As the calendar turns to a new year, many feel a renewed sense of purpose — setting goals, embracing wellness, and imagining what’s possible in the months ahead. If growing your family is part of your vision, now is the perfect time to focus on preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy.
Dr. Zoran J. Pavlovic, a fertility specialist at IVF FLORIDA, provides six thoughtful and actionable tips to support your fertility and overall well-being.
1. Prioritize a nutrient-rich diet
Your diet is one of the most powerful tools for fertility wellness. Embrace a balanced, nutrient-rich approach to eating that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in folate, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial.
2. Stay active—mindfully
Physical activity is essential for overall health, but the key is finding balance. Focus on exercises that promote circulation, reduce stress, and support hormonal health. Activities like yoga, swimming, or low-impact strength and resistance training can be excellent choices. Overdoing it with high-intensity workouts can sometimes impact ovulation, so moderation is key.
3. Prioritize rest and rejuvenation
Sleep and relaxation are often underestimated when it comes to fertility health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and incorporate relaxation techniques to rejuvenate yourself. Meditation and mindfulness practices can reduce stress, benefiting your body and mind.
4. Support your health with supplements
While a nutrient-dense diet is foundational, supplements can help fill any gaps. Start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid at least three months before conception. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects and other birth complications. Low vitamin D levels can also affect fertility, so IVF FLORIDA recommends a daily supplement of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.
IVF FLORIDA is proud to recommend Luminary Vitamins and Theralogix to offer high-quality, evidence-based nutritional supplements patients can trust. These supplements consist of verified vitamin contents that help take the guessing away from nutritional decisions.
5. Limit exposure to toxins
From household cleaners to skincare products, everyday items can sometimes include chemicals that may affect fertility. Opt for natural, non-toxic alternatives whenever possible, and be mindful of environmental factors that could impact your health.
It’s also essential to consider lifestyle habits that can introduce toxins into your body.
Alcohol consumption should also be moderated. While occasional drinks may be fine for some, heavy drinking can interfere with hormone regulation and fertility. If you’re unsure about what’s safe for your situation, consulting your doctor can provide clarity.
6. Listen to your body and seek support
Every fertility journey is unique. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a fertility specialist if you have concerns or want more personalized recommendations.
By prioritizing your health and fertility, you’re taking a beautiful step toward the future you envision. Whether your journey to parenthood is just beginning or you’re continuing along the path, the right care and preparation can make all the difference.
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Medical contribution by Dr. Zoran J. Pavlovic
By
IVF FLORIDA at 16 Jan 2025
- Patient names: Jennifer and Rolando
- Reason for treatment: Unexplained infertility
- Physician: Dr. Christie
- IVF FLORIDA Location: Pembroke Pines
- Treatment: in vitro fertilization
My life before starting IVF was pretty normal. We started by trying for a few years to conceive on our own, and when that didn’t work, we looked into other low-tech fertility options through IVF FLORIDA. After a few rounds of unsuccessful attempts, I knew it was time to try the next option available to us, which was in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Finding a personalized treatment plan
My treatment experience in the beginning was a little tough and overwhelming. I had to attend lots of appointments (bloodwork, vaginal ultrasounds, etc.,) where I felt lost and confused because I didn’t always understand what the blood results/ultrasounds meant or what each test was for. The idea of administering my own medication at home was very scary and nerve-racking for me. I felt like I was not going to be able to do this on my own.
With time and constant back-to-back appointments, I started getting used to the whole process and met with nurses who carefully explained how to mix and administer my own medication; videos and calendar guides were also helpful. As time went by, the process got better, and I started to become familiar with the different medications and how to inject them safely when needed. What brought me to IVF Florida was the convenience of having multiple locations in Broward County. I was able to book bloodwork appts early in the morning at the Margate location and regular office visits at the Pembroke Pines location. The flexibility helped me feel like I was in control of the process, even during a time when so much felt uncertain.
I would say one of my highest moments was after I had my first “failed IVF transfer,” when I went back to the clinic to try for round number 2. I felt more confident with my appointments and medications because it wasn’t new to me. I had more experience and felt a lot more confident attending my appointments.
Dr. Christie gave me hope throughout the IVF process when he told me “It only takes one egg to create a baby. I promise you; you will get your baby.”
A healthy baby girl
My story ends in the most beautiful way imaginable — with the arrival of my daughter, Victoria Andrea. She was born on October 15, 2024, a perfect, healthy baby girl. Holding her in my arms for the first time was everything I had dreamed of and more.
Trust the process
I would tell future patients to trust the process and never to give up! In the beginning, it will be hard, overwhelming, and stressful, but I promise every appointment and shot you take will be worth it in the end! I would also tell future patients to be patient with their fertility journey. It will be weeks and even months before you can get the outcome you want. Everyone’s journey is different, and some might require more appointments or treatments than others.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 10 Jan 2025
Let’s look at some of the most common misconceptions about fertility care — and discuss how the approach taken by the Physicians and staff at IVF FLORIDA can help you on your journey.
1. Misconception: If you can’t conceive on your own, it’s impossible to get pregnant.
Many believe that if they haven’t been able to conceive on their own, growing their family might be out of reach. However, fertility issues are more common than most realize, and a wide range of treatments — from lifestyle adjustments and medications to advanced assisted reproductive technologies — can significantly increase your chances of conception.
IVF FLORIDA’s approach: We take a personalized approach to fertility care, offering everything from minimally invasive treatments like ovulation induction to in vitro fertilization (IVF). We work closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Learn more about your treatment options
2. Misconception: Age doesn’t matter as long as you're healthy.
While living a healthy lifestyle is important, age plays a critical role in fertility. For women especially, fertility naturally declines with age, and this impacts the chances of conception regardless of their physical health.
IVF FLORIDA’s approach: Our physicians have a fertility work-up to help you understand reproductive health at any stage. Whether you’re in your 20s and planning for the future or in your 40s looking to start a family now, we’re here to guide you through your options and provide realistic expectations based on your age and overall health.
Explore causes of infertility in females and males
3. Misconception: Fertility treatments are unaffordable.
The cost of fertility treatments is often a major concern for patients. While treatments can be an investment, many clinics, including ours, accept a wide range of insurance, offer discounts, and partner with financing groups to offer payment plans.
IVF FLORIDA’s approach: We provide transparent information about costs and work with you to explore your financial options. Our goal is to ensure that you understand the full scope of your investment and help you find a plan that fits your financial situation.
Learn about IVF FLORIDA’s financing programs
4. Misconception: Fertility treatments are only for couples facing infertility.
While fertility treatments are often associated with infertility, they are also beneficial for individuals and couples who want to preserve their fertility for the future. Whether you’re planning to freeze your eggs or sperm, or you're a same-sex couple or single parent looking to build your family, fertility care is for anyone who needs assistance with reproduction.
LGBTQIA+ family-building options
IVF FLORIDA’s approach: Our clinic offers fertility preservation, donor programs, and support for all family-building journeys. We understand that everyone’s path to parenthood is unique, and we’re here to help no matter your starting point.
Explore egg freezing at IVF FLORIDA
5. Misconception: IVF guarantees a baby on the first try.
IVF is an incredible technology, but it doesn’t always lead to pregnancy on the first cycle. Success rates depend on various factors, including age, underlying health conditions, and the quality of the embryos. Many patients may need more than one IVF cycle to achieve their dream of parenthood.
IVF FLORIDA’s approach: We are committed to setting clear and realistic expectations from the start. Our team will guide you through the entire process, providing emotional and medical support through each IVF cycle. We also explore options such as embryo testing and personalized protocols to improve success rates.
Success rates at IVF FLORIDA
Compassionate care for every step of your journey
We understand that navigating fertility treatments can feel overwhelming. That's why our team provides medical expertise and compassionate fertility care to help you feel confident in your journey. You don’t have to face this alone — we’re here to dispel the myths and guide you toward the family-building options that are right for you. Whether you’re just beginning your path to parenthood or exploring your options after a long journey, our doors are always open to provide the care, support, and hope you deserve.
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By
IVF FLORIDA at 11 Oct 2024
The idea of seeking fertility treatment can be daunting. You might be weary of beginning a new unknown process, or you might feel disappointed at the thought of needing treatment at all. We spoke with Dr. Marc R. Gualtieri, a fertility specialist at IVF FLORIDA, and he breaks down some reasons you might need fertility treatment and some of the first steps you can expect as you begin.
“I think several people get a little bit of anxiety when they have to make that initial step to see a fertility specialist but, rest assured, we are here to partner with you and provide the best information and personalized treatment plans for your family-building journey,” shares Dr. Gualtieri. “We will take your full case and say, okay, what do we think is the best option for you?”
When to seek treatment
Generally speaking, there are a few guidelines to follow when thinking about your need for fertility treatment.
· If you are under 35 with a regular menstrual cycle, and no pregnancy after 1 year.
· If you are 35 to 39 with regular menstrual cycles and have no pregnancy after six months.
· If you are 40 or over with regular menstrual cycles, you should seek support as you begin trying to conceive.
You may also want to seek evaluation early if:
· You have an irregular menstrual cycle.
· You have a history of pelvic surgery (such as the removal of an ovarian cyst, ablation of endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, or ruptured appendix).
· You have blocked tubes.
· You have severely painful periods.
· You have an infertility diagnosis (such as PCOS, endometriosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, or male factor)
· You are a single person pursuing parenthood.
· You are pursuing LGBTQIA+ family-building treatment.
However, it is also important to consider your individual situation.
“If you are ready to start a family but are concerned about irregular or missed periods, don’t hesitate in reaching out directly to a fertility specialist – there is no reason to delay
based on age guidelines,” shares Dr. Gualtieri. “Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.”
What to expect at your first appointment
At your first visit, one of the most important elements in determining the correct course of care is to completely understand your general medical history and the efforts you've taken to become pregnant.
“A thorough work-up is key to helping patients achieve their family-building goals. We’re committed to making the diagnostic process as streamlined, efficient, and personalized as possible to ensure you receive the very best care,” explains Dr. Gualtieri. “In most cases for the basic fertility work-up, we’ll do bloodwork to assess various hormone levels, an ultrasound to look at your ovaries, as well as your uterus, and then finally, a semen analysis for your partner, if applicable.”
There are also other evaluation techniques that may come up; however, you will always discuss with your provider what’s right for you.
“Once we go through these tests, there are many different avenues you can take for treatment,” Dr. Gualtieri shares.
When you’re ready to move forward with your family-building care, request an appointment with an IVF FLORIDA fertility specialist by calling 954-247-6200 or completing this brief form.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 30 Sep 2024
At IVF FLORIDA, we understand the emotional and physical complexities of trying to conceive later in life.
A woman in her 40s has a less than 5 percent chance of becoming pregnant on her own each month. For women between 45 and 49, the chance of pregnancy with her own eggs can become as low as 1 percent. Age not only impacts the likelihood of becoming pregnant, but it also affects the success rates of infertility treatment options as well as the risks of pregnancy itself.
Because of these increased challenges, patients over 40 are encouraged to pursue a basic fertility work-up to identify any factors in addition to their age that could be potential roadblocks to achieving a pregnancy.
“We encourage women over 40 who are trying to conceive to see a fertility specialist right away to review any optimization they can begin,” shares Marc Gualtieri, M.D., who sees patients at IVF FLORIDA's Jupiter, Wellington, and Margate locations. “Time is of the essence when it comes to fertility treatment success, so we want to see those patients earlier on, so we can move forward quickly and effectively.”
What to expect
When you first meet your fertility specialist, there are a few tests they may perform so they can have a better understanding of your individual case.
- Bloodwork – helps to gain insight into your hormone levels.
- Ultrasound – to examine the number and quality of your eggs.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) – to ensure that the fallopian tubes are not obstructed.
- Semen analysis – Analyze motility, morphology, and volume of sperm.
Preparing for pregnancy in your 40s
In addition to talking to your doctor, there are some good habits women of any age can maintain, to help increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy.
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Eating a well-balanced diet.
- Getting regular, moderate physical activity.
- Quitting unhealthy habits, like smoking.
- Taking a preconception vitamin, like Luminary Vitamins, 1-3 months prior to trying to conceive.
If you have any pre-existing conditions that may predispose you to pregnancy complications, like high blood pressure or diabetes, getting these in control before getting pregnant will improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Donor eggs for patients over 40
The uterus can sustain a pregnancy long past 40. But the lack of high-quality eggs presents the largest hurdle for women ages 40 and over. Should testing reveal that a patient's ovarian reserve is very low or there are no viable eggs remaining, you may consider the use of donor eggs or donor embryos, via IVF. The treatment process using donor eggs is very similar to IVF except the egg used comes from a prescreened donor between the ages of 21 and 34. Because these eggs are of higher quality, patients see a higher success rate when using donor eggs.
“IVF FLORIDA’s donor egg program provides patients with a highly effective treatment option to overcome infertility,” shares Dr. Gualtieri.
IVF FLORIDA can help make dreams of parenthood a reality
Entering your 40s can be a time of reflection, growth, and new beginnings, but for many, it also brings the desire to start or expand a family. The journey to parenthood at this stage of life is often filled with unique challenges and uncertainties, yet it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, offering personalized care and advanced treatments designed to help you achieve your dream of becoming a parent.
To get started on your fertility journey, request an appointment with an IVF FLORIDA fertility specialist by calling 954-247-6200 or filling out this brief form.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 26 Aug 2024