Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility is a specialty devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of infertility and other reproductive health problems through techniques such as: (more…)

Hysterosalpingogram Procedure and Picture

Hysterosalpingogram

What to expect during a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

The hysterosalpingogram (HSG) study takes about 5 minutes to perform. However the test is usually done in the radiology department of a hospital there is additional time for the woman to register at the facility and fill out a questionnaire and answer some questions covering her medical history.

The HSG Test is performed in these steps: (more…)

On-site In Vitro fertilization – IVF

Fertilized Egg

On-site In Vitro fertilization (IVF) is rapidly becoming the most popular choice of treatment for couples with various types of infertility. It is generally accepted as the most successful and fastest method available to achieve pregnancy.

While it was initially reserved for patients with blocked, damaged, or absent fallopian tubes (tubal factor infertility), IVF is now also used to overcome infertility caused by endometriosis, male factor issues, diminished egg quality, ovulatory problems, or other unexplained reasons.

Low Sperm Count

If a man’s sperm count is very low or if poor fertilization is predicted based on a test such as Kruger strict morphology ( male infertility) then fertilization with IVF using ICSI may be needed in order to conceive. Fertility specialists discuss all treatment options in detail with each couple.

What is a Fertility Specialist?

A medical specialist who treats patients with infertility is known professionally as a Reproductive Endocrinologist. Training in Reproductive Endocrinology requires four years of college followed by four years of medical school. The physician must then complete a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), during which the physician receives broad training in general Obstetrics and Gynecology. The final course of training (more…)

High FSH – Low FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone found in humans and other animals. It is synthesized and secreted by gonadotropes of the anterior pituitary gland. FSH regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body. FSH and Luteinizing hormone (LH) act synergistically in reproduction.

High FSH levels (more…)

Operative Hysteroscopy

Operative Hysteroscopy

Operative Hysteroscopy

A invasive outpatient surgical procedure performed using conscious sedation anesthesia in which a long thin camera is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus in order to correct any abnormalities of the uterine lining or cavity as detected by previous diagnostic testing. Most commonly, (more…)

Diagnostic or Operative Laparoscopy

Diagnostic or Operative Laparoscopy

Diagnostic laparoscopy

Diagnostic laparoscopy

A minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedure using 2-3 small holes made through the umbilicus and abdominal wall allowing passage of a telescope camera and instruments into the abdominal cavity and pelvis while the patient is under general anesthesia. This procedure is recommended for patients who may have any number of conditions that affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

If infertility has been longstanding for many years, or a woman has a medical history suspicious for an abnormality of the pelvis, an evaluation with laparoscopy may be warranted. Operative laparoscopy (more…)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination - IUI

Intrauterine Insemination - IUI

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

A process where sperm are isolated from the male semen ejaculate, washed, and placed into a woman’s uterus using a thin flexile plastic cannula. This process is almost always used in conjunction with an ovulation induction medication.

Injectable Fertility Drugs| Follistism, Gonal-F, Repronex, Bravelle

Ovulation Induction (“Fertility Drugs”)

* Injectable (Follistim™, Gonal-F™, Repronex™, Bravelle™): highly purified preparations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or luteinizing hormone (LH) which are taken as subcutaneous injections. These medications provide for a much more potent stimulation than the oral ovulation medications, and as such require much more frequent monitoring.