The holidays can be stressful. And if this is your first holiday season going through fertility treatment, you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of discussing your struggles with others. While you may feel comfortable sharing at times, the conversation can take a toll on your mental health. If you find yourself dreading an upcoming event or chats about your fertility struggles, here are some tips for dealing with it:
- Be selective with holiday events: 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 an appearance and attempt to avoid those who will make you feel uncomfortable.
- Donate your time: Volunteering provides a sense of purpose, and research shows that it reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine.
- Treat yourself: Whether it is preparing your favorite meal, going on an overnight trip, or just hanging out at home with your favorite people or pets, doing something for yourself can help bring a sense of joy to a stressful time.
- Find a support group: Attend an in-person or virtual support group. Being around others dealing with the same emotions can help you feel less isolated and brings light to different coping strategies and techniques.
- Take a digital break: Being digitally connected 24/7 can cause havoc on your well-being. Unplugging for a few hours allows you to be more present and also helps reduce stress.
The holidays can bring out many heightened emotions, especially when dealing with infertility and treatment. The IVF FLORIDA fertility team can provide you with compassionate care and support during this difficult time. Contact our office for more information or to schedule a consultation.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 15 Dec 2022
After 40 years of practicing reproductive endocrinology, Dr. Steven J. Ory is retiring effective December 22, 2022.
Dr. Ory joined IVF FLORIDA in 1995 and has helped thousands of individuals and families realize their dream of having children. Although he will no longer have an active clinical practice, Dr. Ory plans to continue teaching at Florida International University, where he will train the next generation of reproductive endocrinologists and fertility specialists.
Read Dr. Ory's letter to patients here.
IVF FLORIDA is home to several caring and knowledgeable fertility doctors who can pick up your care after Dr. Ory’s retirement. Here is more information about each physician.
Dr. David I. Hoffman is subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He joined IVF FLORIDA in 1986.
Dr. Marcelo J. Barrionuevo is subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He joined IVF FLORIDA in 1998.
Dr. Vanessa N. Weitzman is subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She joined IVF FLORIDA in 2008.
Dr. Daniel R. Christie is subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He joined IVF FLORIDA in 2010.
Dr. Marc R. Gualtieri is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He joined IVF FLORIDA in 2015.
Dr. Laurice Bou Nemer is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She joined IVF FLORIDA in 2018.
Dr. Luis R. Hoyos is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and board eligible in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He joined IVF FLORIDA in 2021.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 954-247-6200. Our team can assist you and help answer any of your questions.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 8 Dec 2022
Egg freezing can be a very effective way to preserve fertility and have a baby later in life. Here are the top frequently asked questions about egg freezing at IVF FLORIDA.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is preserving some of your eggs by retrieving them from your ovaries, freezing them, and storing them so you can use them in the future.
Who should consider egg freezing?
Egg freezing is recommended for women ages 30 to 40 (ideally women in their early-to-mid-30s) who wish to extend their fertility potential for future family-building options. Women may want to consider egg freezing at a younger age if there is a family history of premature ovarian failure or early menopause.
How does egg freezing work?
During a natural menstrual cycle, your body produces one egg to maturity. An egg-freezing cycle uses medications--similar to the ones naturally made in the body--to stimulate your ovaries to produce additional mature eggs, also known as follicles. Once the follicles are mature, the next step is an intravaginal procedure to retrieve available eggs. Mature eggs are then frozen using a "flash-freeze" process known as vitrification and stored in liquid nitrogen, where they can remain frozen indefinitely.
How does IVF FLORIDA determine candidates for egg freezing?
If you are considering egg freezing, you will complete simple diagnostic testing at IVF FLORIDA to learn your ovarian reserve (reproductive hormone levels and how many eggs are available). Your care team will combine your test results with your medical history and share their recommendations to help determine whether freezing now is in your best interest.
Does IVF FLORIDA work with patients newly diagnosed with cancer?
At IVF FLORIDA, our fertility specialists work closely with newly diagnosed patients and their cancer teams. All patients interested in fertility preservation will receive immediate consultation and the best preservation options based on their cancer treatment plan. Expedited treatment and coordination with cancer therapies are essential for patients with a recent cancer diagnosis. Those planning to have children in the future should consider sperm, egg, or embryo freezing at the time of diagnosis.
Why consider egg freezing?
There are many reasons to preserve your eggs, including:
1. Timing: Whether it is career-related, searching for the right partner, or just not feeling ready--mentally or financially-- egg freezing allows women to focus on their life and career goals without the added pressure of their biological clock ticking in the background.
2. Health Concerns: Reasons such as family history of early menopause, endometriosis, or a recent cancer diagnosis are just a few medical reasons women choose to freeze their eggs.
3. Fertility Freedom: Fertility in women rapidly declines after 35 years of age, and egg freezing gives the option to start a family later in life.
Why choose IVF FLORIDA?
IVF FLORIDA offers a Concierge Egg Freezing Program led by a highly qualified healthcare team, including a board-certified physician and nurse practitioner. Our program is custom designed to minimize the time investment and maximize the potential to conceive using frozen eggs should the need arise. We also provide patients with the highest level of support throughout the egg-freezing process.
How to get started?
To learn more about egg freezing at IVF FLORIDA, call 954-247-6200 or click here.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 2 Dec 2022