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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: 1-800-735-2258IVF Clinics Annapolis : IVF Clinics Columbia : IVF Clinics Baltimore : IVF Clinics Hagerstown |