embryo.net

Egg donation recipients receiving donated eggs can experience a wonderful pregnancy. Women are able to go through the entire three trimesters and experience the joys of their unborn child growing inside of them.

Opting for in vitro fertilization is an important decision. It is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. When you have your questions answered, you will be more confident about your decision and about the in vitro fertilization process itself.

The following article contains information about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a procedure that allows coupld to determine on potential genetic defects an embryo may experience. Read on to learn more.

Egg donation treatment and going to an egg donor is one way that infertile couples to have a child. Read over this list of common questions to learn more about this fertility treatment.

In this article, readers will find a collection of frequently asked questions all about childbirth and pregnancy. Read on to learn more about concerns people have about these matters.

While many people are aware of female infertility and its causes, fewer are knowledgeable about the causes of male infertility. There are a number of common reasons for men being infertile.

Many women and couples worry about infertility. Having the facts makes it easier to know if there is a problem which is preventing natural conception.

There are some common misconceptions about in vitro fertilization which often lead couples to hesitate in taking the first steps toward this process. Read this article to separate fact from fiction.

Infertility amongst males is not usually addressed as frequently as infertility in females. The FAQ which men have need to be addressed so that they are better-informed about this issue.

There are some common misconceptions about egg donors and egg donation. These misconceptions often contribute to women being less likely to take a positive step to help others.

Egg donation is an excellent way for women to help couples start a family, though it is a complex process. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the egg donation process.

Is there an age limit for donating eggs?

In general, the age range for women to donate eggs is 18 to 35. Acceptable age ranges will differ based on your location and the specifications of the program or clinic where you donate. You will have to be old enough to enter into a contract or to give legal consent. After age 35 the quality of a woman’s eggs declines and there is greater risk of birth defects or egg abnormality.

Will the recipient of my eggs, or a child conceived as a result of my donation, know who I am?

Egg donation programs should be very specific about their disclosure policies, and these policies should be clearly stated in any contract that you sign. In general, there are options for disclosure for both you and the recipient of your eggs. Some donors or recipients are willing to disclose their identities at the time of donation, at a later date, or when any child conceived from the donation is of a certain age. Some agree to ongoing contact, while others do not want identity revealed or any contact at all. As a donor, be aware that the recipient will have some specific information about you, but not necessarily your identity.

Will I be paid to donate my eggs?

When a woman is compensated for egg donation, it is for time, effort, and medical costs, and not for the eggs themselves. This is one of the most important considerations in egg donation. Be sure that your contract or agreement specifies that the screenings and medical costs are covered, and find out whether you need medical insurance or additional insurance to cover any complications that might arise. You might need to take time off work for the process, and you might have transportation and child care considerations. Be sure to get all of the information on the entire process before you sign a contract or make an agreement.

Is the egg donation process uncomfortable, painful, or difficult?

The egg donation process can be time-consuming. Before you are approved as a donor, you might need to undergo an extensive screening process that includes family history, medical history, blood tests, a physical and gynecological exam, and a psychological profile. If you are approved, you will need to follow a very explicit schedule for blood work, hormone therapy, ultrasounds, and egg retrieval. The egg retrieval procedure is usually done under sedation or anesthesia, but you will need some recovery time after the process. To get a thorough check-up and find out if you’re a good candidate for egg donation, in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), or other treatments, speak to the specialists at our fertility and IVF center near Dallas, Texas.

Millions of couples, due to age or physical defects, cannot get pregnant through normal means. Many of these infertile couples turn to in vitro fertilization, or IVF, to realize their dream of having children. But IVF is not right for everyone. Like any medical procedure, in vitro fertilization works best for patients who meet certain criteria. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of the ideal IVF candidate. Couples under the age of 35 would be good candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) after one year of trying, unsuccessfully, to become pregnant. Older couples, aged 35 and older, could look into IVF after six months. In vitro fertilization can overcome structural defects that prevent women from becoming pregnant through traditional means. These include blocked fallopian tubes, and abnormalities in the cervix and uterus. Women with endometriosis and ovulation disorders have also gone on to have successful pregnancies following IVF. Men with a low sperm count, or whose sperm cannot reach the woman’s eggs, are suitable candidates for IVF. That’s because the procedure introduces the man’s sperm into the woman’s eggs in a laboratory setting, ensuring that fertilization takes place. Though age will not necessarily disqualify a couple from undergoing IVF, clinics do take it into account. The success rate of IVF treatments decreases as patient age increases. Couples younger than 35 have the best chance of success, while women over 40 have only a 6 percent to 10 percent chance of a live birth following in vitro fertilization. Of course, the ideal couple will be in good general health, and must be able to produce viable sperm and eggs. If either partner suffers from a medical condition that affects their sperm or eggs, the doctor might recommend the use of donor eggs, donor sperm, or donor embryos. To get a thorough check-up and find out if you’re a good candidate for IVF, egg donation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), or other treatments, speak to the specialists at our fertility and IVF center near Dallas, Texas.

When a woman has three or more clinical pregnancy losses she is considered to have recurrent pregnancy loss  (RPL). Biochemical pregnancies are not included in the definition. Below is some general information on this condition and what to expect if it occurs.

Causes of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

There can be many causes of RPL, but in about 50 percent of couples with RPL no cause is found.

Causes include genetic etiology such as if one partner is a carrier of a balanced translocation or the woman is of advanced maternal age which increases the chances of a genetic issue with the conceptus. Other causes can be abnormal anatomy such as a uterine septum or congenital malformation or large uterine fibroid. Another proven cause for recurrent miscarriage is an acquired syndrome called antiphospholipid antibody syndrome which can make a woman more susceptible to developing blood clots and miscarriages. This syndrome is diagnosed via clinical history and some blood tests. Other less common causes include inherited thrombophilas (clotting disorders), immunologic disorders and infections.

Treatment of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

In couples where the cause of RPL is diagnosed to be due to a balanced translocation, they can undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to identify and transfer only normal embryos during the IVF process. Anatomic causes of RPL can often be surgically corrected. For antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and thrombophilias the treatment is usually baby aspirin and heparin started when pregnancy is diagnosed. For immunologic causes the treatment is still controversial and therapy with immunoglobulins such as IVIG cannot be recommended to be of benefit based on the data at this time. Infectious causes may be amenable to treatment with antibiotics.

The good news is that in many couples with RPL, if no specific cause is found, they have a high likelihood of successful pregnancy with the next conception. Even after 3 miscarriages, there is a greater than 60 percent chance that the next pregnancy will be viable.

All of our four board certified Reproductive endocrinologists have experience and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of couples with RPL. Appointments with our doctors are available in both the Bedford and Frisco locations.

Our Bedford office is close to Fort Worth, Dallas, Irving, Las Colinas, and the DFW airport. Our Frisco office is close to Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Lewisville, Allen, Denton, and Dallas. We encourage you to learn more about this condition and treatment options by scheduling a consultation without our Dallas / Fort Worth fertility specialists and doctors.

Endometriosis is a disorder where the cells from the lining of the uterus implant outside of the uterus in the pelvis. Some women with endometriosis suffer form significant pelvic pain and develop scar tissue or cysts on their ovaries (chocolate cysts or endometriomas). Other women with endometriosis have no symptoms. The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is to do a laparoscopy and look inside the abdomen with the help of a small camera inserted through the belly button.

Does endometriosis affect fertility?

The studies are unclear about the effect of mild endometriosis on fertility, but severe endometriosis is known to negatively impact fertility.

Can surgery help?

Yes, but mainly only in the cases of severe endometriosis causing distortion of anatomy. Most women will benefit from going straight to fertility treatments unless suffering from pelvic pain, in which case having a laparoscopy to treat the endometriosis lesions may be of benefit.

What kind of fertility treatments are options for women with endometriosis?

Each couple is different in their unique needs. Our physicians will make a thorough assessment of all factors that may contribute to your infertility and make the appropriate recommendations. Treatment options may range from the oral medication clomiphene to injectable medications with insemination to surgery or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

We encourage you to meet with our fertility doctors and specialists near Dallas / Fort Worth to learn more. We have two convenient locations to serve couples from anywhere in the metroplex. Our Bedford office is close to Fort Worth, Dallas, and the DFW airport. Our Frisco office is close to Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Lewisville, Allen and Dallas.

There are a number of different ovarian dysfunctions that can affect a woman's fertility. In the information that follows, we examine some of the different kinds of ovarian dysfunctions that women experience.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome that affects about 8-10 percent of reproductive aged women. It can have a wide variety of presentations, but most commonly women with PCOS suffer from irregular periods, increased facial or body hair, acne, and infertility. Many women with PCOS are also overweight and the excess weight can add to the symptoms of PCOS.

For the long run it is very important for women with PCOS to be regularly checked for diabetes and high cholesterol as they are more prone to developing these issues. Also, due to the risk of the lining of the uterus growing too thick, women with PCOS who are not having periods or have very irregular periods should be on birth control pills or other medication to induce a period at least once every three months. Those women trying to conceive may benefit from simple treatments such as the oral medication clomiphene citrate. Those women who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or borderline diabetes may benefit from the medication glucophage (metformin).

All of our doctors are board certified reproductive endocrinologists and are well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. We can see patients with PCOS both at our Bedford location (close to Dallas, Fort Worth, and DFW airport) and our Frisco location (close to Plano, Allen, McKinney, Lewisville, Denton, and Dallas).

Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is diagnosed when a woman under the age of 40 starts having no periods or infrequent periods along with a significant increase in the FSH hormone produced by the brain, suggesting failure of the normal function of the ovaries. POF is though to affect about 1-5 percent of women. Sometimes the cause is genetic, other times it may be viral, autoimmune, prior pelvic surgery, or often unexplained. Early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment are important if fertility is an immediate consideration. There are various treatment options available based on the severity of the case in an individual patient. Our board certified reproductive endocrinologists are well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of women suffering from premature ovarian failure. In some cases the woman may be able to successfully achieve a pregnancy with her own eggs, while others may need to undergo egg donation. We see patients with POF in both our Bedford and Frisco locations. Our Bedford and Frisco offices can be conveniently accessed by patients in the greater Dallas and Forth Worth area, including Denton, Lewisville, Carrollton, Irving, Las Colinas, Richardson Plano, McKinney, and Allen.

Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)

As a woman ages, both the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries declines over time. Women are born with a finite set of eggs which grow and perish in waves. The eggs are always going through phases of growth and death irrespective of the regularity of menstrual cycle. In some women the process of loss of eggs may be accelerated, or perhaps they were endowed with a smaller number of eggs at birth. Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to decrease in the number of eggs in the ovaries. This can be assessed by the appearance of number of small follicles on the ovaries early in the menstrual cycle, by measurement of the ovarian volume, hormone tests such as Day 3 FSH and estradiol or serum AMH (antimullerian hormone). Several of these factors put together help make the diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve. Once diagnosed, DOR warrants prompt attention and institution of treatment for infertility since the condition worsens over time. DOR combined with advanced reproductive age often yields a poor prognosis for successful pregnancy. Our doctors in Bedford (close to DFW airport, Fort Worth, Dallas, Irving, and Las Colinas) and in Frisco (close to Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Allen, Lewisville, and Denton) have expertise to help.

Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent periods. If a woman has less than 9 periods a year or greater than 35 days in between periods, she is considered to have oligomenorrhea. Sometimes this can be caused by imbalances in hormones such as thyroid and prolactin; sometimes it is due to PCOS, POF or DOR. Obesity and high insulin levels can also cause menstrual irregularity. Sometimes to direct cause is found. Depending on the age of the patient, cause of the oligomenorrhea and other factors pertaining to fertility, there are many possible treatment options ranging form the oral medication clomid to daily hormone treatments to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg donation if pertinent.

Our reproductive endocrinologists at the Center for Assisted Reproduction can help diagnose and guide you toward the appropriate treatment modality. We have two easily accessible locations for your benefits one in Bedford which is easily accessed by patients in both Dallas and Fort Worth, the other in Frisco which is easily accessible from Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Allen, Lewisville, Denton, and surrounding areas.

About 15 percent of all couples will experience some level of infertility when trying to conceive. Many of the couples who are experiencing infertility turn to procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive a child. If you are considering IVF you should educate yourself on the procedure before electing to have it. The following frequently asked questions about IVF and infertility will get you started.

What is infertility?

Infertility is a disorder of the reproductive system that prevents a couple from conceiving a child. Conceiving a child is far more complex than one might think, and the slightest malfunction of the reproductive system can lead to infertility. A couple is classified as infertile when they have tried to conceive unsuccessfully for one year’s time.

What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which an egg is fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. The process has many steps involved. Eggs must be retrieved from a female and sperm from a male. After the two specimens are joined in a petri dish they are incubated until cell division takes place. Once cell division takes place an embryo has been created, and that embryo can be transferred to the woman's uterus via a catheter through the cervix.

How much does in vitro fertilization (IVF) cost?

Many people feel overwhelmed at the prospect of getting treatment for infertility because of the cost. The average cost of a total IVF cycle in the United States is about $12,000. Naturally, the cost of IVF is based on a number of variables including geographic location, the skill of the physician, and a couple's individual medical problems. Some insurance companies cover treatments for infertility. In fact, states like Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and West Virginia all require by law the insurance companies cover some infertility treatment or diagnosis. For more information on in vitro fertilization as well as other fertility treatments such as egg donation and donor eggs, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), it is important to contact a fertility and IVF center near Dallas, Texas.

Many people look at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure as the gold standard of fertility treatment, but that isn't always true. Before investing your time, hope, and money in this popular fertility treatment, it is important to understand the success rate of the procedure and other common outcomes. If you understand the ins and outs of in vitro fertilization you can make a more educated decision on whether or not the procedure is right for you. When in vitro fertilization (IVF) was first introduced as a method of conception it often took women multiple attempts at the procedure before conception occurred. However, in recent years the advances in technology have increased the success rate of the procedure and many women conceive on the first try now. In fact, on average just below 30% of all women achieve pregnancy through IVF. There are many things that can take place as a result of having in vitro fertilization. The most common abnormal results would include either an ectopic pregnancy or a multiple pregnancy. When either of these occurs, a woman is at risk of spontaneous miscarriage. However, as with the success rate of the procedure, advancements in technology have also had an effect on these negative consequences. The rate of these abnormal side effects has gone down in recent years. There are also some risks to consider before choosing to have the IVF procedure. Besides the more common abnormal results like ectopic or multiple pregnancy, there are other serious complications that can occur. In vitro fertilization can cause ovarian rupture and bleeding infection. However, these risks are very minimal. Naturally, there are many things that can affect the outcome of your IVF procedure. From your individual circumstances to the doctor you choose, all these variables can make a difference. In addition to these external factors, each doctor uses different techniques and the technique used can also play a role in a doctor's individual IVF success rate. To learn more about egg donation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and other fertility issues, it is important to speak with skilled fertility specialists near Dallas and Fort Worth.

When a couple fails to conceive after they try to conceive for a year they are considered infertile. Infertility in a couple can be a result of problems with the male, female, or both. Unfortunately, female infertility makes up 70% of the cases of couples who are infertile. This is because the female reproductive system is very complex, and the slightest problem can disrupt the entire system. The following are the top three causes of female infertility.

Ovulation Disorders

Ovulation disorders account for about 30% of all problems with female infertility. If you have deficiencies in your luteinizing hormone or the hormone that stimulates your ovarian follicles, it will disrupt ovulation. If you do not ovulate regularly it is very difficult to conceive.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is another condition that can cause fertility problems in females. In fact, this condition may account for more than 30% of all females dealing with infertility. This condition causes tissue from the lining of the uterus to implant and grow outside of your uterus. This can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This can lead to pain, scarring, and inflammation in the pelvis.

Tubal Occlusion

The number one cause of female infertility is medically referred to as tubal occlusion. If your doctor says that your fertility is caused by a tubal occlusion, it means that you have an obstructed fallopian tube. When you have an obstructed fallopian tube it is hard or in some cases impossible for an egg that is fertilized to travel through the fallopian tube. That means that the fertilized egg cannot become implanted in the uterus. This condition is most commonly caused by a sexually transmitted disease called pelvic inflammatory disease. Unfortunately, most women who contract pelvic inflammatory disease are not aware that they even have it. Hence, the reason it can cause so much damage. For more information on egg donation, in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and other fertility issues, it is important to speak with skilled fertility specialists near Dallas and Fort Worth.

Sometimes infertility has an obvious cause, such as a disease or a physical defect that prevents a person or a couple from conceiving. Often, treating the root cause will also treat the infertility. But for couples who can’t seem to get pregnant on their own, in vitro fertilization could be the answer they’re looking for. Couples who have failed to conceive after a year of trying might be good candidates for in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a medical process that mixes the father’s sperm with the mother’s egg in a laboratory setting. Once the egg has been fertilized, it is implanted into the mother’s womb and left there to develop. IVF is carried out in five stages. The first involves monitoring and the stimulation of egg production. Fertility medicines are administered during this phase, in the hopes of producing several viable eggs. Ultrasound technology is used to monitor egg development, and hormone levels are monitored with blood tests. Next comes the egg and sperm collection stage. Using ultrasound to guide them, the doctor inserts a fine needle into the woman’s pelvic cavity. The needle is used to collect the eggs for IVF. Sedation and anesthetic are used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, though some women experience cramping during the first 24 hours following the collection of the eggs. Then the man’s semen is collected and prepared for IVF. Then comes the insemination stage. The eggs and sperm are placed in incubators where they come together to produce embryos. Sometimes the sperm is injected directly into the egg. Finally, the embryos are placed into the mother’s womb. The parents and the doctor will agree on how many embryos should be implanted. Using fluid and a catheter, the embryos are transferred directly into the uterus. Some women experience cramping, but this stage of IVF is largely painless. In vitro fertilization has helped many infertile couples realize their dreams of parenthood. If you’ve tried to become pregnant for at least one year and have so far been unsuccessful, our fertility specialists near Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas can help you. We can also discuss other options such as egg donation.

When infertile couples go in search of an egg donor, they often look for a woman who shares one parent’s physical characteristics. They may base their decision on the donor’s height and weight, body type, hair color and texture, or other physical traits. While it’s understandable that a couple would want a child that resembles them physically, there is much more to donor selection than finding someone who looks similar to the prospective parents. Finding a perfect physical match is largely futile, since most people have a unique appearance. For that reason, it’s important to take other qualities into consideration when you consider egg donation and selecting an egg donor. All egg donors are screened for diseases and chromosomal defects. The health of your donor might prove to be more important than her appearance. Additionally, many donors are required to complete IQ tests and essays to gauge their intelligence and personality traits. If you come across a personality that you are particularly fond of, you should consider using that woman as your egg donor. Other recipients make a choice based on the donor’s interests, talents, educational level, and even their religious background. It’s not clear whether all of these traits are genetic or simply the product of upbringing, but many recipients want the information regardless. Finally, it’s important to know which level of contact (if any) the donor is comfortable with. Some women choose to donate their eggs anonymously. Others want to get to know the recipients beforehand. Still others withhold their identities, but agree to be contacted later in life or in the case of a medical emergency, such as the need for donor organs or bone marrow for the child. Every person is unique, just like fingerprints and snowflakes. When you choose an egg donor, you should look for a good blend of physical traits, personality, and mental and physical health. After all, the child you bear will be the genetic offspring of the donor, but you will be its parent. To learn more about the egg donation process as well as other fertility issues such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), we encourage you to visit our infertility treatment center near Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.