Monday, April 21, 2008

Uterine Fibroids and Infertility: Dr. Eric Daiter MD

Uterine fibroids are very common occurrences in women. They are also known as myoma or leiomyoma. Uterine fibroids can cause infertility, but not all of the time. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors affecting the uterine muscle tissue. Uterine fibroids are not cancerous tumors, but they can affect fertility, nonetheless.

There are three types of uterine fibroids. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. They can cause little or no symptoms unless they are severe. They give the uterus a bumpy appearance. Tumors can grow on stalks and they are referred to as pedunculated subserosal fibroids. They can cause back pain, pelvic pain, frequent urination and cramping. If the fibroids grow large, they can affect the kidneys and other surrounding organs. Subserosal fibroids should not cause any infertility issues. However, if they grow large, they can put pressure on fallopian tubes and ovaries, inhibiting their function.

Intramural fibroids are found in the muscle of the uterus. They are usually round in shape and can vary in size from microscopic to enormous. Some can get up to 50 pounds. Intramural fibroids can cause the size of the uterus to enlarge. Intramural fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, cramping, pelvic and back pain, and prolonged periods. Again, intramural fibroids may not cause any recognizable symptoms and may only be discovered during a vaginal exam or during infertility treatment. Intramural fibroids can cause problems with conception. They can cause problems with implantation or miscarriage.

The submucous fibroid causes the most problems with fertility. They can grow inside of the uterus. They commonly interfere with the uterine lining development and placement. This can cause miscarriage and difficulty with implantation. It can also cause painful periods and excessive bleeding. The submucous fibroid can develop a stalk and the mass can protrude from the stalk into the uterus. The stalk can allow the submucous fibroid to move further into the uterus and sometimes through the cervix and into the vagina. If the tumor grows large, then the uterus may recognize it as a foreign body and contract to expel it. If this happens it can cause severe pain similar to labor pains.

Fibroids are sometimes found during routine examinations but they can not always be detected this way. They are commonly found during ultrasound or during surgery. If fibroids are severe, then you may need to seek treatment. A myomectomy is a surgical procedure where fibroids are removed one at a time and the uterus is hopefully spared. This is the common treatment for women who still want to have children. Hysterectomy is the other option where the uterus is removed. Talk with your infertility specialist about what options there are for you and your treatment.

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 that 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 www.drericdaitermd.com.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Dr. Eric Daiter MD

There are three major types of uterine fibroids; subserosal, intramural and submucous. If you have been diagnosed with any type of uterine fibroids, the treatment options may be limited depending on your symptoms and whether or not any other organs are being affected by the fibroids.

Hormonal suppression and other medications that help with pain are generally temporary fixes for the symptoms that uterine fibroids can cause. If your uterine fibroids are not severe and are not affecting surrounding organs, then you may be able to treat the fibroids with medication.

A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that refers to the removal of tumors one by one from the uterus. This procedure is usually recommended for women who have fibroids that need to be removed surgically. A myomectomy is preferred over a hysterectomy, where the entire uterus is removed, if the woman is still of a reproductive age and there is a possibility of having children in her future. Fibroids can grow back after removal and more procedures may be necessary after the first one. Multiple surgeries can compromise fertility. Scar tissue can adhere the uterine walls together and other problems may occur after surgery.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an alternative treatment to surgery. It is a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure. Uterine fibroids need a blood supply to grow and thrive. Uterine artery embolization is performed through the arterial system. The doctor will identify uterine arteries, usually through x-ray, and inject tiny particles into the arteries supplying the fibroids.

The injected particles will hinder or stop the flow of blood to the fibroids. This can stop excessive bleeding and also cause the fibroid to shrink in size over time. Uterine fibroid embolization is becoming more popular and is generally tried before major surgery unless symptoms are threatening to the patient.

Uterine fibroid embolization is minimally invasive and you will most likely only be given a sedative before the procedure. A small needle is inserted and a catheter is used for the procedure. There should not be any scarring visible on the skin afterward. Although you will not have any large incisions, the pain afterward can be severe. The pain is caused by the dying cells’ release of toxins. An overnight stay may be required after the procedure for pain management. Usually medications can be taken at home and the pain should subside in a few days.

Talk with your infertility specialist or OB/GYN if you have questions about your uterine fibroid treatment.

This information about uterine fibroid embolization 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 that 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 www.drericdaitermd.com.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Endometriosis: Causes and Symptoms Dr. Eric Daiter MD

Endometriosis is a condition that affects the reproductive system of some women. Your uterus normally has a lining called the endometrium. If this lining grows or becomes implanted outside of your uterus, then it is called endometriosis.
Endometriosis is usually a painful disorder. It can afflict your fallopian tubes, ovaries or it can grow onto other structures within your pelvic area. Your endometrium normally thickens due to a hormonal response in your body. This is a normal preparation for fetal implantation or menstruation. The lining of the uterus is shed in menstruation if there is no pregnancy. Endometriosis tissue growing outside of your uterus also thickens and sheds with the hormonal changes of your body. The blood from the shedding tissues outside of your uterus can pool up and be very painful and irritating inside of your body. Adhesions and scar tissue can form often causing fertility problems.
The causes of endometriosis aren’t entirely clear. Some believe that there is a genetic predisposition to have endometrial cells outside of the uterus, or that the cells remained present after the formation of the female reproductive organs during fetal development. Others believe that the cells somehow traveled outside of the uterus, such as through the bloodstream or through the fallopian tubes. The causes aren’t exactly known at this time.
Some cases of endometriosis are mild and aren’t even discovered unless the woman has some type of surgery where the surgeon discovers it. Others have painful symptoms and abnormally heavy bleeding during menstruation. The pain is generally in the form of excessively painful menstrual cramps that last for days. The pelvic and associated back pain is tremendous as well. Similar pain or sharp cramps can occur during ovulation, intercourse, urination or defecation as well. Another symptom of endometriosis is infertility. If the fallopian tubes become scarred with endometrial tissue or adhesions, then eggs can not pass to the uterus for implantation. The uterus itself or the ovaries can also become damaged and cause fertility problems.
Endometriosis will generally get worse over time. It tends to be worse and more common in women who have not had children. Since the endometrial tissue grows and sheds with your menstrual cycle, it tends to cause more and more problems over time. This is also why it stops growing and shedding if you become pregnant or menopausal. Your body is no longer sending it the hormonal signal to grow and shed.
Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms mimic that of other disorders and infections. Sometimes it can look like irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease. It often is accompanied by these two disorders as well and can often be overlooked. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms speak with your doctor. Getting early treatment can help you avoid years of pain and possible scarring of your reproductive organs or pelvic area. If infertility is a concern, then talk to your doctor as soon as possible for advice.

This information is brought to you by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter is 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 www.drericdaiter.com.

Fertility after Vasectomy: Dr. Eric Daiter MD

Vasectomy is a route that many families decide to take when they decide that it is time for a permanent birth control solution. A vasectomy is the permanent sterilization of a man. In comparison to female sterilization, the vasectomy is historically less complicated and has less long-term complications. It is performed under a local anesthetic, where a female tubal ligation is a more complicated surgery performed under a general anesthetic.
There are many different reasons that couples choose to have a vasectomy in the first place. The most common reason to get a vasectomy reversal is the decision to have a child. If you’ve had a vasectomy and are now considering having a reversal, there are a few things that you should expect. First, you should know that sperm in the semen doesn’t necessarily return immediately following a reversal procedure. It can take up to a year to have a good healthy sperm count, so if you’re considering having another child, don’t wait too long.
Restoring your fertility can be a wonderful thing. Your doctor will want to make sure that you and your partner are otherwise fertile before attempting a reversal. A vasectomy reversal doesn’t always work, but can sometimes be reattempted if the first time isn’t a success. It can be a little costly and generally isn’t covered by insurance. Choose your doctor wisely. A reproductive endocrinologist or urologist may have a lot more experience in this area than your regular family practitioner. Ask about the procedure and the success rates of each doctor. After choosing your doctor, ask about the risks and possible complications. Make sure that all of your questions are answered before going through any medical procedure.
Your doctor should give you instructions to follow for the weeks before and after the procedure. You should be instructed not to take certain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin for at least a couple of weeks leading up the procedure. Your doctor will most likely use a general anesthetic for this procedure, and you can expect to have an overnight stay in the hospital or clinic following the surgery.
If the vasectomy reversal is a success, you may be able to get your partner pregnant within a few months, but it could take up to a year or two. About half of vasectomy reversals are successful. Your semen can be analyzed to determine if any sperm are present to determine the success of the procedure. Vasectomy reversal is a very delicate microsurgical procedure. Talk with your doctor or infertility specialist about what you can expect and you could be on your way back to fertility.
This information is provided on behalf of Dr. Eric Daiter MD. Occasionally patients, doctors and nurses have offered kind words through their testimonials about their experiences with Dr. Eric Daiter MD. Here is a patient testimonial that shows the type of doctor you might consider when you make your decision about the infertility specialist that’s right for you:

Being a good doctor isn’t just about technical skill, which in my opinion he more than satisfies; it must also encompass optimism and a belief in the successful outcome of the patient’s goals. It was Dr Eric Daiter’s continual expression of optimism and belief in a positive outcome that enabled me to keep moving forward in my goal to be a parent and to eventually broaden my horizons to include adoption.
Next month my son will be four years old, and these have been the best four years of my life. I am grateful and appreciative to Dr. Eric Daiter for the optimism, compassion, skill, and professionalism that he brought to me during a challenging time in my life.

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 www.drericdaitermd.com.

Endometriosis and Infertility: Dr. Eric Daiter MD

Millions of women in the United States suffer from endometriosis. Many go untreated or undiagnosed. The outcome of untreated endometriosis can be very serious, including infertility, progressive pain and organ damage.
Women who suffer the effects of endometriosis often experience debilitating pain and discomfort. Some end up losing their jobs or even dropping out of school to try and cope with the pain. The problem is, many women think that they are just experiencing normal period pain, such as cramping, abdominal pain and back pain. Endometriosis is a progressive disease and gets worse over time. Delaying treatment can cause infertility and severe organ damage.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of endometriosis, you need to see your doctor right away. This is not something that should be put off, due to the escalating nature of the disorder. Symptoms may be very mild and sometimes go completely unnoticed by some women. This does not mean that the endometriosis is not severe. Endometriosis tends to be illusive due to the fact that symptoms can be anywhere from not noticeable to extreme. Also, the diagnosis is difficult because endometriosis symptoms mimic many other diseases and disorders.
If symptoms are noticeable, they can include pelvic pain, menstrual cramps that can be severe, and/or cramping during intercourse, urination or bowel movements. Symptoms generally get progressively worse over time, but they can vary a lot from woman to woman. Some women have varying degrees of pain and some experience more relief over time. It is very hard to pinpoint endometriosis symptoms and it is often dismissed as part of the menstrual cycle. The one thing that generally triggers women to seek diagnosis and treatment is infertility.
Endometriosis is only properly diagnosed through laparoscopy. Laparoscopy gives the doctor a clear view inside of the pelvis and abdomen. Biopsies of tissues can be taken during the laparoscopic treatment to help produce an accurate diagnosis. Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia and is considered a minor surgery. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to give the surgeon room to look around. A laparoscope is inserted through a small incision and patients usually go home the same day after the procedure.
Women who have endometriosis are not always infertile, but many are. About a quarter of women seeking infertility treatment discover, through exploratory laparoscopy, that endometriosis is the cause of their infertility. Many women are able to regain their fertility after a laparoscopic surgery. Be sure that you select a skilled and experienced infertility specialist, or reproductive endocrinologist to perform your laparoscopy endometriosis treatment.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is 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