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Infertility Support and Encouragement
Infertility is the state of being unable to produce offspring; in a woman it is the inability to conceive; in a man it is the inability to impregnate.
A couple is usually considered infertile if pregnancy has not occurred after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse. Women over 35 or those with a family history of infertility should consult a doctor after six months of unprotected intercourse if pregnancy has not been achieved.
A doctor may order basal hormonal testing as well as provocative hormonal testing (clomiphene challenge test). This will aid the doctor in predicting the responsiveness of your ovaries and evaluation of your ovarian reserve. The testing will involve measuring your blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level on cycle day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle and then on day 10 following a five-day course of Clomid or Serophene. Remember the first day of flow that requires you to wear a pad or tampon is cycle day 1. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland (an area in the brain) and causes follicles to develop. A follicle is a cystic structure on the ovary, which houses the egg prior to ovulation. Measuring these hormone values on cycle day 2 or 3 and again following a course of Clomid or Serophene on cycle day 10, may identify the patient who is not likely to conceive or is at a high risk for miscarriage. The testing involves having your blood drawn on cycle day 2 or 3 for FSH and estradiol levels. Pending the results of the day 2 or 3 blood test, you will be instructed to take clomiphene two tablets (100 mg) daily on cycle days 5 through 9. You will return for a second FSH level on cycle day 10.
A common medication used for ovulation induction is Clomid or Serophene (clomiphene citrate). Clomid binds to estrogen receptors in the body and "fools" the hypothalamus (an area of the brain) into thinking estrogen is low and causes it to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH causes thepituitary to make and release more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). More FSH and LH should result in the release of one or more mature eggs - ovulation. One disadvantage of Clomid is that it can bind to estrogen receptors for 6-8 weeks in many types of tissues and deprive these tissues of estrogen, leading to diminished endometrial development (uterine lining) and decreased cervical mucus production.
www.fcsupport.org
817) 656-9566 (home) (817) 313-8029 (cell) Postal address 4645 Parkmount Drive Fort Worth, TX 76137
Fertility Clinic Texas Infertility Treatmen
Infertility is much more common than once believed. In fact, approximately 15% of couples will experience infertility at some time in their reproductive lives. This figure is difficult to establish because many couples facing infertility do not seek medical advice. Fortunately, public awareness has increased dramatically leading more couples to seek care infertility care sooner.
Infertility has many causes. Until fairly recently, it was thought that infertility was primarily a female problem; however, we now know that almost 50% of couples will have a male infertility component. For this reason it is critically important that the husband also be evaluated. The semen analysis is a critical fertility test and numerous fertility tests will be conducted to rule out causes of female infertility.
Perhaps the greatest threat to a woman's fertility is advancing age. Many women are now choosing to delay marriage until they are much older and consequently, many are attempting pregnancy in their mid-to late 30s and early 40s. Unfortunately, the biological clock has not changed to coincide with the evolution of our societal values and fertility for women is greatest in the late teens and early 20s. This is contrary to the situation for men, as most men remain relatively fertile throughout their adult lives. However, some degree of male infertility is present in up to half of infertile couples. Women aged 35 or older should not delay consultation with a fertility specialist.
Women are born with a lifetime supply of eggs and during each month of a natural cycle one egg develops in the dominant follicle, and undergoes ovulation. Thisdevelopment is initiated and supported by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). At the same time, a group of smaller unselected follicles become atretic and are no longer capable of reaching ovulation. As women age, the number of remaining eggs declines; furthermore, those that are available may demonstrate a decrease in egg quality.
www.dfwivf.com
Presbyterian Hospital Margot Perot Building, 8160 Walnut Hill, Suite 328 Dallas, TX 75231 Telephone: 214-363-5965 Fax: 214-363-0639
Fort Worth Fertility
There are many steps involved in the IVF process, but try not to become too overwhelmed by the process – that’s why we are here. Together, we will discuss what you can expect throughout the treatment process, review all of the medications, and learn about the testing that will be done. Although the IVF process is complex, our board certified fertility specialist will try to simplify it for you and walk you through it one step at a time
During our initial consultation, we will meet with you and discuss your case, diagnosis, and possible treatment options in detail. If IVF is appropriate for you and you decide to proceed with your treatment, they will review the various tests that will be required in preparation for your cycle and identify and review the dates of your cycle. This testing may include a mock transfer and evaluation of the uterine cavity with a hysteroscope.
The male partner or sperm donor will need to provide a semen sample for analysis. A sperm sample may be frozen to serve as a back up for the actual procedure. Once the evaluation is complete, you will be able to start your treatment cycle based on available schedule and your menstrual cycle. We understand that you are anxious to begin treatment as soon as possible and we make every effort to get you started right away.
Prior to starting the cycle, our IVF coordinator will meet with you again, review the medication schedule, and make sure that you are familiar with the drugs and the methods of administration. Once the treatment is in progress, you will be coming to the office periodically ( typically on day three, five, seven, and nine of your injections) for monitoring of your response to the medications. This usually includes a blood test (Estrogen, E2 level) and an ultrasound on each visit. With each visit we will notify you of your progress and make sure that you know what will happen next.
www.fwivf.com
800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 210 Fort Worth, Texas 76104 817-348-8145IVF Clinics Austin : IVF Clinics Dallas : IVF Clinics Fort Worth : IVF Clinics Houston : IVF Clinics South Houston : IVF Clinics North Houston :IVF Clinics Lubbock : IVF Clinics Odessa : IVF Clinics San Antonio |