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 Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group
A couple is considered to have infertiltiy symptoms if they haven’t been able to become pregnant after 12 to 18 months or greater of trying to conceive.
For women over the age of 38 (especially those aged 40 and older), after 6 to 9 months without pregnancy success, an infertility evaluation by a board certified reproductive endocrinologist (infertility physician) should be obtained.
Fertility (pregnancy) rates for normal (fertile) couples is about a 20% chance of pregnancy success per cycle (month).
Most couples facing infertiltiy have pregnancy rates that are generally 5% or less per month depending on the infertility factor(s) that are present.
The females age is the most significant fertility factor. Women are born with all the eggs (oocytes) that they will ever have and will use them up throughout their reproductive life span (monthly cycles) till they reach menopause when their ovaries are depleted of eggs and no longer function.
Fertility rates for women peak in their teens to late twenties, then decline gradually till age 35. Afterwards, the decline in fertility is much more rapid, especially after age 40. Not only does the rate of fertility decrease in women as they get older (>35 years old), their rates of miscarriages and risk of abnormal pregnancies (Down's syndrome) increases, reflecting the age of their eggs. In other words, the older the egg, the less chance for fertilization or pregnancy. In addition, if pregnancy happens, there is anincreased risk of miscarriage (up to 30-50%) and chromosomal abnormal pregnancies.
IVF: involves gonadotropin stimulation of ovaries with retrieval of eggs by vaginal ultrasound guidance and fertilization with partner’s sperm in the embryology lab. Embryos are usually allowed to grow 3 to 5 days in the lab before transferring embryo(s) back to uterus. IVF is generally recommended for couples with severe tubal disease or blockage (or previous tubal ligation), severe male factor (low count, motility or morphology), severe endometriosis (Stage III or IV), high amounts of anti-sperm antibodies, or failure to achieve pregnancy with previous afore-mentioned treatment protocols (Minimal Stimulation, SOIUI protocols, etc.).
www.pregonline.com
17 Caledon Ct.
Suite C
Greenville, SC 29615
864- 232-PREG (7734)
Chinese Medicine
Japanese acupuncturists produce needle stimulation, focusing on a specific acupuncture point or "active point." These points are a living phenomenon with changing natures and locations, so they are not a prescription of points found in referencing a textbook. The acupuncturist must have the sensitivity and palpation ability to detect the "active points." Acupuncturists of the Japanese school put a great deal of weight upon finding these precise locations, which explains their ability to produce effective results without using deep needles or strong stimulation.
Japanese acupuncture treatments have been known to assist helping a range of complaints, including aggravated stress (fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression), localized pain (headache, knee pain, back pain), gastric problems (nausea, acid reflux, gastritis), trauma (sprains, strains, bruises) and even infertility. Traditional Japanese acupuncture is particularly suited to those who are uncomfortable with strong needle stimulus or are fatigued or otherwise weakened. It is well-suited for pediatric treatments and can be done without the use of needles.
Lorraine Harris is trained in Traditional Japanese acupuncture. She employs the subtle diagnostic techniques and gentle needling styles of this branch of Oriental Medicine.
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that originated from China over 3000 years ago and is the fastest growing method of health care in America today. Acupuncture works to restore and balance the body's vital energy (qi or chi) through the use of needles at specific points. In a healthy person the energy flows smoothly. However, if the energy is out of balance or blocked, illness or disease results.
Acupuncture is a relatively painless, natural technique. It consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of sterile, disposable, small, hair-width needles placed at precise strategic points on the body. While many acupuncture patients are initially wary about their first treatment, they soon discover that the experience is quite pleasurable and pain-free. Acupuncture has been proven to stimulate and release opiate-like hormones and induce a state of relaxation, balance and healing.
Chinese herbs are effective and safe when prescribed by a well-trained herbal practitioner. Careful attention to dosage, combinations of herbs and any known drug-herb interactions, are covered in comprehensive Chinese herbal medicine education programs. In addition, the Chinese herbal profession is working with the FDA to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese herbs imported into this country.
Herbs are usually more gentle than pharmaceutical drugs because of their balancing or regulating effect on the body. However, side effects from herbs are possible. The most common problem is gastrointestinal upset, gas and bloating due to slight difficulty digesting the herbs. This or any other problem should be reported to the practitioner so he/she may change the formula.
To allow health care providers to provide effective and safe treatment, patients should inform Western medical physicians of the herbs they are taking as well as inform the herbal practitioner of any prescription medicines being used.
www.chimedicineworks.com
Lorraine H. Harris L.Ac. & Dipl. O.M.
131 Meadow Lake Road
Asheville, NC 28803
Center for Applied Reproductive Science
Infertility affects one out of six couples. Many with infertility feel alone, isolated and do not know how, or where, to seek help. Few wear a badge that says, "I'm infertile."
Some may have spent years trying to become pregnant without success; others may have spent only a few months trying, but most have questions that need answers. The great news is that most infertility is very treatable. Help might be much closer, even easier, and less expensive, than you have heard.
The Center for Applied Reproductive Science (C.A.R.S.) is a nationally recognized state-of-the-art center treating patients with the full range of technologies. We are one of the largest programs in our seven-state region, with competitive, or superior success rates. Still, we practice medicine with an individualized approach and very personal attention. Our practice objective is to move from infertility to a successful pregnancy as quickly, gently, and cost-effectively as possible, and we remain committed to it.
The traditional definition of infertility is twelve months of unprotected sexual intercourse without establishing a successful pregnancy. This definition was derived in studies showing that 90% of couples will achieve a pregnancy during that time frame. Approximately 50% of otherwise healthy reproductive age women should be pregnant in the first three or four months of attempts. About 70% should be pregnant by six months and of the remaining 10% not pregnant after twelve months, still about one third will become pregnant in the following two years. It is, however, an injustice to our patients not to discuss of fertility at routine health visits, or to wait a year before starting education and counseling.
It seems perfunctory to begin any discussion of infertility by stating that about one in six American couples is infertile. The true incidence of infertility is not known. It is
estimated that over 50% of infertile couples never seek therapy. When taking medical histories for problems unrelated to infertility, it is commonplace to hear of years of attempts before a pregnancy is successfully established or in between pregnancies. A useful exercise is to imagine 50% of the couples with no children are childless not by choice.
It has been debated whether the incidence of infertility is increasing. Certainly, there are two trends that may add to a definite increased risk of infertility. The first of these is that the number of sexual partners has increased and with this, the risk of pelvic infection and subsequent tuboperitoneal disease. The second of these is delayed child bearing.
www.ivf-et.com
Western North Carolina Office
520 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Phone: 828-285-8881
Fax: 828-258-8887IVF Clinics Charlotte : IVF Clinics Winston : IVF Clinics Salem : IVF Clinics Greenville : IVF Clinics Asheville :
IVF Clinics Raleigh : IVF Clinics Durham |
