Perimenopause signals the waning of a woman’s fertility cycle. Often mistaken for menopause - which isn’t official until you’ve missed your period for 12 consecutive months - perimenopause typically unfolds over multiple years. This process includes changes in hormone balance that affect ovulation and the development and shedding of the endometrium (uterine … [Read more...] about How Does Perimenopause Affect Fertility?
Infertility
STDs Can Cause Infertility
Taking good care of your body is one of the best things you can do to support future fertility, and that includes preventing the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Any infection affecting the pelvic area poses a threat to female infertility, usually via scar tissue or blockages, and interferes with … [Read more...] about STDs Can Cause Infertility
Social Fitness for Overall Well Being
Overall physical health is a cornerstone of fertility health. And, as fertility specialists, we also honor that a person’s mental and emotional well-being also impacts their physical health. That’s why we’re particularly interested in the continuing findings of Harvard’s multi-generational study, proving that social connections notably - and positively - impact overall … [Read more...] about Social Fitness for Overall Well Being
This Mother’s Day, Support Your Friend with Infertility
Women (and couples) struggling with infertility have a challenging time from the minute they’re diagnosed until they give birth to a healthy baby. Holidays, especially those focused on children or the role of the parent - like Mother’s and Father’s Days - can be especially painful. As a loving family member or friend, there are several things you can do to support your … [Read more...] about This Mother’s Day, Support Your Friend with Infertility
Cannabis Effect on Fertility
The legalization of cannabis (marijuana) in 22 U.S. states and one territory has created the mistaken belief that cannabis isn’t harmful. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and there is a particular cause for concern in the fertility world. Yes, cannabis is indeed considered medicinal in some cases, but typically those benefits are prescribed for patients with chronic … [Read more...] about Cannabis Effect on Fertility
What Is It like to Have PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder with an unknown cause. Typically diagnosed in reproductive-aged women from 12 to 45, PCOS has a range of symptoms that can negatively impact a woman’s quality of life until a proper diagnosis is made and recommended treatment put into place. Because these symptoms are so wide-ranging, women can go for years without a … [Read more...] about What Is It like to Have PCOS?
Prenatal Care After IVF
There are no words to describe the joy, gratitude, and relief of knowing you're finally pregnant after IVF. Once that emotional rollercoaster settles into a more predictable rhythm, and you move through Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of your pregnancy, it’s time to begin transitioning your sights from fertility treatment patient to prenatal patient. After IVF: Making the … [Read more...] about Prenatal Care After IVF
Can I ‘Optimize’ My Fertility?
During the first consultation with Fertility Solutions, patients frequently ask if there is anything that can be done to boost or optimize fertility during treatment. This question is asked by infertile couples and LGBTQ+ couples alike, who want to “put their best foot forward” throughout their treatment plan. Couples can work on their day-to-day lives in order to … [Read more...] about Can I ‘Optimize’ My Fertility?
Don’t Let Fertility Treatment Ruin Your Valentine’s Day
Remember when Valentine’s Day entailed sexy preparations, weeks-ahead reservations, and scintillating overnight stays? Then, you started down the fertility treatment journey…and boy, can that make a world of difference in how a couple celebrates (or wants to hide from) Valentine’s Day “obligations.” A Fresh Valentine’s Day Perspective During Fertility Treatments Maybe … [Read more...] about Don’t Let Fertility Treatment Ruin Your Valentine’s Day
The Male Factor: Fertility Testing and Treatment
Testing for a male factor fertility problem typically starts with a semen analysis. Semen will need to be provided to the lab in a sterile container provided by your doctor. Many labs allow at-home collection for privacy, as long as the sample is transported to the lab (and kept warm, by keeping the cup in your waistband or underarm) within an hour. Many labs offer private … [Read more...] about The Male Factor: Fertility Testing and Treatment