Monthly Archives: December 2015
Is Early Pregnancy Bleeding a Sign of a Potential Miscarriage?
Seeing that you’re bleeding during early pregnancy can be extremely alarming. Often, a woman’s first thought is that there’s a serious problem or that she’s having a miscarriage. Bleeding during the early stages of pregnancy is common and typically not indicative of a major issue. However, because it can be an indication of an issue, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible to verify the health and safety of yourself and your growing baby.
Read more: Is Early Pregnancy Bleeding a Sign of a Potential Miscarriage?
When should ovulation be induced?
Tessa, a patient with a very low ovarian reserve, came to New Hope Fertility Center on the 10th day of her menstrual cycle wanting to have her ovulation induced. However, she was unable to stay in New York City for a long period of time. Thank goodness cutting edge Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) – through Natural Cycle IVF – has made it possible to induce a woman’s ovulation during the early stages of her menstrual cycle.
What should I be aware of now that I have had a successful embryo transfer?
Congratulations – you have tested positive for pregnancy 14 days after your successful embryo transfer! In another 14 days, you will have a transvaginal ultrasound performed. If the doctor determines that the results are normal, you will undergo another follow-up ultrasound in one month. Through New Hope Fertility Center’s Customized Fertility Care, it is normal for you to undergo two vaginal ultrasounds in the beginning of your first trimester.
Read more: What should I be aware of now that I have had a successful embryo transfer?
What does it mean to have the best in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment?
With IVF treatment, best treatment does not exist; only the most appropriate treatment is available from a leading medical provider. The IVF treatment program most suitable to your individual needs is considered the best treatment.
Read more: What does it mean to have the best in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment?
Considering Genetic Testing for Your Embryo? Here are 7 Things to Consider
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be done during IVF treatment to identify embryos with genetic defects. The intention is to identify which embryos are healthiest and to avoid the use of embryos that will result in pregnancy loss. Additionally, the PGD process allows parents to avoid passing down a genetic disease. As with any medical procedure, PGD has pros and cons. Ultimately, there is no one answer about the use of PGD. It is a highly personal decision that each couple must consider.
Read more: Considering Genetic Testing for Your Embryo? Here are 7 Things to Consider
4 Pros and Cons of PGD
During in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, doctors have a number of tools at their disposal to increase success rates. One of these tools is preimplantation genetic diagnosis, commonly referred to as PGD. PGD is a method of testing embryos during IVF treatment to determine if an embryo has a genetic disease or chromosomal defect. Both of these issues can result in pregnancy loss, so transferring healthy embryos is ideal to increase the likelihood of a live birth and healthy child.
Do Men Have Biological Clocks?
Men And A Biological Clock
A woman’s biological clock is directly related to her ability to become pregnant and have children. Biologically, a woman is best equipped to become pregnant before age 35. After age 35, her natural fertility begins to decline. This means that while she still can become pregnant, the process to do so may take longer and may be more difficult. For many years, the biological clock was thought of as women’s issue. However, recent research indicates that men have biological clocks as well. A man’s biological clock can impact both his fertility levels and the health of the children he helps to produce.
The Male Biological Clock
As people age, their bodies begin to function differently – particularly in how hormones are produced in the body. As a man ages, he produces lower levels of the hormones required for semen production and fertility. Testosterone, DHEA, estrogen and FSH are all required for fertility and decline as a man ages. These declines can result in reduced sperm counts and higher percentages of abnormal sperm.
The results of the change in male fertility has several impacts. As a man gets older it will be more difficult to conceive naturally. Additionally, the trend with sperm quality and aging can also be seen during fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization. Furthermore, men who are older are more likely to have a child that is lost to miscarriage. This is true even if the child’s mother is young and has no other health issues. These findings stand in stark contrast with the widely held belief that male fertility is not impacted by age because men produce sperm on a daily basis.
Paternal Age and Birth Defects
Research indicates that there is a link between the age of a child’s father and the likelihood of developing birth defects. Specifically, having an older father raises the risk of having a child with autism. Due to these new findings, researchers are taking a hard look at birth defects that were thought of as resulting due to issues within the mother.
Improving Male Fertility
Living well is the most important thing a man can do to improve his fertility and the quality of his sperm. This includes eating well-balanced meals and exercising regularly. Getting to a healthy weight and maintaining that weight is also key. Furthermore, annual physical exams help to discover issues before they become major problems, thus improving a man’s health and his ability to reproduce.
Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676. Thank You.
How to Optimize Your Fertility Levels During the Winter
The change in weather to cooler temps mean that winter and the holidays are just around the corner. For many people, that change also means loosening the reigns on their healthy eating habits. Unfortunately, reversing healthy lifestyle choses can also have an impact on your fertility. Sticking with your healthy habits can help to boost fertility levels during the winter here in NYC.
Read more: How to Optimize Your Fertility Levels During the Winter
Dr. Zhang’s Pick Of The Month: Planning Ahead – Prescriptions for Fertility Drugs While Traveling During The Holidays
Fertility medication is often a big part of fertility care. Medication can be used to delay the start of a cycle, spur the growth of egg and to trigger ovulation. In order for a cycle to have the best chance at success, it is important that all prescribed fertility medication be taking at the time and dose indicated by the fertility care team. Failing to do so can result in the cycle being unsuccessful. Finding time and space to take fertility medication can take some maneuvering. This task can be made more difficulty while traveling during the holidays. If you have to travel during your fertility cycle and are taking medication, there are a few things Dr. Zhang at New Hope Fertility Center recommends you can do to make the process easier.
Plan Ahead
The single most important thing you can do while traveling during fertility care is to plan ahead. Start by informing your fertility care team about your travel needs. They can help you to coordinate what medications you will need during your travels. Depending on where you are in your cycle, they may also be able to coordinate getting monitored elsewhere so that your cycle does not have to stop due to your travel plans.
Planning ahead also means getting everything you need together before you travel. This means obtaining medication from the pharmacy and all the corresponding supplies you’ll need. If you are flying, pay special attention to requirements for flying with medication and syringes. You do not want to be caught off guard while going through security.
Set a Calendar
Timing is everything while administering fertility medications. Setting reminders for yourself in your phone or email can help to remind you that is time to administer medication. Staying on track is key for your cycle to continue progressing on the original schedule. Taking medication and the designated time may require that you step away to do so. If you believe this will be an issue, think of ways to excuse yourself prior to being in the company of others.
For additional tips on taking fertility medication while travelling, contact New Hope Fertility Center today. Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676. Thank You.
