IVF FLORIDA is proud to announce that Fort Lauderdale Illustrated and Palm Beach Illustrated have named Dr. David I. Hoffman, Dr. Steven J. Ory, Dr. Marcelo J. Barrionuevo, Dr. Vanessa N. Weitzman, and Dr. Marc R. Gualtieri as the 2021 Top Doctors for Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility.
Fort Lauderdale Illustrated and Palm Beach Illustrated Magazines publish their Top Doctors list every year to help readers make important decisions about medical care providers. The publications both identify the Top Doctors in Broward and Palm Beach County with the assistance of a reputable marketing company—Professional Research Services of Troy, Michigan. The process begins by asking local licensed physicians to recommend the best medical professionals in the area. Once the names are collected, they evaluate the nominees to ensure the physician holds the proper credentials, licensing and that they are in good standing with the Florida Department of Health before being added to the final list. Choosing a fertility specialist can feel overwhelming and the Top Doctors list is a way to narrow the field and access practitioners who have gained the hard-earned recommendations of their peers.
As leaders in reproductive medicine, IVF FLORIDA physicians are committed to providing exceptional patient-centered care at a practice that remains at the forefront of reproductive technology.
For those struggling to conceive, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist. Contact the team at IVF FLORIDA at 954-247-6200 or complete a brief online request form to schedule a virtual consultation with an IVF FLORIDA physician.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 8 Jun 2021
How to Prepare for the HSG Test
If you've been trying to conceive for more than a year without success (or six months if you're over 35), one of the first diagnostic tests a fertility specialist will recommend is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG).
What is an HSG?
The Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray procedure that is 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.
An HSG can also be used after some sterilization procedures (such as Essure) to make sure that the fallopian tubes have been completely blocked.
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.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 12 May 2021
On Wednesday, April 28, IVF Florida teamed up with Licensed Mental Health Counselor Alina Gastesi-de Armas to discuss infertility and the psychological impact it has on couples and individuals. During the discussion, couples were introduced to the concept of love languages and the importance of building areas of communication and closeness during their unique journey to parenthood.
Developed by psychologist Gary Chapman, the five love languages are five different ways of expressing and receiving love. When individuals and couples understand these languages, which include words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch, they can better communicate love to a partner’s needs, achieve a stronger sense of intimacy, and simultaneously identify their own needs.
Although infertility can be a time of stress and fear, the journey to parenthood can also present the opportunity to build a stronger relationship with your partner. To help figure out your and your partner’s love language, you can visit 5lovelanguages.com or read below to learn more.
The Five Love Languages:
Words of Affirmation: Those with words of affirmation as a love language value verbal encouragement, affirming words, and frequent digital communication like an encouraging text message. The shortest and simplest praises can go a long way.
Quality Time: People with quality time as a love language enjoy 1 on 1 uninterrupted time, meaningful conversations, eye contact, and making memories with their partner. Dedicated time without distractions will make them feel loved and comforted.
Receiving Gifts: Those with receiving gifts as a love language feel loved and adored when they receive something both physical and meaningful. Things like cards, special notes, or their favorite treat after a stressful week can make a huge impact.
Acts of Service: Those with acts of service as a love language believe actions speak louder than words. They value things like offering to help without being asked, making coffee in the morning, or filling up the gas tank before work. Anything that makes their life easier will make them feel loved and appreciated.
Physical Touch: Those with physical touch as their love language value physical intimacy and touch. Holding hands, hugging, cuddling, and kissing serve as powerful emotional connectors for people who value this love language.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 30 Apr 2021
Infertility impacts 1 in 8 couples, and everyone likely knows at least one friend or family member struggling to build a family. To honor the millions of Americans who are affected by infertility, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association will recognize National Infertility Awareness Week® from April 18 through April 24, 2021.
Throughout the week, which aims to raise awareness about infertility and encourages the public to understand their reproductive health, supporters and those struggling with infertility are encouraged to share their stories and help grow the movement.
Here, the fertility experts of IVF FLORIDA explain how you can get involved and help raise infertility awareness in your community.
Wear Orange
Join the orange movement on Wednesday, April 21st, and rock your ORANGE gear to show your support of National Infertility Awareness Week®. It can be as simple as an orange t-shirt, hair bow, or even some funky orange sock. The #WearOrange Campaign was created by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to help raise awareness about the importance of empowering you in your journey and changing the conversation around infertility. Whether it’s you, or someone you know who struggles to build a family, #WearOrange!
Learn the Facts
If you Google “infertility” chances are you’ll find pages of conflicting information. To help you better understand the condition, visit credible websites like RESOLVE, the CDC, and IVF Florida to learn all you can about infertility and then put that knowledge to use. Talk to those you know about what you’ve learned and encourage those around you to educate themselves about their reproductive health.
Share your story
If we are going to change the narrative surrounding infertility, then we need to start talking about the impact it has on our lives in a way that will create change. Become a changemaker by sharing your story online. Need some inspiration to get started? Talk about the truth about trying to build a family, use the hashtag #WhatIWantYouToKnow, or share how infertility changed your life.
To schedule an appointment with an IVF Florida fertility specialist, call 954-247-6200 or visit ivfflorida.com.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 16 Apr 2021
IVF Florida is excited to announce the official launch of a collection of smart, simple financial programs called Fertility Access that makes fertility treatment more affordable for patients without insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF). With Fertility Access, patients can save as much as 40 percent on treatment costs by bundling and prepaying for IVF cycles at a discounted package rate.
Fertility Access removes the financial barriers to fertility treatment while giving patients the best chance of becoming a parent. In traditional pay-per-cycle programs, to try again, patients must pay again. In many cases, their savings are at risk and compete against their desire to have a baby.
Conversely, Fertility Access offers programs that provide a full or partial refund to avoid this scenario. With the Fertility Access programs at IVF Florida, patients gain peace of mind knowing they have multiple attempts to be successful. And in the rare event that isn’t the case, a refund is offered to pursue other family building approaches.
“Having an affordable solution with Fertility Access that allows for multiple attempts at success is a really good thing for our patients,” says David Hoffman, Medical Director at IVF Florida. “Fertility treatment can be challenging for our patients emotionally, medically, and financially. With Fertility Access, patients know they have multiple IVF cycles that have been prepaid for at a discounted fee, and this can help reduce the financial stress for our patients.”
The following three fixed-fee Fertility Access plans were designed specifically for IVF Florida patients with little or no health insurance coverage for IVF treatment:
- 100% Refund Program (includes 3 fresh egg retrievals and unlimited frozen embryo transfers)
- 50% Refund Program (includes 2 fresh egg retrievals and unlimited frozen embryo transfers)
- Multi-Cycle Discount Program (includes 2 or 3 fresh egg retrievals and unlimited frozen embryo transfers)
The 100% Refund Program is the most robust program of the three, offering patients ultimate peace of mind to patients as they will either take home a baby or receive a full refund of the tier program fee. With three retrievals and unlimited transfers included, the 100% Refund program offers many chances at success, all at a discounted fixed package price.
To help make affording fertility treatment even simpler, Fertility Access proudly partners with CapexMD to offer convenient financing options. CapexMD’s simple loan programs cover all fertility treatment options, including autologous treatment, third-party reproduction, fertility medications, even genetic testing if necessary. To better understand how much fertility treatment financing costs, patients can use Fertility Access’s loan repayment calculator. Monthly payment ranges will vary based on the loan amount and repayment terms.
Interested patients can call 954-247-6200 or email FertilityAccess@USFertility.com to learn more. A Fertility Access Patient Concierge will introduce custom programs designed to support various treatment plans. Upon submission of an online application, patients will receive approval status within 24 hours.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 15 Mar 2021