Keeping Fertility Treatments and Vacations Separate

Call it “fertility tourism” or “reproductive tourism” if you like… but don’t take it lightly.  That moniker might make traveling to a foreign country for fertility treatments sound chic or exciting, but the results can be anything but.  And the media is finally starting to pick up on that fact.
But let’s begin at the beginning…

What is “Fertility Tourism”?
Recently, clinics around the world (especially those in Europe, the Middle East and North America) have been wooing couples to visit their fertility clinics.  Touting excellent success rates, they’ve managed to attract hundreds of would-be parents willing to travel great distances to get fertility treatments as well as the potential problems inherent with traveling overseas for IVF, IUI or other reproductive assistance techniques. 
Some go because they think they’ll save money; some go because they are deemed too old to get fertility treatments in their country of origin; some travel because they are denied access to get fertility treatments in their homelands; and some simply want to work with physicians who won’t ask the tough questions that need to be asked.  Whatever their reasons, it’s becoming a bigger and bigger concern.

What Are the Problems with Fertility Tourism?
The problem isn’t that people are exercising their freedom to go wherever they choose; that’s perfectly acceptable and not a right that we would condone removing.  The conundrum is that they are doing it for the wrong reasons.  And they’re putting their health — and the health of any child(ren) conceived through fertility treatments they get abroad — at potential risk.

What are potential problems associated with foreign fertility treatments?

·         If something goes wrong, the couple or individual will be far away from loved ones.

·         If the doctor is negligent, it may be difficult to win a lawsuit.

·         The language barrier can become an issue.

·         Foreign clinics may not be as sanitary or secure those in the couple’s country of origin.

Final Thoughts on Fertility Tourism
It’s important to always weigh your options when it comes to choosing a fertility treatment provider and not take any aspect of the journey lightly.  If you’re tempted to go overseas, you may simply need to get a second, third or even fourth opinion at home.

Could IVF Success Be as Close as Your Coffee Cup?

If you undergo IVF treatments (or are planning to undergo IVF), there are many suggestions you’re likely to hear:  rest well, eat healthily, keep stress to a minimum, exercise moderately, keep a positive attitude… but until now, no one has likely told you to head to Starbucks. 
Well, all that may be about to change.

British researchers studying women with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS*) have discovered what they feel is an interesting side effect affecting those undergoing IVF.  In a nutshell, about one third of the women the researchers studied who were both having IVF treatments AND drinking a cup o’ joe came out with better fertility treatment results than did those who were not drinking caffeine.

The study wasn’t an accident, though the results were definitely more newsworthy than perhaps anticipated. 
Researchers had been doing tests with caffeine and OHSS for some time, although they weren’t necessarily connecting the results with IVF.  Now, research is pointing to a possibility that caffeine may indeed have somewhat of a “neutralizing” effect upon the body when it comes to ovary over-stimulation.

So what does this mean for you as a woman involved in fertility treatments?
Although the findings from the British report are preliminary, they at least suggest that you may not have to give up your morning coffee break during IVF.  In fact, it may be a darn good thing to keep caffeine in your diet.  And that’s music to the ears of coffee lovers everywhere.

* OHSS symptoms run from mild (e.g., bloating, abdominal pain) to severe (e.g., life-threatening blood clots).  If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor or, in the case of serious symptoms, head to the closest emergency room.

Protecting Fertility While Facing Cancer

Women in America are diagnosed with cancer every day, with the most prevalent type being breast cancer. Hearing such a diagnosis is most certainly devastating under any circumstances, but for a woman still within her childbearing years, additional concerns may likely – and understandably – arise:

·         Will I be able to have biological children after I fight off this cancer?

·         Will I be infertile as a result of the treatments I’ll undergo and have to give up my dreams of children unless I adopt?

Truthfully, the answers to these questions are dependent upon what types of treatment you undergo based on your type of cancer and how advanced it is. It’s wise to plan ahead for after you have finished all of your treatments and the doctor declares you cancer-free. Doing so will take away any anxiety over the possibility of parenthood in your future, giving you the peace of mind to focus your energy on fighting the cancer and getting well.

For instance, if you are going to receive radiation or chemotherapy and expect to want children in the future, you should consider one of the options available for protecting your eggs and preserving your fertility. You may even want to do the same regardless of the treatments you’ll undergo, if only to safeguard yourself from any possible adverse affects to your fertility.

The most popular options for fertility preservation include:

-  Freezing embryos (cryopreservation) for the purpose of in vitro fertilization, which can happen any time after successful cancer treatments.

-  Freezing mature eggs for later fertilization. Likewise, men facing cancer treatments should consider having some of their sperm frozen.

-  Processes that protect the ovaries from radiation or chemotherapy. There are ways of doing this through medications or through surgery.

-  Woman who have already undergone radiation or chemotherapy may even consider the possibility of egg donation.

However, “while the technology exists for protecting a woman’s ovaries from various treatments for cancer, cryopreservation is a much more certain route to take,” according to the advice of Dr. Abraham K. Munabi, Medical Director at the Repoductive Sciences Institute (RSI) of Suburban Philadelphia. As Munabi explains, “Even when looking at freezing embryos versus freezing eggs, embryos are stronger than fragile eggs, making cryopreservation again more reliable.”

A breast cancer diagnosis does not have to be cause for feelings of desperation, especially if cancer is detected early on. Look optimistically toward the future and the possibility of a family if that’s something you desire but have yet to accomplish. The health professionals at RSI welcome anyone with breast cancer or any another cancer to come and receive counsel on what the options are that will best fit your unique situation.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

Weight Can Be a Significant Factor in How Well Fertility Treatments Work for a Woman

Maybe you want to lose 5-10 pounds to get back to the weight you boasted in your 20s or 30s.  While that’s perfectly fine, it’s unlikely to be a problem in terms of your trying to get pregnant via fertility methods.  However, if you’re a woman who is either seriously overweight OR underweight, you will probably want to get your diet in check before moving forward with fertility treatments

Weight plays a definite factor in how well a woman’s body will respond to all types of fertility treatments, from Clomid to IVF.  So it’s important to prepare physically if you predict (or hope) that fertility treatments will be in your future.

How can you make sure your weight is in line?  Body Mass Index (BMI) is often used by physicians as a measure of how appropriate your weight is based on your height, gender and age.  While it’s not always perfect (if you have a lot of muscle mass or are unusually short or tall, the results can be skewed… and it doesn’t work for kids’ bodies), it’s a good starting point.
Another measure can be just how you look and feel.  Most people in the obese and underweight categories are aware that their bodies are out of proportion from where they should be.  In this case, a diet and exercise regimen may be warranted.

As with all lifestyle change programs, of course, it’s a good idea to talk with your family doctor first.  Explain to him or her that you’re going to be considering fertility treatments and that you want your weight to be in your favor, not against you.  Then, you can proceed as he or she suggests.

In the meantime, start changing your habits to healthier ones to get you on the right track. 

Below are 11 great tips to launch your fitness regimen:

1.    Start measuring the size of your food.  Many people don’t realize they are actually overeating OR undereating until they see what recommended portions look like. 

2.    Snack healthier.  Choose pretzels instead of chips, apples instead of cake.  You can save thousands of calories a year doing this!  (On the flip side, if you don’t eat enough, have small snacks throughout the day.)

3.    Eat when you’re hungry, not when you’re bored. 

4.    Share a dinner in a restaurant with a friend or your spouse.  (Their portions are usually at least twice as big as you need!)

5.    Join a gym or fitness group.  (For those who are too thin – use this opportunity to build lean muscle mass, not to lose weight with too many aerobic activities.)

6.    Take a 10 minute walk every day.

7.    Always use stairs instead of the elevator.

8.    When driving somewhere, park as far away from the building as is safe and comfortable.  That way, you have to walk farther to get to the front door.

9.    Try not to eat in your car, at your desk or anywhere else you shouldn’t be.

10. Limit fast food to 1 time per week.

11. Bring your lunch instead of buying it.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

Infertility Myths Still Abound on the Internet

Making sure misinformation about infertility doesn’t spread around isn’t easy.  This is especially true given that we’re living in the Internet era where anyone and everyone can throw a website into cyberspace and make a claim.  (And believe us – some do just to be controversial or get web-based “buzz”.)

Recently, we at RSI came across a particularly glaring (not to mention shockingly insensitive) error on a site (we won’t name it because we don’t want it to get traffic) that purports to deal with infertility.  In fact, it’s a site that seems to get regular traffic, which is a shame.
What was the concern?  In a nutshell, the site claimed that infertility in couples is typically the woman’s “fault” and not the man’s “fault”.  We were initially taken aback… then, a moment later, we were horrified at the thought that someone might take what was written as the truth.

Anyone who has been reading the RSI blog knows that we’re staunchly against two very important elements of this “claim”.  Namely, our frustration is with the notion that women are somehow capable of being at fault for fertility issues plus we’re offended by the mere mention of anyone being somehow complicit, as if infertility were a choice.

The truth – and we can back our declarations with medical community statistics – is:
1.  Infertility plays an equal role for men and women. 
It’s well-known in medical circles that no one should shoulder any blame when it comes to infertility.  There’s about a 40% chance of infertility being a male issue, a 40% chance of infertility being a female issue and a 20% chance of it being a couple (or unknown) issue.  Therefore, it is statistically inaccurate to say that women could be “at fault”.
2.  The term “fault” is unnecessary and insulting. 
Let’s be honest – the term “fault” implies deliberateness on the part of the person experiencing infertility.  Question:  How is this possible?  Answer:  It’s not.

The moral of the story?  Be careful what you believe about infertility no matter what source you’re using.  Go to reputable sites for your information like www.RSIInfertility.com.  And always do your own research before making any statements or conclusions.

Infertility is an “Equal Opportunity” Medical Condition

It doesn’t care if your net worth is in the millions or your bank account is overdrawn.  It doesn’t give a hoot if you’re a Hollywood movie star or an inner city teacher. It is infertility and it affects millions of women and men around the world regardless of their statuses.

Though this fact might seem obvious, many people dealing with infertility begin to feel like they are the “only ones”.  Or they erroneously assume that they have done something wrong to “deserve” the agony of not being able to naturally conceive a child.  But this is a medical condition that doesn’t discriminate.

Case in point is the international singing sensation Celine Dion.  She’s beloved around the world, especially in her native Canada.  She’s also chosen to undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) five times in an attempt to have a child.  Like other women, she’s experienced the discomfort – both emotional and physical – of infertility and infertility treatments.  The fact that she’s wealthy doesn’t ease her concerns.

Then there’s Sarah Jessica Parker.  She and husband Matthew Broderick turned to surrogacy after dealing with infertility.  Though Parker has said she wanted to give birth, her body wouldn’t cooperate with her goals.  In the end, she and Broderick made a difficult decision that has – happily – resulted in twins.

And there are all the others, too – males and females whose names you and I don’t know but who walk around with the knowledge that they can’t get pregnant without help.  We may never realize who they are because they aren’t likely to be interviewed by People or Us, but they are no less affected by infertility than Celine Dion or Sarah Jessica Parker. 

This is why reproductive specialists value what we do.  We are passionate about our work because we recognize that every person’s journey through infertility is challenging.  It’s the reason we have a plethora of options for each situation and work tirelessly to help individuals and couples become parents. 

If you’re experiencing infertility, you deserve to find answers regardless of your situation in life.  Maybe you’re not a superstar, but your desires are important nonetheless.  Make an appointment with a reproductive science specialist today.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Explained

For couples just entering the world of infertility treatments, the variety of acronyms may seem a little overwhelming.  In this article, we’ll talk about intrauterine insemination, typically abbreviated as IUI.

What is It?

IUI is a procedure whereby a catheter containing washed sperm is inserted through the cervix.  The sperm is then pushed into the uterus in the hopes of fertilization with an ovum.

When Does IUI Take Place?

IUI is typically scheduled within 6 hours (before or after) of a woman’s ovulation.  (hCG injections may be used to ensure ovulation.)  Timing is critical because sperm can only last 24-72 hours and are typically considered less viable after 24 hours.

Does IUI Hurt?

Most women report feeling very little discomfort during IUI.

Can the Sperm “Fall Out”?

The sperm that has been injected into the uterus will remain there.  Women do not need to go on any kind of “bed rest” post IUI.

What is the Success Rate of IUI?

Success rates are quite variable.  Some studies quote numbers of as little as 4-8%; others claim the success rate is closer to 20%.

What Can We Expect to Spend on IUI?

The costs of IUI will depend on your unique situation.  Therefore, you should connect with your fertility specialist for more information.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

Pitfalls of Self-Medication and Infertility

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of web-based advertisements trying to encourage men, women and couples suffering from infertility to purchase a myriad of typically-prescribed medicines online ”without a prescription.”  And, truth be told, it’s a huge temptation, especially for individuals who want to save money; after all, if they can avoid a trip to the doctor’s office and save money on medications like Clomid, why shouldn’t they.  Right?

Wrong.

It’s vital not to self-medicate for infertility concerns.  Infertility isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.  This means the wrong choices in medications could have long-term effects.
Patients with fertility problems should never arbitrarily choose the medicines they feel will work best for them.  Doing so could actually complicate their issues, especially if they haven’t first obtained a doctor’s assessment.

Besides, there’s no way to tell if the so-called “top of the line medicines” being touted online are proper strength.  Sure, a website may tell you they are, but there’s no way to know if that’s accurate or not.  Some “infertility” drugs may be nothing more than pills filled with sugar, cornstarch or another item. Additionally, they may not be approved by the FDA.
Consumers must always exercise good judgment and avoid self-treating infertility through drugs hocked via the Internet.  Sure, the ad copy might sound legit and enticing, but there’s no telling what the “medications” they sell actually contain.  They might be the wrong dose or prescription for your personal situation… or, in a worst case scenario, they might even be deadly.

As with any other medical issue, it’s best to consult with a physician rather than take the word of an advertisement or spam email.  Don’t choose a detour that could cost you time, money and, quite possibly, your health.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

Home Fertility Tests: Don’t Believe All the Hype

Home fertility tests.  You can pick them up in your local drug store and if you follow the directions, you’ll be told when you’re most likely to be able to conceive based on your cycle.  What could be simpler?  Like over-the-counter pregnancy tests, they can give you all the information you need to know how to maximize your fertility.  Right? 

Unfortunately, the reality isn’t so cut and dry for most couples who have been unsuccessful in their attempts to conceive.  Regardless of what home fertility test advertisers would have consumers believe, the kits may simply be a waste of a couple’s discretionary dollars. 
As physicians who specialize in reproductive health will tell you, infertility isn’t a one-size-fits-all concern.  What helps one woman (or couple) conceive might do nothing for another.  Therein lies a significant problem with at-home fertility kits. 

Home-based fertility kits measure only one area involved in fertility — ovulation.    This means they cannot provide the necessary personalization women dealing with fertility problems deserve.  After all, home fertility tests have been designed with an “average” consumer in mind who simply needs to understand when she’s ovulating in order to conceive … and that certainly doesn’t describe every infertile individual’s condition.

For instance, home fertility tests cannot test for other factors involved in infertility, such as endometriosis, STDs, genetic disorders or male infertility.  And if any of those factors is the reason for the fertility issue, the fertility kit will do nothing except waste a couple’s time and resources. 

This isn’t to say that you can’t try a home fertility test, especially if you have never tried to become pregnant before.  But if you haven’t been able to naturally conceive within 6-12 months after ceasing all birth control methods, it’s a good idea to shift gears and head to a fertility specialist for a one-on-one examination.  That way, you can rule out any other causes of infertility.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

Helping a Friend Who Is Dealing with Infertility

Maybe you’re not dealing with infertility, but if your friend or relative is, it’s likely that it’s affecting you, too. 

For instance, if you have a best girlfriend who has been trying to get pregnant for a while, you might start to question whether you should bring up a mutual acquaintance’s pregnancy announcement.  Will it make your best friend feel upset?  Will she become stressed out?  Will she resent you for being the bearer of such news?

Truly, how to help a friend who is dealing with infertility can be a very tough and complicated subject.  Many people coping with infertility simply don’t want to discuss their problems, especially if they are naturally private individuals.  Then there are others who are completely open about their experiences, right down to incredibly intimate (sometimes even graphic) details. 

So what can you do if you want to show your support for a person or couple dealing with infertility but don’t want to step on any toes? 

Try this trio of techniques:

1.    Be available, but don’t be pushy.  If your friend doesn’t want to discuss the topic of infertility, let it go.  On the other hand, if your friend really wants to discuss it, allow her to vent a bit.  Don’t judge, don’t react, just listen and respond.   

2.    Don’t constantly ask your friend about doctor’s appointments, outcomes, etc. if your friend seems hesitant to talk about the subject.

3.    Out of respect, ask your friend if he or she wants to have a conversation about his or her infertility.  If the answer is “no”, don’t try to change his or her response.  Even if you’re aching to hear all the “news”, if it’s not your business, it’s not your business.

Remember that there are definitely ways to be a good friend to someone who is struggling with infertility.  And perhaps the best is to continuously focus on what that person needs and wants, not on what you think you ought to be doing to help. 

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

Despite the Hype, Clomid Isn’t a Cure-All for Infertility

If you’ve struggled with infertility, it’s likely that you’ve come across information about a drug called Clomid (clomiphene). 

A prescription medication, Clomid is an orally-ingested pharmaceutical that is used to fuel normal ovulation in women who do not ovulate regularly because of any number of factors.  This result is achieved by the pill’s stimulation of hormones that naturally occur in the body. 
Clomid has been around for many years and is often turned to as a first line of defense by reproductive health physicians.  When it works as intended, Clomid allows a woman’s body to essentially “reset” itself from a reproductive standpoint.  Thus, it’s easier to track when a woman will be most fertile.  This can be an enormous benefit for women who have been unable to have a child because of an irregular menstrual cycle but who have no other fertility issues.

There’s little doubt that Clomid can be somewhat of a “jumpstart” in terms of being able to conceive, but as with every medication, it has its limitations and shouldn’t be considered a panacea for infertility.  After all, there are side effects and long-term success rates to consider.

The side effects can run the gamut from mild to severe and include:

·         allergic reactions to clomiphene citrate (an ingredient in Clomid);

·         visual blurring, spots or “flashes”;

·         ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS);

·         abdominal pain;

·         bloating;

·         weight gain;

·         increased risk of ovarian tumor;

·         breakthrough bleeding (very rare); and

·         multiple pregnancy.

Additionally, Clomid has a rate of decreased effectiveness over time, which is rarely reported in the media.  This means that each time Clomid is taken for a 30-day cycle, it’s less and less likely to work.  Therefore, it’s not recommended that women take Clomid for more than four cycles.

Dr. Abraham K. Munabi, M.D., Reproductive Science Institute, Suburban Philadelphia, P.C. discusses appropriate usage of Clomid and why it should be considered a part of a comprehensive fertility treatment, not a cure-all:
“Clomid is an excellent choice for the right patients, but is only one method of tackling infertility.  Generally, I don’t recommend staying with Clomid for long, as it’s not as successful as some couples have been led to believe.  It’s fine to try it, and it’s wonderful when it works as intended, but I prefer to use it in tandem with other interventions.”

Dr. Munabi also cautions against buying Clomid online.  “Clomid is available by prescription only, although some websites try to sell it without the involvement of a doctor.  No one should purchase this medication over the Internet if they aren’t under the care of a knowledgeable reproductive health specialist.  Too many terrible consequences of consumers ingesting dangerous ‘medications’ have been reported.”

If you’re curious about whether or not Clomid will be right for you, make an appointment with your fertility specialist to discuss your options.  Just be certain to look beyond Clomid; if it doesn’t work within a few cycles, it will be appropriate to move on to other choices.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/

There’s No Reason to Ignore Menstrual Irregularities

If you’re one of the millions of women who experience fertility issues as a result of menstrual irregularities, it’s time to start seeking intervention for your condition.

When menstruation happens on a regular basis (usually every 28-35 days), a woman has the ability to predict when she is most likely to be able to conceive a child.  On the flip side, when menstrual irregularities occur, a woman cannot easily calculate when (or if) ovulation will happen.

Menstrual irregularities can include, but are not limited to: amenorrhea (the absence of menses); menstrual cramping; sporadic (e.g., unpredictable) menstruation; unusually-long periods; and vaginal “breakthrough” bleeding.  Though many women experience these problems, they may not realize that the problems can play a significant role in a woman’s infertility.

For instance, if a woman’s menstrual irregularities are due to amenorrhea, no matter how many times she and her partner have sexual intercourse, they will not be able to conceive due to a lack of ovulation.  Without an ovum to fertilize, conception is impossible.  In the case of a woman whose menstrual irregularity manifests itself as painful and lengthy periods, intercourse may be so uncomfortable that it happens very seldom.  Again, this leads to a reduction in the opportunities for that woman to become pregnant.

There can be many causes of menstrual irregularities, even between women experiencing the same symptoms, which is why it’s important that a reproductive health specialist be involved in solving the riddle of this female health concern.  Without a doubt, the reasons for an irregular menses vary widely and can include:

·         A past (or current) eating disorder;

·         Over-exercising or extreme athleticism;

·         Poor nutrition;

·         Hereditary factors;

·         Perimenopause or menopause;

·         Weight gain/loss;

·         Vegetarian diets;

·         Uterine cancer;

·         Uterine abnormalities;

·         Stress;

·         Polyps; and more.

Consequently, for any female who is unable to effectively track her period and who has been unable to conceive after trying for 6-12 months (after stopping all birth control methods), it’s imperative that she seek the assistance of a physician who specializes in diagnosing this kind of common problem.

Says Dr. Abraham K. Munabi, M.D., Reproductive Science Institute, suburban Philadelphia, “Menstrual irregularity is absolutely one of the most common ‘culprits’ of infertility.  But the causes behind the problem can differ greatly from patient to patient.  This is why we have to take each woman’s health into consideration on a highly individualized basis.  One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to treatment of irregular menses.”

If you’re concerned about the way that menstrual irregularities may be affecting your fertility, it’s time to get answers. 

Contact RSI for an appointment to discuss your health experiences today.

http://www.rsiinfertility.com/