UPCOMING EVENTS:
What: NCRM at the 10th Annual Nevada Women's Expo!
When: Saturday, March 31 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, April 1 from 11am-4pm
Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV
Details: The Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine will have a booth at this fantastic show! Come down and see us and enjoy a great day of information--that's all about you! For more information, visit the show's website at www.nevadawomensexpo.com.
What: FREE Patient Education Seminar during National Infertility Awareness Week!
When: Tuesday, April 24 from 6pm-7pm
Where: The Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine, 645 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite 205, Reno, NV 89511
Details: In celebration of National Infertility Awareness Week, we are having a FREE patient education seminar at our clinic! Bring your questions, meet our staff, and see our facility. All seminar attendees will receive $100 off of their new patient consultation appointment, and can enter to win a FREE IVF CYCLE! Please call our office with questions and to RSVP at 775-828-1200.
****************************
There's an App For That!
Attain Fertility® Centers has announced the launch of the Attain Fertility Predictor, a free iPhone app designed for women that will help them determine their chances of becoming pregnant on their own. And for women who are unable to get pregnant on their own and need assisted reproductive technology (ART), the predictor then shows her chances of having a baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The first of its kind, the Attain Fertility Predictor is filled with vital information, from when to see a specialist, to how many IVF cycles may provide her the best chance of becoming a parent.
Based on a woman’s age and how long she’s been trying to get pregnant without fertility assistance, the Attain Fertility Predictor helps a woman understand her options, including when she may want to consider seeing a fertility specialist. The Attain Fertility Predictor includes other interactive features and information, including:
- Fertility Center Finder: Helps locate the nearest clinic that’s a part of the Attain Fertility network, request an appointment and get directions.
- BMI calculator: Suggests whether or not a woman is at her optimal weight.
- Fertility loan calculator: Calculates payments for fertility loans that can make paying for treatment more manageable and can be used for programs like Attain IVF.
- Fertility information: Users can learn about causes of infertility, different treatment options, IVF costs and information about the Attain IVF Programs.
The Attain Fertility Predictor is now available at Apple’s iTunes App Store and can be used with iPhones and iPads.
------------------------------------------------------------
IUI Explained
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the placing of sperm into a woman's uterus when she is ovulating. This procedure is used for couples with unexplained infertility, minimal male factor infertility, and women with cervical mucus problems. IUI is often done in conjunction with ovulation-stimulating drugs. IUI can be performed using the husband's sperm or donor sperm. Before IUI, the woman should be evaluated for any hormonal imbalance, infection or any structural problems.
Insemination is performed at the time of ovulation, usually within 24-36 hours after the LH surge is detected, or after the "trigger" injection of hCG is administered. Ovulation is predicted by a urine test kit or blood test and ultrasound.
In the case of husband inseminination, the male partner produces a specimen, at home or at the clinic or doctor’s office. The sperm is then prepared for IUI. Sperm from the male partner or third-party donor are "washed" or separated. Separation selects out motile sperm from the man’s ejaculate and concentrates them into a small volume. Sperm washing cleanses the sperm of potentially toxic chemicals which may cause adverse reactions in the uterus. The doctor uses a soft catheter that is passed through a speculum directly into the woman's uterus to deposit the semen at the time of ovulation.
IUI may be used in conjunction with ovulatory medications, such as clomophine citrate, gonadotropins, or urofollitropins. If injectable ovulation stimulating drugs are used in an IUI cycle, careful monitoring is essential. Monitoring includes periodic blood tests and ultrasounds beginning around day 6 of the woman's cycle. Results of these tests will indicate when eggs are mature, prompting the hCG shot.
IUI is also used with specially prepared donor sperm. The sperm bank sends the doctor's office sperm that is already prepared for IUI.
IUI is a relatively quick procedure and is performed in the doctor's office without any anesthesia. It should not be painful, although some women report mild discomfort.
(From www.Resolve.org)
-------------------------------------------------
Using AMH to Measure Ovarian Reserve
A female has her lifetime supply of eggs (about 7 million) in her ovaries (in utero) before she is even born. Each month she loses some of this supply, so by the time she is born, the number has dwindled down to approximately 1 million eggs. This steady decline continues so that approximately 300,000 eggs remain as a girl enters puberty. The supply of eggs is nearly depleted by the time a woman enters menopause.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is produced by cells of developing ovarian follicles. Until recently, tests available to determine ovarian reserve have only been able to show when the egg supply is almost depleted. At that point, it may be too late. Research suggests that results from measuring AMH levels may provide an earlier marker of a woman's reproductive potential. This can be done via a simple blood draw.
Nothing can turn back a woman's biological clock. However, AMH testing may help clinicians diagnose problems with ovarian reserve earlier and more conveniently than other methods in a woman's reproductive life cycle. The laboratory and clinical staff at NCRM are very experienced in measuring AMH levels--and all it takes is a quick needle stick in the arm!
------------------------------------------------
STARTING JUNE 1, 2011:
In order to create greater flexibility for our patients, NCRM's hours will change to the following:
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday - 7:00am-4:00pm
- Tuesday/Thursday - 8:00am-5:00pm
------------------------------------------------------------
NCRM recently participated in an IVF clinical trial comparing a progesterone vaginal ring to vaginally administered progesterone gel. Patients participating in this study were compensated for their time and efforts. The success rates in both groups were outstanding.
NCRM is participating in a clinical genetic study. Patients who participate in this study will receive free genetic screening of all 23 sets of chromosomes on their biopsied embryos as well as genetic screening for the gene they are carriers for, during an in-vitro fertilization cycle.
NCRM is participating in an egg freezing study. Eggs will be cryopreserved by a method called vitrification. Vitrification offers high survival rates and there is much promising data regarding oocyte and embryo vitrification results.
NCRM holds a Biannual Baby Reunion every other fall. Over 200 people gather to celebrate the children who were conceived with the aid of in-vitro fertilization at the Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine. The children enjoy the duck pond, the jump house, and face-painting. Parents enjoy the food, great weather, and good company. Thank you to all that attend the baby reunion. It was wonderful seeing all of the children!
Dr. Foulk, Dr. Whitten and other team members attended the 65th Annual American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The scientific program included information on egg freezing, cryopreservation techniques, elective single embryo transfer, genetic testing, male reproductive health, gamete selection criteria, reproductive surgery, and much more. It was a very informative meeting.