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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.  

Dr David Hoffman IVF FLORIDA male infertility

The male’s contribution to conceiving is quite amazing and significant.  About 200 million sperm are mixed with semen to form ejaculate.  Although 15 to 45 million of these sperm are healthy enough to fertilize an egg, only 400 survive in the female reproductive tract after a man ejaculates.  Of those 400 sperm, only 40 reach the vicinity of the egg.  After another process called capacitation occurs (an explosion that allows the sperm to drill a hole through the tough outer layer of the egg), only one sperm reaches the egg for fertilization and conception.  Interesting enough, in about 30% to 40% of infertile couples, the man is the sole cause of the inability to conceive, and in another 30%-40%, he is the co-contributing factor. 

Top Causes of Male Infertility

• Low sperm count
• Slow sperm progressive motility (movement)
• Abnormal morphology (abnormalities in the shape and size of sperm)
• Problems with semen (infection, volume)

What Men Can Do to Boost Fertility

• Stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana.  Both have been linked to low sperm counts and slower motility as well as abnormally shaped sperm. 
• Lower your alcohol consumption.  Alcohol can drastically reduce the production of healthy, viable sperm that are needed for conception to occur.  
• Maintain a healthy weight.  This goes for both underweight and overweight men!  Too much weight can lead to hormonal disturbances, but when a man is too lean, he can have decreased sperm count and lower motility.
• Exercise in moderation.  Exercise too much, and you might lower your sperm count indirectly by lowering the amount of testosterone in your body.
• Do not take testosterone or other anabolic steroids as they can lower sperm count and irreversibly damage the testicle.
• Take your vitamins.  Boost fertility with vitamins such as vitamin C and zinc, and if needed, talk to your doctor about male fertility supplements and vitamins which can increase the amount of healthy sperm.  
• Avoid environmental toxins and poisons (pesticides, insecticides, lead, radiation, or heavy metals) as they can lead to an increased risk of infertility.

Living a healthy lifestyle is just as important for men as it is for women when it comes to conceiving, and just making a few important changes to your daily routine can make a world of difference.  If you and your spouse have been having problems conceiving and would like to schedule a consultation with one of our top fertility physicians at any of our IVF Florida locations, 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.  

Reproductive Specialist Dr. David Hoffman’s Facts About Infertility

April 23 kicks off National Infertility Awareness Week, an event that brings much needed awareness to a disease that affects over 7 million women worldwide.  While infertility is a personal journey that that can affect anyone at any age, it is also a challenge that so many share.  NIAW is a great opportunity for anyone affected with infertility to communicate a message of hope and understanding.

Our own Dr. David Hoffman is subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and has over 25 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.  Below he offers valuable information about infertility that may help shed some light on this condition that affects so many.

• Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (six months in the woman is over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth.
• Six percent of married women aged 15 to 44 years in the U.S. are affected by infertility.
• Twelve percent of women aged 15 to 44 years in the U.S. have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term regardless of marital status.
• In 35% of couples with infertility, a male factor is identified along with a female factor.  In about 8% of couples with infertility, a male factor is the only identifiable cause. 
• Almost 9% of men aged 25 to 44 years in the U.S. reported that they or their partner saw a doctor for advice, testing, or treatment for infertility during their lifetime.
• Infertility impacts 1 in 8 couples of reproductive ages.
• One third of infertility issues are considered “unexplained” infertility. 
• Women between the ages of 20-24 have an 86% chance of conceiving after trying a year.  As women age, this percentage gradually falls.  Between the ages of 40 – 44, the chances decrease to 36%.
• Couples that are between the ages of 29 to 33 with a normal functioning reproductive system have only a 20 to 25% chance of conceiving in any given month.  After 6 months of trying, 60% of couples will conceive without medical assistance.
• 7.4 million women (or 11.9% of women) have received infertility services in their lifetime.
• Approximately 85 to 90% of infertility cases are treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures.  Fewer than 3% need advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Hoffman at one of our IVF FLORIDA locations, please call 866.770.2168.