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Posts Tagged ‘Success Rate’

Meta-analysis of studies suggests obese women have lower success rate with IVF

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

A new analysis of 15 controlled studies has found that a woman’s BMI has a relational effect on her fertility, with obesity associated with significantly worse pregnancy outcomes compared with women with a normal BMI.

It has long been believed that a woman’s general health can and does affect her ability to conceive, and to carry the baby to full-term, but past studies have been inconclusive in showing a direct link between obesity and infertility. However, according to this meta-analysis, obesity puts a mother-to-be at greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes when she conceives through in vitro fertilization.

 Of the eight studies that reported clinical pregnancy rates among women undergoing assisted reproduction, 40.5 percent of obese women achieved pregnancy, compared with 43.8 percent of women of normal weight. Six studies reported live births, and those two were lower among obese women — the live birth rate was 23 percent among obese women and 25 percent among normal weight controls. Miscarriages occurred in 21.9 percent of obese women compared with 19.3 percent of normal controls.

 

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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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What are the Advantages of Blastocyst Embryo Transfers?

Friday, August 19th, 2011

If you’ve been to a fertility specialist like the Philadelphia region’s Reproductive Science Institute (RSI), you may have been introduced to the procedure known as blastocyst embryo transfers or “blast transfers”, for short.

Though blastocyst embryo transfers are not for every person or every couple, they can be advantageous.

Below is a list of some of the “pros” of undergoing blastocyst embryo transfers as opposed to some other methods of producing viable embryos for fertility treatments:

1. The blastocyst embryo transfer happens close to the time when an embryo would naturally “implant” in the woman’s body. Thus, it mimics nature, which can be a definite asset.

2. Fertility specialists select blastocyst embryo transfers using specific criteria. Consequently, success rate percentages tend to be relatively high.

3. Blastocyst embryo transfers have gained a tremendous amount of popularity, which means the process has been and continues to be state-of-the-art.

4. With blastocyst embryo transfers, patients can practically eliminate the concern over multiple pregnancies, which can be a deciding factor for many couples.

5. A smaller number of embryos are needed for the blastocyst embryo transfer process. (This dovetails with #4.)

6. Because the embryos are allowed to grow for 2-3 days longer than they would with other types of embryo transfers, there is a better chance for implantation.

Of course, there are “cons” to blastocyst embryo transfers as well. That’s why it’s important to discuss this procedure in depth with your preferred fertility specialist. Only then can you make the best, most informed decision for you and your partner.

 

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Suggestions on What to Ask a Fertility Specialist

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

If you have an appointment lined up with a fertility specialist, it’s important for you to prepare in advance.

Often, by the time you get in front of the fertility specialist, your emotions begin to overwhelm your thought process.  Though this is totally natural, it can also lead to forgetfulness.

To combat this possibility, always come to your fertility appointments prepared with a list of questions.  To help you get started, we’ve put together the following queries:

  1. How long have you been a fertility specialist?
  2. What types of assisted reproductive techniques do you handle?
  3. Can you explain each type of assisted reproductive technique you offer to patients?
  4. What are the pros and cons of each type of assisted reproductive technique?
  5. What if I want to discontinue treatment at some point?
  6. What kind of a time commitment should I expect with each assisted reproductive technique?
  7. What lifestyle changes will I have to make with each assisted reproductive technique?
  8. Are there any fertility treatment related clinical trials that I might be a candidate to join?
  9. What if I have a problem and need to contact you or a member of your team?
  10. How many rounds of assisted reproductive techniques do most women in my situation undergo?
  11. What is your clinic’s success rate?
  12. Can I speak with some of your former/current patients?

Remember that this is your opportunity to gather all the information you want and need.  Take a pen and paper with you and be assertive.  You’ll be glad you did.

New IVF Treatment Screening Technique Could Give Would-Be Parents Better Chances

Friday, October 29th, 2010

In California, fertility specialists are trying out a new method of checking embryos’ development and potential in order to increase the odds of long-term success via IVF treatment

Using specialized time-lapse photography, the fertility specialists were able to examine the rate of cell divisions in embryos.  Using the photos, they could determine which embryos would survive for six days with an impressive success rate of 90%. 

The California fertility specialists‘ findings were reported in the journal Nature Biotechnology and will no doubt be a source of many new developments over the coming months and years.  (As an aside, the study examined the development of 242 embryos, an acceptable number from which to gather information.)

Though this technique of gauging IVF treatment success is still in its “infancy”, it holds promising possibilities, as it may have the potential to double the odds of conceiving for infertile individuals and couples.  It also holds the key to limiting the number of multiple births because the strongest embryos can be chosen before implantation.

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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  • Fertility Really Can Be a Matter of Age

    Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

    Many women feel they are somehow “inadequate” if they are having difficulty conceiving children.  But if they’re over 30, they need to consider that fertility is definitely a “numbers game.”

    Recent research has shown that by the age of 30, women have about a 1 in 5 chance of getting pregnant during their cycles.  Thus, without any other complications or problems, the success rate is only 20%.  (Compare that with a much higher success rate for women in their early twenties.)

    To make matters more complicated, that statistic dips to a 1 in 20 chance (or 5%) by the time the woman is 40. 

    Though the numbers may be sobering, it’s important to remember that age is a natural process; therefore, it’s critical for women not to “kick themselves” for waiting to conceive.

    Fortunately, many women have found that through a variety of fertility treatments, they can improve upon those statistics.  It’s just a matter of working with a reproductive health specialist who understands how to evaluate and, when possible, maximize a female’s fertility.

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