Is male factor infertility more common than female infertility?
In about one-third of cases, male factor infertility is the sole source of reproductive problems. In roughly another third, the problem is a result of female infertility. The rest of the time, both males and females contribute to infertility. So, male and female factors are more or less equal in their frequency.
Male factor infertility, however, is easier to identify and treat, in most cases. For this reason, semen analysis is often the first testing procedure to be performed when a couple begins a fertility assessment.
How does age affect fertility?
A woman's fertility peaks in her early twenties, declining gradually by about 30, and steeply after 35. Contemporary women are often surprised and frustrated to learn this, as 35-year-old women are still quite young, by most standards. Women who are in their mid to late thirties and want to have children are likely to have more trouble than women who are having children during their mid to late twenties. The need for fertility assistance is even more common among women who have reached their forties.
Because men continue to produce sperm throughout their reproductive lives, while women are born with all of the eggs they will ever have, age is not as significant a factor in male fertility problems, although it may still play a role.
Will I need a high-risk OB-GYN after conceiving with IVF?
Just because a woman has trouble getting pregnant does not necessarily mean she will have trouble being pregnant. Most women who conceive through in vitro fertilization have very normal, routine, healthy pregnancies. As long as no additional factors require the attention of a high-risk obstetrician, most IVF patients can continue seeing a regular OB-GYN.
Complications that indicate the need for a high-risk OB-GYN include multiple pregnancies (especially with three or more fetuses), certain pre-existing medical conditions, and a personal history of miscarriage or complicated pregnancy.
While many questions are specific to a patient's condition and must be answered on an individual basis, you can read some of the frequently asked questions about general fertility information here.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation with an IVF FLORIDA physician, request an appointment.
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IVF FLORIDA at 29 Jul 2022
A new concierge program provides egg-freezing patients with a customized approach to fertility preservation.
IVF FLORIDA is pleased to offer a new concierge program for patients looking to freeze their eggs—providing a simple, modern, and customized approach tailored to each individual's goals.
"At IVF FLORIDA, we understand that patients can use more support in a process that can feel intimidating," said Marc Gualtieri, M.D. "While we have always provided a high standard of service to our patients, this new program offers several advantages to a woman looking to freeze her eggs.”
Designed to minimize the time commitment and maximize potential, IVF FLORIDA’s new Egg Freezing Concierge program provides patients with a dedicated care team, including an IVF FLORIDA physician and a board-certified nurse practitioner, who will guide patients through every step of the egg freezing process. The care team will work with each patient's schedule to determine start dates while keeping monitoring appointments to approximately four visits. Patients can work, as usual, taking time off only for egg retrieval day when they receive light sedation for the egg extraction.
With more women postponing parenthood, egg freezing can be a valuable opportunity to keep reproductive options open and preserve future fertility. To learn more about our Egg Freezing Concierge Program, call 954-247-6200 or schedule a consultation today.
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IVF FLORIDA at 27 Jul 2022
FAQs: Roe v. Wade’s overturn and the possible impact on fertility treatments
US Fertility and its partner practices — IVF Florida, Fertility Centers of Illinois, Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area, and Shady Grove Fertility — understand that many of our patients have concerns about how their fertility care may be impacted by the recent Supreme Court decision. At present, the ruling does not limit US Fertility or any of its partnership practice’s ability to provide IVF, fertility care, or fertility preservation. All US Fertility partnership practices are maintaining current patient treatment plans. US Fertility will continue to monitor all enacted and pending legislation and will be as transparent as possible in communicating how this may affect our patients’ care.
Please click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
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IVF FLORIDA at 8 Jul 2022
What is an HSG?
The Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray procedure used to view the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Blockage of one or both fallopian tubes causes about 35% of cases of infertility in women. Partial or complete blockage of a tube can prevent a fertilized egg from moving into the uterus.
At IVF FLORIDA, we perform an HSG for four primary reasons:
- To see if a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked
- To assess if the inside of the uterus is of normal shape and size
- To check for scarring or abnormalities of the fallopian tubes
- To diagnose problems in the uterus and fallopian tubes, such as an injury, polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a foreign object in the uterus
What to expect:
The HSG procedure is completed in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Before your procedure, your physician will prescribe you an antibiotic to take in the days leading up to the procedure. One hour before the procedure, take Motrin or Tylenol to help with any cramping during the procedure.
Step 2: Radiologic dye is injected into the uterine cavity. The dye then moves through the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Step 3: If there is no blockage, the dye will move through the fallopian tubes and spill out into the abdominal cavity. If there is a blockage, the dye will stop, showing where the blockage is located.
After the HSG:
While many patients experience no pain after the HSG procedure, some women undergoing the test will often experience light cramping but will be able to resume normal activities immediately after.
What makes IVF FLORIDA’s HSG different:
Time: Our HSGs can be performed in as little as 15 minutes.
Cost: Since we perform our HSGs on site, they are less expensive than those performed at a hospital.
Convenience: Just check-in, take a pregnancy test, and have the procedure all in one place.
Comfort: IVF FLORIDA's HSGs are performed through a procedure that lessens the discomfort that may be experienced through the use of other techniques.
How to schedule your HSG with IVF FLORIDA:
The best time to get an HSG done is in the first half (days 5-10) of the menstrual cycle, so we suggest that you call us on the first day of your period. This timing reduces the chance that you may be pregnant. If your appointment falls on a day that your menstrual flow is still heavy, call to reschedule. Light spotting will not affect the outcome of the procedure.
Prior to your HSG procedure, your physician may prescribe an antibiotic. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Motrin or Tylenol can be taken one hour prior to your procedure to help relieve pain or discomfort. Consult your doctor or nursing team if you have any questions.
The Results:
If you are an established patient of IVF FLORIDA, your physician will discuss the results of your HSG and review the images with you at the end of your exam. Based on the results, further tests may be needed and recommendations will be given to you at that time.
If you are not an established patient of IVF FLORIDA, you will need to contact the doctor who ordered your HSG, so they can review the test results with you.
For more information about the HSG or to schedule an appointment, please call 954-247-6200.
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IVF FLORIDA at 7 Jul 2022
IVF FLORIDA is proud to support the LBGTQ+ community during Pride Month and throughout the year.
Families come in many forms, and at IVF FLORIDA, we believe all people have the right to become parents. For more than 30 years, our fertility clinic has met the reproductive needs of gay, lesbian, and transgender couples with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), egg donation, sperm donation, and gestational surrogacy.
Read on to learn more about LGBTQ family planning options and resources.
Supporting the LGBTQ community
IVF FLORIDA is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community and will be attending the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival in Wilton Manors on June 18, 2022. This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the birth of the Pride movement.
Please stop by our table to say hello and receive more information on how IVF FLORIDA can help you plan your family.
We are proud to celebrate families of all kinds during Pride Month
According to Family Equality Council, there are more than 15.9 million LGBTQ Americans, and 63% of all LGBTQ individuals in the 18-35-year-old range are considering expanding their families in the coming years, either by becoming parents for the first time or by adding more children to their family.
Thanks to advances in reproductive technology, parenthood is possible more than ever before for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. With the help of donors, gestational surrogates, and reproductive technology, members of the LGBTQ+ community can build the family of their dreams. But what are the options available? In honor of Pride Month, which is celebrated in June, the fertility experts of IVF FLORIDA are here to go over the various family building options available to gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals and couples.
Treatment options for female couples and individuals
One of the easiest and most common ways to achieve a pregnancy for female couples is through Intrauterine Insemination using donor sperm. This is a simple procedure in which sperm is injected into the uterine cavity during ovulation. For women who have no fertility issues, this is often the most common course of treatment. The couple simply has to decide which partner will carry the pregnancy and select a sperm donor to achieve pregnancy.
Another option for female couples is In Vitro Fertilization. This is the option often used when both partners have difficulty conceiving using Intrauterine Insemination, or when both partners want to have a role in conceiving and carrying a child using reciprocal IVF. In this process, it is important to decide which partner will provide the eggs, and if different, which partner will carry the pregnancy to term. The partner providing the eggs will take fertility medications to encourage the production of multiple eggs, which will then be retrieved using a simple outpatient procedure. The eggs will then be fertilized with donor sperm in the lab to create embryos. The best embryo(s) will then be transferred to the partner who will be carrying the pregnancy.
Many female couples who choose to use reciprocal IVF enjoy the fact that both partners have a role in creating their child, with one providing the genetic material and the other being able to carry them to term. To learn more about which options would be best for you, contact us at 954-247-6200.
Family Building for Male Couples and Individuals
Male couples and individuals can build their families through donor egg and a gestational carrier. Partners select an egg donor and decide who will be the biological father. Then the partner will provide a sperm sample, which will be used to fertilize the donor eggs, and create embryos. Once the embryos are created, the couple can concentrate on finding a gestational surrogate who can carry the pregnancy to term. When the surrogate is selected, the best embryo(s) can be transferred into her uterus and carried to term.
Some couples prefer not to know the biological father. In these cases, it is possible to combine the sperm of both partners and use that to fertilize the eggs.
There are many ways to build a family, and for couples who would like children who are biologically related to them, advanced reproductive technologies like IUIs and IVF can help build the family of their dreams.
Treatment options for trans couples and individuals
Our fertility clinic offers fertility preservation and customized solutions for transgender individuals and couples, pre-and-post transition. Because each patient's journey is unique, our team of fertility specialists will work with you to customize a treatment plan so you can achieve your dream of parenthood.
If you would like to learn more about the family building options available for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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IVF FLORIDA at 3 Jun 2022