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Infertility Support and Encouragement
Infertility is the state of being unable to produce offspring; in a woman it is
the inability to conceive; in a man it is the inability to impregnate.
A couple is usually considered infertile if pregnancy has not occurred after one
year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse. Women over 35 or those with a
family history of infertility should consult a doctor after six months of
unprotected intercourse if pregnancy has not been achieved.
A doctor may order basal hormonal testing as well as provocative hormonal
testing (clomiphene challenge test). This will aid the doctor in predicting the
responsiveness of your ovaries and evaluation of your ovarian reserve. The
testing will involve measuring your blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
level on cycle day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle and then on day 10 following a
five-day course of Clomid or Serophene. Remember the first day of flow that
requires you to wear a pad or tampon is cycle day 1. Follicle stimulating
hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland (an area in the brain) and
causes follicles to develop. A follicle is a cystic structure on the ovary,
which houses the egg prior to ovulation. Measuring these hormone values on cycle
day 2 or 3 and again following a course of Clomid or Serophene on cycle day 10,
may identify the patient who is not likely to conceive or is at a high risk for
miscarriage. The testing involves having your blood drawn on cycle day 2 or 3
for FSH and estradiol levels. Pending the results of the day 2 or 3 blood test,
you will be instructed to take clomiphene two tablets (100 mg) daily on cycle
days 5 through 9. You will return for a second FSH level on cycle day 10.
A common medication used for ovulation induction is Clomid or Serophene (clomiphene
citrate). Clomid binds to estrogen receptors in the body and "fools" the
hypothalamus (an area of the brain) into thinking estrogen is low and causes it
to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH causes the
pituitary to make and release more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and
luteinizing hormone (LH). More FSH and LH should result in the release of one or
more mature
eggs - ovulation. One disadvantage of Clomid is that it can bind to estrogen
receptors for 6-8 weeks in many types of tissues and deprive these tissues of
estrogen, leading to diminished endometrial development (uterine lining) and
decreased cervical mucus production.
www.fcsupport.org
817) 656-9566 (home)
(817) 313-8029 (cell)
Postal address
4645 Parkmount Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76137
Fertility Clinic Texas Infertility Treatmen
Infertility is much more common than once believed. In fact, approximately 15%
of couples will experience infertility at some time in their reproductive lives.
This figure is difficult to establish because many couples facing infertility do
not seek medical advice. Fortunately, public awareness has increased
dramatically leading more couples to seek care infertility care sooner.
Infertility has many causes. Until fairly recently, it was thought that
infertility was primarily a female problem; however, we now know that almost 50%
of couples will have a male infertility component. For this reason it is
critically important that the husband also be evaluated. The semen analysis is a
critical fertility test and numerous fertility tests will be conducted to rule
out causes of female infertility.
Perhaps the greatest threat to a woman's fertility is advancing age. Many women
are now choosing to delay marriage until they are much older and consequently,
many are attempting pregnancy in their mid-to late 30s and early 40s.
Unfortunately, the biological clock has not changed to coincide with the
evolution of our societal values and fertility for women is greatest in the late
teens and early 20s. This is contrary to the situation for men, as most men
remain relatively fertile throughout their adult lives. However, some degree of
male infertility is present in up to half of infertile couples. Women aged 35 or
older should not delay consultation with a fertility specialist.
Women are born with a lifetime supply of eggs and during each month of a natural
cycle one egg develops in the dominant follicle, and undergoes ovulation. This
development is initiated and supported by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). At
the same time, a group of smaller unselected follicles become atretic and are no
longer
capable of reaching ovulation. As women age, the number of remaining eggs
declines; furthermore, those that are available may demonstrate a decrease in
egg quality.
www.dfwivf.com
Presbyterian Hospital
Margot Perot Building,
8160 Walnut Hill,
Suite 328 Dallas,
TX 75231
Telephone: 214-363-5965
Fax: 214-363-0639
Fort Worth Fertility
There are many steps involved in the IVF process, but try not to become too
overwhelmed by the process – that’s why we are here. Together, we will discuss
what you can expect throughout the treatment process, review all of the
medications, and learn about the testing that will be done. Although the IVF
process is complex, our board certified fertility specialist will try to
simplify it for you and walk you through it one step at a time
During our initial consultation, we will meet with you and discuss your case,
diagnosis, and possible treatment options in detail. If IVF is appropriate for
you and you decide to proceed with your treatment, they will review the various
tests that will be required in preparation for your cycle and identify and
review the dates of your cycle. This testing may include a mock transfer and
evaluation of the uterine cavity with a hysteroscope.
The male partner or sperm donor will need to provide a semen sample for
analysis. A sperm sample may be frozen to serve as a back up for the actual
procedure. Once the evaluation is complete, you will be able to start your
treatment cycle based on available schedule and your menstrual cycle. We
understand that you are anxious to begin treatment as soon as possible and we
make every effort to get you started right away.
Prior to starting the cycle, our IVF coordinator will meet with you again,
review the medication schedule, and make sure that you are familiar with the
drugs and the methods of administration. Once the treatment is in progress, you
will be coming to the office periodically ( typically on day three, five, seven,
and nine of your injections) for monitoring of your response to the medications.
This usually includes a blood test (Estrogen, E2 level) and an ultrasound on
each visit. With each visit we will notify you of your progress and make sure
that you know what will happen next.
www.fwivf.com
800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 210
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817-348-8145
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