LGBT Flag

LGBT

  • The Sperm Cycle – I Got a Fever and the Only Prescription is……

    Many of us are already aware that there are many factors, such as heat, that can affect sperm counts. So what happens when it’s the day of the IUI and the male partner has a fever?

    The short answer is… nothing.

    At least not immediately anyway. The truth is that a fever today will likely not affect the sperm needed for an IUI now. However, it may cause problems in the future.

    The Sperm Cycle

    To understand this, it’s important to understand the sperm cycle. Sperm production begins in the testicles where sperm are created and allowed to mature. In order to produce and nurture sperm, the temperature of the testicles must remain approximately one degree lower than that of the rest of the body. To accommodate fluctuations in temperature, both internally and externally, the scrotum is able to move the testicles to maintain this delicate balance. In warm temperatures, the testicles can be held further away from the body. In cold temperatures, the testicles will be brought closer. If however, the testicles are not able to maintain this ideal temperature, as can occur during a fever, sperm production is hindered or may even cease for a short time.

    It takes roughly 72 days for a sperm to mature enough for use. So, the sperm that are available for insemination today were actually produced about three months ago. But, the fever that he has today may affect the growing sperm in his testicles three months from now. Fever has been associated with decreased sperm counts, motility, and morphology. If fever is present, please notify your physician so a note can be made in your chart.

    The Moral

    So the moral of this story is to be proactive in preventing illness when able. Get your annual flu shot and avoid contact with sick individuals when possible. For more information on male fertility topics, please visit www.txfertility.com and austinivf.com.

    •

    admin

    •

    , ,
    , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Male Infertility: Scheduling a Semen Analysis

    Male Infertility: Scheduling a Semen Analysis

    Certainly, getting a semen analysis (a.k.a. ‘sperm test’) does not rank high on most guys’ ‘to-do lists’…. It’s awkward – yes — but scheduling a semen analysis will help evaluate male fertility and bring you closer to the treatment that will work the most effectively for you. Remember that infertility is a disease that affects 1 in 8 couples; about half of all cases can be related to sperm issues.

    Because sperm issues can be so common, it is likely that your doctor will recommend checking a semen analysis during the fertility workup.

    Abstinence before a semen collection

    • Do not ejaculate less than 48 hours from the scheduled collection; also, do not go more than 5 days in between your last ejaculation and the collection. In other words, plan to have sexual intercourse or ejaculate a few days before the scheduled collection.

    • Fill out your semen analysis collection form and verify your appointment with Austin IVF (Texas Fertility Center’s partner lab). There are 2 Austin IVF locations – make sure to clarify which location you are scheduled to drop off at.

    The day of your semen collection appointment

    • For men who live in the general Austin area, it is fine to provide a semen sample collected at home. This is fine as long as the sample arrives at Austin IVF within one hour of collection. We will give you an instruction sheet to help you obtain the optimal specimen.

    • If you decide to collect at the lab, make sure you arrive with plenty of time for your appointment. Running late or overbooking your day will increase your stress level and could lead to performance anxiety. We will leave you alone with a sterile collection cup.

    • No matter where you collect the specimen, remember that the best sample will be produced by manual masturbation without the use of commercial lubricants, condoms, bodily fluids or lotions. Austin IVF can provide a lubricant that will not interfere with sperm testing.

    • Bring a photo ID.

    Finding out the results of your semen analysis

    One of the andrologists at Austin IVF will evaluate your sperm sample to determine the concentration (quantity of sperm), motility (how effectively they swim) and morphology (how ‘normal’ the sperm look) of the semen sample.

    In certain scenarios, anti-sperm antibody testing may be done on the semen sample. This is typically done if a couple is considering IVF – or if the male has had any history of groin infection, injury, or surgery. Also, the sperm may be cryopreserved (frozen) for later use if there is concern about a diminishing amount of sperm or for logistical issues.

    You may have never considered the miraculous act of a sperm finding and fertilizing an egg. Checking out the sperm helps us to maximize the information we can glean about the infertility issue. Completing this kind of basic fertility testing allows us the best chance to optimize treatment and create the family of your dreams!

    For some ‘light’ reading on a guy’s perspective on male infertility and subsequent fertility treatment, there is a great book called ‘How To Make Love To A Plastic Cup’ by Greg Wolfe.

    For more information please visit our website at  http://www.txfertility.com/09men.php

    Or you can go to AIVF’s website to read more about all of our andrology services available at  www.austinivf.com

    •

    admin

    •

    , ,
    , , , , , ,

  • Dr. Kaylen Silverberg talks to Perry Watson of KLBJ 1370 today

    KLBJ Medical News with Perry Watson features Dr. Silverberg today at 5:00 pm

    Dr. Silverberg discusses our latest world-wide IVF research study with Perry Watson.  You can tune in here as well!

    http://www.newsradioklbj.com/News/Story.aspx?ID=1643315

    For more information on this or any of our current or past research studies, please visit our website at www.txfertility.com

     

    •

    admin

    •

    ,
    , ,

  • Dr. Silverberg in the News

    Don’t miss Dr. Silverberg tonite on KVUE news!

    His patient Susan shares her journey to motherhood and Dr. Silverberg will discuss the new world-wide study on identifying high quality embryos for in vitro fertilization and how it can help patients like Susan.

    Be sure to tune in to @KLBJ Medical News with Perry Watson next Monday at 5:00 pm

    Perry will be talking with Dr. Kaylen Silverberg about our latest IVF research study.

    For more information about this study and other research being done by Texas Fertility Center, please visit http://www.txfertility.com/08current-studies.php

    •

    admin

    •

    ,
    , ,

  • Focus on Your Fertility: Now and for the Future

    Dr. Kaylen Silverberg details key thoughts on couple’s fertility plans, both current and for future planning in his latest article :

    • Singles can take a proactive stance to protect their future fertility by making healthy lifestyle choices
    •  Couples need to have a realistic timeline for their family planning based on age and any known factors that could impair their chances for conception
    • Preconceptual testing can provide helpful genetic information
    • When ready to conceive, knowing if and when ovulation is occurring will take out the guess work

    For the full article and key steps to enhancing and protecting one’s future fertility and family planning efforts, please visit http://www.txfertility.com/safeguarding-your-fertility.php

     

    •

    admin

    •

    , ,
    , , , , ,

  • Dr. Thomas Vaughn Discusses Basic Infertility Testing on YouTube

    In this latest video shown on the TFC YouTube Channel, Dr. Vaughn discusses the basics of infertility testing such as:

    • How often is the problem with the male and with the female
    • What are the 5 tests that should be done to evaluate the couple
    • How is previous testing done by another physician used in the initial evaluation

    Check out his video for the answers!!

     

     

    •

    admin

    •

    ,
    ,

  • The Use of Clomid for Male Infertility

     

    Low-T equals low sperm counts

    As we discussedlast time, in some men, FSH and/or LH production is low. This results in a low testosterone level as well as a very low sperm count.

     

    The Fertility Drug, Clomid can be used to increase Sperm Counts

    Once the urologist has eliminated an anatomic cause for the problem, we can  treat these men with clomiphene citrate (Clomid), the same drug that we give women who are not ovulating correctly.  When given to men, Clomid causes  an increase in FSH and LH secretion– leading to an increase in both sperm  production and testosterone secretion.

    Guys may need to take Clomid for at least 3-4 months to see the optimal effect, as it takes 90-108 or so days  from the time a sperm is made until it is ejaculated.  Clomid comes in 50 mg tablets and the typical starting dose for a man is either 50 mg every other day or 25 mg daily.  About three weeks after a man starts taking Clomid, we will recheck his FSH, LH, and testosterone levels to make sure that they are not too high.  If the testosterone level gets above the normal range, it can actually cause the sperm count to go down, rather than up.

     

    Male Infertility Research Done at Texas Fertility Center

    As those of you who have seen us in the office or visited our website know, we perform a lot of research at TFC – both on female and male infertility. Some of you may have even participated in some of our studies.

    We performed a study several years ago in which we gave Clomid 25 mg/day to infertile men with low FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.  Each man took Clomid for at least 110 days.

     

    Study on Clomid use in Men with Low Sperm Counts Sets the Standard for all US Fertility Clinics.

     

    We saw statistically significant increases in FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.   More importantly, the average sperm concentration rose from 15.2 million/mL to 62.8 million/mL.  Sperm motility also significantly increased, but there was no significant increase in normal morphology.  We were most pleased by the fact that, although each of these infertile couples was planning on doing IVF due to significant male factor, 58.3% were actually able to conceive without IVF due to the tremendous increase in sperm quality we achieved with Clomid.

    This study received significant notoriety when we presented these results at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and several other investigators have subsequently found the same results that we reported.  As a result of both our study and those that have followed, the use of Clomid in men with low sperm counts and low hormone levels has significantly increased to the point that Clomid is now a well-accepted treatment for many men with male factor infertility.

     

    For more information about this study, or other studies conducted here at TFC, please visit:

    http://www.txfertility.com/08abstracts.php

    •

    admin

    •

    , ,
    , , , , ,

  • The Initial Approach to Male Infertility

    40% of all Cases of Infertility are Caused by Male Factors

    Almost half of all couples we see at the Texas Fertility Center have some significant degree of male factor as the cause of their infertility. In other words, there is an abnormality in the sperm that makes it less likely for pregnancy to occur.

    Problems that can occur  with sperm are:

    • the sperm concentration (the number of sperm in the ejaculate)
    • the sperm motility (the percent of sperm that are alive and swimming)
    • the normal sperm morphology (the percent of sperm with a normal shape)

    While many of these men are referred to us directly from a urologist or from their partner’s OB/GYN, most male infertility is totally unsuspected – we make the diagnosis only after performing a semen analysis.

    http://youtu.be/X8zzJf_OahM

    What is a Semen Analysis?

    A normal semen analysis should contain at least 20 million sperm/mL of semen. At least 50% of the sperm should be motile, and at least 30% should have a normal shape.

    Sometimes 2 Semen specimen are needed.

    The first thing we do if we get an abnormal semen analysis is ask the man to give us another specimen, so that we can make sure that the abnormality that we are seeing is real and not just the result of a random poor quality specimen. We also stress that there should be at least 48 hours of abstinence prior to collecting a specimen to limit the likelihood of a random poor specimen.

    If the second semen analysis is again abnormal, we will draw hormone levels on the man and refer him to a urologist for evaluation to make sure that he does not have any medical or anatomical abnormality that could be causing the poor result.

    Medical issues like the following could significantly affect sperm production or quality.

    • diabetes
    • high blood pressure
    • the use of a variety of medications

    Anatomic issues that can affect sperm quaility that can be correct

    • varicocele (dilated veins in the scrotum)
    • a blockage in the tubule system
    • a mass in the testicle

    While the urologic examination occasionally identifies the problem, often the exam is normal – eliminating an anatomic cause as the source of the difficulty.

    The hormonal examination is also very important, as sperm production occurs in response to stimulation by hormones produced by the pituitary gland – a small gland located at the base of the brain. Just as in women, these hormones must be produced in the correct amount in order to produce optimal sperm quality. In men, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the testicles to produce sperm, while luteinizing hormone (LH) causes the testicles to make testosterone. Testosterone is critical for sperm production – either too little or too much can markedly reduce sperm production.

    Stay tuned for the next segment of this blog series! For more information please visit www.txfertility.com

     

    •

    admin

    •

    , , ,
    , , , , , , ,

  • 12 Resolutions of a TFC Fertility Specialist

    The new year will bring renewed hope for many couples trying to get pregnant. As you resolve to make changes to enhance your fertility (such as maintaining an optimal weight, diet and lifestyle), you may wonder what steps your fertility doctor will take to enhance his or her skills and improve your chances.

    First of all, choosing to become a reproductive endocrinologist requires an additional two to three years of fellowship training after medical school and residency. The quest to help couples overcome infertility begins here — but it doesn’t end there.

    Each year presents new opportunities to learn, grow, and develop as a fertility specialist. At Texas Fertility Center (TFC), that means that our physicians remain active in the scientific community, and the medical practice continues to expand to serve more Texas families.

    Part of welcoming in 2012 includes sharing our top 12 resolutions for Texas Fertility Center.

    1. Remain active in research.

    A summary of the extensive, ongoing research efforts TFC doctors lead and participate in can be found on the About Us section of the website.

    2. Network with colleagues.

    You’ll find the Texas Fertility Center name associated with the most prestigious medical conferences and symposiums in the world. Many of our physicians serve in leadership and collaborative roles alongside the brightest minds in modern day medicine.

    3. Provide total mind-body care for patients.

    Research supports the benefits of wellness practices related to overall health. Every interaction with your fertility team will include a “big-picture” assessment of your mental and physical health.

    4. Collaborate with academia.

    Committed to research, teaching, and continuing education, TFC fertility doctors serve as adjunct professors at University of Texas – Southwestern.

    5. Offer patient support programs.

    In 2012, TFC will continue to expand its current programs of parent education, peer support groups and referrals. Please visit the Wellness section of our website to learn more.

    6. Maintain excellent IVF success rates.

    TFC produces higher than average in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates and reports to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Discuss with your doctor the criteria and methodology for assessing IVF pregnancies to gain a better understanding of the statistics.

    7. Expand fertility care in Texas.

    Texas Fertility Center, celebrating the birth of more than 10,000 babies since we opened our doors, now serves more Texas families with offices in Austin, Round Rock and San Antonio.

    8. Continue to offer an onsite, fully credentialed fertility laboratory.

    Anyone undergoing fertility treatment understands the critical need for access to an onsite lab for optimal embryo development and timely access to answers and results.

    9. Hire only the best support staff and nurses.

    Our fertility team is beloved by our patients for good reason: We understand that fertility care requires compassionate, highly competent professionals who are skilled at serving as patient advocates.

    10. Give back to the community.

    From raising awareness about breast cancer research during the annual Komen for the Cure initiative to assisting with Coats for Kids at Christmas, TFC vows to support the causes that matter to Austin.

    11. Celebrate 10,000+ live births with an annual family reunion.

    Each year, Texas Fertility Center faces a happy problem: Finding a big enough venue to host all of the families and their babies that TFC helped welcome into the world.

    12. Continue to offer hope to men and women facing infertility.

    Whether it’s providing fertility preservation for cancer patients, using minimally invasive surgical techniques to enhance fertility, or utilizing IVF with ICSI for male factor infertility, the fertility specialists at TFC have the experience and knowledge to help patients and their families evaluate their options to successfully overcome infertility.

    Our goal is to make 2012 the year that your family will grow!

    •

    admin

    •

    , , ,
    , , , , , ,

  • Choosing an Egg Donor

    Egg Donor Needed

    You receive the news from your fertility doctor that you need an egg donor to conceive, wow; now what? We want you to know two things. First, you are not alone. At Texas Fertility Center (TFC), we coordinate up to eighty egg donor cycles a year. Second, it is natural to grieve over the loss of a genetic link between you and your future child. Take the time you need to come to terms with your diagnosis. As you look for an egg donor, you want to make thoughtful, organized decisions.

     Known egg donor vs. egg anonymous donor

    When you are ready to move forward, you should consider whether you would like a known or anonymous egg donor. Think about whether or not you want your future child to have a personal relationship with your egg donor, or if you plan on disclosing this decision at all. Texas Fertility Center has an established egg donor program with a pool of well-qualified, anonymous egg donors to help you achieve your dream of becoming a parent. All Texas Fertility Center donors undergo a rigorous prescreening process designed to detect genetic, psychological and physical health abnormalities, as well as sexually transmitted diseases, smoking, alcohol and drug use. Only women who have passed the complete screening process, including a preliminary ultrasound examination and hormonal screening, are selected as donors to potential intended parents.

     What should I look for in an egg donor?

    The answer to this questions is a personal choice. Think about what traits are significant to you. Wanting an egg donor who resembles your personal characteristics is often the easy part. A patient searching for an egg donor should become familiar with all sides of family medical history (particularly your partner’s.) Pay close attention to the egg donor’s medical history to keep from “doubling up” on medical diagnoses. Visualize the traits you would like your donor to pass to your future child, such as education, athletic ability or personality. The most important aspects to consider is that your egg donor is mentally and physically healthy, and will comply with requirements of giving this gift. For more information on becoming a recipient or egg donor, please visit our website at www.txfertility.com

     

    •

    admin

    •

    , ,
    , , ,