When Gestational Surrogacy is Necessary

When another woman’s uterus is “borrowed” for the purpose of carrying an embryo and delivering a baby for another woman or couple, this procedure is called a gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy, or simply surrogacy, primarily utilizes in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination techniques, depending on health circumstances surrounding those involved with the surrogacy. Who Should Consider Surrogacy? Surrogacy is considered a viable option if: You still have your ovaries to provide eggs but have had your uterus removed You have a medical condition that puts your health at risk if you were to become pregnant (polycystic ovary syndrome, autoimmune diseases, being over 35) You and your partner have suffered repeated…

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Surrogacy

Using an Ovulation Calendar to Get Pregnant

Many women use an ovulation calendar, sometimes referred to an ovulation calculator, in order to get pregnant or prevent pregnancy. This helpful tool assists you in figuring out when you are ovulating; in other words, it lets you know when you are most fertile. Using the Ovulation Calendar in Conjunction with Physical Signs While the ovulation calculation is a great tool to assist you in becoming pregnant, it is not the only fertility tool in the toolbox. Some women are able to identify physical signs that also help them to predict their ovulation. These include: Noticing a change in your cervical mucus. Many women notice that a few days prior…

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Fertility Resources

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 101

As many as one in 10 women of childbearing years can have polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health Division. Estimates are that upwards of five million Americans may be affected by PCOS. If you suspect you are dealing with PCOS, knowing that you are not alone may help. Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS It’s important for you to know that the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are unique to each woman, though there are some common symptoms that many women experience who have PCOS. In most cases, more than one symptom is present. These include: Irregular periods (infrequent…

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Fertility Treatment Options

What to Expect: Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that is fairly common. It is performed as a treatment method most often for male fertility issues, such as low sperm count or sperm motility dysfunction. It is also performed in situations where a donor sperm is desired. Usually, when other conception methods are not successful, this type of fertility treatment is often considered. It is also generally used by doctors to treat fertility problems before any other more advanced treatments are attempted. How Long does Intrauterine Insemination Take?    A physician at a fertility clinic usually performs the procedure. A small tube filled with sperm is inserted into the uterus.  It typically takes around…

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Fertility Treatment Options

Artificial Insemination Gives New Hope for a Growing Family

Artificial insemination is a medical technique that can help treat certain kinds of male and female infertility. The procedure makes pregnancy possible for those who had trouble conceiving in the past. Doctors perform artificial insemination by introducing sperm directly into a woman’s cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes. The procedure can improve the chances for pregnancy by shortening the distance sperm must travel and by helping the sperm bypass any obstacles that prevent them from reaching the egg. Sperm used in artificial insemination can come from the woman’s male partner, unless the male is sterile or when there is no male partner.   Why Use Artificial Insemination? Many physicians and clinicians…

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Fertility Treatment Options

Is In Vitro Fertilization for Me?

In its most basic sense, In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are combined. The process is done in a laboratory. The embryos that result are then placed into a woman’s uterus and then a baby begins to grow. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2013 report, even though assisted reproductive technology (ART) is still a fairly uncommon practice, around 1.5 percent of babies born in the US are the result of this procedure. Is In Vitro Fertilization Right for You?    IVF can help with pregnancy if you are having issues with egg quality, ovulation, and endometriosis or have blocked…

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Fertility Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

One of the common endocrine disorders in women who are of reproductive age is polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly called PCOS.  Getting pregnant is sometimes difficult for these patients.  However, a fertility clinic can offer a number of treatment options. What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? Women who suffer from this disorder normally develop it soon after they begin having menstrual periods, according to the Mayo Clinic.  Although PCOS has many signs, physicians look for a least two of these: Irregular menstrual periods Excessive androgen levels Polycystic ovaries (many sacs with fluid surround eggs) Although researchers are not sure exactly what causes PCOS, patients with a mother or a sister who…

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Fertility Treatment Options

Fertility Treatment Options: Intrauterine Insemination

Even a decade ago, when patients faced infertility, the first option that came to mind was in-vitro fertilization (IVF).  Today, however, there are many fertility treatment options.  One of the most common is intrauterine insemination (IUI). What is Intrauterine Insemination? IUI is a processing of using artificial means to place sperm into the uterus.  According to the University of Minnesota, it is a less complex and less-invasive therapy than IVF or egg donation IVF.  In that regard, many women consider it a starter step for fertility treatment. The overall success rate of this procedure is 10 to 20 percent per cycle.  The percentage is based on multiple factors such as…

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Fertility

Lifestyle Choices & Natural Cycle IVF

Natural Cycle IVF and Lifestyle Choices There are many habits of daily life that can promote or decrease fertility. NY Reproductive Wellness recommends the following positive lifestyle choices to increase and preserve fertility, whether or not you are currently undergoing natural cycle IVF: Eat healthy foods and talk to your doctor about digestive problems. A daily diet including protein, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats will improve and maintain health, whether you’re trying to conceive or not. Certain specific digestive diseases, such as untreated celiac disease, can decrease fertility. See your physician regularly for checkups. This will help avoid or treat any emerging health issues that could cause infertility.…

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Fertility

The Effects of Vitamin D on Reproduction in Women and Men

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for a healthy body and strong bones. Some research has also shown that it can help fight off colds and battle depression. But did you know that vitamin D can also have an effect on fertility in both women and men? Vitamin D may hold the key for many women and men struggling with fertility issues. Research by Dr Merhi and others have shown that individuals with higher levels of vitamin D had increased fertility rates. That study indicated that without sufficient levels of vitamin D, reproductive tissues did not function at optimum levels. Increasing levels of vitamin D in women can positively affect…

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Fertility