What are Some of the Common Causes of Infertility in Women?

Infertility is a condition that impacts one out of every eight couples.  It is simply defined as the inability to become pregnant on your own after trying for one year.  For women over age 35, that time period is reduced to six months.  Infertility is a medical issue that has a number of common causes. Some women may be impacted by only one factor where other women may have a number of concerns.  Identifying and then addressing the root cause of the infertility is the best way to successfully treat the issue so that you may start a family. 

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

• Ovulation Issues – Once per cycle, a fertile woman releases a mature egg that is ready to be fertilized.  Issues with ovulation include not ovulating regularly and the complete absence of ovulation.  One way to know if ovulation issues are a problem for you is to monitor your monthly cycle.  If your cycles are irregular, you likely are not ovulating properly.
• Hormone Issues – Hormones are critical to a woman’s reproductive health.  Hormone levels indicate when eggs should be matured, when they should ovulate, and how a woman’s body prepares for pregnancy.  Hormone levels that are outside of normal ranges are indicative of a problem.  One of the most common hormonal issues in women is PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Egg Supply Issues – Women are born with all of the eggs they will have.  As a woman ages, her supply naturally decreases as does the egg quality.  Women who have a low reserve of eggs or who have issues with egg quality will have difficulty conceiving.  Another issue that can cause egg supply concerns is premature menopause and premature ovarian sufficiency.  In both cases, a woman’s body has ceased reproductive performance at an early age.

Addressing Fertility

Thankfully, there are a number of ways infertility can be addressed.  The process begins with understanding the root cause of the concern.  Diagnostic tests can provide this insight and allow doctors to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

For additional information on the causes of infertility or to discuss a treatment plan, contact our office today.  Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676.  Thank you.

Weight and Infertility: How to Manage Your Cholesterol

Your weight is one of the key indicators about your overall and reproductive health.  Many women who are overweight find that their fertility improves as they lose weight.  This is because excess weight can impact hormone levels which are vitally important while trying to conceive.   Another measurement of health is a person’s cholesterol levels.  High levels of cholesterol can indicate other health issues and can jeopardize your health including your ability to conceive.  

Managing your cholesterol levels requires lifestyle changes.  Making small changes to the way you live can make a huge impact on your health.  Use the tips below to help manage your cholesterol levels.

Eat More Fiber

In the body, fiber attaches to cholesterol which can work to lower cholesterol levels.  Unfortunately, most people in the United States do not eat sufficient amounts of fiber. Fiber can be found in beans, fruits and whole grains which are all key components of a well-balanced diet.

Eat Low Fat Foods

A portion of person’s cholesterol levels is a result of what they eat.  Eating a diet that is high in processed foods and fat can raise cholesterol levels.  Conversely, eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can reduce bad cholesterol levels by as much as 20 percent.

Exercise

Experts recommend getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day.  It can help to raise levels of good cholesterol and help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight.  Simply walking can help to reverse the effects of high bad cholesterol levels.  Additionally, exercising regularly is a great way to relieve stress which is important during fertility treatment.

Medications

Medications can be used to treat high levels of bad cholesterol.  However, these medications may also create a number of negative side effects including causing inflammation and impacting the liver.  These side effects are why it is a good idea to try other options before resorting to medication to treat the issue.

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What is PCOS and Who is Most Likely to Have It?

PCOS is a well-known cause of fertility issues in women.  However, many people are unaware of what PCOS is and how it affects the body.  Understanding how PCOS impacts fertility and which individuals are most likely to develop the disorder can help you to recognize symptoms.

PCOS Explained 

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a disorder that affects a woman’s reproductive system.  The disorder causes a number of issues including having ovaries that are enlarged and which contain multiple cysts.  The symptoms of the disorder include:

• Infrequent periods or the absence of periods
• Hair growth, especially on the face
• Obesity
• Acne
• Difficulty conceiving

Doctors do not have a definitive answer as to why some women develop the disease.  However, many women find the symptoms of the disorder are reduced once she loses the excess weight.

Risk Factors

PCOS is commonly associated with other chronic health issues including:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Infertility
• Sleep apnea
• Abnormal periods
• Depression

Individuals who have these conditions and are having difficulty conceiving should discuss their concerns with their physicians.

Diagnosing PCOS

There is no single test that provides a confirmation for a PCOS diagnosis.  Instead, multiple tests are used in order to diagnose the condition.  Diagnosing PCOS often includes:

• Providing detailed information on your medical history
• A physical exam that collects vital signs
• A pelvic exam where your uterus, cervix, and ovaries are evaluated
• Blood tests to determine hormone levels
• An ultrasound to look at the ovaries and your uterine lining

These tests are used to rule out other fertility issues with similar symptoms.  Additionally, the results provide doctors with key information needed to establish a personalized treatment plan.  Treating PCOS is based on whether a woman is trying to conceive and each individual’s specific medical needs.

For additional information on PCOS and treatment options to help you become pregnant, contact a member of our team today.  Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676.  Thank you.

Common Causes of an Erratic Menstrual Cycle

Depending on the length of her cycle, the average woman will have between 11 and 12 periods per year. Some women have more, some women have fewer.  Women who do not have normal, regular cycles commonly have questions about what may be causing the erratic schedule. There are a number of causes of irregular periods, many of which can be addressed with fertility treatments.

Menopause 

As a woman ages, her period may become less regular.  This is especially true in the year or two before a woman enters menopause.  This is due to hormonal changes that occur within a woman’s body as she nears the end of her reproductive years.  A woman is considered as being in menopause after not having a period for 12 months.

Weight Issues 

Being overweight or underweight can significantly impact your body’s ability to produce the hormones necessary for reproduction.  Overweight women may have very erratic cycles, and underweight women may not get a period at all.  The cycle issues that result from weight problems can typically be addressed by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for your height.

Stress

Emotional issues can have a significant impact on your physical health.  This includes the ability to have regular periods.  While it is normal to have concerns about your ability to conceive, stress that becomes life altering or that interrupts your ability to perform normal activities needs to be addressed.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects many women.  In this condition, cysts appear in a woman’s ovaries during her cycle.  Women with this issue have irregular periods and difficulty ovulating.  The condition is among one of the most common causes of infertility in women.

Medication 

Various medications can impact a woman’s cycle, including those that are taken for chronic conditions.  Knowing what medications you are on can help your doctor to determine if your prescriptions could be impacting your ability to have a normal cycle.

Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676.  Thank you.

5 Things to Know Before Choosing a Women’s Health Center

Finding the right provider for women’s health issues is important to your overall and reproductive health.  With many health care providers available in NYC, it is important to thoroughly consider all of your options before selecting a provider for your women’s health needs.  The information below can help you with the selection process in order to find an office and provider that is right for you.

Why is finding a woman’s health center important?

Women have unique needs when it comes to their reproductive health.  It is important to work with physicians who are familiar with the female body and know what to look for.  This is important before, during, and after your reproductive years.  Preventive measures such as cancer screening allow potential issues to be identified before they become serious issues.  Additionally, a woman’s health provider can be a resource for family planning, including protecting your fertility for the future.

What should you look for in a women’s health care provider?

Look for a provider who has a convenient location with office hours that work with your lifestyle.  A center with limited availability can result in frustration if issues arise.  Additionally, it is important to find a center where every patient is treated as an individual with unique needs.  Furthermore, look for a doctor whose philosophy matches your own.  For example, if holistic treatment is important to you, look for a physician who incorporates holistic medical treatments.

What’s the best way to find a women’s health care provider?

The best way to find any doctor is through referrals.  Ask friends and family members about their experiences.  This can provide a wealth of insight into the way the medical center is run and how the doctor conducts business.  Another option is to speak with your insurance company.  They can provide a list of women’s health care providers in your area that are a part of their network.  Selecting an in-network provider reduces your out of pocket cost and maximizes your benefits.

Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676.  Thank you.

The Best Books to Read for Infertility

Fertility treatment can feel like a lonely journey.  This can be particularly true if the people around you are starting families without difficulty.  Understanding what other individuals have experienced in their fertility journey can help your process.The following fertility books can help you understand more about your reproductive system as well as provide perspective from others who have gone through a similar process. 

The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant

Written by Jean M. Twenge, this book provides a guideline for navigating the entire process of getting pregnant and starting a family.  It also specifically addresses the real emotional issues and pressures that can arise for women.  Written by a sociologist using humor and honesty, the book provides a realistic approach to starting a family.

Inconceivable: A Woman’s Triumph over Despair and Statistics

This real life tale of fertility treatment is authored by Julia Indichova and details her experience with fertility treatment.  Indichova speaks about medical and holistic treatments as well as her experience navigating the emotions of fertility treatment.

The PCOS Diet Plan

PCOS is a condition that affects many women and can dramatically limit their ability to become pregnant.  Written by Hillary Wright, this book offers insight into how diet has a real effect on the body and reproductive health.  Through lifestyle and diet changes, women can get to a healthy weight which can help to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS.

Infertility Survival Handbook

Authored by Elizabeth Sire-Falker, this book provides a frank look at fertility treatment and how to deal with fertility issues.  The author provides an honest review of her experience and helps readers to understand what they may face during their own treatment.  Many topics are covered, from the emotional side of fertility issues to financing treatment.

The Whole Life Fertility Plan: Understanding What Affects Your Fertility To Help You Get Pregnant When You Want To

Kyra Philips and Dr. Jamie Grifo wrote this guide to addressing all of the things that can impact fertility.  From a perspective on age and fertility and how holistic treatments can aid in the fertility process, this book provides a whole life view of getting pregnant and starting a family.

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