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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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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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: 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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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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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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New York Reproductive Wellness Welcomes Dr. Merhi in New York City!

Dr. Zapantis and the staff at New York Reproductive Wellness are excited to welcome Dr. Zaher Merhi to their team! Dr. Merhi is board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility as well as in obstetrics and gynecology. He received his medical degree from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Dr. Merhi’s areas of expertise include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), minimal stimulation IVF and natural IVF for women with low ovarian reserve. Dr. Zapantis and Dr. Mehri have known and worked together for more than eight years as assistant professors at NYU School of Medicine in New York, NY and reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Vermont College of Medicine…

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Understanding Intrauterine Insemination

What exactly is intrauterine insemination or IUI? IUI is a type of fertility treatment that has been very successful for many families. You may be familiar with the term artificial insemination, which involves placing sperm into the female reproductive tract. Intrauterine insemination is the most common and current form of artificial insemination. What differentiates IUI is that the sperm are placed directly into the uterus, so it is a more targeted and direct form of artificial insemination. There’s less distance for sperm to travel, which greatly increases their chance of fertilizing an egg. By being closer to the fallopian tubes, more sperm are better positioned for the best possible outcome.…

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis Awareness Month is an international health observance that takes place every March. Endometriosis is a disorder of the female reproductive system; however the effects of this disease can touch everyone in the family, regardless of gender or age. It occurs when the internal endometrial tissue starts growing outside of the uterus, spreading into other portions of the pelvic area. This abnormal tissue growth can be painful, and can lead to other complications. Here are some things to know about endometriosis: It is one of the leading causes of infertility among women. It is a common condition, affecting approximately 5 million women in the United States and 1 in 10…

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Is It Time To Consider In-Vitro Fertilization?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 6.7 million women in the United States have fertility issues. These women are unable to either become pregnant or carry a baby to a healthy delivery. There are many forms of fertility support available to help women and their partners reach their goal of having a baby. One such option is in-vitro fertilization, also called IVF. This is an effective form of reproductive support when you are trying to become pregnant. During IVF your eggs and your partner’s sperm are combined in a laboratory setting, resulting in fertilization. Some of your fertilized eggs will form embryos that are then implanted…

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