There are many different reasons that couples may experience difficulty conceiving a child, which may be related to fertility issues with the woman, the man, or both. There are different types of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that may help couples overcome problems that are causing an inability to conceive.  

ART refers to medical procedures that can be done to manipulate eggs, sperm, or embryos to improve the chances of attaining a successful pregnancy. The team at The Center for Reproductive Health is committed to helping couples find the best solution to infertility challenges with the help of ART.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is probably the most well-known form of ART. This procedure involves harvesting eggs from the mother and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab where they’re allowed to grow for a few days into embryos. The embryos are then implanted in the mother’s uterus. The sperm may be from the woman’s partner or a sperm donor.

Before eggs are harvested, injectable hormones are given to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs, which is usually done for 7 to 9 days.  A relatively new form of ART known as Mini IVF is done by using a gentler approach to ovarian stimulation in order to produce a few high-quality embryos rather than multiple embryos.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination or IUI is also known as artificial insemination. The procedure is done by injecting sperm into the uterus around the time of ovulation. Before the sperm is injected, it’s processed and washed to enhance sperm quality. In some cases, the ovaries may be stimulated with hormones before the sperm is injected.

IUI bypasses thick cervical mucous that may prevent sperm from traveling to the uterus. This procedure may also be used if sperm aren’t very active or are low in count, and or when the cause of infertility is unknown.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

This procedure is done by injecting a single sperm into the center of an egg. It can be combined with IVF when sperm count or quality is very low and may be recommended if prior attempts at IVF have failed. This may be an effective form of ART if the fertility issues are sperm related.

In traditional IVF, thousands of sperm are placed in the same dish as a single egg to attain fertilization naturally. When there are significant sperm abnormalities, injecting a single sperm into an egg greatly increases the chance of attaining a successful pregnancy. 

Frozen Embryo Transfer

During IVF, not all of the embryos are used and some may be frozen for future use. In frozen embryo transfer, frozen embryos are thawed and implanted into the woman’s uterus. Eggs, sperm, or embryos may also be from a donor.

The fertility experts at The Center for Reproductive Health specialize in diagnosing and treating infertility challenges. If you’re considering ART, schedule an appointment for a comprehensive examination and evaluation to find out the best fertility treatment options for you. Call today with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.

Wanting to get pregnant and not being successful is disappointing and frustrating. One of the most well-known forms of fertility treatment is artificial insemination, in which sperm is inserted into a woman’s reproductive tract. The sperm may be sperm from a sperm donor or from the woman’s partner. The sperm is washed to enhance the quality of the sperm which helps to provide the best chance of attaining a successful pregnancy.

Artificial insemination is usually the first type of fertility treatment tried when the cause of infertility hasn’t been identified. It’s a quick and painless procedure that’s also a good option for single women, same sex female couples or women whose partner has low sperm count or poor quality sperm. There are four types of artificial insemination. 

Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an outpatient procedure in which sperm is injected directly into the uterus using a catheter. Fertility drugs are given for a period of time before the procedure is done to help stimulate egg production. Since the sperm is injected directly into the uterus, it doesn’t have far to travel, which means this type of artificial insemination may have better success rates than other types.

Intracervical Insemination

An alternative to IUI is a procedure in which the sperm is placed in the female’s cervix where it can travel to the uterus on its own to unite with the egg. To improve the chance of success, a conception cap may be worn for a few hours. This approach isn’t usually as successful as IUI, but it is less expensive.

Intratubal Insemination

In this procedure, the sperm is injected into the Fallopian tubes by placing a catheter through the cervix. This may be a good option for women who have thick cervical mucus that decreases the motility of sperm or for women who don’t ovulate regularly.

Intrauterine Tubo-peritoneal Insemination

Another approach is to inject the sperm into both the uterus and the fallopian tubes, which is known as intrauterine tubo-peritoneal insemination. After the sperm is injected, a clamp is placed on the cervix to prevent leakage. This may be a good choice for couples struggling with a mild case of endometriosis or mild male infertility.

Finding the Best Fertility Treatment for You

Being unable to conceive can be emotionally devastating. There are many different reasons that you may be struggling to conceive and finding the best treatment for you involves a thorough examination and family medical history. Factors such as your age and any existing health conditions are considered as well as the health of your partner.

At the Center for Reproductive Health, experienced fertility experts determine the cause of your infertility and explain the best treatment options for you. It’s important to be well-informed and to understand all your options.

Artificial insemination is often the first type of treatment tried, but it’s not the only choice. If you have any questions or you’re interested in learning more about artificial insemination or other forms of assisted reproductive technology, contact the Center for Reproductive Health today.

Becoming an egg donor is a way to make a true difference in the life of another woman. There are several factors to consider if you’re interested in becoming an egg donor and there are a lot of questions we hear from potential egg donors at the Center for Reproductive Health. Some things potential egg donors want to know include what to expect from the procedure, how long it takes, how compensation works and what’s involved in the screening process.

Frequently potential egg donors are concerned about the effect donating eggs may have on their fertility if they decide to have a child someday. Women who have this type of concern ask questions like, “How long after egg donation can you get pregnant?”

Effects on Your Fertility

If you’re worried about possible effects on your fertility, you don’t need to be concerned. Women are born with between one and two million eggs. Each month, multiple eggs mature and one makes it to ovulation while the rest are absorbed by the body. Eggs that you donate are eggs that your body wouldn’t have used and would have reabsorbed. The procedure egg donors go through has no effect on remaining eggs or future fertility.

If you decide to go through with egg donation, your ovaries are hormonally stimulated. This means your fertility is heightened and it’s possible to get pregnant. For this reason, egg donors are asked to abstain from intercourse while taking fertility medication, which usually lasts three to four weeks. 

How Egg Donation May Affect You

While you go through the egg donation process, you will inject yourself with hormones that stimulate your ovaries to enlarge and produce eggs. Because your body has higher hormone levels than normal, you may experience some side effects such as nausea, bloating, mood swings or pelvic discomfort. These side effects are temporary. 

Once you have donated your eggs, the hormones are no longer being stimulated and your body gradually goes back to normal. Most women get their period within a week or two after donating eggs. Since your fertility has been stimulated, you’re more likely than usual to get pregnant the first month after egg donation, so it’s a good idea to be extra careful if you don’t want to get pregnant at this time.

Donating Your Eggs

If you become an egg donor, you’re making a commitment to follow through with the process from start to finish. This means showing up at appointments on time and following all the instructions you’re given, which include taking medication as directed, abstaining from sex for a few weeks and refraining from participating in high impact aerobics during this time.

There’s no evidence that donating eggs leads to future infertility. Giving someone else a chance to be a mother doesn’t mean you’re giving up your own chance of eventually getting pregnant. Get in touch with the Center for Reproductive Health if you’re interested in applying to be an egg donor or to have any other questions answered.

When a couple is having trouble conceiving, there are several options for fertility treatments. For those who need fertility assistance, two of the most common options are in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination.

If you’re considering fertility treatments, there are several factors to consider. The fertility experts at the Center for Reproductive Health can help you understand the differences between IVF vs. artificial insemination and what type of fertility treatment would work best for you.

How Does Artificial Insemination Work?

Women who have been unable to get pregnant after a year of trying may benefit from artificial insemination. In this procedure, sperm is inserted into the reproductive tract, usually directly into the uterus during ovulation. Since sperm are implanted directly into the uterus, they don’t have to swim as far to fertilize the egg. The sperm may be from the partner or a donor.

This is an in-office procedure that usually only takes about 10 minutes.  If you have been unable to get pregnant because of issues such as endometriosis, cervical disorders or irregular periods, artificial insemination may be a good option for you. 

Artificial insemination may also be recommended if your partner has immotile sperm or erectile dysfunction, and it may also be a good option for single women or same sex couples. It may be recommended as the first option to try if the cause of your infertility is unknown. 

How Does IVF Work?

If three or four rounds of artificial insemination are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend IVF, which is a form of assisted reproductive technology in which fertilization happens outside the body. Fertility drugs are used to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs.  Once they are mature, the eggs are harvested in an outpatient procedure that’s done by using ultrasound guidance and light sedation.

The sperm and eggs are mixed together and allowed to grow in a lab setting for three to five days. Fertilized eggs are then implanted into the uterus. Embryos can also be frozen for future use.  IVF may be recommended for women who have reduced ovarian reserves, ovulation disorders or blocked fallopian tubes. 

How Does IVF Compare to Artificial Insemination?

Both IVF and artificial insemination typically include undergoing a regimen of fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation and improve success rates. Both procedures involve processing the sperm by washing it to separate sperm from seminal fluid and to isolate sperm of the highest quality from the sample. 

Artificial insemination is a less invasive procedure than IVF and it’s also less costly. To determine what type of fertility treatment is best for you, your doctor considers a combination of factors such as your age, your family health history and any known health conditions you may have. 

When pregnancy doesn’t happen as easily as you hoped, medical intervention may help. If you have any questions about artificial insemination, IVF or other options for treating infertility, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the compassionate and knowledgeable team at the Center for Reproductive Health.

Infertility is when you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year without success. It includes inability to get pregnant as well as experiencing miscarriages or stillbirths. If you’re experiencing infertility, you’re probably feeling very discouraged. You’re not alone, because as many as 15 percent of couples experience infertility. 

Fortunately, there are forms of treatment for infertility called assisted reproductive technology.  What is assisted reproductive technology (ART)? ART refers to a variety of techniques that are done to increase the chance of getting pregnant, and these techniques include complex procedures that may involve the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos. 

Types of ART

Each couple struggling with infertility faces unique challenges. The best infertility treatment for you depends on your age, your partner’s age, and the cause of infertility. Depending on your situation, some techniques that may be recommended include:

• Artificial Insemination. This technique is also called intrauterine insemination (IUI), and it involves placing sperm into the uterus while a woman is ovulating. The sperm may be from the partner or from a sperm donor. This procedure may be done in combination with medications that stimulate ovulation. 
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is the most widely used form of ART. It’s done by combining the egg and sperm outside the body in a lab setting and allowing the embryo to grow for a few days under carefully controlled conditions. One or more embryos may be implanted into the woman’s uterus. IVF is a safe procedure with a high success rate.
• Frozen Embryo Transfer. In vitro fertilization can result in multiple embryos and extra embryos can be frozen for future use. Frozen embryo transfer involves thawing frozen embryos and then implanting them into the uterus. This is a simpler and less expensive form of ART since ovaries don’t need to be stimulated before doing this procedure and eggs don’t need to be retrieved.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. This technique may be a good choice if infertility is sperm related. It may be done along with IVF and it involves injecting a single sperm into the center of an egg.
• Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer. In this procedure, the eggs are removed, combined with sperm, and placed in the fallopian tubes where fertilization can occur.

There are many factors that can affect the success of ART. One of the most important factors is age. Fertility declines with age, and fertility treatments are less likely to be successful for women in their mid-thirties and older than for younger women. Patients may need several cycles of treatment to successfully attain pregnancy.

Assisted reproductive technology provides hope to couples struggling with infertility and it also makes parenthood possible for same-sex couples and for single adults who want to have children. There continue to be advancements and improvements in the field of ART.

If you’re considering ART, the best thing to do is set up a consultation with a fertility specialist. The experts at The Center for Reproductive Health can help to identify possible causes of infertility and the best treatment options. Call today to set up a consultation.

Women consider donating eggs for several different reasons. Many are motivated by having the opportunity to truly make a difference in someone else’s life, especially if they’ve seen a loved one struggle with infertility. When potential egg donors are screened for donation, they receive an in-depth assessment of their health and fertility. Some women decide to donate eggs because they don’t believe they’ll have a family themselves and donating eggs allows them to pass on their genes. Since egg donors receive a generous monetary compensation, donating eggs may help some donors reach some of their financial goals. 

The Center for Reproductive Health welcomes questions from women who may be considering donating their eggs. Some women who are interested in becoming an egg donor may not qualify. What disqualifies you from egg donation?

Overall Health and Unhealthy Habits

To be an egg donor, you need to be in good health both mentally and physically. You should have regular monthly periods with no reproductive abnormalities or disorders. Donors are required to be at a healthy BMI and there should be no family history of inheritable genetic disorders. 

Some of your lifestyle choices could disqualify you from egg donation. If you’re a smoker, drink heavily or have a history of substance abuse, you may be disqualified. You must be free of sexually transmitted diseases for the last 12 months.

Egg donors undergo both physical and psychological screening. A psychologist evaluates a potential donor’s mental health to make sure they’re mentally stable and able to cope with mood swings that may happen as a side effect of fertility medication.

Your Age

One of the most important factors in egg donation is age, and donors are required to be between the age of 20 and 31. This is the time of life that there’s the best chance of having high quantity and good quality healthy eggs available, which is important because recipients of donated eggs need to know they are getting the best possible chance of attaining a successful pregnancy. 

As women get older, there’s a greater chance of having poor egg quality and chromosomal abnormalities, so if you’re over the age of 31, you’ll be disqualified. Another consideration is that women in their 30s may not respond well to fertility medication. 

Young women under the age of 20 are also disqualified, because it’s important for an egg donor to have the maturity needed to understand what the requirements of egg donation are and to follow through on the commitment that they’ve made.

Legalities

If you pass the screening for becoming an egg donor, you’ll be required to sign a contract that signifies your commitment to going through he process start to finish. You can’t sign a contract with more than one agency, so if you’ve already signed a contract with a different agency, you would be disqualified.

If you’re interested in becoming an egg donor and believe you meet the qualifications required, reach out to the Center for Reproductive Health to apply or to have additional questions answered.

A tubal ligation reversal is a procedure that may allow you to get pregnant even though you had your tubes tied. In a tubal ligation reversal procedure, your doctor reconnects or reopens your fallopian tubes which can make it possible for an egg and sperm to unite. A common question from women who are interested in this procedure is, “What are tubal ligation reversal side effects?”

Possible Side Effects of a Tubal Ligation Reversal

When you have a tubal reversal done by the expert physicians at The Center for Reproductive Health, the risk of complications or side effects is low. You’re sedated during the procedure and won’t feel any discomfort. You may feel groggy or sleepy for several hours after the procedure, and you’ll need someone to drive you home.

You may have some tenderness and pain the first few days after the procedure, and you may be given a prescription pain reliever to help you be as comfortable as possible as your body heals. Most people can resume normal activities within about a week. Your doctor will give you detailed post-op instructions regarding how long you may need to avoid sex or lifting anything heavy. It’s important to attend your follow-up appointment about a week after surgery to make sure you’re healing as expected.

Is There a Risk of Complications?

Complications of this procedure are rare, but since it’s a surgical procedure, there’s some risk of problems such as an allergic reaction to anesthesia, infection, or bleeding. There’s a very small chance of damage to other organs during surgery. When you have a tubal reversal, there is a slightly increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy, which means a fertilized egg could implant outside your uterus. 

The most common location of an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tubes. An egg that doesn’t implant in the uterus can’t grow to term. If the fallopian tube ruptures, you may experience severe pain and bleeding, which is a medical emergency.

Trying to Get Pregnant

After you’ve healed, your doctor will let you know how soon it’s safe to try to get pregnant. Around 50 to 80 percent of women under 35 can conceive within a year of a tubal ligation reversal. If you’re over 40 or if you have had other problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or scar tissue from previous pelvic surgery, the chances of successfully conceiving a child may be lower. 

Alternatives to Tubal Ligation Reversal

Talk to the fertility experts at The Center for Reproductive Health if you have other questions about what to expect from a tubal ligation reversal. Our team can also explain other alternatives that may make it possible to have a baby even if you’re not sure you want to go through tubal ligation reversal. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an option in which your eggs are combined with your partner’s sperm in a lab, which wouldn’t require reconnecting your fallopian tubes.

Schedule a consultation at The Center for Reproductive Health today for more information on the best options for you.

There are many reasons why some women have difficulty getting pregnant and may benefit from the help of an egg donor. One of the most common reasons is the aging process. As women age, the number of eggs that still remain in the ovaries decreases along with the health and quality of these eggs. 

Egg donors make it possible for some women who have health problems or don’t have healthy eggs of their own to successfully achieve pregnancy. Among women who are interested in donated eggs, one of the most common questions we hear at the Center for Reproductive Health is “How long is the egg donation process?” Typically the egg donation process takes approximately four weeks.

Screening of Potential Donors

Several screening tests are done on women who are interested in being egg donors. Donors must be in good health and between the ages of 20 and 31. Tests that are done to screen candidates include:

• A genetic screening and a family medical history are done to check for genetic diseases and hereditary conditions.
• A health screening is done to evaluate overall health and to check for drug use and sexually transmitted diseases. 
• Ovarian function and reserve are evaluated.
• A psychological exam is done.

Donors are required to be nonsmokers and to have a healthy BMI. At the Center for Reproductive Health, egg donations require a legal contact, so donors are also required to not be contractually obligated to donate eggs to another agency.

Steps Involved in Egg Donation

On the second or third day of a donor’s period, an ultrasound and blood test are done. As long as no unexpected problems are discovered, birth control pills are prescribed for two to three weeks, which helps to schedule egg donation. 

After the birth control cycle is completed, the donor returns to the clinic. The next step is to begin daily injections of fertility hormones, which stimulate multiple follicles to grow. The donor is taught how to administer injections at home. This can also be done by a family member. Injections are given for around ten to twelve days and don’t usually cause significant discomfort. During this time, the donor visits the clinic several times for continued monitoring and evaluation.

Egg retrieval surgery is the final step. The procedure is painless and takes approximately 30 minutes. The donor is sedated during the procedure and needs a ride home after spending an hour or so in recovery. The donor should get her next period in approximately ten days.

Donated eggs can be fertilized in a lab setting and transferred into a recipient’s uterus. Embryos can also be frozen and transferred at a later time.

Women who donate their eggs provide a priceless gift to women who are struggling to conceive and donors are well compensated for this gift. For more information on egg donation, in vitro fertilization or other types of assisted reproductive technology, reach out to the fertility experts at the Center for Reproductive Health today.

If you regret having your tubes tied, you’re not alone. Many women decide they’d like to get pregnant even though they previously chose to have a tubal ligation, which is intended to be a permanent form of birth control. One option for trying to get pregnant after having your tubes tied is a procedure known as a tubal reversal in which the fallopian tubes are unblocked and reconnected. 

A tubal reversal can have a success rate of 50 to 80 percent in women under the age of 35. If you’re older than 35 or if you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for a tubal reversal, your next question may be, “Is it possible to get pregnant without tubal reversal?” The fertility experts at the Center for Reproductive Health can answer you questions and help you determine whether you’re a candidate for tubal reversal or if a different option would be better for you.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

For different reasons, many women choose to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) rather than having a tubal reversal. IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves fertilizing an egg outside a woman’s body. This approach completely bypasses the fallopian tubes. If you decide to have IVF, fertility drugs are injected to help stimulate the development of multiple eggs. This stimulation process continues for seven to nine days.

One enough mature eggs have been produced, your doctor removes them through an outpatient procedure. The eggs that are retrieved are mixed with sperm cells from your partner or from a sperm donor in a laboratory. The cells of the fertilized eggs divide and become embryos. They are cultured in a strictly controlled environment and usually they are incubated for three to five days. They are then implanted into your uterus. If any of the embryos successfully attach to the lining of the uterus, it results in pregnancy.

Mini IVF

An alternative to IVF is a similar type of ART known as mini IVF. With this approach, low dose hormone stimulation is used to induce the growth of a small number of eggs. In most cases a short course of birth control pills is used before beginning treatment. Like traditional IVF, mature eggs are retrieved and fertilized in a lab setting before being implanted in the uterus. The goal of mini IVF is to create only a few high quality embryos. Since fewer embryos are produced, more cycles may need to be done to achieve pregnancy, but using low dose hormones results in fewer side effects and a lower overall cost.

Choosing the Best Option for You

Every woman is different and that there are different factors to consider in determining the best options in getting pregnant. If you’ve had a tubal ligation but aren’t sure that a tubal reversal is right for you, schedule a consultation with the highly experienced fertility team at the Center for Reproductive Health to discuss any questions or concerns you have and to determine the best choices available to you.