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Hypothesis, Infertility, Infertility Causes, Low Sperm Count, Male Infertility, Pa Areas, PA Infertility, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Statistics, United States, Wyomissing, Wyomissing Pa
Posted in Male Infertility | 1 Comment »
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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Tags: Alternative Lifestyles, Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Couples Seeking, Donor Egg, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Financial Considerations, Gay And Lesbian Couples, Gay Couples, Gestational Surrogacy, Homosexual Relationships, Infertility, Infertility Issues, Intrauterine Insemination Iui, Legal Ramifications, Reproductive Science Institute, Reproductive Services, Suburban Philadelphia, Vitro
Posted in Alternative Lifestyles | 1 Comment »
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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Tags: Chesterbrook Pa, Clergy, Counselor, Couples, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, emotions, Feelings, Fertility Concerns, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Men And Women, Perspective, Philadelphia Area, Psychiatrist, Reproductive Science Institute, Shocking Revelation, Stress Level, Stress Levels, Stress Reduction, Three Quarters, Wyomissing Pa
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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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Tags: Birth Control, Birth Control Pills, conceiving a child, Cysts, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Female Patient, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Hormones, Infertility, Medical Interventions, Menstruation And Ovulation, Ovary, PA Infertility, Pcos Symptoms, Pennsylvania Area, Philadelphia Infertility, Polycystic Ovary, Progesterone, Reading, Reading Pennsylvania, Reproductive Science Institute, Skin Problems
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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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Tags: Colorado Study, Dips, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Issues, Fertility Research, Fertility Treatment, Human Man, Infertility, Male Fertility, Male Infertility, Male Mice, Mid 30s, Middle Age, Midlife, National Foundation, Nffr, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute, sperm, Traditional Belief, Uterus, womb, Wyomissing
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