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  • Facing the New Year: Creating New Year’s Resolutions

    Most of us start this list on January 1st each year with grand intentions to change our lives for the better. Losing weight. Exercising more. Saving more money. Sound familiar? The staff at Texas Fertility Center would like to help you add to your list and make 2012 a wonderful year. We’ve come up with three resolutions for you to consider.

    I resolve to call my infertility nurse instead of trusting Dr. Google.

    How many times have you searched the internet for a medical question only to feel more scared and confused than before? Resolve to call your fertility nurse first with any questions. Each patient is assigned to a specific nurse who works diligently to answer each and every question you may have.

    I resolve to be happy for other pregnant women.

    We know it can be difficult to seeing others getting for the one thing you desire most.
    Remember that if you stick with the fertility treatment plan we have created specifically for you, the odds are good that you will someday enjoy celebrating your own wonderful news!

    I resolve to never lose hope that I will get pregnant.

    Trying to get pregnant can produce overwhelming sadness and stress. Sometimes, you may feel like the easiest path to take is to stop infertility treatments and walk away. Resolve to rise above those emotions. Our end goal always matches yours: To make your dreams of creating a family come true. So don’t give up, even in the face of disappointment. No matter the situation, there’s always hope!

    The physicians and staff at Texas Fertility Center wish you a Happy New Year! May all your resolutions come to fruition. Visit our website for more information.

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  • Our Holiday Message to You!

    We hope you enjoy our holiday video card – from Texas Fertility Center to you!

     

     

     

     

     

    Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

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  • Four simple ways to survive the holiday humbug

     

    Four simple ways to survive the holiday humbug

    The holidays can be a very difficult time for couples who are struggling with infertility. Typically, people spend more time during the holidays socializing with others.  These situations can bring up questions about trying to conceive that may make you feel uncomfortable.   Seeing other friends and family with their own children can also create stress. For some people, this is the most difficult part of the holiday season.  Determining what you can handle and trying to plan ahead as much as possible can make things easier. 

    Consider these strategies to cope with infertility during the holidays:

    1.       Choose holiday gatherings wisely

    You do not have to accept every invitation, so don’t feel guilty about choosing to skip certain events. If being around children or pregnant women in your family is difficult, plan to arrive late or leave early. To give yourself some time alone, think about staying in a hotel instead of with family. Discuss with your partner what situations might make you feel uncomfortable and have a system in place to know when it is time to leave.

    2.       Practice dealing with difficult situations and questions

    Thinking  about how you will handle any difficult situations, including insensitive questions and remarks, will help you have more control.  Practice your answers so that you are comfortable with how to respond. Being prepared will make the subject easier for you to deal with when others bring it up. 

    3.       Find support in the community

    Attend a support group so that you can spend time with other people dealing with infertility. Talking with them will give you different ideas on how to cope with the holidays as well as help you feel like you are not alone.  Texas Fertility center has a Peer Support Group that meets monthly and is a great resource for those experiencing the challenges of infertility.

    4.       Do what’s best for you and your partner

    During this time of year, you need to focus on your partner and do the things that you both enjoy. If you decide not to attend the holiday festivities, plan a special trip to a destination you have always wanted to visit.  Focus on each other first and celebrate your love for one another.  Supporting one another during the holidays is critical to maintaining your relationship and surviving this difficult season.

     

    From the staff and physicians at Texas Fertility Center, we wish you a healthy , safe holiday season . We look forward to being a part of your 2012.  Visit Texas Fertility Center to for more information

     

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  • TFC: Embryo Biomarkers Key to Predicting IVF Success

    Dr. Kaylen Silverberg, has been asked to serve as the principal investigator on a worldwide embryo biomarker study that could lead to a more precise method of selecting viable embryos for transfer in IVF cycles.  The findings will hopefully benefit couples that struggle with infertility and recurrent miscarriage, as well as women of advanced maternal age.

    “We are optimistic that this new protocol for objectively identifying the most viable embryos will greatly improve a couple’s odds of conceiving a healthy baby,” says Dr. Silverberg. “The outdated, subjective method that relied on visual assessment of embryo health has served us well for many years.  We now have new technologies that can hopefully propel us to even higher success rates; it is time for a change. “

    Embryos secrete chemicals into the media in which they are grown during their brief stay outside of a human uterus in a fertility laboratory. Many of these biomarkers have been associated with enhanced embryonic viability based on whether they are produced in higher or lower concentrations during embryonic development.

    “Simply put,” says Dr. Silverberg, “these biomarkers help fertility doctors and embryologists determine whether an embryo is growing normally or dying.”

    After retrieving the eggs, fertilizing them with sperm, and growing them in the in-vitro fertilization
    laboratory for 3-5 days, infertility doctors and embryologists have historically selected the embryos to transfer based on their appearance under the microscope.  Those embryos with the greatest number of cells containing equal size and shape are typically selected to be transferred back in to the uterus to continue the journey to a healthy pregnancy.

    While relatively effective, this technique has limited ability to determine which embryos are most likely to implant, as at least 60% of human embryos that may appear normal under a microscope are in fact, chromosomally abnormal and destined to either not implant or miscarry.

    Fertility doctors around the globe are collaborating on this study with the goal of dramatically
    changing how the scientific community determines embryo viability.

    For more information please visit www.txfertility.com

     

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  • TFC Fertility Doctors Tinker with Robots

    Drs. Kaylen Silverberg and Thomas Vaughn have been asked to work with the new Texas Institute of Robotic Surgery at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center to evaluate emerging technologies for use in robotic surgery. Robotic surgery provides an advanced alternative to traditional open surgery or laparoscopic surgery for many conditions that can affect fertility, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic adhesions.

    Drs. Silverberg and Vaughn will find themselves tasked with developing new applications for existing technologies, as well as helping to develop new technologies for the next generation of robotics, specifically employing the Da Vinci system made and sold by Intuitive Surgical (ISRG).

    “The Da Vinci robot represents a potential quantum leap forward for endoscopic surgery,” says Dr. Silverberg. “This minimally invasive technique has amazing 3D optics that enables surgeons to accomplish a variety of complex surgical procedures with greater ease and safety. We believe that there are multiple applications for the Da Vinci robot in fertility treatment, and we hope that it will significantly enhance patient care.”

    Robotic surgery involves the use of three to four robotic arms that are manipulated by the surgeon from a remote console. One robotic arm contains a camera that magnifies the surgical field to afford the fertility doctor a three dimensional digital image. The other arms utilize specially designed surgical instruments that allow doctors to perform procedures with machine-like precision and dexterity.

    While the robot has been employed for routine gynecologic procedures such as hysterectomy for several years, recent advances in technology make it possible for more intricate procedures to be performed with robotics. Emerging technologies, such as those employing lasers for enhanced definition and dissection, hold tremendous promise not just for fertility treatment but also for the treatment of a variety of other benign and cancerous conditions.

    For more information please visit www.txfertility.com

     

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  • IVF and Ovarian Cancer

    As I was reading the headlines in the news I came across this statement:  “Women given drugs during fertility treatment to stimulate their ovaries to produce extra eggs have an increased risk of developing borderline ovarian tumors”, Dutch researchers said.  What ?!?! I continued to read the study which further stated that women who had IVF treatment had double the likelihood of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer compared to those who didn’t. This study was published in the Human Reproduction journal.

    After reading and reviewing the Dutch study, I wanted to reassure others that there is still not an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer due to IVF treatment.  This is a common question that is asked by patients going through IVF.

    In this study, many of the tumors found were Borderline tumors.  Borderline tumors are NOT cancer and they RARELY become cancer.

    The study also states that the risk of a patient developing ovarian cancer as a result of fertility treatment was NOT statistically significantly increased over the baseline risk.  This means that there was NO increase in the rate of developing ovarian cancer in women going through IVF.  Many people wonder what does “statistically significant” mean and why is it important if something is NOT statistically significant.  Statistics are difficult to explain in general, but suffice it to say that if something is statistically significant it is unlikely to have occurred by chance.  Most scientific studies describe statistics in terms of a “p value” of <0.05.  If an observed difference in two groups of patients – in this case the chance of developing ovarian cancer in women undergoing fertility treatment compared to women not undergoing fertility treatment – is < 0.05, it means that there is a 95% chance that the difference between the two groups is real (not due to chance).  Who knew we were going to give you a quick refresher on statistics!  It is very important when trying to determine the validity of studies.

    The risk of developing ovarian cancer, in the study, (which again was NOT statistically significant) rose from 5/1000 for those patients who did not have fertility treatment to 7/1000 for those patients who did.  In other words, 99.3% of women undergoing IVF did not get cancer, and 99.5% of the control group did not either.

    The researchers also found that the risk of developing ovarian cancer was  independent of the number of IVF cycles the patient underwent as well as the amount of fertility medications the patient was on.  Since IVF cycles are custom tailored to each individual’s needs it would seem logical that the amount of exposure to the medications would play a role in the cancer risk.  The fact that this was not seen casts further doubt upon an association between fertility treatment and a woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer.

    Almost all previously published studies have found that there is not a direct  correlation between fertility medications and ovarian cancer.  It is well known that infertility itself raises a woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer, but there is little data that suggests that the fertility medication itself increase the risk of ovarian cancer.  In the US, the baseline rate of ovarian cancer (for women in general, regardless of fertility treatment) is 1% (ie. higher than that of the TREATED patients in this study).  In addition, infertility alone raises this rate above 1% (in the US).  Therefore, since even the highest rate in this study is less than the BASELINE rate in the US, this study should not sound any alarms about fertility treatment raising the risk of ovarian cancer.

    It is important to remember you can’t always believe everything that you read.  TFC is committed to making sure patients receive the correct information and the best treatment available. Current studies have found that IVF treatment is not known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

    For more infromation please visit http://www.txfertility.com/

     

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  • Breast Cancer and Fertility Preservation Options

    Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis would likely send ripple effects through your whole life. If you or a loved one is grappling with this kind of news, it can feel overwhelming. Part of the planning at this point involves forming a strategy to fight this disease and thinking about the future. Early detection and advances in treatment options have improved survival odds, so patients need to consider life after breast cancer, including creating or expanding their families. The doctors at Texas Fertility Center (TFC) can help patients and their loved ones weigh the options and determine the best course of action.

    Common Fertility Preservation Questions

    Who is a candidate for fertility preservation?

    Most cancer patients can safeguard their fertility for the future. The cancer type and stage of the disease, as well as where you are in your course of treatment will factor into any fertility preservation options. TFC will partner with your oncologist to deal with any potential issues, such as if hormone therapy will potentially accelerate cancer growth or if a delay in treatment could negatively impact your ultimate outcome.

    How do you begin the process?

    As soon as possible, patients need to let their oncologists know about their desire for fertility preservation. At that point, you should contact TFC. Our fertility center will make your case a priority so that you will experience the shortest possible delay in your cancer treatment.

    What are the options for fertility preservation?

    Breast cancer patients have a couple of options that can enable them to build or expand their families after recovery, including:

    • Oocyte (Egg) Cryopreservation

    For years, technology has allowed for sperm and embryo freezing. Until recently, egg freezing wasn’t a viable option. With unfertilized eggs, ice crystals could form during the freezing process, causing damage to the eggs as they were frozen or thawed. Vitrification, a flash-freezing process, has changed all of that, resulting in a significant
    improvement in pregnancy rates. Egg freezing is a good option for young patients as well as for those who aren’t in a relationship.

    • Embryo Cryopreservation

    When sperm and egg join during fertilization, an embryo forms. Embryo cryopreservation involves combining egg and sperm in a lab and then freezing the resulting embryos for future use. As with oocyte freezing, vitrification has made a huge difference here as well.  Embryo vitrification always results in higher pregnancy/delivery rates than oocyte vitrification, but this option is only available to couples or women who are using donor sperm.

    What does fertility preservation involve?

    This process involves ovarian stimulation and then egg retrieval in a process similar to IVF (in-vitro fertilization). During the stimulation phase, patients take fertility medications to facilitate the growth and development of multiple eggs. Once the follicles mature, the physicians at Texas Fertility Center can retrieve the eggs for either vitrification or fertilization with sperm.    For more information, please visit www.txfertility.com

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  • Let’s hear it for the boys: What we look for in good sperm

    Did you know that today you will produce the sperm that could impregnate your partner three months from now? Lifestyle changes can cultivate top performers, so ask a fertility doctor for suggestions. Plan to abstain from excess alcohol and all tobacco and illegal drugs; maintain a healthy weight; and avoid overheating your nether regions in hot tubs, steam rooms and tight underwear.

    No matter which precautions you take, abnormalities in sperm production or function cause about 40 percent of all infertility cases. If you have tried for one year or longer to get pregnant with no success, a fertility doctor will order and evaluate a sperm analysis to develop an appropriate course of action.

    Sperm quantity

    It only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg and the average number of sperm a man ejaculates in semen falls between 10 and 100
    million. It would seem the odds of getting pregnant are in your favor, right?

    A low sperm count, anything below 10 million sperm in a milliliter (about half a teaspoon), can greatly decrease the chances for getting pregnant on your own. That’s because a large percentage of sperm never make it to the egg. Even if millions of sperm get deposited into the vagina during sex, a limited number of survivors make it into the uterus and an even smaller number actually find their way to the fallopian tubes. Once in the fallopian tube, very few sperm travel all the way to meet the egg. Think of fertilization as a 20K road race held in the dark, uphill and over rough terrain.  Only the strong survive.

    Sperm quality (morphology)

    A “normal” sperm is shaped like a tadpole with an oval head and a long tail. In a sperm analysis, we want to see more than 30 percent of a man’s sperm match this physical description.

    Sperm motility

    You’ve heard sperm called “little swimmers” and it’s an apt description. Ejaculation propels sperm, but they must actually move head and tail in synch to “swim” the final distance to meet the egg. Ideally, more than 50 percent of sperm should be alive and able to propel forward in a straight line.

    You can’t control how your sperm look or act, but a fertility doctor can work around any barriers to pregnancy.

    • Medication can sometimes help you overcome a low sperm count caused by a hormonal imbalance.

    • If your sperm count is a little low, your sperm don’t swim very well or if you have a very low number of normally shaped     sperm,  intrauterine insemination (IUI) enables doctors to place washed, prepared semen directly into the uterus.

    • In-vitro fertilization (IVF) can be performed for almost any type of sperm abnormality.  During this process, an embryologist adds a
    high concentration of motile, normal sperm to a small droplet of fluid containing one egg in a controlled lab environment.

    • If your sperm count is extremely low, embryologists can actually inject a single sperm directly into your partner’s egg using a technique    called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

    • Some guys may need a consultation with a urologist to correct an anatomic abnormality, and in very rare cases donor sperm may be the best solution.

     

    Regardless of the treatment you need, rest assured that male factor infertility can be successfully treated in almost every case.

     

    For more information on male infertility and sperm visit http://www.txfertility.com/09men.php

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  • Renewing Your Body and Spirit after Breast Cancer

    Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis will radically change your life.

     

    Because of early detection, more and more women are fighting breast cancer and winning the battle with this disease. The five-year survival rate for Stage 0 and Stage 1 breast cancer is approximately 100 percent, and Stage 2 patients have an 86-percent survival rate for that same time period.

    After beating this illness, you can take steps to rebuild normalcy and improve your overall wellbeing. Consider the following tips to help you reclaim the joy, health, and happiness in your life:

     

    Move on to wellness

    Based on the American Cancer Society recommendations, survivors should incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week into their routines. You don’t need a gym membership to reach this goal; just make sure to get your heart rate up. The benefits of exercise include elevating your mood, improving sleep, reducing stress, controlling weight, and boosting self-esteem.

    Choose wisely with your diet

    Though individuals who have a balanced diet and make healthy lifestyle decisions still get breast cancer, research has shown a link between breast cancer and the poor habits that lead to heart disease and diabetes.

    Schedule routine checkups to protect your health

    Each year without a recurrence adds to your odds of survival, so don’t skip your follow-up appointments. The five-year mark represents an important milestone in your recovery.

    Arm yourself with knowledge about your illness

    Follow the latest research and understand what you can do to make a difference. For instance, so-called endocrine disruptors, which are found in some pesticides and plastics, can disturb the way your hormones work if these substances are absorbed into the body. To reduce risks, some survivors have considered switching to stainless steel or glass bottles and food containers from their plastic counterparts.

    Nurture your spirit

    Even without conclusive evidence to link attitude and outcome, spending time with supportive people or enjoying activities you love will lift your mood and contribute to an upbeat outlook. When you feel stuck, make a list of the positive aspects in your life.

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  • Debunking Common Breast Cancer Myths

    During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women are reminded about the importance of identifying the signs of breast cancer, having yearly exams and scheduling annual mammograms after age 40. Breast cancer will affect one in eight women, so you need to understand your risk factors and pay attention to your breast health.

    Women often receive inaccurate information about breast cancer. Separating fact from fiction will help you protect your breast health and overall wellbeing:

    Myth: Breast lumps are usually cancerous.
    Truth: Actually, 80 percent of lumps or breast changes are benign. Because early detection is critical to survival, let your physician know if you detect or notice anything unusual.

    Myth: Only women with a family history are at risk.
    Truth: Approximately 70 percent of breast cancer patients have no identifiable risk factors. If your parent, sibling or child has developed the disease, your risk for breast cancer is roughly double that of the average person.

    Myth: Women with smaller breasts have less risk of breast cancer.
    Truth: No connection has been established between breast size and the risk for breast cancer. Breast size, however, can make mammograms and exams more difficult, but all women need regular screenings.

    Myth: Breast cancer always presents with lumps.
    Truth: Although a lump may indicate breast cancer, other signs can also cause a need for more evaluation. If you notice swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, recent nipple retraction or inversion (pointing inward), redness or any discharge, report these symptoms to your doctor right away.

    Myth: A negative mammogram report means you don’t need to worry about breast cancer.
    Truth: Although an important tool in detection, mammograms fail to find 10 to 20 percent of cancers. Yearly clinical exams and breast self-exams (BSEs) are other critical components in the screening process, so don’t neglect these steps.

     

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