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Posts Tagged ‘Intrauterine Insemination’

Understanding how ART can help you create your masterpiece

Monday, November 28th, 2011

If you’re new to the world of fertility treatments or are just beginning your research into it, chances are you’re being inundated with acronyms, some of which you may not know. Here’s a big one that you’ll see often — ART. Assisted Reproductive Technology is nothing like the art you did in grade school, but it is an art form in its own right, one where science and technology work together to create a masterpiece — human life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ART refers to fertility treatments that involve the handling of both eggs and sperm. This can include procedures in which eggs are surgically removed from a woman’s ovaries, combined with sperm in the laboratory, and returned to the woman’s body (in-vitro fertilization) or donated to another woman. ART does not include treatments in which only sperm are handled, such as intrauterine insemination or artificial insemination, or procedures in which a woman takes medicine only to stimulate egg production.

Since 1981, ART has been used in the United States to assist women in their quests to become pregnant. According to the CDC, today more than 1 percent of all infants born in the U.S. were conceived using ART. Are you interested in ART helping to create your own masterpiece? Contact us for an appointment to discuss your options.

 

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The facts about IUI: Intrauterine Insemination

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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Adopting a Child Won’t Reverse Infertility

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

If you’ve had difficulty getting pregnant, you’ve likely heard this one over and over:

“Just adopt a baby! Then, you’ll get pregnant right away… it happened to my [fill-in-the-blank]!”

While that type of story makes for great anecdotes, it isn’t statistically proven, nor is it something to count on if you’re struggling with infertility.

The truth is that infertility is a medical, not a social, condition. Though outside influences can have effects on whether or not a female can easily have a child, those influences do not include adopting.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with looking into adoption; in fact, we recommend it for the right couples who have the correct attitude about the process. However, it’s important to recognize that adoption isn’t the answer if you’re only doing it so you can somehow “reverse” your fertility issues. Doing so can lead to:

  • Added stress thanks to the burden you’ve put upon yourselves in setting up unrealistic hopes based on the adoption myth.
  • Discontent if you do not become pregnant after adopting a child.
  • Negative decisions based on misinformation.

Again, there’s no reason not to look into adoption, but make sure you always do it for the right reasons. Infertility can’t be reversed by adopting a child, but it can often be overcome with scientifically proven methods such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

 

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When Endometriosis is the Cause of Infertility

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Endometriosis is a relatively common disorder that afflicts approximately 5.5 million American women at any one time.  A disorder affecting the genitalia, endometriosis is more than just an annoyance.  In fact, females with endometriosis typically experience such symptoms as pain (e.g., severe cramps, intense bowel movements, discomfort during sex), very heavy vaginal bleeding, fatigue and, in a third of patients, infertility

Ironically, infertility that stems from endometriosis may be misdiagnosed because not all women with the condition realize they suffer from it.  Many simply assume that their pain is a “woman problem” related to menstruation rather than a problem that can cost them their ability to conceive.  (This isn’t surprisingly, truly; for many females, endometriosis pain worsens during periods.  Thus, the physical distress would seem to be connected to monthly bleeding rather than a condition of its own.)

Endometriosis typically worsens as women age, so early diagnosis is the best way to ensure that infertility treatments are attempted as soon as possible.  However, even if a female with endometriosis is not diagnosed until later in life AND has been having fertility issues, she can still become pregnant through assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

Two of the most common treatments used to help those with endometriosis conceive are IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilization).  Because these procedures position embryos directly into the woman’s womb, it becomes unnecessary for her body to go through all the other steps naturally associated with conception.  Therefore, her chances of having a successful pregnancy are increased. 

To learn more about endometriosis, infertility and other similar topics, visit RSI’s website today.

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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Explained

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

For couples just entering the world of infertility treatments, the variety of acronyms may seem a little overwhelming. In this article, we’ll talk about intrauterine insemination, typically abbreviated as IUI.

What is It?

IUI is a procedure whereby 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?

IUIis 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 IUI Hurt?

Most women report feeling very little discomfort during IUI.

Can the Sperm “Fall Out” after IUI?

The sperm that has been injected into the uterus will remain there. Women do not need to go on any kind of “bed rest” post IUI.

What is the Success Rate of IUI?

Success rates are quite variable. Some studies quote numbers of as little as 4-8%; others claim the success rate is closer to 20%.

What Can We Expect to Spend on IUI?

The costs of IUI will depend on your unique situation and where you go for treatment. Therefore, you should connect with your fertility specialist for more information.

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