Posts Tagged ‘Twitter’
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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Tags: Catch Phrases, Catheter, Cervical Mucus, Cervix, conceiving a child, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Hcg Injections, in vitro fertilization, Intrauterine Insemination, IUI, Iui Procedure, Iui Success Rates, IVF, Male Infertility, Medical Assistance, mucus problems, Ovulation, Ovulation Timing, ovum, PA Infertility, Philadelphia Infertility, Reading, sperm, Success Rate, Twitter, Uterus, Vitro Fertilization, Wyomissing
Posted in IUI | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
For many men, taking the first trip to a fertility specialist can seem embarrassing or uncomfortable. That’s likely due to the media’s focus on female infertility rather than male infertility. However, it’s important for guys to be open to finding out why they’ve been unable to conceive.
Many individuals are surprised to learn that male infertility is the primary issue in at least one third of all cases of infertility between couples. (Some statistics report this number to be 40 percent or higher!) Just hearing this fact is calming for many male fertility patients, as it eases the psychological burden of them feeling like they are “alone” in their fertility struggles or that they “cannot perform”.
Still, it’s not unusual for us at RSI, one of the premiere fertility clinics in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, to come against some resistance when men initially arrive at our facility. This is especially true when they have been brought by the women in their lives; for men, this can feel akin to being “pointed at” in a crowd.
Guys, the bottom line is this: We understand. Male infertility is one of our specialties; therefore, we are sensitive to the emotional considerations that accompany the diagnosis. If you’re feeling irate, standoffish, sad or uncomfortable, it’s okay. We as fertility specialists are not here to push you in one direction or another; we’re here to make sure you have all the facts and can proceed as makes sense for you and your significant other.
The upshot – and it’s a great one! – is that we’ve successfully helped many couples with their infertility issues, whether they stemmed from female infertility or male infertility. But it’s necessary for patients to take the first step and give us (or a preferred, reputable fertility clinic) a call.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Bottom Line, Courage, Diagnosis, Dr. Munabi, Emotional Considerations, Facebook, female infertility, fertility clinic, Fertility Clinics, fertility specialist, Fertility Specialists, First Trip, Infertility, Infertility Issues, Male Fertility, Male Infertility, Many Men, Philadelphia Pennsylvania Area, Psychological Burden, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Twitter, Upshot
Posted in Male Infertility | 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 »
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
For women, especially those under 40, a diagnosis of breast cancer is difficult enough to hear. But when compounded with the fact that she might not be able to retain her fertility after undergoing chemotherapy, it can be doubly devastating.
Realizing this, researchers have begun medical treatments on younger females who have early stage breast cancer to suppress the women’s ovaries. Using triptorelin, physicians in an Italian study have successfully been able to help breast cancer victims stave off early menopause, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Patients in the study were able to potentially avoid permanently losing their fertility, enabling them to possibly have children naturally in the future.
The use of triptorelin to reduce the rate of early menopause in subjects by greater than 17 percent made waves throughout the international fertility treatment community, especially after the Italian study was made public earlier this week by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Of course, it’s important to note that results haven’t been confirmed long-term and are only the tip of the iceberg. Cautions oncologist Lucia Del Mastro, the study’s leading author, in an article widely spread throughout the Internet:
“This strategy [of using triptorelin] increases the probability of ovarian function maintenance but it doesn’t assure the fertility.”
Still, it’s a happy prospect for women who have been given the devastating news that they have breast cancer and who want to have children later in life.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, American Medical Association, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Victims, Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy Patients, Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer, Dr. Munabi, Early Menopause, Facebook, Females, Fertility Treatment, Italian Study, Journal Of The American Medical Association, Mastro, Medical Treatments, Menopause, Oncologist, Ovaries, Probability, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Stage Breast Cancer, Tip Of The Iceberg, Triptorelin, Twitter
Posted in Cancer, female 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 »
Monday, July 18th, 2011
A new strain of gonorrhea that’s resistant to traditionally-used antibiotics could have widespread implications when it comes to fertility. And this development is concerning physicians and scientists around the world.
The “superbug” (as the media has been dubbing it) strain was first found in Japan and is classified as H041. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has even jumped on the bandwagon, issuing a warning that includes the serious admonition:
“While antibiotics can successfully treat gonorrhea, over time the bacteria has developed resistance to several of these drugs … CDC now recommends only one class of antibiotics, called cephalosporins .. however, findings from the recent analysis signal the potential for resistance to cephalosporins, the last line of defense for treating gonorrhea.”
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in general have long been causes for infertility (temporary or permanent) in both males and females, but gonorrhea has, until now, shown itself to be curable. However, if the new H041 strain enters into the population in earnest, issues faced by couples today and in the future could become more problematic.
To protect yourself from gonorrhea and other fertility-stealing STDs, it’s important to:
1. Always use protection, even during oral sex.
2. Get yourself tested if you (or your partner) have had more than one sexual partner in your lifetime.
3. Contact your doctor or fertility specialist immediately ff you think you may have been exposed to an STD.
Remember – it may seem embarrassing to admit to having an STD, but it won’t go away on its own. Thus, it’s up to you to take care of your health, for your – and your fertility’s – sake.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Admonition, Antibiotics, Bacteria, Bandwagon, Cdc, Center For Disease Control, Couples, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, fertility specialist, Infertility, Lifetime, Males And Females, New Strain Of Gonorrhea, oral sex, Physicians, Reproductive Science Institute, Resistance, Rsi, Sake, Scientists, Sexual Partner, sexually transmitted diseases, Superbug, Twitter
Posted in Infertility, STDs | No Comments »
Friday, July 15th, 2011
“Just relax and go with the flow! That’s how you’ll get pregnant!”
“If you’d calm down a little, you’d be able to get pregnant in no time.”
“I wish you would take it easy, for goodness’ sake. That’s your real problem. Go on vacation and you’ll come home pregnant!”
Unfortunately, those sentences are indicative of the advice that far too many individuals and couples dealing with fertility concerns hear. To be sure, the comment isn’t meant to be hurtful, but it does tend to send the wrong message. In a nutshell, it’s just not true.
Don’t get us wrong – stress can absolutely be a contributing factor to fertility problems. However, relaxation is not typically a one-size-fits-all solution. Though being able to enjoy “down time” does contribute to a healthier attitude, mindset and, sometimes, outcome, it’s complementary to fertility treatments, not a treatment in and of itself.
The next time someone makes this type of statement to you, there are a few choices:
1. Say nothing. Just smile and nod.
2. Tell the person that your fertility is not any of their business.
3. Reply, “I’m glad that worked for you.”
Whatever you do, don’t assume that you’re under any obligation to believe this myth. It’s an old wives tale, which means it’s best left to the annals of history.
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Tags: Annals, Attitude, Calm Down, Choices, Couples, Facebook, Fertility Concerns, Fertility Problems, Fertility Treatments, Goodness Sake, Mindset, Myth 3, Nutshell, Obligation, Old Wives, Pregnant, Relaxation, Reply, Sentences, Smile And Nod, Stress, Twitter
Posted in Myths & Misconceptions | 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 »
Monday, July 11th, 2011
If it seems like “everybody” around you is getting pregnant, it can be difficult; this is especially true if you’re having difficulty conceiving. However, looks can definitely be deceiving, and they are in this case.
There are numerous factors that go into whether or not a couple conceives. Some considerations include, but are not limited to:
- Whether the woman is ovulating.
- Whether the man has issues with sub-fertility or infertility.
- The medications each person is taking.
- Medical histories of both parties.
- Age (for females, mainly, but may also be a consideration for males).
- Lifestyle habits.
- Weight and nutrition.
- Environmental and geographic concerns.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Stress levels.
- Prior pregnancies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, up to 15% of the American population who are within child-bearing age parameters may have fertility problems. That’s over 7 million individuals!
The bottom line is that if you’re not able to naturally conceive within six months of trying, you should talk to a physician. This is especially true if you’re a woman who is over 30. But don’t convince yourself that you’re alone; pregnancy doesn’t come to every couple in the timeframe they’d prefer. That’s why every case involving fertility issues needs to be addressed in an individualized fashion.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Alcohol Consumption, American Population, Bottom Line, Centers For Disease Control, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Fashion, Females, Fertility Issues, Fertility Problems, Infertility, Lifestyle Habits, Medical Histories, medications, Myth, Parameters, Pregnancy, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Six Months, Stress Levels, Timeframe, Twitter
Posted in Fertility Treatments, 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
Posted in Fertility Treatments, Financial Issues | No Comments »
