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  • Flu and Fertility: Should I Get a Flu Shot?

    Texas Fertility Center patients frequently ask us about the flu vaccine, and whether they should take this precautionary step prior to or during fertility treatment. Your goal is to get pregnant, so protecting your health is of paramount importance now and in the future.

    What TFC Fertility Friends Frequently Ask About Flu

    It’s January/February. Should I still get the flu vaccine?
    According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and TFC: Yes. As long as the flu virus is circulating, you should get the vaccine to protect your health. In fact, the CDC recommends that all women who are actively pursuing pregnancy and those who are already pregnant should receive the flu vaccination. As fertility doctors, we also advise getting a flu vaccine to avoid interruption to your fertility treatment cycle.

    Every year the flu vaccine changes. Is the 2012 flu vaccine working?
    Apparently. The 2012 flu season vaccine has reduced the risk of seeking medical treatment for influenza by about 60 percent for vaccinated people.

    Are flu vaccine supplies running out?
    The CDC reports that of the 145 million doses produced, 129 million have been distributed this season. Find current availability of the flu vaccine here >>> http://flushot.healthmap.org/

    Is it safe to get a flu shot while undergoing fertility treatment?
    Yes. However, should you become ill with the flu, we will discuss suspending certain fertility medications and treatment until flu symptoms resolve.

    Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?
    No.

    What type of flu vaccine should I receive?
    If you are pregnant or could be pregnant: Insist on the inactivated influenza vaccine, not the live vaccine, at any time during your pregnancy. Your obgyn doctor will advise you to get a flu shot regardless of the trimester. If you are not pregnant: Nasal spray vaccines contain a live virus, so women who are not pregnant or have already given birth often prefer this form of the vaccine. Even nursing mothers can safely ask for the nasal flu vaccine.

    TFC and the CDC recommend 3 steps to avoiding the flu:

    1. Get the flu vaccine.
    2. If you get the flu, seek early treatment and stay home until 24 hours after your fever resolves.
    3. Practice preventative actions (frequent hand washing, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your mouth and nose, avoid close contact with sick people).

    Texas Fertility Center strongly recommends the flu vaccine to our entire staff, in order to minimize the risk of increased flu exposure or transmission to patients who we see in our office. We want to protect our patients from the discomfort and possible health complications associated with the flu. Your good health paves the way to a successful fertility treatment cycle, so contact us if you are ready to get started.

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    Kaylen Silverberg, M.D.

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  • Donor Embryos: The 3rd Option in 3rd Party Reproduction

    Third-party reproduction involves a donor who is willing to provide gametes (reproductive material) to a couple or individual hoping to get pregnant. Over time, oocyte (egg) and sperm donation has become familiar to those searching for viable choices to resolve infertility. Donor embryos are the latest option for patients, and one of the most intriguing.

    Texas Fertility Center has a large (and growing) third party reproduction practice and, as a result, believes that it is important to take part in the conversation within the medical community as well as in one-on-one discussions with patients, about this new frontier in assisted reproductive technology.

    Donor Embryo Use Raises a Host of Questions

    Although Texas Fertility Center has shared information and insights about donor embryos on our website for quite some time, we are only recently beginning to provide donor embryos as part of our established donor program. As this is a new service, many of our patients may have questions about the use of donor embryos, which some people also call “embryo adoption”. Texas Fertility Center welcomes inquiries, and provides a brief list of issues to consider here:

    1) Legal issues. With donor egg and donor sperm, the recipient individual or couple shares a biological connection with the baby. For example, women who use donor sperm typically also use their own egg; couples pursuing donor oocytes frequently also use the male partner’s sperm. Recipients of donor embryos do not have a genetic link to these embryos, as they came from the sperm and egg of individuals outside of their relationship. We advise all parties who are interested in donor embryos to obtain legal counsel with experience in family and/or reproductive law to assist in defining comfortable parameters for both the recipient couple and embryo donors.

    2) Ethical issues. Some reports suggest that there are potentially as many as several hundred thousand frozen embryos currently in storage. While the overwhelming majority of these will eventually be transferred into the couple or individual for whom they were originally intended, some patients will have frozen embryos remaining in storage after they have completed their family building. While the disposition of these embryos is ultimately subject to the desire of the patient(s) as well as federal and state law, many options exist for most of these embryos. Among these options are donation to scientific research, donation to IVF programs or other institutions, or donation directly to infertile couples. This decision frequently represents an ethical dilemma to the couple whose gametes were used to create these embryos.

    3) Financial issues. Embryo donation provides an option for couples that can’t afford traditional IVF. It also represents an option for couples that no longer wish to use these embryos.

    4) Medical issues. Couples adopting embryos need to consider the maternal age, psychological health, and medical history of the donating couple.

    Texas Fertility Center manages an in-house egg donor program, and our staff celebrates successful pregnancies alongside these joyful new parents. Scientific breakthroughs lead to new applications for fertility treatment, and our fertility specialists carefully consider the ethical, legal, and medical ramifications of each treatment before adopting new technologies and offering them to our patients. Contact us to learn more about TFC donor services.

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    Kaylen Silverberg, M.D.

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  • Coenzyme Q 10 and Female Fertility

    Coenzyme Q 10, aka Co Q 10, but also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound that naturally occurs in most cells of the body, primarily in the mitochondria. Co Q 10 is needed for the basic function of cells and is the source of energy for the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the organelles inside cells that generate energy for the cell in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of energy in human physiology. Co Q 10 functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, providing protection against free radical damage within mitochondria.

    CoQ 10 is formulated with the help of an amino acid called tyrosine and vitamin B6, but also is found in meats (especially organ meats), sesame oil, soybeans, nuts and beans. As individuals hit their mid-20s, their level begins to decline as well as the ability to absorb the antioxidant. Although Co Q 10 is somewhat new in regard to public knowledge, research on this powerful antioxidant has been steady over the last 60 years.

    It is well known that the chances for women conceiving begin to decline around the age of thirty. It is felt that the major reason for this phenomenon is a decline in oocyte quality, probably on the basis of chromosomal abnormalities. This is thought to be the cause of increasing miscarriages and increasing risks of having babies with Down’s syndrome. One concept is that the decline in oocyte quality could be associated with a decrease in mitochondrial activity. Therefore, if using supplements such as Co Q 10 could increase mitochondrial activity and serve as a potent antioxidant, then maybe the ovary could perform better and women would have higher pregnancy rates with lower risk of pregnancy loss.

    A recent study of Co Q 10 published in early 2010 from Toronto Canada reported results that were very promising in regard to helping older ovaries perform better. The investigators looked at the role of CoQ 10 in improving egg quality in female mice. Old female mice were given CoQ 10, resveratrol, or R-alpha lipoic acid; the latter two substances are known to benefit mitochondria. Young female mice received placebo. The authors observed that only the old female mice receiving CoQ10 supplementation had an increase in the number of ovulated eggs and an increase in the litter size. The old female mice fed CoQ 10 had a similar number of ovulated eggs and litter size as the young female mice. The old female mice fed resveratrol or R-alpha lipoic acid had fewer ovulated eggs and smaller litter sizes than the young female mice and the old female mice fed Co Q 10.

    After the publication of the study by the group in Toronto, the investigators began a study on “middle aged women”. However, the group is currently having a difficult time recruiting participants, as once the patients learn about the study, women are no longer willing to be placed in a placebo group and prefer to supplement with CoQ10 anyway. There is controversy of what dose is recommended for patients with different diseases. Most doses range from 30 mg to 200 mg, however, some recommendations are doses up to 1200 mg/day (Parkinson’s disease). Although we do not have a well designed study to support the efficacy of using Co Q 10 for our patients with older ovaries, many patients are electing to give it a try. After all, there is probably no harm in using this supplement.

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    Thomas Vaughn, M.D.

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  • IVF Lab Mix-ups: Could It Happen to You?

    The Dateline story “Inconceivable” aired this week and brought to light the nightmarish scenario of transferring embryos to the wrong patient during an IVF cycle. Texas Fertility Center would like to respond to the news with sympathy for the families involved, as well as reassurance for couples currently undergoing infertility treatment.

    IVF lab mistakes, like the switch that occurred in Carolyn Savage’s case, are exceedingly rare. In the past decade, fertility specialists in the United States have performed approximately 1.5 million IVF cycles with a handful of reported problems. Even so, if you are preparing for a fresh or frozen cycle of IVF, you want reassurance that your fertility specialist is overly compulsive about precautions and checklists.

    What TFC Wants You to Know about Embryo Transfer Protocols to prevent IVF Lab Mix-ups

    1) Each TFC patient receives an arm band, like the one that Carolyn Savage wore on the day of her transfer. Your TFC fertility doctor, nurses, anesthesiologist, and embryologists each independently verify your identity on both the day of your retrieval and your embryo transfer. Your procedure cannot occur until any mistake has been corrected and all professional staff members have signed off on any correction. (Savage reports that her birth year was incorrect on her band.)

    2) Prior to the egg retrieval, the operating team performs a “time out” where they verbally review your name, birth date  the type of procedure that will be performed, the number of embryos that will be transferred (if the procedure is an embryo transfer), and other key details.

    3) Following your retrieval, your assigned embryologist places your eggs into prepared, dishes labeled with your name for culture.

    4) The embryologist then comes to your recovery area to confirm how many eggs were retrieved. Before any sperm are added to the eggs, you and your husband will each sign a form confirming your identities and stating that either your husband’s or a specific donor’s sperm is to be used to fertilize your eggs.

    5) Although there are many work stations in the laboratory, only one patient’s gametes can be in each lab area at a time. Incubators are labeled by patient name and each patient’s identity is confirmed before and after the gametes are removed or returned to the incubator.

    6) Prior to your embryo transfer, you will see and verify the identity and number of embryos that will be transferred into your uterus. You will then watch a monitor equipped with closed circuit television as the embryologist loads the embryos into the transfer catheter and brings it into the operating room. Following the transfer, you will be able to watch the embryologist confirm that each embryo was successfully transferred.

    Texas Fertility Center and its fully accredited laboratory partner, Austin IVF, maintain the highest standards to ensure that IVF lab mix-ups do not occur on our watch. Read more about our IVF lab protocols and long-standing safeguards here >>>

     

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • Making Sense of Fertility Coverage in 2013

    Your goal is to become pregnant in the New Year. At Texas Fertility Center, we resolve to help you navigate your insurance company’s call center maze and complex insurance forms that will hopefully result in your being able to maximize your coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment. Investigating and understanding your insurance plan takes patience, even perseverance, but as someone experiencing the pain and frustration of infertility, you have a lot of practice with these attributes.

     First, verify infertility coverage. 

    Fortunately, the State of Texas requires that insurers at least offer your employer the option to purchase coverage for infertility diagnostic testing and treatment. Each policy differs in what is and isn’t covered, so it’s important to ask your insurance provider to ‘predetermine’ or ‘preauthorize’ fertility coverage. A written list that specifies covered tests, and the approved order of testing, will help you avoid any surprises at the billing desk.

    If you are denied coverage, don’t give up. A tweak to a single word in a pre-determination request can mean the difference between ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ Ask us for assistance in resubmitting an infertility pre-determination request.

    Stand up for your rights by backing the Family Act. 

    You are not alone. TFC business office associates have many years of experience in helping patients understand and maximize insurance benefits. In fact, our founding physicians advocate for infertility awareness and insurance coverage, here in Austin and in Washington D.C. TFC supports The Family Act, or the Infertility Tax Credit, a bill that would create a tax credit for over $13,000 of out-of-pocket costs associated with infertility medical treatment. Contact your Congressman, and watch for updates when Congress reconvenes in 2013.

    Formulate a fertility coverage plan with these questions provided by Fertility LifeLines™. 

    • What is the definition of fertility in your insurance contract?
    • What coverage is listed?
    • What procedures require preauthorization?
    • Are there restrictions on the type of healthcare provider that can perform fertility services?
    • What limits, if any, apply to your coverage (in terms of treatment cycles, procedures, months in therapy, etc.)?
    • Is fertility drug coverage included in your plan?
    • If so, are infertility drugs covered under the pharmacy benefit or medical benefit?
    • Are there 30-day drug prescription limits for infertility drugs?

    The TFC business office staff pledges to do our part to ensure that you attain the maximum benefits that you are entitled to.  Our practice also offers our patients access to shared risk programs, fertility drug discounts, and financing options. Contact us at Texas Fertility Center to discuss your financial options and make a plan for a fertile New Year.

     

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • Infertility Once Made Hugh Jackman Miserable

    Hugh Jackman, star of the holiday film Les Miserables, experienced a difficult time conceiving before adopting his children, Oscar (12) and Ava (7). The actor shared his story on a December episode of the talk show Katie.

    The Pain of a Failed IVF Cycle

    In-vitro fertilization (IVF) resulted in miscarriage for the Jackmans, and they recall the pain even years after experiencing their silent sorrow. The Texas Fertility Center clinical and office team knows how devastating a miscarriage can feel, and how hard it is to talk about, particularly for couples undergoing fertility treatment to achieve pregnancy.

    Supporting a Couple Facing a Pregnancy Loss

    If you are grieving the loss of a baby, or know someone who needs help recovering from a miscarriage, Texas Fertility Center provides these thoughts for offering support.

    1. Listen. Finding the right words to say in a time of loss may not be necessary. Simply listening and offering silent support to each partner can speak volumes.
    2. Call the baby by name. Acknowledge the life that would have been by using the baby’s name in conversations, memorial gifts and notes.
    3. Allow time for grief. Try not to rush the grieving process, and reassure the couple that working through feelings of anger, guilt and sadness takes time.
    4. Offer to help. Packing up maternity clothes, baby gifts or memorabilia can relieve a parent of a painful task. Help with meals and housework, or babysitting for siblings is also appreciated.
    5. Acknowledge anniversaries. A memorial gift, note or card on the baby’s expected due date or date of loss can console the couple, and remind them that you share in their grief.

    Texas Fertility Center also recommends partnering with a licensed professional counselor or joining a support group when the burden of grief becomes too great to bear alone. Contact us to find out more about local groups that help couples recover from the loss of miscarriage.

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • News Coming Soon!

    New Coming Soon!

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  • Casting Call: Texas Fertility Center Searching for Docu-series Stars

    Texas Fertility Center routinely consults with women in Central Texas who want to get pregnant with donor sperm combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF), as well as women who want to explore elective egg freezing to delay getting pregnant.
    For this reason, the producers of a docu-series in development recently sought out TFC doctors to find women wanting to tell their story about reproductive freedom. Off the Fence productions will share the stories of 5 strong single mothers by choice or career women wanting to delay childbirth in the original production. They are currently seeking potential cast members for this show in Central Texas.
    In the spotlight: single women by choice using sperm donors

    If you are single and ready to become a mother, donor sperm can provide a clear path to achieving your goal. Going public with your decision to have a baby on your own requires resolve and courage, but will shed light on fertility treatments available to single and career-oriented women.

    In the spotlight: women choosing to wait to get pregnant

    If you are not ready to become a mother, but wish to keep your options open, egg freezing is a viable choice. Advances in fertility preservation, including an improved egg freezing process called vitrification, make it possible to wait to get pregnant. Fertility specialists can now freeze eggs at peak quality, before a woman reaches her late 30s.

    Tell your story of reproductive freedom,~ join the cast!

    Contact Wendy at Texas Fertility Center, wendy@txfertility.com for more information about donor sperm cycles and egg freezing options at TFC and applying for the documentary cast.

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • Find Peace and Joy (Despite Infertility) this Holiday Season

    Infertility doesn’t take a holiday, so the added stress of a hectic, emotionally charged month can leave you feeling Grinchy. At Texas Fertility Center, we know the struggle to get pregnant can steal your holiday joy. What’s festive about infertility?

    Our fertility specialists have talked to hundreds of women – over three decades of December fertility treatment appointments. We’re always inspired by our patients’ resilience and strength, and have learned a thing or two about ‘reinventing’ the holidays to cope with infertility.

    Texas Fertility Center Shares Advice for Handling the Holidays

    Thomas C. Vaughn, M.D.: “Guard your calendar.”

    Don’t respond to party invitations out of guilt or obligation. If you feel any trepidation or anxiety about a gathering focused on children’s activities, opt out this year. When the guest list includes overly inquisitive relatives or pregnant friends and family, give yourself permission to make other plans.

    Kaylen M. Silverberg, M.D. “Practice your response to: When are you having children?”

    The inevitable question about your reproductive status will come up at the most inopportune time—across the dinner table, during a gift exchange or while glasses are raised for a toast. It helps to rehearse your answer. A brief “we’re working on it” is a lighthearted response – fine for casual acquaintances and distant relatives. You may wish to develop an honest but succinct update for your trusted support system.

    Lisa J. Hansard, M.D. “Nurture yourself and your partner.”

    Proactively seek peace during the holiday season: plan a weekend getaway, make special dinner reservations or sign up for a holiday 5K. You may even decide to take a month off from fertility treatment if you and your physician agree on the timing.  (Of course, some people plan December fertility treatment to take advantage of year-end deductibles.)

    Natalie Z. Burger, M.D. “If coping with infertility problems seems overwhelming, talk with a fertility therapist.”

    The life crisis of infertility can seem more manageable when you partner with a professional therapist. Texas Fertility Center can refer you to Austin-area specialists  that equip couples with positive coping strategies and support.

    If you are dreading December, remember: “This too shall pass.” January 1st brings renewed hope for a successful outcome, and Texas Fertility Center will work tirelessly to help deliver the gift of fertility. Create a fertility treatment plan by contacting Texas Fertility Center.

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • We Feel Your Pain: TFC Is Making Fertility Care Affordable

    Ouch!

    Thirty years and more than 12,000 babies born gives our fertility center unique experience in identifying every available cost-saving benefit for our patients.

    “Our goal at Texas Fertility Center is to ensure that every patient has as much information as possible about ways to ease the financial burden of infertility treatment,” says Missy Dillard, TFC billing expert. “Our office staff is keenly aware of every program available to our patients, and we research each one regularly to find maximum savings.”

     

    Texas Fertility Center Advocates for Patients with Financial Savings Programs:

     

    Medication Savings. Joint programs between Texas Fertility Center and pharmaceutical companies provide financial savings to nearly every TFC patient, from percentage off coupons to apply to medication purchases, to discounted co-pays.

    Compassionate Care. The pharmaceutical company EMD Serono offers a savings program for non-insured (self-pay) patients on a sliding scale based on income. We’ll help you submit an application that can lead to a significant discount on your medication.

    Success Guarantees –or Your Money Back. If you undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF), ask about special financing through Advanced Reproductive Care (ARC). These programs, available to TFC patients, offer flat-rate IVF costs, credit lines, treatment bundles and money-back guarantees.

    Discounted and Free Medication. If you are diagnosed with cancer, Texas Fertility Center will fight to preserve your fertility as well as relieve your financial burden with free medication associated with cryopreservation of eggs (oocytes), sperm, embryos or reproductive tissue.

    Texas Fertility Center’s billing department is skilled at leveraging our relationships with the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers in our industry and the large insurance plans in Central Texas. Due to our size and reputation, we have preferred access not available at many other fertility centers.

    Let us help you plan ahead for the cost of fertility treatment so you can focus on getting pregnant. Contact us for a one-on-one consultation with a Texas Fertility Center billing expert.

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    Texas Fertility Center

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