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National Infertility Awareness Week 2016

April 24 is the beginning of National Infertility Awareness Week 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.  NIAW is a great opportunity for anyone affected with infertility to communicate a message of hope and understanding.

Check out the facts below…

• Infertility impacts 1 in 8 couples of reproductive ages.
• One third of infertility issues are considered “unexplained” infertility.
• One third of infertility issues are attributed to males.
• 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%.

At IVF FLORIDA, our fertility clinics are showing our support with our #HaveAHeart campaign. This campaign is marked by the color orange (red = love, yellow=happiness), which has represented infertility since ancient times. During NIAW, don’t be surprised if you see touches of orange throughout our offices and even new shirts worn by our staff – a reminder to of our ongoing support system. 

To learn more about National Infertility Awareness Week and to see how you too can become a part of the NIAW movement, click here. If you are struggling with infertility please contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our South Florida fertility clinics today.

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.