What’s New in IVF? Alternative IVF Protocols
July 25th, 1978 is a big day in reproductive science history. That’s the birthday of the first “test tube” (IVF) baby, Louise Brown. In the 43 years since Louise Brown’s birth, the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and IVF has virtually exploded. As better procedures come to light IVF becomes more common and more […]
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 […]
How to Cope with the 2-Week Wait Period After IVF
Yes, it happened! After weeks, months, or years of trying, you are waiting to see the second line on your pregnancy test, or to hear from your doctor that you are pregnant. During this time, you might find yourself anxious, nervous, excited, or tired. Finding coping strategies to relax your body and calm your mind […]
Severe Male Factor Infertility: What Are Your Options?
Anticipating the growth of your family is exciting but trying to conceive without success is a frustrating experience. After one year of consistent intercourse (six months for women over 35) and no pregnancy, it’s probably time to check both partners’ fertility. Infertility impacts about 15% of couples of reproductive age. Your fertility can be compromised […]
Should I Consider Freezing my Eggs?
Having a child is a highly personal decision. Planning when you have that child is equally personal. You and your partner, or you on your own, know timing is everything. As life and its demands intervene, you hit the pause button on starting a family. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate and as your biological […]
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 […]
Minimal Stimulation IVF: Does Age Matter?
Minimal stimulation IVF uses less medication, and less invasive methods of getting that medication (fewer or no injections other than toward the end of the cycle) into the patient than traditional IVF. This method combines oral medications to stimulate ovulation, such as Clomid, with other meds, like gonadotropin, to encourage follicle development and support egg […]
How Does Natural Cycle IVF Compare to Conventional IVF?
A diagnosis of infertility often leads to a lot of confusion. There are many options to grow your family depending on the cause of your infertility. The process of deciding on the right one for you involves discussing best options with your physician based on your diagnosis and determining your right path for success. Many […]
How Does Ovulation Induction Work?
When you begin testing, and subsequent treatment for infertility, there are so many unfamiliar buzzwords and names being tossed about you probably feel like you need a cheat sheet of definitions so you can understand. Get ready because by the time you’re holding your little bundle of joy you’ll feel like a walking glossary of […]
For same sex male couples what is involved in starting a family? Where to begin?
For Same-Sex Male Couples: What Is Involved in Starting a Family? Where to Begin? For so many individuals the goal of parenthood is a given. In fact, it’s very likely you’ve always imagined yourself raising a child or children, long before you came to understand your own sexuality. No matter if you identify as same-gender […]