Further IVF Improvements: Single Embryo Transfer

IVF has dramatically improved in many ways.  Pharmaceutical agents are more pure and numerous.  Our understanding of how to improve the number and quality of oocytes has been revolutionized.  Laboratory protocols have also advanced, as well as ultrasound technology. Single Embryo Transfer (SET) is another new protocol, used to reduce the likelihood of twins or triplets. Although most parents are happy to be pregnant with multiples, medically speaking, a single baby is associated with much fewer complications: in utero, during birth, and developmentally as an infant.

The last decade has been focused on reduction of high order multiple pregnancies such as triplets.  This decade we are focusing on reduction of twins.  It is well established that the best obstetrical outcome is with a singleton pregnancy.  We are now able to offer some patients single embryo blastocyst transfer.  Typically this will be an individual who is less than 35 years of age with high quality blastocysts who will have  additional embryos to freeze in case pregnancy does not occur immediately.  Those patients are expected to have a clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer of at least 50%.  Many of these patients are enrolled in our money back IVF guarantee program which lets them continue treatment without financial risk till live birth.  These program participants can do up to 3 fresh and 3 frozen cycles at no extra program cost.  The end point of this program is live birth or a 70% refund of all fees.   Twin rates with single embryo transfer are less than 1% vs. 25% with a 2 embryo transfer.

We are delighted that single embryo transfer is a reality!  It has taken decades of our work and your patience.  We expect this effort will continue for another decade as technology continues to evolve.

Ovulation-Inducing Drugs & Cancer Risk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which often sparks concern for reproductive cancers as well. There has been some debate about the use of ovulation-inducing drugs and any significant correlation with ovarian cancer. Fortunately, recent data has been very reassuring.

Below is a summary of 10 studies, with the most recent study done in 2009. The data concludes that fertility drugs, even when used for prolonged periods, are not associated with an increase in ovarian cancer. For additional studies and information, visit our website: http://www.cincinnatifertility.com/infertility-treatment/ovulation-drugs/cancer-risks.

54,362 women with infertility problems referred to all Danish fertility clinics during 1963-98. The median age at first evaluation of infertility was 30 years (range 16-55 years), and the median age at the end of follow-up was 47 (range 18-81) years. Included in the analysis were 156 women with invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (cases) and 1241 sub-cohort members identified in the cohort during follow-up in 2006.

Analyses within cohort showed no overall increased risk of ovarian cancer after any use of gonadotrophins, clomifene, human chorionic gonadotrophin, or gonadotrophin releasing hormone. Furthermore, no associations were found between all four groups of fertility drugs and number of cycles of use, length of follow-up, or parity.

Conclusion: No convincing association was found between use of fertility drugs and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

New PCOS Treatment?

If you’ve struggled getting pregnant, then you may be all too familiar with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It is estimated to affect 1 in 5 women, and is the leading cause of female infertility. PCOS is an endocrine disorder resulting from imbalanced hormone levels. The cause of PCOS has been tied to insulin resistance, which means insulin does not perform as it should to balance glucose levels, thus provoking the ovaries to secrete excess testosterone, and throw hormone levels out of balance. This results in cysts on the ovaries, and pesky symptoms such as acne, excess body hair, obesity, and irregular periods. In the world of infertility, it is a common obstacle we help patients tackle.

Typically Metformin has been prescribed to combat insulin sensitivity in PCOS patients.  However, there is a non-prescription dietary supplement that has demonstrated promising clinical results without the side effects typically experienced with Metformin. We aren't formally endorsing this product, but it is exciting to see a potential new treatment available for patients who want an alternative to prescription medication.

Pregnitude is a combination of folic acid and myo-inositol (a fancy name for a compound that accompanies B vitamins in foods such as grains and nuts).  Basically, it is a “helper” nutrient, which aids in insulin usage by cells in the pancreas.

Clinical trials have been promising so far, with results including:

--increased ovulation frequency

--improved menstrual regularity

--higher quality eggs and embryos in patients undergoing IVF

Pregnitude comes in a powder form, and is taken twice daily, mixed with water. It is available in most pharmacies, without a prescription, or at www.pregnitude.com. Incidence of side effects, or sensitivity to Pregnitude, have been low, but as always, talk to your doctor first about this, and any other treatment options.

What Do Teeth Have to Do with Fertility?

Typically, we think of our teeth as a separate entity from our overall health. However, research is finding that oral health is more important than we might think and is often a window to other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
But what about oral health and fertility? What's the link? First of all, if you are pregnant, gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight in babies. And if you're trying to get pregnant, researchers have found that gum disease delays the time to conception.

Gum disease includes gingivitis and periodontitis. Both are chronic bacterial infections that affect the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Gingivitis is the milder form that causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a condition in which toxins produced by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response. The body basically turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.
This inflammation is what researchers believe affects fertility. Unchecked, the inflammation can set off a chain of reactions capable of damaging the body's normal workings. So, take care of your teeth!


For more information, check out this link:  Dental Care, Fertility, & Pregnancy

Source:  FertilityAuthority.com

IRH presents 'Fertility 101' in Dayton

IRH is sponsoring an informational seminar in the Dayton area titled 'Fertility 101'.  This seminar is perfect for couples (or individuals) who are just beginning their treatment journey or for those who want more details about the process they have already begun.  The seminar will be held on Thursday, 6/21 from 7pm-8pm at the Delco Park Meeting Place in Kettering (just a mile west of The Greene).

Topics to be addressed include:

• The Infertility Work-Up
• Diagnosis & Treatment Options
• When is the time right to move from low-tech treatments to high-tech treatments
• Success Rates and what they mean
• Fertility Facts vs. Myths

Light refreshments will be served and you do not have to be an IRH patient to attend.  

To register, or if you have any questions, please email us at cincinnatifertility@gmail.com or call Rhya Pachin, Practice Liaison at 513.289.9151.