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Posts Tagged ‘IUI’

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%.

 

Is Fertility Treatment Right For You?

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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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Preparing Your Body for a Baby – Emotional

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Even if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, you still have to prepare your body for the possibility of carrying a baby. Because it is a desire of yours, whether you’re actively trying to get pregnant at this time or not, it’s always better to be ahead of your game. And  if you’re looking into or you are already planning on IVF or IUI treatments, it is especially important to begin preparing your body for pregnancy, even if those treatments aren’t yet scheduled or are scheduled for a few months out.

Therefore, we’ve put together a few suggestions on how to make your physical health and wellness a part of your daily routine:

Mental/Emotional “Exercise”

Stimulate yourself mentally every day. Read a little poetry (or, if you’re inclined, write a little poetry!). Do crossword puzzles or sudoku. Listen to classical music. Look up a new word every day and incorporate it into your vocabulary. Start to learn that language you’ve always wanted to learn (or pick up the language you started learning in high school or college). Try to do the math on paper before picking up the calculator to check yourself. Stimulate yourself on an intellectual level and you’ll tap into areas of your brain that perhaps aren’t being used regularly.

Spiritual

Spirituality doesn’t have to mean religion. It can simply be the feeling that you get when you take a walk in the woods and “commune” with nature. Or the way that certain piece of music reaches into the depths of you in a way you can’t explain. Maybe you meditate on words of wisdom in the morning and reflect on them throughout your day.

Find whatever it is that puts your body, mind and spirit in a peaceful place and, due to a lower stress level, you’ll be healthier overall and better prepared for fertility treatments.

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Preparing Your Body for a Baby – Nutrition

Monday, May 30th, 2011

Even if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, you still have to prepare your body for the possibility of carrying a baby. Because it is a desire of yours, whether you’re actively trying to get pregnant at this time or not, it’s always better to be ahead of your game. And  if you’re looking into or you are already planning on IVF or IUI treatments, it is especially important to begin preparing your body for pregnancy, even if those treatments aren’t yet scheduled or are scheduled for a few months out.

Therefore, we’ve put together a few suggestions on how to make your physical health and wellness a part of your daily routine:

Nutrition

Don’t call it a “diet” because then you’re less likely to stick with it. Consider it a lifestyle change and plan on eating more fruits, veggies and whole grains. Your body will adjust to the tastes and you’ll find yourself craving less sugar, fats, etc.

The most important thing in your nutrition is balance. You want to include protein in your diet for energy (this doesn’t have to be meat, by the way – things like nuts and beans  and eggs contain lots of protein, too). Whole grains are good for heart health and contribute to your fiber intake. Fruits and vegetables are the food group you need the most of for all of the vitamins and minerals and fiber that they provide. If you are eating plenty of protein, whole grains and fruits and vegetables, then it’s perfectly fine to eat a little bit of something you’re craving that might include fats and sugars. You just don’t want to overdo it on the less-than-nutritional types of foods, but you also don’t want to suppress your cravings altogether or they might show up stronger than ever. As mentioned earlier, if you’re filling up on healthier options, your cravings for the less healthy will more than likely begin to dwindle.

And if on a particular day you happen to fall off the nutritional bandwagon, so to speak, don’t stress out about it. Just resolve yourself to do your best again tomorrow. It’s really about your mindset and intentionally making the choices for healthier eating.

 Continue reading our blog for another tip on how to prepare your body for a baby.

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Preparing Your Body for a Baby – Exercise

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Even if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, you still have to prepare your body for the possibility of carrying a baby. Because it is a desire of yours, whether you’re actively trying to get pregnant at this time or not, it’s always better to be ahead of your game. And  if you’re looking into or you are already planning on IVF or IUI treatments, it is especially important to begin preparing your body for pregnancy, even if those treatments aren’t yet scheduled or are scheduled for a few months out.

 Therefore, we’ve put together a few suggestions on how to make your physical health and wellness a part of your daily routine:

Exercise

Now, exercise doesn’t have to mean running a marathon, or even going to the gym or having a gym membership. Just adding long walks or bike rides to your day can increase your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular performance levels. Some days you will be so busy that you think you don’t have time to do any form of exercise, but you could walk up and down the stairs a few times, or take the stairs instead of the elevator if you are in a multi-floored building, or park at the back of the parking lot so you have to walk a further distance. The American Heart Association recommends raising your heart rate for 30 minutes each day, which can even be split up into 3 different slots of 10 minutes if that’s what works best for your schedule.

If you need help getting yourself motivated to fit exercise into your routine, two tips for making it easier and more enjoyable:

  • Mix up your routine. Don’t do the exact same workout regimen every day or you’ll quickly get bored. And maybe sometimes you can throw in a dance lesson or a swim at your local community center.
  • Have an exercise buddy. Women always enjoy something more when they have someone to partake in it with them. See if your significant other or a co-worker or friend or family member is interested in fitting more exercise into their schedules too and there you have your exercise partner. Or, just as with the exercise routine, you could switch up exercise buddies throughout the week or just on occasion if that’s what works best for everyone’s schedules. The key is to make it something you look forward to, not dread.

 Continue reading our blog for 2 additional tips on how to prepare your body for a baby.

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Don’t Buy into the Myths about Fertility, part I

Monday, March 14th, 2011

Despite the fact that excellent fertility information is available online and in research papers, plenty of people are still buying into fertility myths and misconceptions. 

That’s why we’ve decided to provide a little fertility information of our own in order to help you understand the topic area better.

 Myth #1:  Just Relax and You’ll Get Pregnant

 One piece of fertility information that drives reproductive health specialists crazy is the notion that relaxation alone will guarantee pregnancy.  In fact, this “home remedy advice” is touted left and right.

It would be great if this were true… but it’s simply not.  The majority of cases of infertility have their roots in medical problems/issues.  So while it IS a terrific idea to adopt a relaxed attitude when possible, it’s also necessary to contact a fertility specialist if you and your partner are struggling to conceive naturally.

 Myth #2:  Fertility Treatments are Always Going to Cost a Bundle

Until you know what kind of fertility treatment is right for you, there’s honestly no way to know exactly how much you’ll pay. 

Do some individuals and couples end up paying more than others?  Of course.  But every situation is highly unique; yours may be one that requires a small investment in a drug like Clomid or a higher investment in a procedure such as IVF or IUI.  But to assume that you “can’t afford” fertility treatments until you know the facts isn’t a smart way to approach your reproductive health.

In an upcoming post we’ll tackle fertility information myths three through five… see you then!

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Celebrating a Long-Awaited First Birthday

Monday, February 7th, 2011

A couple in Plano, Texas just celebrated the 1st birthday of their twin daughters. After years of facing infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, they finally achieved their dream of becoming parents through a somewhat unique method. They used a gestational carrier, which is like surrogacy in the sense that another woman carries a couple’s baby for the term of pregnancy for them. Gestational carriers differ from surrogacy in that the pregnant woman and the baby or babies she is carrying do not share any biological connection. A surrogate mother’s own eggs are contributed to the baby she carries. When a couple opts to use a gestational carrier, an embryo is created of his own sperm and her own egg(s) and the embryo(s) are then placed into the uterus of the gestational carrier by way of IVF.

 

This couple’s journey included five miscarriages of pregnancies achieved through intrauterine insemination (IUI). At the recommendation of their fertility doctor, they took the route of using a gestational carrier and have been overjoyed with the results! They took advantage of the laws in Texas that allowed them to utilize this method of assisted reproductive technology. The laws vary in every state regarding surrogacy and are even more strict when it comes to gestational carriers. We congratulate this Texas couple on their success and joy over their one-year-old daughters!

 

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Preparing Your Body for a Baby

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Even if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, you still have to prepare your body for the possibility of carrying a baby, especially if you’re planning on IVF or IUI treatments. 

 

Therefore, we’ve put together a few suggestions on how to make your physical health and wellness a part of your new year’s resolutions:

 

Exercise

Now, exercise doesn’t have to mean running a marathon, nor does it have to involve a gym.  Just adding long walks or bike rides to your day can increase your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular performance levels.

 

Nutrition

Don’t call it a “diet” because you’re unlikely to stick with it.  Consider it a lifestyle change and plan on eating more fruits, veggies and whole grains.  Your body will adjust to the tastes and you’ll find yourself craving less sugar, fats, etc.

 

Mental/Emotional “Exercise”

Stimulate yourself mentally every day.  Read a little poetry.  (Or, if you’re inclined, write a little poetry!)  Do crossword puzzles.  Listen to classical music.  Stimulate yourself on an intellectual level and you’ll tap into areas of your brain that perhaps aren’t being used regularly.

 

Spiritual

Spirituality doesn’t have to mean religion.  It can simply be the feeling that you get when you take a walk in the woods and “commune” with nature.  Find peace in your body, mind and spirit and you’ll be better prepared for fertility treatments.

 

It’s your turn!  How have you prepared (OR are you preparing) for IVF, IUI or other fertility treatments?

 

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Are You Planning to Explore Fertility Treatments in 2011?

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

The new year is almost upon us and we at The Reproductive Science Institute want to thank everyone who has allowed us to be a part of their fertility journey in 2010.

With that being said, we’re always open to working with new individuals and couples as they explore fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI and surrogacy.  After all, if you want to take this route to having a baby, it’s important to find a fertility specialist you can trust.

Please contact RSI today if you’re interested in learning more about our assisted reproductive techniques.  We’d be happy to provide you with a free consultation so you have a better idea of your fertility treatment options.

Happy holidays!

The Number of “Over 40″ Moms is on the Rise!

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

Is 40 really the new 30 when it comes to starting a family?  The CDC reports that it just might be, as there has been a marked increase in females who are 40+ having children.

Though some women in this age range are conceiving naturally (about 10%, according to the CDC), a large percentage are opting for fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI and egg donations to make their mommy dreams a reality.

It’s exciting to be able to see the results of advanced reproductive treatment options.  Here’s to all those great older moms and dads!

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