Posts Tagged ‘Philadelphia Area’
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
It’s no secret or surprise that stress can rear its head when it comes to couples and individuals facing fertility treatments. In fact, a recent report from the UK suggests that more than three quarters of those experiencing infertility or fertility issues rate their stress level as the highest they’ve ever had in their lives.
Again, this isn’t a shocking revelation; however, it does give pause as to how men and women going through fertility treatments can better cope with their situations.
Beyond the usual suggestions to relax, put the issue into perspective and eat well, we at the Reproductive Science Institute (located in Wyomissing and Chesterbrook, PA) have some other ideas as to how you can minimize the stress that can be attributed to dealing with fertility concerns:
1. Talk about your feelings with a trained professional. It’s never a good idea to hold in your emotions, especially when you’re undergoing a potentially life-changing experience. Whether you speak with a counselor, member of the clergy or a psychiatrist, it’s essential that you discuss what you’re feeling inside rather than allowing it to build.
2. Gather information and understand what’s happening… but try not to obsess. It’s always good to understand what’s about to happen; but sometimes, too much information can be a very bad thing for couples and individuals entering into fertility treatments. If you become too engulfed in data, you may unnecessarily increase your stress levels.
3. Be open and honest with your fertility specialist. Finally, it’s essential for you (and your partner, if applicable) to be honest with your fertility specialist. If something feels amiss or you have concerns, speak up. You’ll get your questions answered, and that will seriously help you automatically lower your stress levels.
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Tags: Chesterbrook Pa, Clergy, Counselor, Couples, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, emotions, Feelings, Fertility Concerns, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Men And Women, Perspective, Philadelphia Area, Psychiatrist, Reproductive Science Institute, Shocking Revelation, Stress Level, Stress Levels, Stress Reduction, Three Quarters, Wyomissing Pa
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Stress | No Comments »
Friday, September 9th, 2011
For women who want to have a child, the number “35” seems to be almost magical. After all, it’s the age that people anecdotally agree upon as the point where a woman’s fertility begins to decrease. Yet that’s really not the “whole story”.
While female fertility does tend to wane faster after 35, there are many women who have trouble conceiving in their late 20s and early 30s. So for a woman, waiting until the “magic number” may not be the best idea.
Why are some women infertile before 35? There are a whole host of reasons, including:
- A pre-existing condition of the reproductive system, such as PCOS or endometriosis.
- A bout of cancer as a child, teen or young adult.
- An undiagnosed or diagnosed sexually transmitted disease (STD) like chlamydia.
- A problem with regular ovulation.
- The medications the woman is taking.
This is why most fertility specialists, like those at the Philadelphia area’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), recommend that women of any childbearing age not adopt a “wait for years” mentality. Typically, women should be able to become pregnant within six months of trying (e.g., having regular sex without protection.)
Whether you’re in your late 20s or your late 30s, you need to be aware of the facts. Will your fertility lessen as you age? Absolutely. But the numbers indicate that up to 7% of females are infertile by the time they reach their 30th birthdays. That’s why it’s critical to get assistance and medical advice sooner rather than later.
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Tags: 30th Birthdays, Childbearing Age, Chlamydia, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Endometriosis, Female Fertility, Females, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Magic Number, Medical Advice, medications, Mentality, Number 35, Ovulation, Pcos, Philadelphia Area, Philadelphia PA Infertility, Reading PA Infertility, Reproductive Science Institute, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Reproductive System, Rsi, Six Months, Wyomissing PA Infertility, Young Adult
Posted in female infertility, Fertility Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, August 22nd, 2011
As one of the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, The Reproductive Science Institute (RSI) tries to keep you informed and up to date about all things related to fertility treatments, infertility and similar topic areas.
This week, we’d like to share some of the fertility “buzz” from around the Interwaves. As always, if you’d like to discuss your specific situation, please contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
Belfast: A new fertility test from Lewis Fertility Testing is being marketed across the UK and Ireland, as well as the rest of the world. Backed by Ulster Bank, the fertility test claims to provide couples with faster ways to discover whether or not they are fertile. With the test, men and women would have the opportunity to know earlier whether or not it would be a smart idea to contact a fertility specialist.
New York: Could male hormones (androgens) be the key to successful fertility treatments in women? Researchers are studying whether a combination of specific male hormones and FSH may in fact boost a female’s fertility ability, especially in patients who suffer from PCOS.
Internet: The Journal of Reproductive Medicine has printed a piece suggesting that women with infertility may in fact often also have undiagnosed celiac disease. This is re-fueling the chicken-versus-egg debate between celiac disease and infertility. Some scientists say the two have little in common, others say one may feed the other. In the study, the authors noted: “Women with unexplained infertility are at increased risk of having undiagnosed celiac disease, which may be a potentially modifiable (and treatable) risk factor.”
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Celiac Disease, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Female Fertility, Fertility Clinics, fertility specialist, Fertility Test, Fertility Testing, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Journal Of Reproductive Medicine, Male Hormones, pa fertility clinic, PA Infertility, Pcos, Philadelphia Area, Reading, Reproductive Science Institute, Rhonda Hearns, Risk Factor, Rsi, Smart Idea, Test Men, Topic Areas, Treatment News, Unexplained Infertility, Wyomissing
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Infertility | No Comments »
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!
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Boon, Dr. Munabi, E News, Familiar Face, Fashion Police, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Fertilization Ivf, IVF treatment, Jacob Mayer, Misconceptions, PA Infertility, Patient Appointment, Ph.D.; H.C.L.D, Philadelphia Area, Positivity, Reading, Recent Article, Reproductive Science Institute, Rhonda Hearns, Role Model, Rsi, Sense Of Humor, Setbacks, Third Time, Vitro Fertilization, Wyomissing Infertility
Posted in Hollywood and Stars, IVF treatments | No Comments »
Monday, July 25th, 2011
Recent findings in the area of male infertility may help explain why some men are subfertile or infertile.
Researchers from the University of California, Davis, have announced that a recent fertility study has shed light on the occurrence of a protective “coat” that wraps around sperm. The protein-based coat shields the sperm as they attempt to reach an egg; however, without the coat, they are left vulnerable.
The fertility study was conducted on 500 Chinese couples; birth rates among the couples were significantly lowered if the protein coating did not exist in the males.
Men with a missing sperm coating likely have the condition genetically. In fact, the University scientists are suggesting that up to 1 in 5 men may be without the protein protection, thus leaving them open to male infertility.
To combat the effects of the gene mutation, experts are suggesting the usage of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). With IVF or IUI, the potentially-hazardous journey of the sperm to the egg is eliminated, therefore upping the chances of a successful conception.
Because the findings are new, no tests have been developed. However, it’s a topic that we at RSI, one of the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, will be following closely in the months to come.
Male Infertility Facts:
- 30-40 percent of all couples’ fertility issues can be related to male infertility factors.
- Each year, there are approximately 2 million new cases of male infertility in the United States.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Birth Rates, Chinese Couples, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Issues, Fertilization Ivf, Gene Mutation, Hazardous Journey, Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination Iui, Male Infertility, Occurrence, Philadelphia Area, Protein Coating, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Shields, Twitter, University Of California Davis, University Scientists, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Male Infertility | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
What does the UK’s version of Big Brother have to do with infertility? Read on to discover the inside scoop….
Chantelle Houghton, 27, was a contestant on the show several years ago (2006) and has admitted that her obsession with being thin has hurt her chances to have a child without IVF treatment.
Noted Houghton to the BBC:
“Because of my obsession with food and my crash dieting when I had bulimia, I’ve ruined my chances of having a baby naturally.”
Though doctors have not said she absolutely cannot have children on her own, they have reportedly told Houghton she has “low fertility” and have suggested fertility treatments should she and current boyfriend Alex Reid want to get pregnant.
Houghton isn’t taking the discovery lightly and is now speaking out to raise awareness about the connection between eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating on fertility.
It’s sad to hear Houghton say she blames herself, especially since eating disorders are not a deliberate choice. Yet it’s heartening to know that she’s trying to help others not become as obsessed with numbers on a scale or looking “a certain way” to fit unrealistic media standards.
If you have or have had an eating disorder, we at RSI, one of Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, recommend you undergo therapy (and hospitalization, if necessary) to control the condition before entering into fertility treatments.
Remember that there IS life and can be pregnancy after an eating disorder. But not until you get control of your health.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Alex Reid, Anorexia Bulimia, Bbc, Big Brother, Binge Eating, Chantelle Houghton, Crash Dieting, Current Boyfriend, Deliberate Choice, Dr. Munabi, Eating Disorder, Eating Disorders, Facebook, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Treatments, Having A Baby, Hospitalization, Infertility, Obsession, Philadelphia Area, Pregnancy, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Scoop, Twitter
Posted in Hollywood and Stars, Infertility | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Though it seems as if we say it at our fertility clinic again and again, people are still sometimes hesitant to believe (or perhaps accept) that males have just as much chance of being infertile as females.
Perhaps it’s because of the age-old idea that men are testosterone-filled to the point where they can’t help but be able to impregnate women. However, that’s a flat-out myth.
In the United States, studies have shown that 40% of the issues that fertility clinics like Philadelphia area’s RSI uncover are related to male infertility. To put that number in perspective, about 40% are due to female infertility. The remaining 20% falls under a category of impossible to diagnose at this time.
So what does this mean? First of all, it doesn’t mean men are somehow “at fault”; they simply have to be aware that they might have an issue if they and their partners have been unable to have children.
Secondly, it’s critical for men to put aside any embarrassment and get treated. Sometimes, solving a couple’s fertility concerns can be easier than they might expect. But without diagnosis, there’s no chance for a resolution.
This is why we emphasize some form of therapy in conjunction with fertility treatments. Therefore, partners can address their problems together and without judgment.
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Tags: Conjunction, Diagnosis, Embarrassment, Facebook, female infertility, Females, fertility clinic, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Concerns, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Judgment, Male Infertility, Myth 2, Perspective, Philadelphia Area, Remaining 20, Testosterone, Twitter, United States Studies
Posted in Male Infertility, Myths & Misconceptions | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
One of the biggest issues many individuals and couples face when considering fertility treatments is what financial ramifications they will have on the family’s finances.
It’s definitely a consideration that needs to be mulled over; after all, though many fertility treatments are easily afforded by most persons, some can be a little costlier than others.
To help you proceed with the knowledge you need, we’ve put together some ideas for you:
1. Understand your financial options for fertility treatments.
Many people don’t realize there are financial options out there, such as IVF refunds, IVF financing or low-cost IVF offerings.
2. Ask your fertility specialist for his/her recommendations.
Reputable fertility specialists, like Philadelphia area’s RSI, will be able to direct you to a wealth of information and professionals that can talk to you about your financial options.
3. Check online for financial assistance.
Many sites are dedicated to providing information to individuals and families looking to pay for fertility treatments. One caveat, though – never give out your personal information over the Internet. If you want to reach an organization, pick up the phone and call them.
4. Ask your financial planner for ideas.
If you have money invested with a financial planner, ask him or her what he or she recommends. You may be surprised to hear of financial possibilities about which you were previously unaware.
5. Ask friends and family for help.
Though this isn’t an option for all individuals or couples, it may be wise in your case to ask family members or very close friends for their assistance. Some may be willing to give you low-interest loans. Just make sure that all money received (that is to be repaid) is documented.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Caveat, Close Friends, Couples, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Family Members, fertility specialist, Fertility Specialists, Fertility Treatments, Financial Assistance, Financial Options, Financial Planner, Financial Possibilities, Financial Ramifications, Friends And Family, Low Interest Loans, Many People, Offerings, Philadelphia Area, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Twitter
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Monday, June 27th, 2011
On Tuesday, June 21, 2011, it was announced that Disney/ABC Television Group and The American Fertility Association (AFA) would be working together in a limited fashion. Briefly, Disney/ABC has given the AFA an unrestricted educational grant to help the organization further its infertility prevention program.
The AFA currently has an online Infertility Prevention Handbook, which the Disney/ABC grant will help the AFA promote to educate people around the country about risks, choices and other information related to infertility. Currently, the AFA tries to get its Infertility Prevention Handbook to as many individuals as possible as a main part of its mission.
Though the amount of the Disney/ABC grant has not been publicly disclosed, it has been described in press releases as “generous”.
Like the AFA, the Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), one of the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinics, also maintains a site with a plethora of in-depth, up-to-date patient resources. We invite you to look through our many webpages to find out more about infertility and the options available to you.
Remember that reputable infertility information should always be gleaned from trustworthy sources. There’s a lot of misinformation on the Internet; that’s why it’s always critical to make your final decisions with the help of a fertility specialist.
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Tags: Abc Television, Abraham Munabi, Afa, Dr. Munabi, Educational Grant, Facebook, Fertility Clinics, fertility specialist, Final Decisions, Infertility, June 21, Misinformation On The Internet, Patient Resources, Philadelphia Area, Plethora, Prevention Handbook, Prevention Program, Reproductive Science Institute, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Television Group, Trustworthy Sources, Twitter
Posted in In the News, Infertility | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
The term “varicoceles” may not be a household word, but for men, having the condition can lead to male infertility, among other medical problems.
Simply put, varicoceles are enlarged veins located in the testicles. (Think of the term “varicose veins”, which has a similar sound to it as “varicoceles” due to the etymology of the words.) Those enlarged veins cause a noticeable, soft, lumpy mass. They also contribute to conception difficulties. And a recent release from top U.S. researchers suggests that varicoceles may even stifle testosterone production, leading to other issues like depression, higher risk of heart attack and more.
So how many males have this condition? Some researchers suggest the figure could be as high as 15%, though a large number of men have no idea that they are afflicted with the condition. The onset of varicoceles seems to be puberty, but may come at any time during a man’s life.
Typically, until intense discomfort or male infertility symptoms arise, varicoceles aren’t touched, though a cadre of surgeons is pushing for men to address their varicoceles with a varicocelectomy. (Interestingly, physicians are more concerned with the low levels of testosterone associated with varicoceles than with fertility issues.) Varicoceles can be addressed using microsurgical techniques which have been proven to be lower in risk than ever before and quite effective.
If you’re concerned that you or your partner could have varicoceles, it’s important to contact your primary doctor and/or a reputable fertility specialist like those at Philadelphia area’s RSI clinic.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, conception difficulties, Dr. Munabi, Etymology, Facebook, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Heart Attack, Household Word, Infertility, Male Infertility, Medical Problems, Philadelphia Area, Puberty, Reproductive Science Institute, Risk Of Heart Attack, Rsi, Similar Sound, Testicles, Twitter, Varicocelectomy, Varicoceles, Varicose Veins
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