Why Frozen Embryo Transfers are Becoming More Popular When Treating Infertility

Frozen embryo transfer is growing in popularity as a part of infertility treatment.  There are many advantages of a frozen embryo transfer, which makes them an appealing way to decrease time to get pregnant and to preserve fertility.

Frozen Embryo Transfer Explained

When doing IVF treatment, there are two ways to use embryos.  The first is a fresh embryo transfer.  In this type of treatment, embryos are transferred during the same cycle they are fertilized.  There is no waiting period once the embryos have been determined to be of high quality.

Frozen embryos have one distinct difference.  As opposed to being implanted immediately, they are frozen using vitrification and stored until they are needed for an IVF cycle.  The freezing process does not harm the eggs.  Advancements in technology have increased the success rate for survival of the freezing and thawing process to 98%.

Use of Frozen Embryos

There are a number of reasons why using frozen embryos is ideal:

• Single Embryo Transfer – Many IVF protocols result in the creation of multiple embryos.  However, many fertility experts recommend transferring a single embryo during a cycle.  Research shows that transferring multiple embryos does not improve the likelihood of becoming pregnant. It does increase the likelihood of having a multiple pregnancy, which has a number of health risks for both mother and child.
• Staggered IVF – Staggered IVF has multiple IVF cycles run back to back where eggs are harvested and fertilized.  The resulting embryos are then frozen so another retrieval cycle can be done.  This protocol is ideal for an older woman who is concerned about egg quality in the future.  By banking embryos now, she is more likely to be able to conceive when she’s ready.
• Traditional IVF – In traditional IVF treatment, large doses of fertility medication are used to promote the growth of a large number of eggs.  It is often difficult to do a fresh embryo transfer because the uterine lining is often impacted by the medication as well.
• Fewer Retrieval Cycles – During IVF treatment, the most uncomfortable aspect is producing multiple eggs for retrieval.  Having frozen embryos available reduces the number of cycles needed to retrieve, then fertilize, eggs.

To address your concerns about using frozen embryos, speak with your fertility care team.

The first step in determining the best way to treat your infertility concerns is to speak with a member of the New Hope Fertility Center team. Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676.  Thank you.

Why You Need to Get the Proper Shots Before You Travel

It’s common for couples to want to take a trip before starting fertility treatment.  It is understood that once a cycle starts, travelling can be an issue due to the blood work and ultrasound that is needed to monitor treatment.  What many people fail to realize is that travelling abroad can have some health risks.  It is important to be up to date with your shots and to have the recommended vaccines before you travel.

Need for Vaccines

In increasing numbers, people are travelling internationally for business and recreation.  Ensuring you’re vaccinated beforehand can significantly reduce your likelihood of developing serious illness.  Furthermore, this issue is not limited to international travel.  Some areas in the US can pose issues where there are low vaccination rates or a high number of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis A.

Following the CDC’s immunization schedule can help to ensure that you have the highest level of protection against certain diseases.  You can ask your physician about your immunization history and about what shots you and your family may need before traveling.

Important Vaccines

The suggested vaccines will vary based on the part of the world you are traveling to.  In some locations in Africa and South America, yellow fever is a concern.  In some parts of Asia, Meningococcal diseases are a concern.  Be sure to speak with your physician about the area you will be travelling to.  That will allow the medical professional to tailor your vaccination to the specific needs of the region.

Generally speaking, if you are traveling to first world, industrial nations such as:

• Canada
• Japan
• Australia
• Europe
• New Zealand

Your vaccination needs will be the same as traveling within the United States. Individuals with compromised immune systems, including those that are pregnant, should still speak with their doctor before traveling.

For additional information on what steps you can take to protect your reproductive health while traveling, contact New Hope Fertility Center. Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676.  Thank you.

Reviews of the Most Common Medical Listings

Finding the right doctor for your fertility needs is an extremely important part of your fertility journey.  The physician and center you choose will be your partner in starting a family.  Therefore, it is important to find a doctor that understands your needs, shares your healthcare philosophy, and puts an emphasis on personalized care.

There are three websites that are commonly used by individuals to find a doctor.  Understanding how those sites work can help you select the right fertility doctor for you.

WebMD

The WebMD site provides a wealth of information for researching medical issues.  It provides information on conditions and treatment methods and allows individuals to research medications and side effects. The site regularly posts news articles and information on current research.  In addition to their information services, WebMD offers a search function to find a physician.  Individuals are able to search by specialty, condition, or procedures based on an individual’s location.  Once a physician is selected, the site provides information that includes:

• Insurance accepted
• Office information
• Years in practice
• Conditions treated
• Procedures performed
• Education information

This information can then be used to narrow down a selection of a physician.

ZocDoc

ZocDoc is a website that specializes in providing reviews on physicians.  Users can search based on a number of criteria including specialty, location, and insurance accepted.  Once a search is performed, users can see appointment availability as well as reviews by other individuals who have experience with their doctors.

Additional information provided about each physician includes:

• Education
• Hospital affiliations
• Board certification
• Insurance accepted
• Specialties
• Professional memberships

Vitals

Vitals is a website specifically designed to provide reviews on healthcare providers.  Users can search based on specialty and location.  Furthermore, reviews are provided where available resulting in a star rating for each physician.  Information on each doctor’s profile includes:

• A personal statement from the physician
• Specialties
• Board certification
• Education
• Hospital affiliations
• Professional membership
• Insurance accepted

These websites can be extremely helpful when narrowing down your selection of a fertility doctor.  Meeting face to face with a physician is the best way to understand their professional manner and to get a feel for the practice.  Your level of comfort with your physician is key.

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

Is the Laparoscopy Procedure Dangerous?

In order to properly treat and address fertility, a number of a diagnostic tests are performed.  In some instances, your fertility care team will need to use laparoscopy as a diagnostic or treatment tool.  While there can be complications with any procedure, laparoscopy is a safe procedure and may provide the additional information your doctors need to help you grow your family.

Laparoscopy Explained

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the body via a small incision.  This procedure allows your fertility care team to look at your reproductive organs including your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

The procedure is done to evaluate if any of the reproductive organs are abnormal.  Issues identified through this procedure include endometriosis, scar tissue, fibroids, and/or other defects with the reproductive organs.

Certain issues identified during laparoscopy may be addressed during the process.  This is often the case with issues such as endometriosis.  The same tools used to view the organs may be used to remove excess scar tissue.

Procedure Length and Recovery Time

The length of the laparoscopy procedure can range from 20 minutes to up to two hours.  The specific length is directly related to the complexity of your case and if corrective measures are taken.  Recovery is typically done on an outpatient basis, with patients being able to resume normal activity in a couple of days.

Dangers of Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure and therefore has risks.  Potential issues that can result as a part of the surgery include:

• Damage to other organs in the lower abdominal area
• Complications from anesthetic
• Infections that occur at the wound site after surgery

The likelihood of these complications happening is very low.  This risk is reduced further when you work with a board certified fertility expert.  For personalized information about your specific risk during laparoscopy, speak with your fertility doctor.

To learn more about the tools used to diagnose and treat infertility, contact the New Hope Fertility Center 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.

Frozen Embryos vs. Frozen Oocytes

The decision to have children is not one that is taken lightly.  Women are, in increasing numbers, making the conscious decision to wait to start their families.  Rather than having children while they are young, these women wish to reach personal or career goals before becoming a mother.  Biologically, a woman is best equipped to become pregnant before age 35.  Therefore, women who wish to delay motherhood should consider fertility preservation.

There are two ways a woman can preserve her fertility – either by using frozen embryos or frozen oocytes.  Each method has advantages.  Understanding the difference between the two can help you to make the fertility preservation decision that is right for your future family.

Frozen Embryos

Embryo freezing is one method of fertility preservation.  In order to freeze embryos, a woman is given fertility medication.  This medication has the purpose of producing multiple eggs at once.  Through continual monitoring, the fertility team is able to identify when ovulation is going to occur.  Immediately before ovulation, the eggs are harvested.  The eggs are reviewed for quality and are then fertilized using either your partner’s or donor sperm.

This preservation method has some distinct advantages.  Embryos may be tested for the presence of genetic defects, so women are aware of the true health of the stored embryos.  There is also something to consider.  For women who are not in a committed relationship, or who are not sure they will use donor sperm, freezing embryos may not be the best option.

Frozen Oocytes

Frozen oocytes, or eggs, are harvested in a way that is very similar to the process for frozen embryos.  However, the eggs are not fertilized.  Instead, after being reviewed, the eggs are frozen until a woman is ready for them.  While the eggs cannot be genetically tested, having unfertilized eggs provides women with a number of options once she is ready to use her eggs.  With frozen oocytes, a woman is able to determine the fertilization method at the time that they will be thawed and used.

Speak with a member of the New Hope Fertility Center team for additional information on your fertility preservation options.  Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676.  Thank you.

How Long Will a Hysteroscopy Take?

In order to properly diagnose the root causes of fertility issues, a number of tests must be performed.  Because these tests are often unique to fertility care, many women have not heard of the procedures and can be apprehensive about the process.  However, the more you know about a procedure, what it is used for, and how it is performed, the less intimidating it becomes.

Hysteroscopy

Uterine lining is extremely important in the reproductive process.  It is here, in this lining that an embryo will implant and be nurtured during the duration of the pregnancy.  If uterine lining is insufficient or has other issues, becoming or remaining pregnant can be an issue.

A hysteroscopy is a medical procedure that allows your fertility care team to evaluate your uterine lining. To do this, a small medical device called a hysteroscope is used.  A hysteroscope has a thin tube with a camera and a light that can be inserted into your vagina, through your cervix, and into your uterus.  Your fertility care team can then view the inside of the uterus on a screen in the procedure room.  Not only does this allow doctors to see the uterine lining, but it also provides a method for viewing and addressing fibroids or polyps in the uterus.

Procedure

A hysteroscopy is done as an outpatient procedure.  Depending on your needs and your doctor’s preference, you may be given general or local anesthesia.  Prior to the start of the procedure, you’ll undress and will wear a surgical gown.  Once the procedure begins it will last for about a half hour.  If polyps are being removed or if there are areas that require additional review, this can be longer.

After the test, you will go to recovery where you can be monitored.  This typically lasts between one and four hours based on how your body is reacting.  Your doctor may give you specific instructions for activities over the next few days.

For additional information on the hysteroscopy procedure or to schedule an appointment to address your fertility concerns, please 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.

The 10 Best Companies To Offer Maternity and Paternity Leave

Spending time with your newborn is extremely important for both parents.  The weeks after birth are critical for both parent’s relationship with the baby and strengthening their relationship with each other.  Many working fathers find themselves unable to spend this critical time with their families.  Only about 15 percent of companies offer paid time off for fathers.

Paternity Leave in the United States

Bonding with both parents is an important part of every new baby’s development.  Unfortunately, many companies in the United States do not make this a priority.  Legally, an organization is required to provide unpaid time off to a parent of a new baby.  This can create a financial hardship for families, resulting in many families who are not able to take advantage of this option.  When looking to change jobs, consider companies that understand the importance of family and offer paid maternity and paternity leave.

Companies Offering Paid Leave

A number of well-known companies provide excellent options for families including:

• Facebook – 16 weeks paid leave
• Bank of America – 12 weeks paid leave
• Yahoo – 8 weeks paid leave
• Patagonia – 8 weeks paid leave
• Google – 7 weeks paid leave
• Twitter – 6 weeks paid leave
• Microsoft – 4 weeks paid leave
• Comcast – 4 weeks paid leave
• Trip Advisor – 4 weeks paid leave
• McGraw-Hill Financial – 3 weeks paid leave

Other employers provide extended unpaid leave for those who are interested in spending a longer period of time bonding with their child.

Reasons for Paternity Leave

There are a number of reasons why paid paternity leave is important to fathers:

• Increased Productivity – Many men are hesitant to take unpaid time off from the job.  In addition to the income issues, they are concerned how time off can impact their careers.  Research has repeatedly shown that companies that are flexible with work hours and provide above average benefits have employees who are loyal and more productive.
• Parental Bonds – The first weeks after a baby comes home can be difficult.  Having both parents home can lessen the burden on the mother and allow the father to feel as though he is a part of the process.  Spending the first few weeks together can help bring both parents closer.
• Happier Kids – Children whose fathers were present during their infancy are shown to be better adjusted than their peers.

If you have concerns regarding parental leave at your company, speak with a member of your HR Department.

My Comments on Time Magazine Article..Coming Soon!

A lot of patients have been asking me about a recent article in Time Magazine regarding mDNA augmentation.

This new technology is very similar to something I have been studying, called Nuclear Transfer Technology/Egg Rejuvenation.

Please check back here next week for my thoughts on this subject, or sign up below for updates!

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