610-981-6000

Posts Tagged ‘Misconceptions’

Giuliana Rancic – Not Giving Up on IVF

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Giuliana Rancic of E! News and Fashion Police hasn’t kept quiet about her first two in-vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts, and she’s not keeping quiet now as she goes for the third try.

Despite setbacks, Rancic has kept her sense of humor, quipping, “I think third time’s a charm. I feel good about the third time!” This attitude is refreshing, especially given the fact that she experienced a miscarriage during her second IVF attempt.

(As an FYI, miscarriage is not uncommon; in fact, many women undergo several IVF rounds to healthily conceive a child. And Rancic’s own doctor is the one recommending a third try; again, we’re not in the least bit surprised.)

Having someone as visible as Rancic show the public what IVF is all about is a boon to fertility specialists and clinics, including the Philadelphia area’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI). Not only does having her speak openly add a familiar face to fertility treatments, but it also helps squelch many of the commonly-held myths and misconceptions about IVF.

Rancic’s positivity has positioned her as a great role model for women who are undergoing fertility treatments. As she noted in a recent article: “It’s very easy to just be sad and feel bad… and get a lot of attention for it. Mourn, be sad. But then you have to look at the positive. There are so many things in my life…”

We look forward to hearing how Rancic’s next IVF treatment goes. Here’s hoping for all the best in the world for this optimistic star!

 

Wondering if fertility treatment is right for you?

Click here to schedule a New Patient Appointment.

Follow RSI on Twitter!  Join our Facebook group!

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!

Follow RSI on Twitter!

Show Support for Infertility Awareness This Week!

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Did you know that April 24-May 1, 2010 is National Infertility Awareness Week® (NIAW)?

If you want to show your support for this condition that affects millions of men and women in the United States alone, why not start by doing one or more of the following things?

  1. Blog about your infertility journey.  Many bloggers have found great release and relief in (typically anonymously) blogging about their experiences.
  2. Learn all you can about infertility.  There are many myths and misconceptions out there.  Education is the key to sorting through all the hype.
  3. Be a good friend to a person or couple dealing with infertility.  You don’t have to say anything to your friend(s), of course.  Just be there.  Infertility can make someone feel very alone.  Make sure your loved one knows you’re there for support.

How will you observe National Infertility Awareness Week?

  • RSI… helping miracles happen.
  • Join RSI on Twitter.
  • Common Infertility Misconceptions

    Saturday, December 26th, 2009

    There are tons of myths surrounding when and how often couples who are trying to get pregnant should have sex. 

    For instance, some of these misconceptions include:

    • A woman should have sex on day 14 of her menstrual cycle.
    • A woman should have sex within three days of ovulation.
    • When a woman’s BBT temperature is highest, it’s time to have intercourse.
    • Couples should have sex as many times around a woman’s period of ovulation as possible.

    So what’s wrong with these commonly-held beliefs?  A few things:

    1. Most women don’t have a standard cycle, which can be a huge problem if they’re trying to have sex at the “right” time.  It’s better for them to have intercourse once every three days (about two days less than the average length of time that sperm can live in a woman’s body).
    2. Tracking BBT can definitely be a good way to try to get pregnant, but it’s not an exact science.  Again, if you’re having sexual intercourse regularly, you’ll naturally increase the chances for conception around the time of the highest BBT reading.
    3. Though there’s nothing wrong with having a great deal of sex, it doesn’t necessarily translate to having a child.  Sperm counts may be low, ovulation may not have taken place, etc. 

    The bottom line?  Don’t buy in to all the “information” you’ve heard regarding infertility.  Though much of it has a basis in science, it isn’t as accurate (or applicable) as you might be led to believe.

  • RSI… helping miracles happen.
  • Join RSI on Twitter.
  • Could Laptop Usage Be Linked to Male Infertility?

    Friday, June 12th, 2009

    There many myths and misconceptions that abound when it comes to male infertility.  And it looks like one which sounds bizarre may actually have some credence.

    tn_laptopA recent Newswise article noted that researchers at Loyola University Health System (LUHS) released a statement that prolonged and excessive laptop usage could, in fact, contribute to male infertility.

    There’s no need to chuck your laptop if you’re trying to conceive with a partner, however.  Instead, the people at LUHS recommended that men simply make certain they don’t rest their laptops on… well… their laps.  That way, the heat generated from the laptop is less likely to affect sperm production now or in the future.