2017

Quiz How to Celebrate Romance

August is Romance Awareness month! How should you celebrate? Take our
quiz to find out…

Summer Beach Reading List when Trying to Conceive

The struggle with infertility is both emotionally and physically painful and a process that requires a much-needed break from time to time.  And being that it is the lazy days of summer, hopefully, that much-needed break involves a beach chair and a good read.   

Since it’s hard to get baby making completely off your mind, we’ve provided a list of our favorite books about the fertility process.  Some are more inspirational, some are more scientific, so, sit back and try to relax, as you enjoy a much-needed break.    

Taking Charge of Your Fertility

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary edition, Taking Charge of Your Fertility is one of the most well-known books on infertility and tackles topics such as the basics of fertility and how to increase your chances of conception.  Author Toni Weschler, a nationally respected women’s health educator, and speaker, also includes information on the latest and most up-to-date medical advice and fertility treatments.  

Unsung Lullabies

Written by three physicians who specialize in reproductive health, Unsung Lullabies offers infertility patients different ways to help ease the pain and anxiety often associated with the fertility struggle.  Some of which include learning how to grieve after a miscarriage, teaching you and your partner how to better communicate, and how to deal with the everyday stress and psychological trauma of infertility.   

It Starts with the Egg

This book goes into the scientific and specific details of the reproductive process as well as the latest research on egg health and fertility treatments. The subtitle says it all…How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds with IVF. It’s been recommended as a great option for those who have not yet had success with fertility treatments.      

Conquering Infertility

Psychological stress often has a huge impact on fertility and vice versa, and this book helps women break that cycle.  It is a mind-body guide to living with infertility and offers tools on how to stay positive and avoid the depression that is often accompanied with your infertility struggle.       

The Infertility Journey

Included in this book are both personal stories and medical advice that explains the science of infertility as well as the realities of the people who are affected.  An approachable and informative read, it will tell you everything you need to know about infertility and covers topics such as IVF, endometriosis, genetic screening, uterine disorders, and the latest in fertility treatments.  

For information on any of our South Florida fertility clinics or to schedule a consultation with one of our top-rated fertility physicians, please call us today at 866.770.2168.  

Egg Freezing Popularity on the Rise: Why now?

From fashion to technology and everything in between, there seems to be a trend for everything.  Even freezing eggs is a growing trend and one that continues to rise in popularity.  But why?  Up until a few years ago, egg freezing was primarily offered to women suffering from infertility and for those undergoing cancer treatments.  Back then, success rates were low because eggs were frozen so slowly that ice would often form and damage the cells.  In October 2012, the freezing technology had advanced enough that the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) announced the procedure was no longer “experimental”.  Since then, its popularity has been on the rise especially for healthy, young women who are electively delaying childbearing for a variety of reasons. 

Largely popular amongst millennials, “elective freezing” has become a source of “freedom” to those who wish to pursue a career before starting a family or take their time in finding the right partner.  Fertility in women declines rapidly after the age of 35, and egg freezing gives women an option to start a family later in life.  By 2018, the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) estimates that 76,000 women will freeze their eggs – more than 15 times the rate in 2013. 

Is it for me? 

A research team at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a personalized model that starts the conversation about freezing eggs between a woman and her physician.  This evidence-based tool was created in order to provide guidance for patients who are considering elective freezing – its cost, the number of eggs a woman should freeze based on age, and the number of children she wants to have in the future. 

As an example, their model found that a 35-year old woman who freezes 10 eggs following her first cycle has a 69% chance of one live birth.  If she undergoes a second cycle and now has 20 frozen eggs, her chances jump to 90% for one live birth.  With 30 eggs, the likelihood of success rises to 97%. 

Elective egg freezing is an important decision, which should be discussed in detail between a woman and her doctor.  At any of our IVF FLORIDA fertility clinics, our physicians will guide you through the decision making process and educate you every step of the way should you decide to move forward with the procedure.  For more information on egg freezing or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 866.770.2168.  

NIAW 2017

National Infertility Awareness Week starts April 23^rd and throughout the week you will see us promoting infertility awareness through social media and at our South Florida fertility clinics.  The goal of NIAW is to bring awareness to a disease that affects over 7 million women worldwide.  The CDC tells us that 15% of couples in America. NIAW is an excellent opportunity for anyone involved with infertility to communicate a message of hope and understanding.

Be part of a movement that wants to remove barriers that stand in the way of building families during National Infertility Awareness Week®.

Download the facts HERE.

This February Celebrate American Heart Month

Aw, sweet, romantic February, a month where we take time to celebrate matters of the heart with roses, candlelight and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. So it should come as no surprise that the American Heart Association chose February for matters of the heart, too – albeit literal cardiac matters – designating February "American Heart Month."

And remembering to focus on your own heart health during your fertility journey – and not just February – is also just as important.

With heart disease as the leading cause of death for American men and women, it’s critical to take charge of your health and adopt new, heart-healthy practices that can not only help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, but can also help to ready your body to sustain a healthy pregnancy and family.

So as you focus on your fertility, you should also (re-) commit yourself to a heart-healthy lifestyle and to making the small changes that will help lay the foundation for a lifetime of health. Here are few ways to achieve heart-focused preconception health:

• Diet: Nutrition is vital to your health, and the healthier you are, the healthier your pregnancy could be. Be sure to include lean proteins, low glycemic index carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You can also include some prenatal supplements – with the guidance of your health care provider – to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.

• Sleep: Adequate amounts of rest revitalize us and help maintain the natural rhythm of menstrual cycles and hormone levels. Moreover, studies have linked poor sleep quality to an increased risk of high blood pressure, a potential cause of heart disease.

• Exercise: Start – or continue – exercising. With the help and guidance of your health care provider, determine if you want to lose or gain weight, build muscle, or improve lung capacity. Yoga is an excellent choice as it’s a calming, centering exercise, and because it incorporates posture, breathing and concentration, it can also prove beneficial during labor.

When we’re trying to conceive, we narrow our focus and train all of our attention on our fertility and any subsequent issues. Our minds become highly attuned as we try to make the best possible decisions for ourselves and the life we so long to conceive.

So this month, make the commitment to nurture yourself from the inside out by taking small, actionable heart-healthy steps that will yield big results one day soon!