Posts Tagged ‘IVF treatments’
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which makes the following news story all the more pertinent…
E! Entertainment channel host Giuliana Rancic, whose fertility journey has been chronicled on the pages of major magazines as well as new blogs across the world, recently announced shocking news. The woman who has been so open about her IVF procedures now has another medical issue – breast cancer.
Ironically, it was her IVF treatments that led to the discovery. During her third round of IVF, she had to get a mammogram, and the breast cancer was detected.
Rancic is still going ahead with the third IVF treatment and has vowed to continue to try for a child despite her infertility and breast cancer. Her husband, Bill Rancic, is on board with her decision to remain a positive fighter in all aspects of her life.
We hope for the best for Rancic and her family as they battle together. We also support all the females and males who are dealing with infertility with as much grace, poise and optimism as the Rancics. We know it can be tough, but we’re here for any individual or couple who is seeking medical assistance to become a parent.
Feel free to contact the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) anytime to schedule an appointment and find out how our fertility specialists can assist you.
Is Fertility Treatment Right For You?
Follow RSI on Twitter!
Join our group on Facebook.
Tags: Bill Rancic, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancer Awareness Month, Channel Host, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, E Entertainment Channel, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Guiliana Rancic, Infertility, Ivf Procedures, IVF treatment, IVF treatments, Mammogram, Medical Assistance, Medical Issue, Optimism, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Poise, Reading, Reproductive Science Institute, Shocking News, Wyomissing
Posted in Fertility Issues In the News, Hollywood and Stars | No Comments »
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
There are many considerations to keep in mind when contemplating whether or not fertility treatments are the right choice for you and your partner. And one of them is how to legally protect your rights to frozen embryos, ova and/or sperm.
For instance, a recent Australian Supreme Court case involving the legality of a fertility treatment has been making headlines. Jocelyn Edwards’ husband Mark died while the two were in the process of going forward with IVF treatments. Despite the tragedy, Jocelyn, 40, wished to go forward with the procedure and had doctors remove sperm from Mark’s body after his death (which is a controversy unto itself that goes beyond the scope of this post.)
Unfortunately, courts have thus far nixed her request because the country’s law necessitates her having the sperm donor’s written consent before she can go forward with fertility treatments. (Ironically, the consent forms were scheduled to be signed but Mark died before that occurred.)
So what does this case from halfway around the world have to do with you? Perhaps nothing… and perhaps everything.
Basically, it illustrates how important it is for anyone considering fertility treatments to take the time to get to know laws and rights surrounding assisted reproductive technique (ART) procedures, especially when frozen embryos, sperm, eggs, etc., are involved.
At RSI, we have the expertise to counsel our patients on such matters so legal problems like the one discussed above have less of a chance of occurring. And we always support couples contacting their attorneys (or an attorney who specializes in this arena) for law-related advice.
Follow RSI on Twitter and Facebook!
Tags: Art Procedures, Assisted Reproductive Technique, Attorneys, Consent Forms, Controversy, Couples, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Edwards, Eggs, Facebook, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, IVF treatments, Jocelyn, Philadelphia Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Right Choice, Rsi, Scope, sperm donor, Supreme Court Case, Tragedy, Twitter
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Legal Considerations | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
One of the first questions asked by many couples consulting with fertility specialists is: “How much will IVF treatment cost?”
It’s not surprising in the least; after all, IVF treatments are investments and are not an inexpensive proposition. However, there are definitely ways to prepare in terms of having money to pay for IVF treatments:
ü Saving – This is one of the tactics many couples use. They put aside a certain amount of money each month for a year or more and essentially “save up” for IVF treatments.
ü Second Jobs – One or more individuals may take on a second job. The money is then entirely set aside for fertility treatments.
ü Donations/Personal Loans – Some couples choose to ask friends and relatives for donations or loans to pay for IVF treatments. Often, those friends and relatives are happy to help.
ü Insurance – Occasionally, we hear of insurance companies being willing to pay for a portion (even if it’s a small portion) of fertility treatments. Call your carrier and find out if there’s a possibility of yours being open to such an arrangement.
ü Loans – Taking out a loan with a financial institution to pay for IVF treatment can be done. Just make sure you’re getting a good rate.
In the end, if you have a desire to undergo IVF treatments, there’s really little reason to allow the money aspect to completely hold you back. Is it a factor? Definitely. But it’s not one that needs to be seen as insurmountable.
Follow RSI on Twitter!
Tags: Amount Of Money, Couples, Desire, Donations, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatments, Financial Institution, Friends, Inexpensive Proposition, Insurance, Insurance Companies, Investments, IVF treatment, IVF treatments, Jobs, Money Aspect, Personal Loans, Relatives, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Second Job, Small Portion
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, November 5th, 2010
The rich and famous aren’t any less likely to need fertility treatments than everyday individuals and couples. That’s one of the reasons that it comes as no surprise to learn that Rod Stewart and his wife spent over two years investing in IVF treatments to conceive.
In August, the couple (Stewart is married to Penny Lancaster) announced that they were pregnant; however, what the world didn’t realize is that it took so long for them to have a child together.
Stewart, 65, and Lancaster, 39, have begun to discuss their IVF treatmentjourney publicly, including the struggles they experienced in their relationship while trying to have a baby. As Stewart has said, it was an “emotional rollercoaster” ride the couple endured as they waited.
Stewart and Lancaster went through three rounds of IVF treatments before hearing the good news. Though that sounds like many, various sources indicate that the average number of IVF treatment cycles needed before conception hovers closer to four.
As with all couples who have taken the fertility walk together, we wish Stewart and Lancaster all the happiness in the world.
* * *
If you or someone you care about is interested in learning more about IVF treatments, please contact RSI. Our team is more than happy to help you as you investigate the best fertility treatment course(s) for your situation.
Tags: Couples, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Happiness, Investing, IVF treatment, IVF treatments, Journey, Miracles, Penny Lancaster, Relationship, Rod Stewart, Rollercoaster Ride, Rsi, Surprise, Treatment Cycles, Trying To Have A Baby
Posted in Hollywood and Stars | No Comments »
Monday, October 4th, 2010
If you undergo IVF treatments, there are many suggestions you’re likely to hear: rest well, eat healthily, keep stress to a minimum… but until now, no one has likely told you to head to Starbucks.
According to researchers who have been studying a side effect that about a third of women get from IVFtreatments, that cup o’ joe may be the ticket.
The complication that’s being studied is a result of ovary over-stimulation. The technical name for the condition is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and symptoms run from mild (e.g., bloating, abdominal pain) to severe (e.g., life-threatening blood clots).
To counteract the development of the condition, British researchers have been doing tests with caffeine. And lo and behold — caffeine seems to have a neutralizing effect upon the body when it comes to ovary over-stimulation.
So what does this mean for you?
Although the findings are preliminary, they at least suggest that you may not have to give up your morning java break during IVF. And that’s music to the ears of coffee lovers everywhere.
RSI… helping miracles happen.
Join RSI on Twitter.
Tags: Abdominal Pain, Blood Clots, British Researchers, Coffee Cup, Coffee Lovers, Ears, IVF treatments, Miracles, Music, Ohss, Ovary, Rsi, Starbucks, Stress, Success
Posted in In the News, IVF treatments | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
Melatonin, the compound that is found in the body and has been shown to help regulate sleep rhythms as well as increase some people’s resistance to conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), may be a boon for women going through IVF treatments.
In fact, a presentation of a study at the World Congress of Fertility and Sterility strongly proved that females who were given doses of melatonin during IVF treatments were shown to double their chances at pregnancy.
The scientists who initiated the study feel that because melatonin is an oxidizer, it may help to mitigate damage to eggs that have been harmed. During their IVF treatmentstudy at Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, researchers discovered that women who were given melatonin more than doubled their chances of having an egg fertilized through the IVF process.
More research will be done, of course, but the findings could open the doors for stronger success rates among females undergoing IVF treatments.
RSI… helping miracles happen.
Join RSI on Twitter.
Tags: Boon, Egg, Eggs, Females, Fertility And Sterility, IVF treatment, IVF treatments, Melatonin, Miracles, Oxidizer, Pregnancy, Resistance, Rhythms, School Of Medicine, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Success Rates, Sunny Skies, University Graduate School, World Congress, Yamaguchi University
Posted in IVF treatments | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Many women worry about potentially undergoing IVF treatments because they’re concerned about:
a. The time necessary for them to be out of work for the procedures.
b. The possibility that they’ll have to take more sick days than they have if they end up feeling uncomfortable as a result.
c. The thought of telling their co-workers what they’re having done.
But it’s essential to know that all female employees have a right to privacy in this area. And they also need to know the facts:
TIME:
Most women who undergo IVF treatments are not likely to be out of work for long, long amounts of time. In fact, some return after taking a day or two. Unless there are complications, it shouldn’t be a problem.
SICK LEAVE:
If you can stockpile your sick leave before undergoing IVF treatments, that’s always a good thing. If not, you may have to just use what you have or use some of your vacation/personal time.
PRIVACY:
This is an admittedly gray area in that depending upon your position, you may have to confide in someone at your workplace. But that doesn’t mean your coworkers need to know what’s occurring. If you talk to an HR or personnel manager, your privacy should be respected.
We’d love to hear from you — have you ever had to deal with deciding whether or not to tell your employer about IVF treatments? What did you decide to do?
RSI… helping miracles happen.
Join RSI on Twitter.
Tags: Co Workers, Coworkers, Gray Area, IVF treatments, Love, Miracles, Personal Time, Personnel Manager, Right To Privacy, Rsi, Sick Days, Sick Leave, Working Women
Posted in Employment | No Comments »
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.
RSI… helping miracles happen.
Join RSI on Twitter.
Tags: Aim, Citizens, Couples, Dreams, Fertility Clinics, fertility rates, Fertility Treatments, Having Children, Headlines, Infertility, Infertility News, IVF treatments, Law States, Miracles, Province Of Quebec, Province Quebec, Quebec Government, Responsiveness, Rsi, Valuable Service
Posted in In the News | 1 Comment »
Monday, July 5th, 2010
Women in Great Britain who are over 40 years old may soon be eligible to receive three cycles of IVF treatments under the country’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) rules.
Currently, women must be under 40 years of age to receive national healthcare funding for up to three cycles of IVF treatment. However, many couples feel this practice is basically age discrimination and should be banned. They also feel it’s unfair for women and their partners to be forced to travel abroad to receive fertility treatments.
On the opposite side of the argument, opponents feel that age 40 is a good cutoff point, as it’s typically seen as a time when IVF becomes much less effective for most females.
In addition to the over-40 IVF debate, those in Great Britain are reviewing motions to make the country’s health policies related to IVF treatments fair for lesbian and heterosexual couples as well as those who already have children.
Changes to the laws aren’t actually anticipated until 2012. However, many fertility specialists in the UK feel this is a good first step for the country’s population.
RSI… helping miracles happen.
Join RSI on Twitter.
Tags: Age Discrimination, British Women, Clinical Excellence, Cutoff Point, Females, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatments, Great Britain, Health Policies, Healthcare Funding, Heterosexual Couples, IVF treatments, Lesbian, Miracles, Motions, National Healthcare, National Institute For Health, Opponents, Population, Travel
Posted in Fertility Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, June 28th, 2010
If you’re a woman in Ohio and you’ve just signed on with an employer, you might want to hesitate before starting IVF treatments. That’s because the Ohio Supreme Court ruled last week (in a 5-1 vote) that employers are within their rights to fire a relatively newly hired female who becomes pregnant.
Though many would sound the alarm that this ruling is discriminatory, the Court decided that it’s up to a company to figure out if maternity leave (or leave for pregnancy-related concerns) constitutes a firing.
From the Court’s point of view, if an employee is generally not allowed to take an extended leave of absence (as would occur with a pregnancy) until a certain time has passed (say, a year), then the pregnant employee could be terminated.
It’s a strange conundrum. On the one hand, the Court’s ruling could be seen as protecting the interests of employers. On the other hand, it gives women who want to become pregnant a reason to pause before seeking fertility treatments and medical attention for infertility lest they become jobless.
We’d love to know your thoughts on the matter… Both employees and employers are encouraged to chime in.
RSI… helping miracles happen.
Join RSI on Twitter.
Tags: Chime, Conundrum, Court Decided That, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, IVF treatments, Lead, Leave Of Absence, Love Thoughts, Maternity, Medical Attention, Miracles, Ohio Supreme Court, Point Of View, Pregnancy, Pregnant Employee, Reason, Supreme Court Rules, Vote, Woman
Posted in Employment, In the News | No Comments »
