2015

What does being Overweight have to do with Reproduction

In the United States, almost 2/3 of women and 3/4 of men are overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risks of several medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), sleep apnea, and respiratory problems, ultimately elevating the rate of all-cause mortality. In addition, obesity has several adverse effects on reproduction:

Menstrual Cycle Irregularities (As well as a lower chance of conception within 1 year of stopping contraception compared to normal weight women)

Ovulatory Dysfunction (BMI >27 women have 3 fold increased risk of anovulation)

Altered Endometrial Function

Obesity and Male Infertility (Not all obese men have infertility, but those who do have decreased semen quality, impaired erectile dysfunction, and elevated scrotal temperatures.)

Altered Ovarian Responsiveness and Oocyte Quality (Higher doses of fertility medications required)

Increased Risk of Miscarriage (Well established increased risk for miscarriage in obese women)

Maternal-Fetal Environment (Strong association with pregnancy complications such as: diabetes of pregnancy, hypertension of pregnancy, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and cesarean section. Infants are at increased risk as well, such as developmental defects and early neonatal death.)

Categories of adult obesity are based upon body mass index (BMI). Follow the link to calculate your BMI. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

Always remember to talk to your IVF FLORIDA Doctor about any questions or concerns you may have, and for more information online, check out ASRM’s website for patients:

http://www.reproductivefacts.org/FACTSHEET_Weight_and_Fertility/

Coping with Infertility During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, but for some it won’t be as joyous due to an infertility diagnosis. The fertility doctors at IVF FLORIDA understand how difficult it is to attend parties and family functions, all while dealing with infertility. Below, we share tips to help you cope during this season.

• If there is a holiday event that you know will have people present that may ask questions about growing your family, etc., feel free to decline the invitation. If you feel obliged, make a quick appearance and attempt to avoid those who will make you feel uncomfortable.
• Have an answer prepared if someone asks about your plans for expanding your family. If you feel comfortable, you can let them know the situation, but it’s not necessary. Before the holidays, you and your partner should discuss what you will tell others, even if it’s a generic response.
• Make plans with your friends without kids if it is too painful to see children or pregnant women.
• Take a vacation away from the family functions if you simply can’t bare it.
• Volunteer in the community. This makes many people feel grateful for what they have. Either spend some time at soup kitchens or a retirement center.
• Don’t feel guilty about getting emotional. Whether at home or still at an event, take a breather away from everyone in the restroom to calm yourself down.
• Talk to someone. If you don’t feel you can talk to family or friends, call the RESOLVE helpline.

If you are struggling with infertility, our state of the art fertility center, IVF FLORIDA can help! Request an appointment today to expand your family in time for the next holiday season.

Smoking and Infertility

Struggling with infertility? Smoking could be a contributing cause to your troubles. IVF FLORIDA shares some facts about smoking and reproductive issues.

Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, the reproductive specialists at IVF FLORIDA want to assure patients that there is still hope for starting a family through fertility preservation.

Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is important to seek out a fertility doctor as soon as possible to discuss your options. The most successful fertility preservation methods happen before the first round of chemotherapy or radiation.

The amount and location of cancer plays a major role in how destructive it is to your fertility. But you should always consider fertility preservation methods in case you want to have a family down the road.

IVF FLORIDA is South Florida’s premier fertility preservation clinic. Our experienced physicians offer egg and embryo freezing to keep your dreams of having a family possible.

Abnormal Pregnancy Dr. Sueldo

This is the moment you’ve wanted for such a long time…. You’re pregnant. But as the days pass:

• You are told that your “levels” are not rising appropriately, or
• You start having vaginal bleeding, or
• You start having pelvic cramping and/or sharp pains,
• Or all of the above.

The diagnosis of an abnormal pregnancy can be a very scary and isolating thing for a woman / couple. It is hard enough getting to this point, it becomes extremely difficult to understand how an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage may happen.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

• This is a pregnancy that is located outside of the uterus. The most common location is the Fallopian tubes. Because of potential tubal rupture with subsequent internal bleeding, it is extremely important that you follow up with your doctor if you are at risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

What is a miscarriage?

• This is a pregnancy that is located inside the uterus. Unfortunately, the pregnancy does not implant/develop normally and typically presents with menses-like cramping and vaginal bleeding.
  • Biochemical loss: Pregnancy hormone levels rise then fall, without evidence of a pregnancy seen by ultrasound.
  • Clinical loss: Pregnancy hormone levels will rise and then fall, but there will be evidence of a pregnancy seen by ultrasound. Common findings may include: an empty sac inside the uterus or a sac with an embryo but no heartbeat.

So what do you do?

• Always talk to your doctor and their team. They will provide information and discuss different treatment options with you to formulate a plan of care.
• “I don’t want to bother my doctor” or “It’s probably nothing” are not good thoughts. Always let your doctor and their team know about new or worsening symptoms.
• Do not blame yourself, or think that it’s something you did. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the frequency of clinically recognized early pregnancy loss ranges from  9-17% in women 20-30yo, up to 40% by age 40.
• Remember, you do not have to go through it alone. Reach out for support. Hope After Loss, www.hopeafterloss.org, is just one of the many resources available.

For additional information visit www.IVFFlorida.com.