Infertility SOS

Fertility Specialists of Houston

2011-08-22T13:13:00.002-05:00

Since 1986 this group of professionals has been helping give life to dreams in the greater Houston area. Learn more about what makes us the best choice for infertility treatment at www.FSHivf.com

Free IVF Consults with Fertility Specialists of Houston

2011-07-19T16:52:00.002-05:00

Exploring your options? Not sure what step to take next in dealing with infertility? Fertility Specialists of Houston is offering a few complimentary consults each week. Please call 713-512-7900 and choose option 1. Ask about their complimentary consults and learn why they have been giving life to dreams since 1986. This is a great way to meet a Fertility Specialists and learn about your treamtnet options.

2011-02-24T18:16:00.003-06:00

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/health&id=7795098

Fertility Clinic in Houston Texas paves the way for cancer gene not to be transferred to child. An amazing story offering hope for couples facing a frightening diagnosis. Fertility Specialists of Houston offering hope and new advances....

Facebook | Fertility Specialists of Houston

2010-12-06T14:31:00.000-06:00

Facebook Fertility Specialists of Houston: "Complimentary IVF Webinar December 14 at 6:00 PM. 'Know what to Expect if you are considering IVF'. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: www1.gotomeeting.com/register/264542641"

Male Factor

2010-10-19T16:16:00.003-05:00

http://www.westhoustonfertility.com/

Many times in the popular media women receive most of the attention when we discuss fertility issues. However male factor is a impacts more than 40% of couples today.

Link to page -- Link_to -- FertilityAuthority.com

2010-10-15T16:02:00.001-05:00

Link to page -- Link_to -- FertilityAuthority.com

Myths about adoption. You need to know the truth before you make choices about the experience.

Fertility Specialists of Houston - Meet the Expert Physicians

2010-10-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

Fertility Specialists of Houston - Infertility Treatment, IVF Houston Texas

2010-10-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

Fertility Specialists of Houston - Infertility Treatment, IVF Houston Texas

Don't assume you need IVF first

2010-09-15T16:55:00.004-05:00

Today many Reproductive specialists are advertising IVF prices on the Internet. It almost feels like you should be shopping for the best deal... "is assisted hatching included or ICSI"?

Your medical treatment decision should be based on the physician with the best experience who has had success with many various types of cases. You don't want a physician who subscribes to the notion that every patient needs IVF. In Vitro is an amazing technology, but not all patients need IVF to become pregnant. The most aggressive treatment is not always the best place to begin. What treatment protocol any patient needs largely depends on the individual.... your age, your lab results and your fertility history. All of these factors combine to suggest to your REI the best approach to create your family. Remember that you are the medical consumer and you are not shopping for a used car. You want a physician who will evaluate your fertility concerns and begin treatment that is best suited for you.

Cris Treadway, LPC

www.MyInfertilityResources.com

IVF Webinar

2010-07-30T09:33:00.003-05:00

"Preparing for IVF" - Houston Fertility Clinic (FSH) offers Webinar

When you are considering IVF to become build your family, the process can seen overwhelming. Fertility Specialists of Houston is offering a complimentary webinar to educate patients on the medical, financial and psychological aspects of this treatment. This event is scheduled August 19 at 6:00 PM. You need not be a patient of this clinic to register and participate.

Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/438082448

2010-07-02T10:17:00.002-05:00

Take a look at this post about the link between infertility and stress. The conclusion remains that good Psychological support can positively impact fertility treatment and outcome.

C. Treadway, LPC

http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/depression-and-anxiety-do-they-impact-infertility-treatment/

Infertility affects an estimated 10-15% of couples of reproductive age. Several studies have indicated that patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) experience high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Multiple risk factors for anxiety and depression during infertility treatment have been identified; these include being female, age over 30, lower level of education, lack of occupational activity, a male cause for infertility, and infertility for 3-6 years.
In addition, studies have indicated that higher levels of depression and anxiety are associated with lower pregnancy rates among patients undergoing IVF. One study of 80 Turkish couples demonstrated a significant correlation between depressive symptoms (as measured using the Beck Depression Inventory) and number of retrieved oocytes. The higher the depression score, the lower the number of oocytes. Furthermore, sperm motility was decreased with higher levels of depression and anxiety in the male partner. When followed longitudinally, it was shown that women with higher depression and anxiety scores had lower pregnancy rates.
Another study found that women who coped poorly with stress during infertility treatment had higher rates of first trimester miscarriage. In this study, depression in males was associated with decreased sperm concentration.
Importantly, recent data indicate that treatment of anxiety and depression in patients undergoing IVF may improve conception rates. A recent meta-analysis including a total of 21 controlled studies found that while psychological interventions had no significant effect on the levels of depression or anxiety symptoms, they did appear to have a positive impact on pregnancy rates.
An important study compared whether therapy or antidepressant medications were more effective in treating depression and anxiety in women suffering from infertility. In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 89 depressed, infertile women were assigned to receive 10 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), 20mg of fluoxetine (Prozac) for 3 months or were enrolled in a control (no treatment) group. Depression scores were assessed using the BDI at study onset and at the end of three months.
Women receiving fluoxetine experienced decreased levels of anxiety and depression (reduced by about 50%), but they noted no improvement in psychosomatic symptoms. CBT decreased depression scores by 79.3% but also improved anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms. Those in the control group experienced a 10% reduction in depression scores. While it appears that the response in the CBT group was more robust than in the medication group, it is worth noting that the fluoxetine dose was relatively low and that there was no dose titration involved in the study.
In summary, rates of depression and anxiety are high among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Several studies have demonstrated that these symptoms may diminish the chances of conception. Both medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in alleviating these symptoms. Patients should be sure to talk with their treaters and to seek a referral if they are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety in this setting.
Kimberly Pearson, MD
Zorn B, et al. Psychologic factors in male partners of infertile couples: relation with semen quality and early miscarriage. Int J Androl 2008; 31(6): 557-64.
Gurhan N, et al. Association of depression and anxiety with oocyte and sperm number and pregnancy outcomes during In Vitro Fertilization. Psychol Rep 2009; 104(3): 796-806.
Drosdzol A., Skrzypulec V. Depression and anxiety among Polish infertile couples: an evaluative prevalence study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 2009; 30(1):11-20.
Hammerli K. Efficacy of psychological interventions for infertile patients: a meta-analysis examining mental health and pregnancy rates. Hum Reprod Update 2009; 15(3): 279-95.
Faramarzi M. Is psychotherapy a reliable alternative to pharmacotherapy to promote the mental health of infertile women: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Obs Gynecol and Reprod Biol 2008; 141(1): 49-53.
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Categories: Infertility
Tags: Anxiety, Depression, Infertility, infertility treatment, IVF, Pregnancy Print This Post

Fertility Specialists of Houston - Infertility Treatment, IVF Houston Texas

2010-06-30T14:24:00.001-05:00

Fertility Specialists of Houston - Infertility Treatment, IVF Houston Texas

FSH is hosting a free webinar focused on Dealing with Stress while undergoing fertility treatment. This webinar is facilitated by Dr. Irena Milentijevic the clinic's Psychologist. You may register on the FSH home page.

2010-04-25T17:20:00.000-05:00

Consult with me Online

Fertility Specialists of Houston - Infertility Treatment, IVF Houston Texas

2010-04-09T16:34:00.001-05:00

Fertility Specialists of Houston - Infertility Treatment, IVF Houston Texas

2010-03-23T12:12:00.002-05:00

"Protecting Your Heart While Negotiating With Your Ovaries"

A real "must read" if you are dealing with infertility. This book is an essential resource to assist you as a couple in your journey to creating a family. Focus on maintaining and improving your relationship while coping with the emotional aspects of infertility. This book is written by a licensed mental health therapist who endured years of medical treatment for fertility. She specializes in the treatment of individuals coping with the emotional challeges of infertility.

http://www.createspace.com/3412340

Look in the best places for information

2010-03-14T19:31:00.000-05:00

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine is an amazing source for information, fertility facts and treatment explanations. There is a huge variety of resources available on the world wide web, but few have the reliability and quality as the ASRM site. Surf and explore, but ensure your opinion is based on accurate information from the experts. Check out: www.asrm.org

Facebook | My Infertility Resources

2009-12-22T16:29:00.000-06:00

Facebook My Infertility Resources

Hold on to your Heart

2009-12-22T10:18:00.007-06:00

While on the infertility journey, you have two main objectives. Obviously getting pregnant is the primary goal, but the other is the vital task of holding on to your heart. Nothing pulls at your heart like the stress of chasing that elusive dream of having a family. Further, nothing challenges a marriage like enduring the continued disappointment and struggle inherent in fertility treatment. Safeguarding your emotional well being, your sense of self and your ultimately your heart is the most important goal while on this journey. This is not an easy task, however it is an extremely vital aspect of the journey

Couples tend to not embrace the importance of this task until it's urgency is directly in front of them. Active communication and emotional support are components to the goal of holding on to your emotional well being. You must recognize the potential danger of this loss in order to take preventative steps to combat the process. Making your heart a priority is a key to ultimately safeguarding it from the potential damage that fertility treatment can inflict. This can best be achieved by proactive techniques.

Make time for your partner to do something special
Make time for you every day to focus on mind / body skilss (meditation, relaxation techniques, etc.)
Keep a journal of your thoughts and beliefs and share with your partner
Join a support group
Practice active listening with your partner
Explore alternate ways of becoming a parent. (This just opens the door to options)
Take care of your physical self, this always strengthens the emotional and spiritual self.
Explore healthy diet, avoid caffeine and begin a gentle excersise regime

For more information and specific reccomendations, vist my website:http://www.MyInfertilityResources.com

Updated Website

2009-12-09T10:55:00.004-06:00

I am very excited to announce that my website has been updated and gone live. Now you can review physician recommended nutritional supplements, watch a portion of my ASRM award winning video and read the relationship action book. Dealing with fertility issues is challenging to say the least, however, we have tools to help you. Visit the new site and offer your suggestions.

http://www.MyInfertilityResources.com

Infertility Help League City Texas

2009-12-09T10:44:00.000-06:00

Infertility Help League City Texas

The Journey to you... Adoption gift

2009-11-21T15:16:00.005-06:00

Fourteen years ago I was so worried that I would never become a mother. We endured many fertility treatments and had consulted with numerous physicians. I had feelings of inadequacy and felt as if I had failed as a wife. Having a child had become the most important thing in my world. We faced disappointment month after month and cycle after cycle. The details had been so vivid and alive for years, the journey was long and painful. I held on to the belief that someday, I would be a mother. My journey brought me to you...

The decision to adopt was a real miracle in my life. In the end it didn't matter if you had my DNA, it only mattered that you originated from deep within my heart and within my dreams. Being your mom has been the greatest gift I have ever received. I thank your birth mom for having the love for you to choose life and place you in our care. I know you are the child I was always meant to have. I love you.

www.MyInfertilityResources.com

Self Nurture while on the journey... it's vital.

2009-10-28T10:52:00.001-05:00

Suggestions for self nurturing when you are undergoing treatment for infertility.

• Find an activity that relaxes you: knitting, downloading music, reading, etc. Make time for this everyday.

• Plan an excersise routine. Even if it’s just walking around your neighborhood. Consider joining a gym with a friend. Planning to do excersise with a friend make the likelihood that you will continue to go more after the first week probable.

• Cut down on caffine.

• Watch a comedy.

• Write a letter to an old friend.

• Write your thoughts down in a journal.

• Join a support group. There are often free support groups available to individuals and couples going through fertility treatment.

• Plan a long weekend away, even if you only travel 30min. away, this can be a “real get away”

Women often don’t take the time to self nurture, rather we are often focused on the needs of those around us. Remember that one key to survivng the infertility journey is taking control of the things that you can. This list of suggestions is something you can control.

For more resources, Visit My Website

Control Freak?

2009-10-23T16:19:00.000-05:00

I never thought of myself as a control freak, rather I just have always had expectations about the way my life was suppose to be. You know.... graduatate high school, go to college, fall in love, get a career, marry prince charming and have a baby. I didn't think of this plan a fairytale; rather I believed it was my destiney. Well, 90% went as planned, but the baby thing was my unexpected hurdle. Dealing with infertility was something unexpected and extremely damaging to my self esteem and sense of stability. I guess you learn that nothing is a guarntee in life and plans are often changed or difficult to achieve. So much about coping with infertility was about being out of control of me. I found comfort in the serenity prayer:

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,

The courage to change the things that I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.

Find a way to control what you can in your situation (nutrition, physician, treatment cycles, reading material and support system)

The right doctor matters when seeking treatment for infertility.

2009-10-18T17:25:00.001-05:00

The key to finding the right doctor is knowing what to look for and what questions to ask. You have to do your homework before you see a specialist. There are large fertility clinics and small sigle physician practices. Finding the right provider is a very important decision on your fertility journey. you must try to take control of your treatment path at every opportunity. The process of choosing your specialist is vital.
Things to consider:

Does the clinic report their results to SART and how are their numbers?
Is the physician board certified in OB GYN?
Is the physician board cerified as an REI?
Did the doctor have fellowship training with infertility?
Do you get to meet with the doctor upon your first visit?
Are you an individual or a number? How important is this to your treatment?
How responsive is your physician to your questions and concerns?

Take the time to find the answers to these questions. You can't afford to waste time, money or emotional energy with the wrong physician.

Infertility Tools and Resources for Couples

When and Where to Get Treatment....

2009-10-11T16:40:00.000-05:00

Professional organizations (like the American Fertility Association) suggest that if you are younger than age 35 and have not conceived following 12 months of unprotected sex, you should see a physician. If you are age 35 or older, the guideline is 6 months of unprotected sex. If you are age 40 or older, get to a physician immediately. AFA American Fertility Association

Women often make the mistake of staying with their GYN for too long. Many GYNs say they treat infertility, but this is not their main focus or specialty. You must be educated and become an advocate for your own care and treatment. Explore physician specialists called Reproductive Endocrinologists. These are the physicians who specialize in every aspect of infertility treatment. There is board certification to be an REI, this certification goes beyond training to be a GYN. You must be a informed consumer of your medical care and seek a second opinion related to the best course of treatment. Investigate specialists in your area comparing credentials, years of experience, fellowship and patient testamony. Remember that offers for money back guarntees and free cycles of tratment are not always what they seem. Compare physicians on paper first, then meet them and deceide if you feel comfortable. Having a feeling of trust with your doctor is essential. Interview a potential provider as if they are responsible for the most important outcome in your life. One key element to adaptively coping with the emotional challenegs of the infertility journey is not having regrets about your provider.

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