In the blink of an eye, Abby's world changed when she received a breast cancer diagnosis at 33. Her journey is a poignant tale of loss, hope, and resilience.
At 33 years old, Abby embarked on a quest to conceive her fourth child. She visited a new OBGYN, Dr. David Lubetkin, unaware that his advice would become a lifeline. Delving into her family history, Abby disclosed her mother's breast cancer battle at age 43.
Her doctor strongly recommended her first mammogram and genetic testing for breast cancer. A few weeks later, the mammogram unveiled a tumor, and she was swiftly scheduled for surgery. Little did she know, she was already pregnant, a pregnancy that ended in a miscarriage. A lumpectomy paired with a D&C abruptly halted her dreams of expanding the family, leaving her devastated.
Abby's medical team advised chemotherapy due to the potential of her cancer spreading aggressively, leading to a referral to IVF FLORIDA for fertility preservation through embryo freezing.
Throughout this challenging journey, IVF Florida's exceptional compassion shone brightly. I never felt like just another patient; my story mattered," said Abby. "The nurses displayed kindness, sensitivity, and patience, addressing all my questions and concerns. Their responsiveness through the patient portal was a convenience I greatly appreciated."
Remarkably, IVF FLORIDA also respected Abby's religious needs. They accommodated ATIME's presence, allowing Jewish observers during lab procedures, including her egg retrieval.
Emotionally, Abby grappled with her diagnosis, battling fears about her health and the prospect of expanding her family. Despite these challenges, she remains deeply grateful that IVF FLORIDA enabled her and her husband to preserve embryos. She eagerly anticipates the day when she can return to IVF FLORIDA for embryo transfer, with a clean bill of health.
Throughout her journey, Abby felt exceptionally well taken care of. She was particularly impressed by the care provided by Dr. Weitzman and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone facing fertility struggles or considering fertility preservation for any reason.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 17 Oct 2023
When dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it can be challenging to conceive due to hormonal imbalances that disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation. However, a healthy and balanced diet can help those struggling to manage their symptoms.
Here are some key aspects of nutrition to consider:
Balancing Blood Sugar Levels: Focus on a low-glycemic diet that includes complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.
Choose Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, into your diet. These fats can help regulate hormones and support a healthy reproductive system.
Protein is Key: Include lean protein sources like poultry, fish, tofu, and beans to maintain muscle mass and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Fiber-Rich Foods: Fiber helps regulate digestion and can aid in managing weight. Opt for high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall health and weight management.
Adequate Micronutrients: Ensure you're getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, which is crucial for fetal development. Consider taking a prenatal vitamin to fill any nutritional gaps.
IVF Florida is proud to recommend Luminary Vitamins and Theralogix as both products are independently and third party verified and offer high-quality, evidence-based nutritional supplements to support patients along their fertility journeys.
Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Highly processed foods and sugary snacks can exacerbate insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Minimize their consumption to support your PCOS management and fertility goals.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can aid in managing PCOS symptoms.
Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to help with weight management, which is often a key factor in improving fertility for women with PCOS.
Lifestyle Tips for Enhancing Fertility with PCOS
In addition to dietary changes, consider these lifestyle tips to further improve your fertility when dealing with PCOS:
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to help manage weight, reduce stress, and enhance insulin sensitivity. A combination of aerobic exercises and strength training can be beneficial.
Stress Management: High stress levels can worsen PCOS symptoms. Explore relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress effectively.
Fertility Awareness Checkup: Schedule an appointment with IVF FLORIDA to check your fertility. Our Fertility Awareness Checkup will provide a snapshot of your reproductive potential and fertility health to help you plan for your future or address any conception roadblocks.
Medication and Treatment: Consult with your IVF FLORIDA physician about medications or fertility treatments that may be suitable for your specific situation. These can include ovulation-inducing medications or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
Navigating PCOS on the journey to conception can be challenging, but by prioritizing nutrition, lifestyle changes, and professional guidance IVF FLORIDA, you can enhance your chances of getting pregnant. Remember that every individual's experience with PCOS is unique, so consult with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. With dedication and the right support, you can achieve your dream of starting or expanding your family.
By
Administrator at 29 Sep 2023
Three IVF FLORIDA doctors have earned the prestigious title of 2023 Top Doctors in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, awarded by Castle Connolly, a respected healthcare research organization.
Drs. Hoffman, Barrionuevo, and Weitzman have secured a place on The Boca Raton Observer's Top Docs list for their expertise in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, receiving this honor in previous years as well.
Castle Connolly's team, led by physicians, conducts a meticulous selection process, evaluating doctors and dentists based on their educational background, career journey, and recognition among peers. Only the most respected practitioners are chosen.
The IVF FLORIDA team remains dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care and employing cutting-edge reproductive technologies. Our doctors serve as trusted guides for individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
For more information about our practice and the comprehensive range of reproductive healthcare services we offer, please visit ivfflorida.com or call 954-247-6200.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 15 Sep 2023
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. It can have a significant impact on various aspects of a person's life, including fertility. As part of our commitment to PCOS Awareness Month, IVF FLORIDA is here to shed light on this condition, its signs, strategies for symptom management, and how it can influence fertility.
PCOS is a common condition that affects many women, but with early diagnosis and effective management, individuals with PCOS can lead healthy and fulfilling lives, including the possibility of building a family. If you suspect you have PCOS or are struggling with its impact on your fertility, don't hesitate to reach out to IVF FLORIDA for guidance and support. Together, we can navigate the path toward a brighter, fertility-focused future.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 1 Sep 2023
Starting a family is an exciting journey, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to conception. Many couples face difficulties in achieving or sustaining a pregnancy, with 1 in 8 experiencing infertility regardless of their background. Knowing when to seek assistance is crucial, with factors such as time and age playing a significant role.
In this blog post, we explore the top reasons why early fertility testing and treatment can significantly increase the odds of success.
Age plays a critical role for both women and men. For couples, infertility is being unable to conceive after a year of trying – unless the woman is 35 or older. In that case, couples should seek treatment after six months of trying without success. When the woman is 40 or over, speaking with a specialist should happen as soon as you decide it is the right time to start a family. That is because of the quantity and quality of eggs women have, which decrease with age. But age is not the only factor for women. Male fertility starts to decline around 40 years old when sperm quality decreases, which reduces the chance of pregnancy and increases the time to pregnancy, and resulting pregnancies are more likely to result in miscarriage.
Cost is another important consideration. For many women who wait longer to start families, invasive procedures, like IVF, may be tried earlier to increase the chances of conception. Younger women are more likely to have a better reserve of quality eggs, meaning they are more likely to be successful with less invasive methods like fertility medications or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Not only are these treatments less invasive–they are less expensive than more involved procedures.
Health Awareness is also crucial. The fertility workup patients receive when they start treatment can provide a wealth of general health information. For many men and women, infertility can be due to an underlying health issue they weren’t aware they had. These issues (such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or thyroid diseases) can cause several health problems, ranging from hypertension to depression. Learning that you have an underlying problem is the first step to taking charge of your fertility health.
Fertility Preservation is another option for women looking to delay parenthood. Time is still of the essence! IVF FLORIDA is committed to proactive fertility management and provides Fertility Awareness Check-Ups for women aged 21-44. This evaluation is designed to help you make informed decisions and maximize your chances of conception. With IVF FLORIDA's Fertility Awareness Check-Up, you can benefit from a blood test and transvaginal ultrasound that assesses your reproductive health. Our tests consider all the factors that contribute to fertility, such as hormonal balance, ovarian reserve, and uterine health.
Women can also preserve their future fertility through egg freezing, enabling them to build a family when the time is right. However, women considering this option should move forward as soon as possible to increase their chances of success. As egg quality and quantity decline as women age, women who choose to freeze their eggs earlier have a higher likelihood of freezing enough high-quality eggs to give them the best chance of conceiving later in life.
If you and your partner would like to learn more about your treatment options, contact the fertility specialists at IVF FLORIDA at 954-247-6200 or request an appointment today.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 21 Aug 2023