If you have been trying to get pregnant and have been unsuccessful, then you may be wondering when it is the right time to seek professional help. It is not unusual to feel apprehensive about seeing an infertility specialist. For some couples, it feels like the first step in admitting that something may be wrong with them. This should not be how you feel going in. If you do need help, then it may not be wise to put it off. With modern advances in diagnostics and treatment, you should consider taking that first step into the infertility specialist’s office the first step towards starting your family.
It is very common to need a little help conceiving and you are not alone. Most people start out tracking their ovulation with an ovulation prediction kit or basal body temperature. If you have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for six months, then it may be time to seek professional help. If you are under the age of thirty-five, then you may be able to wait for up to a year, but it is not recommended.
There are certain circumstances where you should not even wait the initial six months and should consult an infertility specialist as soon as you can. The main reason would be the woman’s age. If the woman is over thirty-five, then fertility can be rapidly decreasing and you should not prolong seeking help. Another reason not to wait is if you have had miscarriages or tubal pregnancies in the past. Endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and pelvic inflammatory disease are other reasons to immediately seek help in conceiving.
Most women start out by telling their OB/GYN that they are trying to conceive. Most OB/GYN’s have some experience in initial infertility evaluation and may be able to give you some good information to start with. They can usually perform simple procedures to see if you have a tubal blockage, the most common cause of infertility in women. However, a real infertility specialist, or Reproductive Endocrinologist, has many more years experience and expertise in the field of infertility treatment.
A Reproductive Endocrinologist is an OB/GYN that has gone through about three extra years of training in fertility and infertility treatment. A skilled infertility specialist can diagnose probable causes of your inability to conceive on your own, whether it be male, female or both partners with the problem. Many problems are easily corrected through laparoscopic surgery, fertility drugs or other common forms of infertility treatment. Do not be nervous about seeking help. Once you learn what your problem may be and how to remedy the situation, you will be a lot more relaxed. Because age is a factor, the sooner you get started the better. We encourage you to seek the help of an infertility specialist if you have any concern at all about your fertility.
This information has been provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter MD, please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Anovulation and Infertility Dr. Eric Daiter MD
Many women have abnormal or irregular periods. If infertility becomes an issue, then these irregular periods may be a sign that you are not ovulating normally. If you are not ovulating at all, it is referred to as anovulation.
Many things can affect your ovulation ability. Certain diseases such as diabetes and liver disease can stop you from ovulating. There are also a number of glandular disorders that can halt ovulation. There may be adhesions or other complications with the ovaries themselves. Whatever the reason, it is important to work closely with an infertility specialist to rule out certain disorders before continuing with hormonal treatments for anovulation.
Fertility drugs such as clomid are fairly effective in stimulating ovulation. The purpose of fertility drugs like clomid is to block the effects of estrogen in the body. When estrogen is blocked, it simulates the natural drop in estrogen that should be occurring, but may not be, in your body. When estrogen drops, your body produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones stimulate the ovaries into ovulating.
Multiple ovulations are common and sometimes multiple births can be expected. Your doctor will monitor the effects of the fertility drugs and adjust the dosage to best suit your needs. Generally, you will start out low and increase over six months until you become pregnant. Different medications may be prescribed if the first one does not seem to be effective.
Some fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries and others actually mature the egg so that it can be released. When given in combination with each other, these can be very effective. Most fertility drugs are administered by injection, sometimes daily, and some are taken orally. Your infertility doctor will take regular blood tests and perform many ultrasounds to monitor your egg development.
Some problems that can occur include bloating and fatigue, irritability and headaches. Sometimes infertility drugs can alter cervical mucus and actually make it a hostile environment for sperm. In this case, artificial insemination can be used to bypass the cervix and fertilize the egg in utero. Intrauterine Insemination, IUI, is the most common form of artificial insemination. This is where sperm is introduced directly into the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes, bypassing any cervical problems that may be present.
In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the body produces too much testosterone and develops an insulin resistance. This causes ovulation not to happen. Your doctor may provide fertility drugs to combat these effects and start ovulation again.
The goal of using fertility drugs to combat anovulation is to get your cycle back on track and get ovulation started. Talk to your infertility specialist about what options may be available to you.
Information provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Daiter, Eric please visit www.drericdaiter.com.
Many things can affect your ovulation ability. Certain diseases such as diabetes and liver disease can stop you from ovulating. There are also a number of glandular disorders that can halt ovulation. There may be adhesions or other complications with the ovaries themselves. Whatever the reason, it is important to work closely with an infertility specialist to rule out certain disorders before continuing with hormonal treatments for anovulation.
Fertility drugs such as clomid are fairly effective in stimulating ovulation. The purpose of fertility drugs like clomid is to block the effects of estrogen in the body. When estrogen is blocked, it simulates the natural drop in estrogen that should be occurring, but may not be, in your body. When estrogen drops, your body produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones stimulate the ovaries into ovulating.
Multiple ovulations are common and sometimes multiple births can be expected. Your doctor will monitor the effects of the fertility drugs and adjust the dosage to best suit your needs. Generally, you will start out low and increase over six months until you become pregnant. Different medications may be prescribed if the first one does not seem to be effective.
Some fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries and others actually mature the egg so that it can be released. When given in combination with each other, these can be very effective. Most fertility drugs are administered by injection, sometimes daily, and some are taken orally. Your infertility doctor will take regular blood tests and perform many ultrasounds to monitor your egg development.
Some problems that can occur include bloating and fatigue, irritability and headaches. Sometimes infertility drugs can alter cervical mucus and actually make it a hostile environment for sperm. In this case, artificial insemination can be used to bypass the cervix and fertilize the egg in utero. Intrauterine Insemination, IUI, is the most common form of artificial insemination. This is where sperm is introduced directly into the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes, bypassing any cervical problems that may be present.
In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the body produces too much testosterone and develops an insulin resistance. This causes ovulation not to happen. Your doctor may provide fertility drugs to combat these effects and start ovulation again.
The goal of using fertility drugs to combat anovulation is to get your cycle back on track and get ovulation started. Talk to your infertility specialist about what options may be available to you.
Information provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Daiter, Eric please visit www.drericdaiter.com.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Post-Coital Testing: Dr. Eric Daiter, MD
Infertility diagnostic procedures can be extensive. Your Reproductive Endocrinologist may order a number of tests to more accurately diagnose possible causes of your failed attempts at having a child. One test that may be ordered is called a post-coital test. This test is designed to check cervical mucus after intercourse to determine whether or not the sperm cells present are capable of moving and traveling normally.
Generally, cervical mucus is at its thinnest a couple of days before ovulation. This is most likely the best time to perform a post-coital test. During this time, the sperm should have its best chance of moving easily through the mucus. This is when most people trying to get pregnant are the most successful.
Post-coital testing is usually only recommended when other factors of infertility have been ruled out. If your fallopian tubes are not blocked and you are able to ovulate normally, then your mucus may be tested for certain problems that could hinder you from becoming pregnant. Still, this testing is not done until the male partner has also been evaluated for male factor infertility.
Antisperm antibodies present in your system could be one problem discovered through post-coital testing. Antisperm antibodies are produced by your immune system and can attack sperm when it is present. This condition is very rare. Sperm is normally protected by being kept separate from the immune system.
There are treatments and insemination techniques that can help you bypass the cervical mucus if there are antisperm antibodies present. Medications called corticosteroids can help reduce the amount of antisperm antibodies in your system. There could be side effects, so consult with your Reproductive Endocrinologist before going forward. Another option is In-Vitro Fertilization. In this procedure, sperm can be injected directly into the egg. Since the sperm never actually travels through the cervix or uterus, In-Vitro Fertilization can be very effective. Intrauterine Insemination is another way for sperm to bypass cervical mucus. Discuss all of your options, possible side effects and chances of success with your infertility specialist before proceeding with any procedure.
Preparing for the post-coital test will involve a urine test to determine your luteinizing hormone levels. This will tell you when you are getting ready to ovulate. Once you determine that you are about to ovulate, you will need to have intercourse with your partner four to eight hours before your appointment for the test. Do not use any type of lubricant, douche or cleansers, as sperm needs to be present and your cervical mucus unaltered for the test.
The test will seem like a simple gynecological exam, similar to a pap smear procedure. Results generally come back within a day or two. Your doctor will go over the results concerning the consistency of your mucus, the absence or presence of antisperm antibodies, and whether or not the sperm present was able to move normally through the cervical mucus. Discuss with your Reproductive Endocrinologist the possible infertility treatment options available to you depending on your results.
This information is provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Eric Daiter please visit http://www.drericdaitermd.com/.
Generally, cervical mucus is at its thinnest a couple of days before ovulation. This is most likely the best time to perform a post-coital test. During this time, the sperm should have its best chance of moving easily through the mucus. This is when most people trying to get pregnant are the most successful.
Post-coital testing is usually only recommended when other factors of infertility have been ruled out. If your fallopian tubes are not blocked and you are able to ovulate normally, then your mucus may be tested for certain problems that could hinder you from becoming pregnant. Still, this testing is not done until the male partner has also been evaluated for male factor infertility.
Antisperm antibodies present in your system could be one problem discovered through post-coital testing. Antisperm antibodies are produced by your immune system and can attack sperm when it is present. This condition is very rare. Sperm is normally protected by being kept separate from the immune system.
There are treatments and insemination techniques that can help you bypass the cervical mucus if there are antisperm antibodies present. Medications called corticosteroids can help reduce the amount of antisperm antibodies in your system. There could be side effects, so consult with your Reproductive Endocrinologist before going forward. Another option is In-Vitro Fertilization. In this procedure, sperm can be injected directly into the egg. Since the sperm never actually travels through the cervix or uterus, In-Vitro Fertilization can be very effective. Intrauterine Insemination is another way for sperm to bypass cervical mucus. Discuss all of your options, possible side effects and chances of success with your infertility specialist before proceeding with any procedure.
Preparing for the post-coital test will involve a urine test to determine your luteinizing hormone levels. This will tell you when you are getting ready to ovulate. Once you determine that you are about to ovulate, you will need to have intercourse with your partner four to eight hours before your appointment for the test. Do not use any type of lubricant, douche or cleansers, as sperm needs to be present and your cervical mucus unaltered for the test.
The test will seem like a simple gynecological exam, similar to a pap smear procedure. Results generally come back within a day or two. Your doctor will go over the results concerning the consistency of your mucus, the absence or presence of antisperm antibodies, and whether or not the sperm present was able to move normally through the cervical mucus. Discuss with your Reproductive Endocrinologist the possible infertility treatment options available to you depending on your results.
This information is provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Eric Daiter please visit http://www.drericdaitermd.com/.
ZIFT or GIFT? Dr. Eric Daiter MD
Zygote intrafallopian transfer, or ZIFT, is an infertility treatment method whereby an egg is fertilized outside of the body and then transferred into the fallopian tubes of a woman. ZIFT is considered an advanced infertility treatment. Normally, you will try other forms of treatment before you consider a ZIFT treatment.
Many doctors recommend ZIFT to patients who have problems ovulating. The fallopian tubes must be open for this method to be utilized. ZIFT may also be considered if the male partner has a low sperm count. If the sperm count is extremely low, you may have better luck with ICSI, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In ICSI, the sperm is injected directly into the egg. ICSI is sometimes used in conjunction with ZIFT.
Another similar treatment is called GIFT. GIFT refers to gamete intrafallopian transfer. In this method, the egg is not fertilized outside of the body. The sperm is injected into the fallopian tube where it will hopefully fertilize an egg. GIFT is usually used for women who have problems ovulating. Therefore, you will be given fertility drugs and you will be closely monitored by your infertility specialist to determine when your eggs or mature. Then the eggs will be collected with a small needle, mixed with your partner’s sperm and then immediately injected into your fallopian tubes. Extra eggs can be fertilized in vitro and these embryos can be frozen for future attempts.
Fertility drugs are also used in the ZIFT procedure. Eggs are retrieved in the same manner as the GIFT treatment. They are mixed with sperm outside of the body and monitored for fertilization. Fertilized eggs are then transplanted into the fallopian tubes where they will hopefully move to the uterus and implant at the proper stage of development.
In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, is used more often than GIFT or ZIFT. In an IVF treatment, your eggs will be retrieved after a round of fertility drugs. Then, your eggs will be combined with your partner’s sperm in the laboratory. This is where your eggs will be monitored for about three to five days. At the proper stage, the fertilized eggs will be injected into your uterus for implantation. IVF accounts for almost all of all assisted pregnancies, partly because fallopian tubes do not have to be open for this procedure.
Talk to your infertility specialist about what procedures will best fit your situation and your goals. You may end up trying a few different procedures before you find which one is right for you. Make sure that you ask plenty of questions so that you feel comfortable about each step that you take towards building your family.
This information is provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Eric Daiter please visit http://www.drericdaitermd.com/.
Many doctors recommend ZIFT to patients who have problems ovulating. The fallopian tubes must be open for this method to be utilized. ZIFT may also be considered if the male partner has a low sperm count. If the sperm count is extremely low, you may have better luck with ICSI, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In ICSI, the sperm is injected directly into the egg. ICSI is sometimes used in conjunction with ZIFT.
Another similar treatment is called GIFT. GIFT refers to gamete intrafallopian transfer. In this method, the egg is not fertilized outside of the body. The sperm is injected into the fallopian tube where it will hopefully fertilize an egg. GIFT is usually used for women who have problems ovulating. Therefore, you will be given fertility drugs and you will be closely monitored by your infertility specialist to determine when your eggs or mature. Then the eggs will be collected with a small needle, mixed with your partner’s sperm and then immediately injected into your fallopian tubes. Extra eggs can be fertilized in vitro and these embryos can be frozen for future attempts.
Fertility drugs are also used in the ZIFT procedure. Eggs are retrieved in the same manner as the GIFT treatment. They are mixed with sperm outside of the body and monitored for fertilization. Fertilized eggs are then transplanted into the fallopian tubes where they will hopefully move to the uterus and implant at the proper stage of development.
In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, is used more often than GIFT or ZIFT. In an IVF treatment, your eggs will be retrieved after a round of fertility drugs. Then, your eggs will be combined with your partner’s sperm in the laboratory. This is where your eggs will be monitored for about three to five days. At the proper stage, the fertilized eggs will be injected into your uterus for implantation. IVF accounts for almost all of all assisted pregnancies, partly because fallopian tubes do not have to be open for this procedure.
Talk to your infertility specialist about what procedures will best fit your situation and your goals. You may end up trying a few different procedures before you find which one is right for you. Make sure that you ask plenty of questions so that you feel comfortable about each step that you take towards building your family.
This information is provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER. Dr. Eric Daiter MD offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Eric Daiter please visit http://www.drericdaitermd.com/.
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