Many issues can make natural conception impossible for individuals or families. Some women may be physically unable to carry a child to term themselves. Same-sex male partners would require a gestational surrogate in order to have a biological child. Age, health or other fertility issues may make egg donation the only option for some families… Continue reading
As the idea of what makes up a family continues to progress, more men are exploring single fatherhood. Many of the barriers men faced are disappearing as the idea of parenthood evolves. Single dads can find like-minded individuals through various groups, just like single moms. Areas once reserved for women, such as changing tables in… Continue reading
Hormonal imbalances can affect your body in numerous ways. It can affect the fertility quality of your eggs and ovulation. Here is everything you need to know about how hormonal balances can impact fertility. Estrogen Hormonal Imbalances During a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen peaks during ovulation to prepare for egg release. Excess estrogen production can… Continue reading
When it comes to male infertility, the subject is often shrouded in stigma. If you are trying to start a family or have more children, it is important to discuss solutions to any problems that may be standing in the way of conceiving. Discussing Sperm Health There are three main aspects of sperm health that… Continue reading
Understanding the risks and considerations for women considering childbearing in their 30s and 40s. The data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control indicates that birth rates for women in their 30s are at their highest levels in four decades, while birth rates for women in their 20s are slowing down. “While there are many… Continue reading
PCOS is likely the most common endocrine disorder found in reproductive age women affecting as many as 15%. Common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and infertility. Some women with PCOS may also develop metabolic disorders including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. These conditions can increase the risk of diabetes… Continue reading
You’ve thought about starting a family but “now just isn’t the time.” Maybe you haven’t met the right partner, or you’re focusing on building your career, or you simply don’t feel ready. You’ve probably heard about (and even considered) egg freezing. But for all the information out there, there’s an almost equal amount of misinformation.… Continue reading
Double stimulation in the same ovarian cycle (DuoStim) is a newly developed protocol for patients undergoing IVF designed to maximize the number of oocytes retrieved in the shortest possible time. Previously, this type of protocol was also known as the Shanghai Protocol. Unlike traditional IVF protocols where patients undergo a single round of controlled ovarian… Continue reading
The most important factor that determines chances of success with IVF treatment is the prognosis of the patients (female and male) undergoing IVF. While this may seem obvious, it is unfortunately often overlooked when selecting the most effective and safe IVF protocol. The reason for this is that there is not one uniformly agreed upon… Continue reading
Uterine fibroids (aka myomas) are benign tumors that grow in the uterus. The cause of fibroids is multifactorial with genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. About 20% of all women have fibroids, they are somewhat more common among African-American women, affecting more than 50%. The location and size of fibroids determine whether they cause symptoms. While… Continue reading
