Posts Tagged ‘Vitro Fertilization’
Friday, July 29th, 2011
If you’re a man who has been told (or who believes) he has male infertility, it may be wise to make some lifestyle changes. Though such changes may not alter the infertility enough to enable you to conceive without reproductive technology assistance, they have been shown to make your body produce better quality sperm to be used during such procedures as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Working with your fertility specialist, you may be asked to make some or all of the following daily habit modifications. Be open to them; they are meant to combat the effects of male infertility, not to make your day-to-day experiences difficult!
1. Smoking cessation – Smoking has been known to reduce the quality of sperm, so if you’ve been looking for a reason to quit, now is the perfect time.
2. Reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption – Alcohol may contribute to male infertility, so opt for another drink while you’re working with a fertility specialist.
3. Elimination of drugs – Obviously, illegal drugs are not to be taken under any circumstances, but some over-the-counter medications may also be counterproductive to dealing with fertility issues. Make sure you let your fertility specialist know everything you’re taking so he or she can make recommendations.
4. Reduction of intercourse or ejaculation – Though it might seem counterintuitive, it’s not necessarily a good idea to ejaculate every day. Depending upon what your physician suggests, you may be asked to have sexual intercourse on a very strict schedule, thus increasing the chances that your sperm will be more viable.
5. Reduction of stressors – This can be easier said than done, of course. But it’s important for men and women struggling with infertility to reduce the stressors in their lives as much as they realistically can.
6. Modification of exercise habits – It’s been shown that excessive exercising can be harmful to sperm quality, and some exercises, such as cycling, have been linked to male infertility (due to pressures on the testes.)
7. Reduction of weight – Though weight plays more of a role in female infertility than it does in male infertility, it’s still a good idea to lose extra pounds, especially if your BMI has reached a rating that would qualify you as extremely overweight or obese.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Alcohol Consumption, Dr. Munabi, Exercise Habits, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Fertilization Ivf, Illegal Drugs, Infertility, Lifestyle Changes, Male Infertility, Perfect Time, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Reproductive Technology, Rsi, sexual intercourse, Smoking Cessation, sperm, Stressors, Strict Schedule, Success Rates, Technology Assistance, Time 2, Vitro Fertilization
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, June 17th, 2011
No smoker will say, “Smoking cessation is easy!” However, most will admit that it’s a habit they wish they’d never adopted.
For individuals (especially females) who are trying to have a baby and are finding it difficult, smoking may actually be a significant part of their problems. That’s because tobacco can contribute to infertility; thus, fertility treatments may not work as they would normally be expected to.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, almost without fail, smoking has an adverse affect on a person’s fertility:
- In smokers, the prevalence of infertility is higher than in non-smokers.
- It takes smokers longer to conceive than it does for non-smokers.
- “Second hand” smoke exposure can be almost as bad for fertility treatment success as smoking itself.
- Smoking seems to increase loss of eggs and may even advance menopause.
- Smoking can make a woman’s eggs more prone to abnormalities.
- Smoking has been associated with spontaneous miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.
- Smokers tend to undergone twice as many cycles of IVF (in vitro fertilization) as non-smokers.
If you’re serious about fertility treatments, it’s a great time (and reason) to stop smoking. There are plenty of smoking cessation programs available, and if you haven’t tried any lately, you may be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of options. Of course, you’ll want to address your smoking concerns and cessation desires with both your primary physician(s) and fertility specialist for maximum outcomes.
Good luck with your journey and stay strong along the way. Tobacco is an addictive drug, but it can be overcome.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Addictive Drug, American Society For Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Infertility Treatments, IVF, Miscarriages, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Second Hand Smoke, Smoke Exposure, Smokers, Smoking Cessation, Smoking Cessation Programs, Smoking Concerns, Treatment Success, Trying To Have A Baby, Twitter, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Fertility Info 101, Infertility | No Comments »
Friday, June 10th, 2011
Researchers are always looking to determine the “ideal” numbers when it comes to IVF (in vitro fertilization) success. And it would seem, according to recent reports issued by the U.S.’s National Institute of Health and the medical journal Human Reproduction, that 15 is truly a “magic” number when it comes to the egg retrieval cycle of IVF.
Using information gathered from almost half a million IVF cycles performed in the UK, researchers discovered that live birth rates seemed to be achieved for those from who 15-20 eggs were retrieved. (Fewer and greater numbers of eggs resulted in a sharp decline of live births.)
In an internationally-released quote, Dr. Arri Coomarasamy, a clinical reader and consultant in reproductive medicine and surgery, University of Birmingham, notes that: “Our data show that around 15 eggs may be the best number to aim for in an IVF cycle in order to maximize the chances of a live birth while minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is associated with a high number of eggs, usually over 20.”
At RSI, we are committed to giving patients who trust in our fertility clinic’s superb reputation the greatest potential for IVF success. If you have questions regarding the IVF process or any other fertility treatment options, don’t hesitate to give our highly qualified staff a phone call today.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Birth Rates, Dr. Munabi, Egg Retrieval, Facebook, fertility clinic, Fertility Treatment, Fertilization Success, Half A Million, Human Reproduction, Institute Of Health, Ivf Cycle, Ivf Cycles, Live Birth, Live Births, Magic Number, National Institute Of Health, Ohss, Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Twitter, Uk Researchers, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Infertility, IVF treatments | No Comments »
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
If you’re like most individuals, you’re unfamiliar with treatment cycles associated with assisted reproductive techniques (referred to as “ART” by the medical community.)
That’s why we at the Reproductive Science Institute have created the following short booklet.
Within this guide, you’ll learn more about:
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- An ART Stimulated Cycle
- Side Effects and Personal Considerations
All information should be considered an overview. As such, it is intended to be supplemented with discussions with your physician, a critical component in providing you with a clear and realistic picture of your own medical situation.
Click here to download your complimentary copy of Assisted Reproductive Techniques.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Complimentary Copy, Critical Component, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, Fertilization Ivf, Intrauterine Insemination Iui, Medical Community, Medical Situation, Personal Considerations, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Treatment Cycles, Twitter, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Fertility Info 101, IUI, IVF treatments | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
It was once believed that a woman who had a tubal ligation (commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied”) was essentially “infertile” in the sense of being unable to conceive for the rest of her life. Now, though, doctors are often able to perform “reversals”, which is opening the door for women who have changed their minds about getting pregnant again.
In the United States, almost three-quarter of a million tubal ligations occur each year. And when left alone, they are approximately 99.5% effective as a method of birth control. In fact, about a third of married people using contraceptives choose tubal ligation as a means of ceasing to have any (or more) children.
However, as was mentioned before, years go by and partners’ desires as to how large of a family they want can change. In that case, it’s wise to look into either a tubal reversal, if possible, or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Surprised to hear that IVF would be used by someone who chose tubal ligation? It’s really not a huge surprise. IVF bypasses the risks associated with a tubal reversal (which is a surgical procedure) and also addresses additional fertility issues that may be of concern to the woman or her partner.
If you’ve had a tubal ligation and would like to have a child (or additional children), contact RSI, the Philadelphia area’s premiere fertility clinic, for a consultation.
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Tags: Birth Control, Consultation, Contraceptives, Desires, Doctors, Dr. Munabi, Facebook, fertility clinic, Fertility Issues, Infertility, IVF, Philadelphia Area, Reproductive Science Institute, Reversals, Rsi, Surprise, Tubal Ligation, Tubal Reversal, Tubes, Twitter, United States, Vitro Fertilization, Woman
Posted in female infertility | 1 Comment »
Friday, April 29th, 2011
Hooray! It’s National Infertility Awareness Week from April 24-30, 2011!
In celebration, we at RSI, one of the Philadelphia area’s most reputable fertility clinics, would like to share some facts about fertility treatments, assisted reproductive techniques and other pertinent tidbits:
- The world’s first IVF birth was in 1978 in England.
- The first American IVF birth was in 1981 (30 years ago!)
- In some countries, fertility clinics will not allow certain couples to go through procedures because of age, sexual orientation and other factors. Thus, a phenomenon called “fertility tourism” has sprung onto the international scene.
- Not all fertility clinics accept patients in same-sex relationships. (RSI does.)
- Fertility clinics aren’t just for those over 35 or 40… many younger people are now seeking fertility treatments, especially if they have been trying to have a child unsuccessfully for six months or more.
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF) may get a lot of press, but it only represents about 5-10% of the procedures handled by fertility clinics.
- About 10% of all couples have trouble with fertility at some point. (This includes secondary infertility.)
- Endometriosis is a large contributing factor for many women; ironically, a good number of females do not realize they have this condition until they go to fertility clinics.
- Men and women have an equal chance of being infertile.
- STDs (especially those which have been undetected) are an increasing problem for those wishing to become pregnant.
- Even if you’ve had a child once, you can experience “secondary infertility.”
- The stigma of fertility treatments has been greatly reduced; consequently, more couples (and singles) are making appointments at fertility clinics in an effort to have children.
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Tags: April 24, Couples, Dr. Munabi, Endometriosis, Facebook, Females, Fertility Clinics, Fertility Treatments, Fertilization Ivf, Infertility, Infertility Awareness, National Infertility Awareness Week, Phenomenon, Philadelphia Area, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Same Sex Relationships, Secondary Infertility, Sexual Orientation, STDs, Stigma, Twitter, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Fertility Treatments, In the News | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Endometriosis is a relatively common disorder that afflicts approximately 5.5 million American women at any one time. A disorder affecting the genitalia, endometriosis is more than just an annoyance. In fact, females with endometriosis typically experience such symptoms as pain (e.g., severe cramps, intense bowel movements, discomfort during sex), very heavy vaginal bleeding, fatigue and, in a third of patients, infertility.
Ironically, infertility that stems from endometriosis may be misdiagnosed because not all women with the condition realize they suffer from it. Many simply assume that their pain is a “woman problem” related to menstruation rather than a problem that can cost them their ability to conceive. (This isn’t surprisingly, truly; for many females, endometriosis pain worsens during periods. Thus, the physical distress would seem to be connected to monthly bleeding rather than a condition of its own.)
Endometriosis typically worsens as women age, so early diagnosis is the best way to ensure that infertility treatments are attempted as soon as possible. However, even if a female with endometriosis is not diagnosed until later in life AND has been having fertility issues, she can still become pregnant through assisted reproductive techniques (ART).
Two of the most common treatments used to help those with endometriosis conceive are IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilization). Because these procedures position embryos directly into the woman’s womb, it becomes unnecessary for her body to go through all the other steps naturally associated with conception. Therefore, her chances of having a successful pregnancy are increased.
To learn more about endometriosis, infertility and other similar topics, visit RSI’s website today.
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Tags: 5 Million, American Women, Annoyance, Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Bowel Movements, Cramps, Diagnosis, Discomfort During Sex, Endometriosis, Fatigue, Females, Fertility Issues, Infertility, Infertility Treatments, Intrauterine Insemination, IVF, Physical Distress, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Vaginal Bleeding, Vitro Fertilization, womb
Posted in Endometriosis | No Comments »
Thursday, February 17th, 2011
You may have heard that babies conceived by way of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) very often have birth weights that are lower than average. Dr. Gwendolyn H. Woldringh and a team of her colleagues at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center in the Netherlands set out to research whether this fact has a long-lasting impact on IVF and ICSI children.
The birth weight of IVF-ISCI babies shows to be, on average, 3% lower in boys and 2% lower in girls than normally conceived babies. The findings of the study, however, determined that, in general, no noticeable differences were apparent in weight or other characteristics by the age of four, regardless of the method in which a child was conceived.
So if you have been considering IVF or ICSI as a means to treat your struggles with infertility, don’t be discouraged or dissuaded by anything you hear regarding low birth weight or late development of children conceived in these ways!
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Tags: Array, Babies, Birth Weights, Colleagues, Fertilization Ivf, Girls, Gwendolyn, Icsi, Infertility, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, IVF, Ivf Icsi, Low Birth Weight, Medical Center, Netherlands, Noticeable Differences, Radboud University, Sperm Injection, Vitro Fertilization
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, July 9th, 2010
As we’ve blogged about before, Celine Dion recently announced that she was pregnant with twins after undergoing six rounds of IVF treatment.
A few days ago, 19-weeks pregnant Dion announced the gender of her twins, and it’s baby blue all the way! Two boys will be joining the family (mom, dad and 9-year-old big brother who was also conceived after fertility treatments) at the end of the year.
Reportedly, Dion is thrilled with the outcome of her IVF journey, which she has admitted in the past hasn’t been simple.
A Little Bit of Info about IVF…
IVFstands for in vitro fertilization, a medical process whereby a human egg (ova) is fertilized by a human sperm outside the womb. The fertilized egg is then transferred to the womb of the mother (or, in cases where a woman cannot carry a child to term because of complications, an approved surrogate.)
The rate of success during IVF varies widely depending on a number of factors, including the age of the mother, the ability of the reproductive health specialist, the health of the parents, etc. However, thanks to medical improvements, live birth rates continue to increase around the world.
RSI… helping miracles happen.
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Tags: Baby Blue, Big Brother, Birth Rates, Celine Dion, Family Mom, Fertility Treatments, Few Days, Hasn, Health Specialist, Human Egg, Human Sperm, IVF treatment, Little Bit, Miracles, Mom Dad, Reproductive Health, Surrogate, Two Boys, Vitro Fertilization, womb
Posted in Hollywood and Stars, IVF treatments | No Comments »
