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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.

Abnormal Pregnancy Dr. Sueldo

This is the moment you’ve wanted for such a long time…. You’re pregnant. But as the days pass:

• You are told that your “levels” are not rising appropriately, or
• You start having vaginal bleeding, or
• You start having pelvic cramping and/or sharp pains,
• Or all of the above.

The diagnosis of an abnormal pregnancy can be a very scary and isolating thing for a woman / couple. It is hard enough getting to this point, it becomes extremely difficult to understand how an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage may happen.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

• This is a pregnancy that is located outside of the uterus. The most common location is the Fallopian tubes. Because of potential tubal rupture with subsequent internal bleeding, it is extremely important that you follow up with your doctor if you are at risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

What is a miscarriage?

• This is a pregnancy that is located inside the uterus. Unfortunately, the pregnancy does not implant/develop normally and typically presents with menses-like cramping and vaginal bleeding.
  • Biochemical loss: Pregnancy hormone levels rise then fall, without evidence of a pregnancy seen by ultrasound.
  • Clinical loss: Pregnancy hormone levels will rise and then fall, but there will be evidence of a pregnancy seen by ultrasound. Common findings may include: an empty sac inside the uterus or a sac with an embryo but no heartbeat.

So what do you do?

• Always talk to your doctor and their team. They will provide information and discuss different treatment options with you to formulate a plan of care.
• “I don’t want to bother my doctor” or “It’s probably nothing” are not good thoughts. Always let your doctor and their team know about new or worsening symptoms.
• Do not blame yourself, or think that it’s something you did. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the frequency of clinically recognized early pregnancy loss ranges from  9-17% in women 20-30yo, up to 40% by age 40.
• Remember, you do not have to go through it alone. Reach out for support. Hope After Loss, www.hopeafterloss.org, is just one of the many resources available.

For additional information visit www.IVFFlorida.com.

Online Fertility Resources to Consider During Treatment

When couples try to conceive and realize they may need help, the vast majority will turn to the Internet to learn more about what they are going through, many times even before seeing an infertility specialist.  With so much information at just the click of a button, it is extremely important that patients be provided with medically accurate online resources.

• First and foremost, never hesitate to speak with your physician.  The physicians at IVF FLORIDA are affiliated with The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (www.asrm.org).  ASRM provides the most up-to-date information in the care of infertility patients.

• ASRM also has a patient portal: www.reproductivefacts.org where couples can go to explore several different aspects related to their journey including educational videos, news headlines, and/or the latest research.

• They also work with a group called Resolve, www.resolve.org, to provide patients with the emotional support they may need during this difficult time.

Finally, always remember that you are not alone. Your IVF FLORIDA physician and their team will be there for you with any questions you may have along the way.

Could I Have PCOS

While only a doctor can diagnose PCOS, here are some common symptoms that you should bring up to your physician: 

• Irregular periods
• Rapid weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight
• Sleep apnea
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Pain in your pelvic region
• Difficulty conceiving after 12 months of trying
• Thinning hair
• Hair growth on the body and/or face
• Lowered libido
• Feeling excessively stressed
• Multiple ovarian cysts
• High blood pressure, cholesterol, and/or triglycerides
• Skin tags and/or darkening skin patches

About 5-10% of women have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome but only about half actually get diagnosed. In honor of PCOS Awareness month, let your doctor know if you are experiencing any of the signs above to get treatment immediately. Women who are properly diagnosed and treated can go on to live healthy lives.

Contact South Florida’s premier fertility specialists at IVF FLORIDA if you have trouble getting pregnant.