My Sister Has Infertility, Am I At Risk?
Infertility is a personal crisis, typically between a committed couple who are trying to conceive without success. They follow the course and have all the tests and get to the bottom of their inability to conceive. The specialist then comes up with the treatment best suited for the patient and their partner. The Common […]
Family History of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition suffered by more than six and a half million women of menstruating age in the United States. Endometriosis happens when tissue that is similar to the endometrium or lining of the uterus is found outside of the uterus, often attached to other organs. Displaced endometrium-like tissue tends to attach to […]
Could My Male Factor Infertility be Genetic?
Trying to conceive is a lot harder than it seems sometimes. Although the human race continues, it’s surprising how many things have to go right in order to become pregnant. One of the roadblocks to conception is male factor infertility. When your male partner’s sperm count is low, motility is off or there’s something not […]
Genetic Carrier Screening: I’m Healthy So Do I Really Need it?
For couples and individuals with a history of genetic disorders a carrier screening test brings peace of mind. Doctors typically recommend genetic carrier screening if you or your partner are at high risk for passing on certain diseases like Tay-Sachs and cystic fibrosis. Of course, you don’t always know whether you’re a carrier and not […]
What to Expect During and After an Early Miscarriage
Early miscarriage is especially difficult. You’re likely settling into the notion that you’re pregnant and then it’s over. You’re sad and confused and, of course, apprehensive about trying again. An unfortunate statistic is that 50% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, depending on age, and it’s much higher in advanced reproductive age. The majority occur before […]
What Is a Stillbirth? Could It Happen to Me?
Stillbirth, by definition, occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. At that point chances are the mother has felt tiny flutters, kicks and movements indicating life. By 20 weeks and beyond most couples have seen the ultrasound images of their baby and often the images are much more vivid than earlier in pregnancy. They see […]
Does IVF Increase the Risk for Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian stimulation is an important aspect of the overall treatment for infertility. The goal of ovarian stimulation is to harvest as many viable eggs as possible from a woman’s ovaries. By stimulating the ovaries to produce and mature a greater number of follicles/eggs, the odds of developing a healthy embryo for implantation, and thus a […]
Should I Consider Genetic Testing Even Without Fertility Issues?
When you dream of your future family you don’t necessarily envision any problems. Pregnancy comes easily, labor is a breeze and you deliver a healthy beautiful baby. For many couples that’s true. But, in the United States, one out of every 33 babies is born with a birth defect. Birth defects remain the leading cause […]
