Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Pregnancy loss is a devastating experience with physical and emotional ramifications that are often poorly tolerated. Unfortunately, spontaneous abortions are relatively common events, experienced by 15-20% of the general pregnant population. When two or more miscarriages are experienced couples …
Male Factor Infertility
Male factor can contribute to a couple’s infertility in up to 40% of cases. Abnormalities in sperm number and/or function may significantly reduce sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the male patient is an essential part of the infertility work-up. The…
Uterine Factor Infertility
In order for the normal implantation process to take place, the uterine environment must be safe to the developing embryo. The uterine environment may be disturbed by various entities which may compromise the implantation process. The growth of polyps or intracavitary myomas may lead to gross d…
Cervical Factor Infertility
The cervix is an extension of the lower uterus which protrudes into the vaginal vault. As such, it serves as the gateway into the uterine cavity from the vagina. Sperm ejaculated in the vagina during sexual intercourse must traverse the cervix before entering the uterus. The cervix is lined with …
Tubal Factor Infertility
In natural unassisted conception, the fallopian tubes play an integral part in establishing pregnancy. First, an egg which is ovulated from the adjacent ovary must be picked up by the finger-like projections at the end of the tube. The ovulated egg is safe-guarded in the ampullary segment of th…
Ovarian Failure Infertility
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a distressing diagnosis given to approximately 1% of reproductive-aged women. It is defined as absence of menses and a persistent elevation in FSH levels in women who are under the age of 40. Ovarian failure means that the egg reserves within both ovaries had be…
DOR – Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve refers to a woman’s ability to conceive and deliver a live birth. Perhaps the strongest predictor of ovarian reserve is a woman’s age. A woman is born with a finite number of eggs, typically one to two million. By the time puberty is reached the number of eggs is reduced to appro…
PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
How is PCOS diagnosed? There are a few different classifications, NIH classification which is the least specific, Androgen Excess and PCOS Society classification which is the most stringent, and the most commonly used Rotterdam Criteria. We use the Rotterdam Criteria where you need to meet 2 out …
Ovulatory Dysfunction
Women with ovulatory dysfunction may fail to ovulate (anovulation) or have disordered/sporadic ovulation (oligo-ovulation). When an egg is not released from the ovary, natural fertilization and conception is not possible. If ovulation is reduced or irregular, opportunities for conception are also…
Endometriosis Infertility
The endometrium is the inside lining of the uterus which is shed and regenerated with every menstrual cycle. When endometrial tissue is located outside of the uterus, the diagnosis of endometriosis is made. Such tissue may be pathologically located on various pelvic organs such as the uterus, tub…