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Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine
The decline in female reproductive potential starts in the early 20s and
declines progressively until the mid to late 30s when a steep decline in
fertility potential is noted. By the early forties, the decline is so steep that
only a minority will conceive and deliver a healthy child. That translates into
a higher proportion of women in their mid to late thirties having trouble
conceiving. Many women are delaying childbirth secondary to career or economic
considerations, thereby decreasing significantly their chances at future
conception. That decline in reproductive potential cannot be reversed, however
by freezing "younger" eggs, that decline may potentially be averted because the
chances of getting pregnant are directly related to the "age" of the egg.
The human egg is extremely fragile and despite many years of research into ways
to improve the survival of frozen eggs many issues remain. Unlike the human egg,
freezing sperm and embryos are more resilient and freezing methods are proven to
work. Because of the above, many single women in their 20s and 30s who do not
have a stable partner are resorting to using donor sperm through insemination
and/or IVF, and freezing resulting embryos. However, recent advances in
cryoprotectants have enabled us to freeze mature eggs with a relatively good
survival after thawing. Now, women looking to freeze their eggs can do that and
afford to wait for "Mr. Right" rather than being "forced" to use donor sperm,
and thus effectively turning back the biological clock. These eggs can then be
used years later when a husband or stable partner is identified.
In February 2002, Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine (VCRM) proudly
opened its doors to the Greater Washington, D.C and Northern Virginia
communities. VCRM is a Fertility Center founded on high success rates,
cutting-edge technology, personal attention, and affordable financing. We know
that our patients’ goal is to bring home a healthy baby. We commit to our
patients to achieve their goal with the least invasive, least costly means
available. We are so confident in our abilities that we offer a our refund Plan
which includes up to 7 Cycles, 100% money-back guarantee on both IVF and Donor
Egg, for qualifying patients. This is by far the best such program offered in
the whole country.
www.vcrmed.com
Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine
11150 Sunset Hills Rd, Suite 100
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-437-7722
Toll Free: 888-NORISK-0
Fax: 703-437-0066
Cooper Center for In-Vitro Fertilization
Ovulation disorders may be broken down into three distinct categories. The
first, anovulation, is when a woman does not ovulate at all. Ovulation inducing
drugs, (also known as "fertility drugs") are used to correct anovulation. The
most commonly prescribed are Clomid (clomiphene citrate) or Serophone, an orally
administered compound used to stimulate the release of pituitary gonadotropins
to mediate ovulation. We also use injectable medications comprised of
luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), also known as
human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG), prescribed as Pergonal and Humegon. A
similar injectable drug, Metrodin, which is pure FSH minus the LH, is used in
similar circumstances as hMG. Its clinical application is to stimulate ovarian
follicle growth and maturation. The third fertility drug which would be
prescribed, in cases where the serum prolactin level is elevated, would be
bromocriptine.
Another type of ovulatory problem is a luteal phase defect. There are two kinds
of luteal phase defects, the first, referred to as a pure luteal phase defect,
in which there is insufficient production of the hormone progesterone, but the
follicle (the sac containing the egg) is mature. Progesterone is needed to build
up the uterine lining, to enable the embryo to implant. To determine a
progesterone deficiency an endometrial biopsy is performed, a simple procedure
done in the office where a small sample of endometrial (uterine) tissue is
obtained with a plastic pipette. Supplementation of progesterone during the
luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation) may be given.
Information regarding the benefits of progesterone and the options for treatment
will be provided to patients in order that they may select the treatment option
that best suits their physical comfort and financial affordability.
Another type of luteal phase defect is known as immature follicles. This is
determined by inadequate serum estradiol levels, less than 200 pg/mL, and or
follicles size less than 18mm on ultrasound, both studies being performed at
mid-cycle when follicular maturation occurs. Ovulation inducing drugs, as
previously described, are used to correct these defects. The medication used is
chosen after careful monitoring with blood levels and ultrasound. Each drug has
its advantages and disadvantages.
Clomiphene citrate is a less expensive ovulation inducing drug, but may
sometimes interfere with the production of cervical mucus (causing what is known
as cervical
factor-for a more detailed description see cervical factor below). Although more
costly, hMG in some cases is more effective in promoting follicular maturation.
The decision of which drug to employ is made after careful evaluation and
consultation with your physician.
www.ccivf.com
8002E Greentree Commons
Marlton, NJ 08053
(856) 751-5575
Fax: (856) 751-7289
Women's Specialty Associates
Founder and medical director of the Washington Fertility Center, Dr. Asmar
specializes in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He completed his
residency in obstetrics/gynecology and his fellowship in reproductive
endocrinology and infertility at the Washington University School of Medicine in
St. Louis, Missouri, where he also served as an instructor in the Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Asmar was a clinical instructor at the University of Minnesota’s Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is presently a Fellow of the American College
of
Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG); a Diplomate of the American Board of
Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG); as well as a member of the American Society
for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive
Technology (SART), the Society of Reproductive Surgeons (SRS) and the American
Medical Association (AMA).
Dr. Asmar has published writings on cellular and biochemical endocrinology,
ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, laser surgery, infections and infertility, the
emotional stress associated with infertility and other related subjects.
His areas of expertise include laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, ectopic
pregnancy and tubal catheterization. He has extensive training and experience in
the Assisted Reproductive Technologies, such as IVF, GIFT and ICSI; Donor Oocyte
(Egg); and Male Infertility.
www.womenspecialty.com
Suite 243
11110 Medical Campus Road
Hagerstown MD, 21742
301-665-4600
TDD: 1-800-735-2258
IVF Clinics
Annapolis : IVF Clinics Columbia :
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