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
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
Three Types of PGT Explained
Part of routine infertility testing involves preconception genetic screening, during which we take blood samples from the mother and see if any chromosomal or genetic abnormalities might block conception. Advanced technological innovations in fertility treatments allow us to test cellular tissue from blastocyst embryos (Day 5 after fertilization). The procedure is called … [Read more...] about Three Types of PGT Explained
Talking about Infertility This Holiday Season
Not everyone looks forward to the holiday season as a time to catch up with family and friends. Navigating holiday parties and festivities as an infertility patient can come with a sense of unease. Even those who are well-meaning can ask an intrusive or sensitive question about your fertility. Sometimes, you feel responsible for educating others on the infertility … [Read more...] about Talking about Infertility This Holiday Season
Trigger Shots 101
The trigger shot is one of the most exciting shots in the injectable fertility medication lineup because it’s administered when you’re egg follicles are adequately matured. Trigger shots are used in several different scenarios, depending on your family building plans, reproductive history, or fertility treatment needs. Whether you’re just embarking on the fertility … [Read more...] about Trigger Shots 101