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Posts Tagged ‘Infertility Issues’

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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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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Endometriosis and Female Infertility

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

If you’ve been having difficulty becoming pregnant naturally and you’ve never been tested for endometriosis, it may be time.

Endometriosis is a common cause of female infertility, but it’s often undiagnosed. That’s because endometriosis symptoms mimic PMS and other female-related conditions that do not affect fertility.

Some of the symptoms associated with endometriosis include:

  • Pelvic pain, especially right before and during menstruation.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Pain during yearly pelvic examinations.
  • Pain during bowel movements.

Obviously, the type and intensity of pain experienced by women varies. For some, it’s nagging; for others, it’s excruciating. And because endometriosis is so undiagnosed, numerous individuals who have female infertility issues don’t ever realize the true cause of their fertility problems.

That’s one of the reasons it’s so critical to choose a reproductive health specialist, like those at Philadelphia and Reading Pennsylvania area’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), to examine your particular case. If it is determined through testing that you have endometriosis, your fertility specialist may recommend assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as IVF and IUI to help you get pregnant.

Remember – the first step is diagnosis. From there, treatment can begin.

Endometriosis Statistics:

  • Over 5.5 million American women are estimated to have endometriosis.
  • About 30-40% of females with endometriosis suffer from infertility.
  • Endometriosis is one of the top three causes of infertility in America.

 

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Infertility Info – Ovaries That are “Fat” Can Cause Problems

Monday, September 19th, 2011

“Do I look fat in this?”

It’s a common phrase, especially in western culture where extra pounds are seen as verboten! There’s no doubt about it – many women complain about the weight, but what plenty with infertility issues don’t ever consider is the size of their ovaries.

However, researchers have shown that ovaries can be “fat”, or, more to the point, “fatty”. And the heavier/larger the ovaries are, the harder it can be for females to conceive without intervention from a fertility specialist.

Fatty ovaries have a tendency to be found in women who are already obese or in those who have diabetes. Because of the additional fatty acids contained within the ovaries, conception is made problematic. Essentially, fertilization cannot occur because fat is being metabolized at a faster-than-normal rate.

A recent study looked at this phenomenon by testing the ovaries of cows. Though not all animal research translates to humans, the British scientists who headed this one have emphasized their certainty that findings are pertinent for humans as well as bovines.

So is a “fat” ovary a definite cause of your infertility? Without a comprehensive checkup from a reputable fertility specialist, like those found at the Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, PC (RSI), it is really impossible to say. Yet it is wise to lose weight if your BMI is greater than 25 or lands you into a “clinically obese” category, regardless of whether your ovaries are contributing to your infertility issues or not.

 

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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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Female Infertility – When Mother’s Day Hurts

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

This year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 8.  Stores will be filled to the brim with cards, gifts and trinkets that celebrate moms of every age and stage.  Unfortunately, for those who have dealt or are currently dealing with female infertility, Mother’s Day can seem a cold reminder of their situations.

Keeping this in mind, it’s important to approach this holiday with more than a modicum of thought and respect but without going overboard. 

 If you’re the friend or partner of someone who is going through female infertility:

  •  Don’t make a big deal out of Mother’s Day, but don’t avoid her, either.
  • Don’t talk about her female infertility issues on Mother’s Day unless she wants to talk about them.
  • Don’t worry about offending her every time you open your mouth.  Women experiencing female infertility may be sensitive (after all, it is a sensitive subject), but that doesn’t mean they don’t want others to celebrate their other motherhood (or the motherhoods of their relatives.)

If you’re someone who is going through female infertility:

  • Remind yourself that Mother’s Day is simply one moment on the calendar.  Plan to spend the time doing something for yourself.
  • Don’t assume that when people talk about their Mother’s Day plans that you are being deliberately excluded.  Most probably won’t realize that you have mixed feelings about the topic.
  • If your mother (or another female in your life who is a mom) deserves a “Happy Mother’s Day” greeting, feel free to give it to her.  After all, it can often help you to reach out to another person.
  • If you know of another person going through female infertility, give her a call.  You can talk with one another about the day and perhaps use the opportunity as a springboard to discuss your emotions.

 

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Overview and Management Options for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Friday, February 11th, 2011

Several theories exist on the cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) though none have been confirmed. Yet it is a hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women. The characteristics can vary, just as the age at which a women is diagnosed with the disorder varies. Sometimes it is noticed in the very early or late reproductive years, but it is more typically diagnosed in a women’s 20s or 30s. Obviously named for unruptured follicles (“cysts”) on the ovaries, PCOS has other symptoms including, but not limited to:

 

-  menstrual irregularities or even absent menstrual periods

-  irregular ovulation

-  infertility

-  issues with acne

-  weight issues

-  growth of hair on the face

-  growth of hair on the body

-  thinning hair on the head (similar to male pattern baldness)

-  deep voice

 

Although PCOS cannot be cured, it can certainly be managed. Women have found success in altering their diet, trying acupuncture, getting into an exercise routine or utilizing medical treatments with the help of a doctor. RSI has effectively counseled a great number of women with PCOS and will very willingly answer your questions and set up a consultation.

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Infertility Isn’t Only a Woman’s Issue

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Too often, people tend to think of infertility as being a female issue.  Though this is probably due to the fact that women are the ones carrying the children, there’s as much of a likelihood that a couple’s inability to conceive is a male problem as that it is a female one.

Statistics vary on how often couples’ conception problems are related to female issues as opposed to males — some sources say a third of fertility problems is due to the female’s infertility, a third is due to the male’s infertility and a third is due to unknown circumstances.  Other sources have the figures at 40%, 40% and 20%.  But the crux of the studies show that men have just as much chance of having infertility issues as do women.

It’s time to stop thinking of infertility as something that’s primarily related to women.  Truly, it’s a condition that’s “equal opportunity”.

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  • Is a Support Group Right for You?

    Saturday, January 9th, 2010

    For many individuals and couples going through infertility issues and the stressors often associated with fertility treatments, the answer is clear — join a support group.  Whether it’s online or in person, this kind of community often becomes a “safe haven” of sorts for men and women dealing with infertility matters.

    However, that doesn’t mean that a support group — OR that every support group — is going to fit the bill for you.  If you’re not sure if you want to join a group, ask yourself these questions:

    • Do you feel comfortable talking about your (or a partner’s) infertility matters or — even if you don’t discuss your own personal issues — hearing about others’ fertility concerns?  If the answer is “no”, a support group might be extremely uncomfortable for you.  However, you may find one-on-one therapy to be valuable.
    • Are you willing to devote time to a support group?  Maybe a support group sounds great theoretically, but you honestly know that you’ll spend a fraction of the time you should on attending meetings, whether in person or virtually.  Though that isn’t a definite reason not to join, it may hinder your experiences as a support group member.
    • Are you willing to allow yourself to be open to a group setting?  Some people simply do not wish to be around those they do not know while discussing their personal issues.  Of course, if you can bring a trusted friend or family member with you to your group, you may be able to alleviate some of those worries.

    Remember that regardless of whether or not you’re currently ready for an infertility support group, you can always change your mind in the future.  After all, it’s your experience to share… or not.

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  • Fertility isn’t “420 Friendly”

    Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

    The phrase “420 friendly” is often used to denote people and websites that are open to the casual use of marijuana (cannabis).  However, for those couples trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to halt any drug use, including that of marijuana.

    Many studies have made a connection between marijuana use and subsequent male and female infertility issues.  Although some pro-marijuana groups feel that the evidence should be challenged, the medical community generally feels that results of studies are strong enough to support the notion that anyone who wants to have  a child should halt all use of marijuana.

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