What is Ovulation? Ovulation is the rupture of the dominant follicle to release a mature egg. There are many hormonal changes associated with ovulation, but the key event is a surge in LH (luteinizing hormone) triggered by the high levels of estradiol produced by the dominant follicle. This LH surge has many effects, leading to egg maturation and follicle rupture about … [Read more...] about Ovulation: What & When
Fertility
The “Normal” Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is crucial to understanding fertility! Although cycles differ for everyone, the accepted definition of a "normal" cycle length is 21-35 days from first day of full flow, or "cycle day 1,’’ to the next cycle day 1. Bleeding may last from 2-7 days. Follicular Phase During the first half of the cycle, called the follicular phase, levels of estrogen … [Read more...] about The “Normal” Menstrual Cycle
5 Ways Acupuncture Supports Fertility Treatments
Acupuncture has supported fertility goals for thousands of years, but there is no single way it works. Rather, acupuncture for fertility buoys conception, pregnancy, and fertility treatments in multiple ways. 5 Ways Acupuncture for Fertility Supports Treatment Acupuncture uses special needles to activate specific pressure points and meridians throughout the body. … [Read more...] about 5 Ways Acupuncture Supports Fertility Treatments
Lifestyle and Your Fertility
How does lifestyle impact fertility? In countless ways; this post will touch the surface of how best to optimize different lifestyle factors. Diet A healthy diet that limits processed foods and pesticide exposure is best. The Mediterranean diet has the most data behind it. This diet is rich in fish, whole milk dairy, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and … [Read more...] about Lifestyle and Your Fertility
FSH, LH & Estradiol Hormones
FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone, and estradiol, a form of estrogen, are two hormones routinely measured during fertility testing to assess ovarian reserve, or the potential of the ovaries to recruit healthy eggs. These hormones are measured on day 3 of the menstrual cycle (remember: day 1 is first day of full flow!). What is FSH? FSH is a hormone produced by the … [Read more...] about FSH, LH & Estradiol Hormones
Boston’s Top Fertility Doctors for 2022
The doctors at Fertility Solutions are once again honored to be recognized by their peers as Boston's Top Docs for fertility care. Congratulations to Dr. Anania, Dr. Huang and Dr. Kowalik for receiving this much deserved award! "The directory—created in collaboration with healthcare research firm Castle Connolly Top Doctors—includes 1,797 of the region’s finest … [Read more...] about Boston’s Top Fertility Doctors for 2022
Office HSG: What to Expect
Hysterosalpingogram.... a word that often strikes fear into the heart of fertility patients! This is a crucial part of the basic female fertility work up that examines the uterine cavity (i.e. the inside of the uterus where a pregnancy would implant and grow) and the Fallopian tubes, which should help transport an egg from the ovary to meet the sperm. Does an HSG … [Read more...] about Office HSG: What to Expect
Keeping a Healthy Heart During Fertility Treatments
Happy Heart Month - and we aren’t just talking about your Valentine’s Heart. February is American Heart Month. This month is dedicated to bringing attention to women’s heart health - and the fact that women are every bit as susceptible to heart disease as their male counterparts. Since Fertility Solutions is dedicated to helping women and their partners start families, … [Read more...] about Keeping a Healthy Heart During Fertility Treatments
5 Causes of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Women are born with all the eggs (oocytes) they’ll ever have. And these eggs die off by the thousands each year. This process is entirely normal. However, some women are born with less-than-normal eggs, or their egg stores diminish more rapidly than usual. This leads to diminished ovarian reserve. Diminished ovarian reserve is normal in women 40-years-old and over … [Read more...] about 5 Causes of Diminished Ovarian Reserve
The Importance of Primary Care for Fertility
Good health is important when it comes to conceiving and carrying a healthy child. Good health encompasses mental health, reproductive health, physical health and more. That being said, it is often underestimated how important primary care visits are when it comes to assessing your overall health. For women, a visit to their primary-care provider and OB/GYN should … [Read more...] about The Importance of Primary Care for Fertility