Monthly Archives: June 2019
How Fertility Counseling Helps Increase Male Fertility
If you are planning to spend a substantial financial resources for fertility treatment, Dr. John Zhang highly recommends you undergo counseling to secure your investment. Because you are likely to experience mental and emotional stress, a positive attitude is crucial to making make sure you have the best chance of a successful pregnancy.
Fertility Counseling
Being proactive with your mental and emotional healthcare is key to successful treatment. A man’s whole body and mind health benefits from fertility counseling during a couple’s struggle to conceive. Many of the challenges of infertility can be addressed through individual, couple, and group counseling.
In-House Fertility Counseling,/h3>
Professional In-House Fertility Counseling with Allison Rosen Ph.D. is recommended by the fertility specialists at New Hope Fertility Center. That’s not all: We are dedicated to promoting how patients can increase their chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy through genetic testing in conjunction with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Introducing In-House Fertility Clinical Psychologist, Allison Rosen, PhD
As an experience clinical psychologist specializing in infertility, Dr. Allison Rosen has helped hundreds of couples cope during their struggle to have a baby.
- Experienced Clinical Psychologist
- Researcher
- Author
- Educator
Through individual, couple, and group counseling, the Doctor addresses the many challenges of dealing with infertility including:
- Pregnancy Loss
- Couple Conflict and Coping
- Complex Decisions Involved in Family Building Through Donor Egg or Sperm
- Parenting After Infertility
Education of Dr. Rosen
- A. – University of California – Graduated Summa cum Laude and Honored as most outstanding student in the college of science
- Master’s Degree and Ph.D – Michigan State University
- Certificate of Psychoanalysis – William Alanson White Institute
Increasing Pregnancy Success Through Genetic Testing
Today’s Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) helps to increase the healthy birth rates of babies through genetic testing. This is because only the healthiest embryos are transferred for implantation during a fresh IVF cycle and/or Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). Genetic testing helps to reduce the number of cycles required to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
Increasing Pregnancy Success Through HRSS and ICSI
High Resolution Sperm Selection (HRSS) optimizes the selection of quality sperm. Look: Because male-factor infertility is the cause or contributing factor to a couple’s inability to get pregnant naturally in one-third of cases, quality sperm is crucial. The best part? The process HRSS and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) administration has improved overall IVF pregnancy success rates.
- Higher positive pregnancy rates
- More successful embryo implantations
- Increased full-term pregnancies
HRSS Increases IVF Pregnancy Success Rates
At New Hope Fertility Center, our patients have a high chance of IVF pregnancy success through the use of HRSS technology. It can’t be emphasized enough. The best quality embryos are created in vitro by using the healthiest sperm to fertilize one good egg.
- Higher positive pregnancy rates
- More successful embryo implantations
- Increased full-term pregnancies
In addition to noticeable increases in pregnancy success rates achieved through HRSS technology, studies have shown a decline in the rate of spontaneous abortions occurring in IVF pregnancies.
HRSS and ICSI
Using HRSS, our embryologists are able to better visualize sperm for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) administration. Identifying and choosing high quality sperm to fertilize an egg is crucial in male-factor infertility cases. Any and all negative influence of male-factor infertility must be negated to ensure successful embryo development. Why does this matter? HRSS technology is helping embryologists see, identify, and choose only high quality sperm cells for fertilization of an egg in vitro. Bottom line: Couples who have multiple failed IVF cycles are the primary benefactors of HRSS.
Male-Factor Infertility
New Hope Fertility Center is one of only a few fertility treatment providers offering HRSS technology to treat male-factor infertility. Look: HRSS optimizes the sperm selection process for improving the success of ICSI.
HRSS Technology
At 6000 x magnification – using Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy – it is possible for embryologists to see finer morphological details of sperm. Using conventional 500 x magnification, these details would go unnoticed.
The best part? By viewing sperm cells at 6000 x magnification, lab technicians can identify quality sperm cells that are optimum for fertilization of a healthy egg.
Once optimum sperm cells have been identified, a two-pronged process takes place.
- Selection
- Injection
Once the quality sperm cells are selected and separated using HRSS, they are injected into the egg for fertilization. Each egg receives a single sperm injection.
- Reduces chances of a negative impact a sperm can have on a perfectly healthy egg
- Removes any negative influence that male-factor infertility may have on successful embryo development
- Increase the chances of a viable pregnancy
HRSS Identifies Optimum Sperm
A sperm cell’s normal appearance makes it more likely to be comprised of normal chromosomes and DNA structure. Here’s the deal: Optimum sperm morphology correlates directly with successful egg fertilization and embryo implantation. Morphology is the most important criteria when judging the quality of a sperm cell.
- Sperm motility – ability of the cell to swim
- Sperm morphology – overall assessment of the cell’s shape, size, and physical appearance
Celebrated Fertility Counseling
It is important to work with an experienced fertility counselor if you are struggling to get pregnant. To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Allison Rosen at New Hope Fertility Center call 917.525.5496.
How the Mini-IVF™ Promotes Women’s Fertility Health
Our cutting-edge Mini-IVF™ protocol is designed to promote a woman’s fertility health by reducing her discomfort and cost per cycle. The Doctor provides a vast array of holistic and patient-friendly IVF Protocols. A successful IVF pregnancy no longer requires large quantities of fertility medications. A woman’s body only needs to produce 3 to 5 high quality eggs in one fresh IVF cycle.
The Mini-IVF™ Protocol Promotes Women’s Fertility Health
Using a first class Mini-IVF™ protocol reduces the patient’s discomfort and cost per cycle. Look: The Mini-IVF™ protocol prescribes lower dosages of fertility. You can find first class Mini-IVF™ technology at New Hope Fertility Center. We provide simple, convenient, and patient-friendly IVF treatment protocols.
Mini-IVF Cycle
- Regulation of the woman’s menstrual cycle with medication
- A fertility medication regimen designed to induce the woman’s body to produce 3 – s 5 high quality eggs
- Monitory the growth and development of egg follicles through ultrasound imaging and blood tests
- Surgical egg retrieval in an outpatient procedure
- Fertilization of egg and sperm in vitro via (ICSI)
- Culture and monitoring of embryo(s) via EmbryoScope technology
- Grading and selection of quality embryo(s) for fresh transfer and/or future (FET)
- Single Embryo Transfer (SET)
- Pregnancy testing
Read more: How the Mini-IVF™ Promotes Women’s Fertility Health
Simple Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Male-Factor Infertility
It is important to work with a fertility doctor having the experience to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your male-factor infertility. Men with normal sperm counts can still be contributing to a couple’s infertility. The selection of quality sperm is crucial. Male-factor infertility is the cause or contributing factor to a couple’s inability to get pregnant naturally in one-third of case. Look: There are several activities hurting a man’s fertility on a daily basis. Bottom Line: By making some simple lifestyle changes, a man can boost his fertility within about three months. This is because that even if a man’s sperm count is normal – it may not be optimal for getting a woman pregnant naturally.
Cutting-Edge Male-Factor Infertility Treatment Protocols
- Timed Intercourse with medical assistance
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- Conventional IVF
- Mini-IVF™
- Natural Cycle IVF™
- Needle-Free IVF
Boost Male Fertility
Follow these simple recommendations to boost your fertility.
- Taking Testosterone-Containing Supplements. These can actually lower sperm count to zero. In contrast – taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can positively impact sperm production and increase morphology.
- Smoking. These two habits are double trouble. Smokers have a high rate of sperm DNA damage which limits the chance of normal fertilization. Smokers also have low sperm counts which reduces the likelihood of successful fertilization.
- Alcohol. Five alcoholic drinks per week can lower the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm. Also, alcohol interferes with the ability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection.
- Stress. This causes many ailments – including male infertility. Stress causes imbalances in key hormones that ultimately decrease sperm production.
- Overheating the Penis. The penis is located outside of the body to keep it from being too warm. Long hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, or wearing tight underwear for extended periods of time will impact sperm negatively. Also, radiation from your laptop and cellphone placed on your lap will impair your sperm
- Smoking Marijuana. Social drugs like pot are on the rise. This is a major no-no when it comes to a man’s fertility. Wee, edibles, vapes can genetically alter sperm and drop sperm count drastically in heavy users. Stop using pot at least six months before trying to conceive.
- Working with Chemicals. Your workplace may be lowering your fertility. Men who work with petrochemicals, pesticides, or other organic solvents/automotive produces tend to have higher rates of sperm impairment and partners with higher rates of miscarriage.
- Being Overweight. As men gain weight, their hormonal balance is thrown off. Men with a BMI greater than 30 are three times more likely to have a low sperm count. An exercise plan and healthy diet are recommended as weightloss tools before trying to conceive.
- Healthy Diet. For good quality sperm, an increased consumption of greens, veggies, legumes, and healthy fats is recommended. Avoid trans fats and processed foods.
Read more: Simple Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Male-Factor Infertility
How HRSS Successfully Treats Male-Factor Infertility
High Resolution Sperm Selection (HRSS) optimizes the selection of a quality sperm for direct injection into a woman’s egg in vitro. Look: Male-factor infertility is the cause – or a contributing factor – to a couple’s inability to get pregnant naturally in one-third of cases. Why does this matter? Quality selection of sperm is crucial. The best part? The process HRSS and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) administration has improved overall IVF pregnancy success rates.
- Higher positive pregnancy rates
- More successful embryo implantations
- Increased full-term pregnancies
HRSS Increases IVF Pregnancy Success Rates
At New Hope Fertility Center, our patients have a high chance of IVF pregnancy success through the use of HRSS technology. It can’t be emphasized enough. The best quality embryos are created in vitro by using the healthiest sperm to fertilize one good egg.
- Higher positive pregnancy rates
- Successful embryo implantation
- Increased full-term pregnancies
In addition to noticeable increases in pregnancy success rates achieved through HRSS technology, studies have shown a decline in the rate of spontaneous abortions occurring in IVF pregnancies.
HRSS and ICSI
Using HRSS, our embryologists are able to better visualize sperm for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) administration. Identifying and choosing high quality sperm to fertilize an egg is crucial in male-factor infertility cases. Any and all negative influence of male-factor infertility must be negated to ensure successful embryo development. Why does this matter? HRSS technology is helping embryologists see, identify, and choose only high quality sperm cells for fertilization of an egg in vitro. Bottom line: Couples who have multiple failed IVF cycles are the primary benefactors of HRSS.Read more: How HRSS Successfully Treats Male-Factor Infertility
Male-Factor Fertility Preservation Awareness
Dr. Zhang wants to make you aware of your fertility preservation options made possible by our Division of Fertility Preservation. Look: You can freeze your sperm now and preserve your fertility for the future! Dr. Zhang pushes the boundaries of modern medicine in the field of fertility preservation. Bottom Line: If you want to postpone parenthood, you must locate a fertility preservation clinic having earned a world renowned reputation as a pioneer in the field of fertility preservation.
Division of Fertility Preservation
Our Division of Fertility Preservation provides all-encompassing cryopreservation technology.
- Egg Freezing – Oocyte Cryopreservation
- Embryo Freezing and the Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) process
- Ovarian Tissue Freezing
- Sperm Freezing
Maternal Aging and a Woman’s Quality of Eggs
The natural aging process has a dramatic effect on the quality of a woman’s eggs. A woman in her prime reproductive years (early 20s and early 30s) has the option of freezing her eggs to preserve her future fertility into her advanced reproductive years (mid-30s and early 40s + Beyond):
- Today’s modern women who are focused on their education and career opportunities
- Women whose circumstances in life are not presently conducive to rearing children
- Women who have not be able to find their life partner
- Women who are facing cancer treatment – chemo or radiation – that could damage the quality of their eggs and/or destroy their ovarian function by sending them into premature menopause
- Women who are undergoing IVF and are likely to produce excessive eggs, but have ethical or religious concerns over freezing embryos
Egg Freezing Process
Egg freezing is accomplished through a fresh IVF cycle, stopping short of egg fertilization in vitro.
- Stimulation of a woman’s ovaries using fertility drugs to produce several egg follicles during one fresh IVF cycle
- Harvesting eggs from the woman’s ovaries through surgical retrieval
- Preparation and freezing of the eggs for preservation through a process known as vitrification
- The rapid-freezing technique of vitrification makes it possible to freeze eggs quickly so that damaging ice crystals do not form between cells
Vitrification – Flash Freezing Method
Dr. John Zhang was one of the first doctors in the United States to implement vitrification as a method of cryopreservation. The Doctor was one of the first doctors in New York to facilitate a live birth using a frozen egg.
Vitrification is a flash-freezing method preventing the formation of ice crystals between the cells forming an egg. Ice crystals can damage an egg’s cells.
Future Pregnancy
When a woman is ready to start building her family at some point in time in the future, the egg freezing process continues.
- Eggs are thawed and fertilized in vitro by injecting a single sperm cell into a single egg – Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- The resulting embryos are cultured in vitro for up to 5 days (blastocyst stage)
- A predetermined number of quality embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus for implantation into the uterine lining to achieve pregnancy
Because every patient’s personal, medical, and financial needs are different, we offer customized IVF treatment.
Our experience designing customized IVF protocols provide a variety of successful treatment protocols for you to choose from. We offer the highest quality care timed precisely around your body’s optimal state of performance. A multidisciplinary fertility team effort provides the most evidence-based practice leading to higher pregnancy success rates.
Embryo Cryopreservation and Future FET Procedures
Embryo cryopreservation is commonly used to preserve a couple’s future fertility through IVF and FET technology. A couple can increase their chances of conceiving a biologically-related child when they are ready to build their family.
- A woman’s ovaries are stimulated with fertility medications to produce multiple egg follicles
- Her eggs are surgically retrieved
- The eggs are fertilized in vitro with sperm (ICSI)
- Resulting embryos are monitored for development in vitro up to 5 days
- High quality embryos are selected and cryopreserved using vitrification method
- When thawed, embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus
Avid Promoter of Men’s Health Week
The Men’s Health Awareness movement encourages the early detection of male-factor infertility. Dr. John Zhang is an avid promoter of men’s health week – June 10th through June 16th – to increase awareness of male-factor infertility prevention and treatment. To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. John Zhang, call 917.525.5496.
How to Boost Male Fertility
There are several activities hurting a man’s fertility on a daily basis. Look: By making some simple lifestyle changes, a man can boost his fertility within about three months.
Boost Male Fertility
Follow Dr. Zhang’s recommendations to boost your fertility.
Taking Testosterone-Containing Supplements. These can actually lower sperm count to zero. In contrast – taking Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can positively impact sperm production and increase morphology.
Smoking. These two habits are double trouble. Smokers have a high rate of sperm DNA damage which limits the chance of normal fertilization. Smokers also have low sperm counts which reduces the likelihood of successful fertilization.
Alcohol. Five alcoholic drinks per week can lower the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm. Also, alcohol interferes with the ability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection.
Stress. This causes many ailments – including male infertility. Stress causes imbalances in key hormones that ultimately decrease sperm production.
Overheating the Penis. The penis is located outside of the body to keep it from being too warm. Long hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, or wearing tight underwear for extended periods of time will impact sperm negatively. Also, radiation from your laptop and cellphone placed on your lap will impair your sperm
Smoking Marijuana. Social drugs like pot are on the rise. This is a major no-no when it comes to a man’s fertility. Wee, edibles, vapes can genetically alter sperm and drop sperm count drastically in heavy users. Stop using pot at least six months before trying to conceive.
Working with Chemicals. Your workplace may be lowering your fertility. Men who work with petrochemicals, pesticides, or other organic solvents/automotive produces tend to have higher rates of sperm impairment and partners with higher rates of miscarriage.
Being Overweight. As men gain weight, their hormonal balance is thrown off. Men with a BMI greater than 30 are three times more likely to have a low sperm count. An exercise plan and healthy diet are recommended as weightloss tools before trying to conceive.
Healthy Diet. For good quality sperm, an increased consumption of greens, veggies, legumes, and healthy fats is recommended. Avoid trans fats and processed foods.
Male Fertility
Even if a man’s sperm count is normal – it may not be optimal for getting a woman pregnant naturally. Men with normal sperm counts can still be contributing to a couple’s infertility.
A man’s sperm quality is critical – even if his sperm count lab results fall within a normal range.
- Morphology
- Motility
- Forward progression
- Semen volume
- Liquefaction time
Plan of Action to Increase Male Fertility
Make an appointment with a fertility specialist for a thorough reproductive examination and preliminary assessment of your male reproductive health. At New Hope Fertility Center, both female and male patients undergo a complete fertility assessment to evaluate their reproductive health.
The good news! Flagging any potential medical cause of infertility is the quick and cost-effectively help you get pregnant. Once the problem is identified, great strides toward a pregnancy can be made through a customized male fertility treatment plan.
More Helpful Pregnancy Resources
It is important to work with a fertility doctor having the experience to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your infertility and design a customized treatment plan meeting your specific personal needs.
Customized Protocols
- Timed Intercourse with medical assistance
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- Conventional IVF
- Mini-IVF™
- Natural Cycle IVF™
- Needle-Free IVF
Avid Promoter of Men’s Health Week
The Men’s Health Awareness movement encourages the early detection of male-factor infertility. Dr. John Zhang is an avid promoter of men’s health week – June 10th through June 16th – to increase awareness of male-factor infertility prevention and treatment. To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. John Zhang, call 917.525.5496.
Men’s Health Awareness Begins Next Week
The Men’s Health Awareness movement encourages the early detection of male-factor infertility. The movement’s mission is to increase public awareness of preventable health conditions for men – especially infertility. This includes preventing sterility. Organizers have developed and implemented creative awareness activities during the month of June.
Men’s Health Awareness Week June 10th through 16th
This movement has developed and implemented creative awareness resources for men utilize in improving their health year-round. A Men’s Health Awareness network coordinates dozens of corporate, government, religious, and fraternal outreach activities across the nation. There are many federal, state, and local government websites providing information about Men’s Health Awareness. Most major broadcast and print media organizations cover stories about men’s health by interviewing experts in the field.
Men’s Health Awareness Movement
The purpose of this movement is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of medical conditions prevalent among men.
Male-Factor Infertility
One third (1/3) of infertility cases are attributed to male factor infertility. Men are less apt to openly discuss their infertility or to have a support system in place to help them cope through treatment. This is because men do not think about their fertility until it comes time to have a baby.
Male Infertility Treatment
Proven, successful treatments to overcome male-factor infertility:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Male Infertility Coping Tools
Coping through male infertility treatment is made easier with some very simplistic proactive tools.
- Don’t abuse alcohol or drugs
- Refrain from overeating to reduce BMI
- Don’t smoke
- Talk about your feelings
- Exercise to reduce stress
- Keep your relationship strong
Successful Male Infertility Treatment
Testing for male infertility begins with a semen sample analysis. A semen analysis reveals the efficiency of sperm function.
Semen Analysis
A computer assisted semen analysis is a simple – yet sophisticated – diagnostic test used to detect male factor infertility. A semen sample is collected through masturbation and analyzed for sperm quality.
- Sperm Concentration – This is the number of sperm in the ejaculate.
- Sperm Motility – This is the percentage of sperm moving and the qualities of movement such as speed and straightness.
- Sperm Morphology – This is the percentage of sperm having a normal appearance in size and shape.
When a diagnosis of male factor infertility has been made, IUI – or – ICSI in conjunction with IVF using the man’s sperm is typically recommended.
Multidisciplinary Fertility Team Benefits
It is important to work with a multidisciplinary fertility care team having a thorough understanding of the root cause of your infertility. At New Hope Fertility Center, all patient cases are evaluated, reviewed and discussed by and between their multidisciplinary fertility team. The team collectively arrives at and executes the best customized fertility treatment plan based upon every patient’s individualized needs.
A multidisciplinary team approach to treating your infertility will:
- Offer the highest chances of pregnancy
- Are the most cost-effective
- Produce the best overall patient trust and satisfaction
Avid Promoter of Men’s Health Week
Dr. John Zhang is an avid promoter of men’s health week to increase awareness of male-factor infertility prevention and treatment. To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. John Zhang, call 917.525.5496.
