To help bring awareness to endometriosis, a condition that affects 1 out of 10 women during their reproductive years, the month of March is dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public, and increasing access to endometriosis resources to help women make better healthcare decisions.
Acknowledging and assisting with this effort, IVF Florida is proving helpful information about Endometriosis, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. When a woman suffers from endometriosis, it is most commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, the area between the vagina and the rectum, the outer surface of the uterus, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other less common sites for endometrial growth include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, in abdominal scars.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis Include:
- Painful menstrual periods
- Painful bowel movements and urination during periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Lower back, abdominal, or pelvic pain
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Frequent yeast infections
- Gastrointestinal upsets (diarrhea, constipation, nausea)
Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment for Endometriosis
While there is no known cause for endometriosis, there are several factors that may be associated with the disorder such as genetics, starting menstruation at a young age, and exposure to environmental toxins like the chemical dioxin (TCCD). Another theory believed to cause endometriosis is retrograde menstruation in which during menstruation, the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian, implants in the uterus, and grows.
Some women with endometriosis experience frequent and severe pain, an obvious indication that there is a problem. On the other hand, some women have little to no symptoms and learn they have the disorder while trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant. Endometriosis is one of the top three conditions associated with female infertility and about 30 to 40 percent of women with the condition cannot get pregnant on their own.
Diagnosis is typically considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure done under anesthesia that shows the size and location of the endometriosis. It is one of the most common treatments to remove endometrial tissue, especially for women trying to conceive.
During this procedure, a surgeon will insert a camera through a small incision near the navel. Should any endometriosis be present, the surgeon will attempt to remove all endometrial tissue through another small incision. If the laparoscopy proves to be ineffective, further treatment options may need to be considered such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect endometriosis and would like to learn more about your family-building options, please schedule a consultation online or call us at 954-247-6200.
This blog post was originally published by Daniel R. Christie, M.D. on March 27, 2017. He is subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is highly skilled in the areas of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). To schedule a consultation with Dr. Christie, please request an appointment at one of our IVF Florida locations.
Resources: www.endometriosis.org, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/home/ovc-20236421, http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html
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IVF Florida at 1 Mar 2021
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates proudly joins the Men Having Babies 2021 Southern Surrogacy Conference as a Platinum Sponsor on February 27, 2021. Reproductive endocrinologists, Marc Gualtieri, M.D. and Luis R. Hoyos, M.D., will discuss available options for gay men seeking to become parents in South Florida. The annual event is following a virtual format this year, offering the opportunity to reach more prospective fathers and support them on their journey to parenthood.
This year’s event will feature virtual presentations and the opportunity to interact with fertility specialists, surrogacy agencies, and lawyers about a variety of topics related to egg donation, surrogacy, financial assistance, and much more. By moving to a virtual format, attendees have access to general presentations, breakout sessions, and virtual “expo” tables. During the event, IVF Florida Reproductive Associates will host a virtual meet and greet where attendees can meet Dr. Gualtieri and learn about gestational carriers, egg donation, and other available options.
“The Men Having Babies Conference is a great opportunity for IVF Florida Reproductive Associates to connect with gay men in Florida who are looking to build their families,” says Dr. Gualtieri. “Our renowned donor egg and gestational carrier programs provide patients with highly effective and accessible treatment options to help make the dream of fatherhood a reality.”
While it is free to attend the Men Having Babies Southern Surrogacy event, pre-registration is required in order to receive login credentials.
For more information about IVF Florida’s fertility options for LGBT individuals and couples, visit ivfflorida.com or call 954-247-6200.
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IVF FLORIDA at 12 Feb 2021
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates, a leading clinic for infertility and reproductive treatment in South Florida, announces the addition of Dr. Luis R. Hoyos to its renowned team of reproductive endocrinologists.
Dr. Hoyos is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and board eligible in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He completed a four-year residency at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI., where he was the Academic Chief Resident and received multiple accolades including, Recognition of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Residency Excellence in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Excellence in Academic Achievement for four consecutive years. He then completed his three-year subspecialty fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
“I am proud to be a part of an amazing team of experts who are consistently recognized for their contributions to the fertility field,” said Dr. Hoyos. “I look forward to sharing my expertise and building patient connections to help couples and individuals grow their families.”
Dr. Hoyos is an accomplished researcher, having contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed articles. He is an active member of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the International Society for Fertility Preservation, and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society.
“The addition of Dr. Hoyos reflects the increasing number of couples who are pursuing the dream of parenthood through fertility options,” said David Hoffman, Chief Medical Officer at IVF Florida Reproductive Associates. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Hoyos join our team and we know he will add tremendous value to our practice, as well as make a great impact in the lives of our patients.”
Patients can schedule a new patient virtual physician consultation with Dr. Hoyos by calling 954-247-6200 or submitting this brief form. IVF Florida patients also have access to unique financing programs, such as Fertility Access, the 100% refund program for IVF, which helps make fertility treatment more affordable.
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IVF Florida at 4 Feb 2021
For those who are thinking of building their family -- but don’t have plans to have a baby just yet -- oocyte cryopreservation, also known as egg freezing, is a popular option.
Egg freezing is a technique in which a reproductive endocrinologist removes eggs from the ovaries, then freezes and stores them as a method to preserve reproductive potential in women of reproductive age. The process, which is no longer considered an experimental procedure by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, has transformed how and when women can have children. The option for a woman to preserve her fertility has changed the course of reproductive health and provides a sense of relief for those looking to delay motherhood.
If you are considering egg freezing, you are not alone. Here are three common reasons why women choose to freeze their eggs.
Three Reasons Women Choose to Freeze Their Eggs
1. The Time isn’t Right
Whether it’s career-related, searching for the right partner, or just not feeling ready--mentally or financially-- egg freezing allows women to focus on their life and career goals without the added pressure of their biological clock ticking in the background.
2. Medical or Health Reasons
Reasons such as family history of early menopause, endometriosis, or a recent cancer diagnosis are just a few medical reasons women choose to freeze their eggs. When facing the unknown, egg freezing can preserve healthy eggs and improve chances of conceiving in the future.
3. To Gain Fertility Freedom
Fertility in women rapidly declines after 35 years of age, and egg freezing gives women an option to start a family later in life. Egg freezing is an empowering step that offers a sense of security for those looking to delay motherhood.
Is Egg Freezing Right For You?
Egg freezing is an important decision, which should be discussed in detail with a 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 954-247-6200.
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IVF FLORIDA at 22 Jan 2021
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates is now one of 40 programs nationwide and the only program in Florida to receive the Seal of Quality Assurance for Oocyte Cryopreservation and Warming from Donor Egg Bank USA, the largest frozen egg bank in North America. To receive this recognition, practices have to pass a rigorous set of requirements and show exceptional results.
"The Seal of Quality Assurance is about attaining excellence in egg vitrification and warming,” said Heidi Hayes, Executive VP of Donor Egg Bank USA. “We are proud to send frozen donor eggs to IVF Florida given their mastery of both highly technical techniques, which should give not only patients using donor eggs confidence but also women who are choosing elective egg freezing.”
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates has partnered with Donor Egg Bank USA to provide frozen donor eggs as a treatment option for women who are unable to conceive using their own eggs. Donor eggs provide the highest pregnancy rates of any fertility treatment. After a frozen donor egg is fertilized with sperm, the resulting embryo is transferred to the patient’s uterus.
The Seal of Quality Assurance for Oocyte Cryopreservation and Warming showcases IVF Florida Reproductive Associates as achieving a 50% or higher clinical pregnancy rate over a minimum of five cycles as reported in Donor Egg Bank USA’s database, or an overall blastocyst per fertilized egg rate of 50% or higher, independent of clinical rate.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for our expertise in oocyte cryopreservation and warming,” said Dr. Hoffman of IVF Florida Reproductive Associates. “Our mission is to help people become parents, and frozen donor eggs are an important piece of the fertility treatment puzzle.”
Much data has shown that vitrified and warmed donor oocytes are more fragile and difficult to master than their fresh contemporaries. To consistently achieve excellent results with frozen donor oocytes proves that IVF Florida Reproductive Associates can be counted among the few in the field who have attained mastery.
To learn more about egg freezing and fertility preservation, click here.
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IVF FLORIDA at 14 Jan 2021