IVF for Patients Out of State or Country
We frequently treat patients who are either out of state or country at our IVF centers. We are very accustomed to working closely with these couples/patients so that in spite of distance, we are able to provide them with optimal treatment. We achieve this through a system that involves working closely with the couple/patient’s local […]
Update on MTHFR, Thrombophilias & IVF
There has been confusion over the years about testing for clotting disorders in infertility patients, especially those undergoing IVF treatment. Routine testing for these disorders is not recommended as a part of the initial work up for infertility and prior to or during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there have been overutilization and overinterpretation of these tests (thrombophilia […]
Mini IVF or Micro IVF?
Mini IVF refers to the use of non-injectible medications (mostly clomid) to mature 1-2 eggs for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Micro IVF is different from mini IVF because it involves the use of injectible FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) to induce mature and multiple eggs (5 eggs on average). Although they have been used interchangeably, mini […]
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer (ET) is the last, but one of the most important steps of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). ET is performed 3 or 5 days following the day of egg retrieval. On the first day after egg retrieval (Day 1), fertilization is confirmed under the microscope by the presence of “two pronuclei” (2-PN). Then, embryos are […]
The Embryo Marker Tests, CGH and IVF
Embryo marker tests have been developed over the years in IVF practices to identify the best embryos for transfer into the uterus, but no test has been found to be 100% reliable. Conventional approach in selecting the better quality embryos still relies on the appearance of the embryos under the microscope by paying attention to […]
Cervical Incompetence
The diagnosis of cervical incompetence is usually suspected on the basis of the following history: Second trimester miscarriage or premature birth, in which both bleeding and painful contractions are minimal No prior warning symptoms or signs in most cases Where the bulging membranes often breaks followed by a sudden gush of water per vagina that […]
Blastocyst (Day 5) Transfer
Over the years, blastocyst transfer (BT) or Day 5 transfer has become increasing prevalent among IVF programs and transfer of good quality blastocysts is associated with high rate of implantation/pregnancy and low rate of multiple pregnancy. Using advanced reproductive technologies (ART), multiple mature eggs can now be recovered from a woman in a single cycle. […]
Reproductive Age and Fertility Outcome
Women are born with a finite number of eggs (1-2 million in both ovaries at birth) and at the time of puberty the total number decreases to approximately 500,000. At age 37, there are approximately 25,000 eggs left in the ovaries and less than 500 at the time of menopause. A monthly process of using […]
An Alternative IVF Protocol: The GnRH Agonist/Antagonist Conversion Protocol
The agonist antagonist conversion protocol refers to a switch in the pituitary suppression drugs during an IVF cycle. We now know that some form of pituitary blockade, either in the form of a GnRH agonist (e.g. Lupron, Buserelin, Nafarelin, and Synarel) or a GnRH antagonist (e.g. Cetrorelix, and Ganirelix) is an essential component in ovarian […]
H1N1 (Swine) Flu, Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy
H1N1 flu (a.k.a. swine flu) has affected many pregnant and non-pregnant women and the management of such cases including vaccination has created concerns and confusion in the general population. Swine flu is most commonly caused by swine influenza virus A and one of its subtypes called H1N1. It is relatively common in pigs and was […]
