Fertility Authority

Live Births with Egg Freezing Tied to Patient Age and Egg Freezing Method

jredmond — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:50:24 +0000

This week in the journal Fertility and Sterility, researchers presented probabilities of live birth after IVF with non-donor frozen eggs. Some patients freeze their own eggs when embryo freezing is objectionable for religious or ethical reasons, or when their IVF cycle is interrupted.

Researchers from New York Medical College and the University of California Davis analyzed clinical research studies on egg freezing from January 1996 through July 2011 - 2265 cycles undergone by 1805 patients. Studies included reported pregnancy outcomes from cycles using mature, non-donor slow frozen or vitrified eggs from infertility patients treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and IVF. They found that live birth rates decreased with increasing patient age regardless of freezing technique, yet live births did occur with eggs frozen with slow freezing as late as age 42 and age with vitrification at age 44.

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Daily Shots (the kind that don’t hurt)

Ovulation Prediction Kits and Fertility Treatment

Fertility Authority’s Blog of the Week: The Infertility Doula

Set Your Watch to Ovulation Time!

Why I Love My Fertility Drugs!

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

The Daily Shot Archive

Video: What is Unexplained Infertility?

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:33:09 +0000

Seattle fertility doctor Lora Shahine, M.D. of Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists explains the fertility diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

Subjects:

Unexplained Infertility

Regional Microsites:

Seattle

Media:

Ask the Expert

Video: What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:59:55 +0000

Seattle fertility doctor Lora Shahine, M.D. of Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists talks about recurrent pregnancy loss and miscarriage.

Subjects:

Miscarriage and Loss

Regional Microsites:

Seattle

Media:

Ask the Expert

Trying to Get Pregnant? Know Your Signs of Ovulation

Leigh Ann Woodruff — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:21:15 +0000

The exact time when a woman ovulates depends on the length of her menstrual cycle. Women with a 28-day cycle generally ovulate around days 13 to 15.

Video: What are the Benefits of a Frozen Cycle Versus a Fresh Cycle?

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:19:03 +0000

Seattle fertility doctor Julie Lamb, M.D. of Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists discusses the benefits of a frozen embryo transfer during IVF compared to a fresh transfer and how a natural, non-medicated cycle promotes IVF success.

Subjects:

Freezing Embryos

Regional Microsites:

Seattle

Media:

Ask the Expert

Video: What are the Latest Advances in IVF?

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:02:27 +0000

Seattle fertility doctor Julie Lamb, M.D. of Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists discusses the latest advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Subjects:

IVF

Regional Microsites:

Seattle

Media:

Ask the Expert

Video: What is Fertility Preservation?

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:42:40 +0000

Seattle fertility doctor Julie Lamb, M.D. of Pacific NW Fertility and IVF Specialists discusses egg freezing for fertility preservation which allows women to delay childbearing for medical and social reasons.

Subjects:

Fertility Preservation

Regional Microsites:

Seattle

Media:

Ask the Expert

Ovulation Prediction Kits and Fertility Treatment

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Confused about ovulation prediction kits (OPKs)? The good news is these tests are pretty fool proof and with a quick read-through of the instruction pamphlet, you should be on your way to predicting fertility and (hopefully) conceiving.

Fertility patients are usually instructed to use OPKs from day 10 to day 15 of their menstrual cycle. There are five tests per box and by using one test per day for five days, you should be able to detect a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Each test displays an LH surge differently. Some show a smiley face, while others show two lines.

Be sure to read the instructions, use an OPK that you feel comfortable interpreting, and always call your fertility nurse if you have any doubts. If you are tracking ovulation for a timed intercourse (TI) cycle, an LH surge will tell you when it is the best time to have sex. If you are about to undergo an intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle or in vitro fertilization (IVF) egg retrieval, an LH surge will indicate when you should report to the clinic for treatment.

If you still feel confused about using OPKs, visit the BBT, OPK, and HPT forum on FertileThoughts.com where you can learn more about tracking ovulation and fertility treatment.

Suspect you're not ovulating? Give our Patient Care Advocates a call at 1-855-955-BABY (2229) or fill out the Contact Fertility Doctors Near Me form to schedule a fertility consultation with a trusted fertility doctor near you!

Fertility Authority’s Blog of the Week: The Infertility Doula

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

The blog we’d like to feature this week is The Infertility Doula.

Ebru, “The Infertility Doula”, and her husband tried to conceive for three and a half years. During that time, they dealt with PCOS, thin uterine lining and male factor infertility. They did four inseminations with Clomid; none of which worked. Then, they moved on to IVF/ICSI and despite a great number of eggs retrieved; their embryo quality would typically be anywhere from average to poor.

All of their cycles would lead to a pregnancy but would soon be followed by an early miscarriage. One of the IVF cycles even resulted in an ectopic pregnancy. Despite their best efforts, Ebru’s right tube had to be removed because it had ruptured and lead to internal bleeding. It wasn’t until they switched doctors and completed their fourth cycle that gave them their son, who is now 4 years old. Remarkably, they now also have a nineteen month old daughter, who was their surprise baby.

After all of her experiences, Ebru started blogging because at the time, she felt the virtual infertility world was mostly formed of either very medical blogs or blogs from women who were going through infertility. She wanted to create a blog that was a bridge between both ends of the spectrum where she could provide emotional and practical support from the perspective of someone who had been through infertility and made it to the other side.

She now works on a one on one basis with couples who are just getting started and are overwhelmed with the news. She hopes that her blog and services provide the kind of perspective and support that help individuals navigate the world of infertility. In Fall, she plans to start work on obtaining Masters in Psychology.

Please visit The Infertility Doula at: http://infertilitydoula.com/Doula/Welcome.html

If you have a blog you’d like considered to be featured or if you would like to nominate a blog that covers such topics as unexplained infertility, adoption, surrogacy, donor eggs, egg freezing, IVF, insemination or living child-free, please email us at jay@fertilityauthority.com.

When Is it Time to Move On? Five Signs That it’s Time to Find a New Fertility Doctor

Ebru Halper — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

a blog by Ebru Halper, May 21, 2013

It’s not easy finding a fertility doctor. Once you find one, who quickly give yourself to his/her capable hands and hope for the best. What happens when it’s been several unsuccessful cycles; you have watched your emotional and financial currency dwindle away? Well, that was the question posed to me recently. So here are five signs that it may be time to bid your fertility doctor farewell.

Subject:

Fertility Doctor

Set Your Watch to Ovulation Time!

JayPal — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

When trying to conceive, it’s extremely important to know your signs of ovulation. Ovulation is key when it comes to increasing your chances of getting pregnant and because every woman is different and every woman ovulates at different times, you should take a couple of cycles and start observing your body and the signals it gives you!

Here are just a few cues that it’s ovulation time (and time to get the Barry White music out!):

Increase in body fluids ( basal temperature.

Cervix becoming softer

Increased sex drive

Light spotting

Breast tenderness

Abdominal bloating

If you'd like to remove the guess work or avoid dealing with your cervical mucus, you can always buy an ovulation predictor kit. They are able to pinpoint your date of ovulation 12 to 24 hours in advance by looking at levels of luteinizing hormone, or LH, which is the last of the hormones to hit its peak before ovulation actually occurs.

Whatever way your body lets you know that you're ovulating, have fun and good luck! To learn more about fertility news, issues or advice, please visit Fertility Authority or as always, stop by FertileThoughts for emotional support! You can also click here to find a fertility doctor near you.

Five Lifestyle Tips to Maximize Fertility

jredmond — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

A healthy diet is critical to women trying to conceive as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, according to Victoria Maizes, M.D. She recommends a whole food diet, rich in vegetables and fruits, abundant in high omega 3 fatty acids, eggs, and vegetable sources of protein. “The diet should be low in processed foods, meat, and rapidly digesting, high glycemic index carbohydrates,” she says.

Maizes is the executive director of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and a Professor of Medicine and Public Health. In her new book, Be Fruitful: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Fertility and Giving Birth to a Healthy Child, she outlines how the foods we eat, the toxins we ingest, and the overall lifestyle we lead has an effect on fertility and the health of our unborn children. Following are five tips to maximize fertility.

Why I Love My Fertility Drugs!

claire — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Yes, you read that correctly! When you think of fertility drugs, the word "love" might not always come to mind.

Sure you might have some minor side effects, and your partner isn’t always fond of your ever growing mood swings, but fertility medication is there for a purpose — to help you get pregnant. It’s easy to forget that when you’re taking fertility drugs month after month.

So we are here to remind you why taking fertility drugs isn’t all that bad…

Fertility drugs help you ovulate. It says “Hey follicles, wake up and let’s develop some eggs already!”
Fertility drugs can regulate your hormones. If you haven’t seen your period since 1988, fertility meds will tell Aunt Flow to pay a visit.
Fertility drugs can help his swimmers. It says “Hey Sperm, start multiplying and swimming upstream for a change!”
Fertility drugs are necessary for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments. Your future child will exist because of these medications.
Most importantly, fertility drugs will help you get pregnant!

So next time, you’re wondering why you have to take all these fertility drugs, just look back at our list and remind yourself why you’re taking them in the first place!

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Explained

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:18:01 +0000

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in which a woman’s egg (or a donated egg) is fertilized in a laboratory with her partner’s sperm or donated sperm. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus to develop naturally.

Obese Women Have Lower Rate of Endometriosis

jredmond — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:13:36 +0000

Is there a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and endometriosis? According to a study published in the journal Human Reproduction, obese women have a lower incidence of the disease than leaner women. The 20-year Nurses’ Health Study II collected data from 116,430 women ages 25 to 42; amongst them, there were 5,504 cases of endometriosis confirmed with laparoscopy. The study found that obese women had a 39% lower rate of endometriosis compared to women of normal or low weight.

The Power of Positive Thinking for Fertility

CircleBloom — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:27:09 +0000

a blog by Joanne Verkuilen, Founder, Circle+Bloom, May 17, 2013

Stress negatively impacts our fertility. And unfortunately, stress is compounded when we try to conceive month after month, creating a downward spiral that is difficult to break.

Studies actually show women who are experiencing problems getting pregnant have similar levels of depression and anxiety as those suffering with life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease. This makes sense to us because infertility impacts every facet of ones life, similar to life-threatening diseases.

Subject:

Mind-Body Connection

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Daily Shots (the kind that don’t hurt)

Missing the Monthly Visitor?

Fertility Authority’s Blog of the Week: Not Just An Army Wife

What Do All Those Hormones Do?

Your Fertility Drug Checklist

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

The Daily Shot Archive

What Is Secondary Infertility?

claire — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:43:58 +0000

Many people believe that once you have had at least one child, you are fertile and will have no problems conceiving again. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Infertility does not discriminate and can strike anyone at anytime throughout their childbearing years.

The Ever Changing World of Adoption

ellenglazer — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:35:43 +0000

a blog by Ellen Glazer, May 16, 2013

Subject:

Adoption

Missing the Monthly Visitor?

Leigh Ann Woodruff — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Amenorrhea is the medical term for "absence of menstruation." In other words, Aunt Flo hasn't paid a visit in at least three months.

If you are not menstruating, you are not ovulating. Pregnancy is, of course, the most common reason for amenorrhea. Breastfeeding and menopause are the two other "natural" reasons a woman experiences absence of menstruation. Premature ovarian failure is another reason. If menopause or premature ovarian failure cause amenorrhea while a woman still wants to build a family, egg donation or embryo donation may be an option.

Some methods of birth control and other medications such as antidepressants or chemotherapy also cause periods to stop. Stress and other lifestyle factors such as low body weight or excessive exercise can cause hypothalamic amenorrhea.. Or, you could have a hormonal imbalance caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or a thyroid disorder. Structural abnormalities in the reproductive system, such as uterine scarring may also cause amenorrhea.

If you have missed three or more periods in a row, talk to your Ob/Gyn or fertility doctor to find out why your periods have stopped. The sooner you investigate the problem, the faster you can move on with your goals of creating a family.

National Women's Health Week and Your Fertility

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:18:21 +0000

a blog by Kim Griffiths, May 15, 2013

May 12-18 is National Women’s Health Week, so now is the time to think about ways your health could impact your fertility and how you can optimize your chances of having a baby.

There are several unsuspecting health conditions that impact fertility and pregnancy. Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, and endocrine system hormone imbalances can contribute to infertility. All medical conditions should be discussed with your fertility doctor, and you should discuss any medications you may be taking to assess potential risks to fertility and pregnancy.

Subject:

Fertility Risks

Elisabeth Rohm's Journey to Motherhood via IVF

claire — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:11:45 +0000

a blog by Claire, May 14, 2013

In an interview with Joy Behar, actress Elisabeth Rohm discussed her emotional struggle with infertility, and the proactive steps all women should take to best understand their fertility.

Subject:

Age and Fertility

Fertility Authority’s Blog of the Week: Not Just An Army Wife

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

The blog we’d like to feature this week is Not Just An Army Wife

Lauren and her husband have been trying to conceive since 2008. During that time, she has been diagnosed with PCOS, Luteal Phase Defect, and hypothyroidism. Their treatment has included seven rounds of Clomid, one round of Femara, six inseminations, two IVF cycles, two FET cycles, two miscarriages and one chemical pregnancy. They will be pursuing one final FET cycle before stepping off the treatment path and embarking on a journey to domestic infant adoption.

Throughout it all, Lauren has shared her story and blogging not only became therapeutic but an opportunity to connected with hundreds of bloggers out there who are traveling down a similar road. She continues to include her readers in on all of her ups and downs as well as support those in the community who need it.

Please visit Not Just An Army Wife at: http://notjustanarmywife.blogspot.com/

Find Solace in Knowing Why

Knowhen — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:06:17 +0000

a blog by Helen Denise, CEO, Knowhen®, May 14, 2013

For some couples, conceiving a baby is as easy A-B-C, and as simple as 1-2-3. All Jackson 5 rhetoric aside, it is true that the vast majority of all couples trying to conceive will achieve success naturally. By naturally, we mean without the help of a fertility specialist. However, a staggering 10 percent of women trying to become pregnant will eventually be diagnosed with infertility. Doesn’t sound like much? When you consider that there are approximately 4 million births annually in the United States alone, 10 percent suddenly affects the lives of a lot of women.

Subject:

Premature Ovarian Failure

Why Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy May Help You Conceive

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:01:39 +0000

May 13, 2013

Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two minimally invasive surgical procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of certain female factor infertility conditions. For fertility patients with a suspected diagnosis of endometriosis, fibroids, or polyps, or for those with a history of pelvic infection, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy can be used simultaneously to ascertain the state of the uterine cavity.

What Do All Those Hormones Do?

Leigh Ann Woodruff — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Feeling hormonal? Something a little off? You know, it's not surprising when you consider everything that's going on in there.

Do you know your female hormones and what they do? Understanding your body better can be of great help in your quest to get pregnant. Here's a quick guide to the primary hormones involved in ovulation:

Estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries, and production increases prior to ovulation. The estrogen helps the uterus rebuild the endometrium (lining of the uterus) after menstruation, and estrogen also travels to the brain to increase or decrease the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
Progesterone is also produced primarily by the ovaries in significant amounts during the two weeks or so that follow ovulation. Progesterone thickens the endometrium in preparation to receive the fertilized egg.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is also produced by the pituitary gland and helps regulate the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries. The amount of FSH in a woman's body is highest just before she ovulates.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and helps regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. The level of LH increases rapidly just before ovulation occurs, which is called the LH surge.

To learn more about how your fertility doctor can test your hormones in a fertility workup, visit FertilityAuthority.com's Fertility Test channel.

Looking to schedule a fertility consultation? Our Patient Care Coordinators can help! Just give them a call at 1-855-955-BABY (2229) or fill out the Contact Fertility Doctors Near Me form. Don't forget to visit FertileThoughts.com for social and emotional support during your family building journey!

Predicting Your Chance of Getting Pregnant from an IVF Cycle: Other Medical Factors

Mylene Yao — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:44:29 +0000

a blog by Mylene Yao, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder, Univfy, Inc., May 13, 2013

In the first two posts, we looked at ovarian factors and sperm factors that impact your chance of becoming pregnant with IVF. In this post, we’ll examine other non-reproductive system fertility factors that can affect your personal probability of getting pregnant with IVF.

Subject:

Fertility Risks

Further Evidence that Single Embryo Transfer Yields Best Pregnancy Outcomes

KimAtFertilityAuthority — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:27:55 +0000

May 13, 2013

Presented at the 2013 Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a new study further proves the success of single embryo transfer (SET) with Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) for optimal pregnancy outcomes.

High FSH Myths and Facts

jredmond — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:17:03 +0000

If you are trying to become pregnant, you have probably noticed that lots of attention is being paid to how high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels affect fertility. But lots of attention equals lots of information, and it can be hard to figure out what’s true—and what’s not. Here are some common myths and facts about high FSH to help you out.

FSH is vital to fertility.
FACT. Without FSH, your follicles are not stimulated to produce eggs and you do not ovulate.

Fertility Authority

Live Births with Egg Freezing Tied to Patient Age and Egg Freezing Method

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

Daily Shots (the kind that don’t hurt)

Other Articles and Fertility News from this week

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

Video: What is Unexplained Infertility?

Video: What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

Trying to Get Pregnant? Know Your Signs of Ovulation

Video: What are the Benefits of a Frozen Cycle Versus a Fresh Cycle?

Video: What are the Latest Advances in IVF?

Video: What is Fertility Preservation?

Ovulation Prediction Kits and Fertility Treatment

Fertility Authority’s Blog of the Week: The Infertility Doula

When Is it Time to Move On? Five Signs That it’s Time to Find a New Fertility Doctor

Set Your Watch to Ovulation Time!

Five Lifestyle Tips to Maximize Fertility

Why I Love My Fertility Drugs!

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Explained

Obese Women Have Lower Rate of Endometriosis

The Power of Positive Thinking for Fertility

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

Daily Shots (the kind that don’t hurt)

Other Articles and Fertility News from this week

A Second Shot at the Daily Shot

What Is Secondary Infertility?

The Ever Changing World of Adoption

Missing the Monthly Visitor?

National Women's Health Week and Your Fertility

Elisabeth Rohm's Journey to Motherhood via IVF

Fertility Authority’s Blog of the Week: Not Just An Army Wife

Find Solace in Knowing Why

Why Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy May Help You Conceive

Related Content

What Do All Those Hormones Do?

Predicting Your Chance of Getting Pregnant from an IVF Cycle: Other Medical Factors

Further Evidence that Single Embryo Transfer Yields Best Pregnancy Outcomes

Related Content

High FSH Myths and Facts