Infertility is a relatively common condition affecting approximately 10% of couples of reproductive age. The incidence of infertility seems to be increasing as more couples are seeking treatment because of heightened awareness of the condition.
Also, more and more OB/GYN's are quickly referring their infertile patients to infertility specialists. "Time" is often the greatest enemy of fertility.
When Should We See a
Fertility Specialist?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, IVF, have enabled thousands of otherwise infertile couples to have genetically related children. This is especially true in cases of male infertility where previously there was no hope of conception.
"In vitro" literally translated means "fertilization outside of the body" which is where fertilization occurs in an IVF cycle.
IVF consists of many stages and is performed by a highly trained team of professionals including our physicians, embryologists, nurses, and associated staff members.
Infertility used to be considered a "female" problem but now we know that almost half of infertile couples will have a male infertility component. This finding means that the male must always have a complete fertility workup before beginning female therapies. A fertility doctor will always order a semen analysis.
There are many causes of infertility that are all discussed in detail throughout our Web site. Quite often, there are two or more factors contributing to a couple's infertility.
The causes of infertility are broken down into categories based upon the "organ system" that is effected.
Board certified reproductive endocrinologists, infertility specialists undergo years of advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. After completion of an accredited residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology, fertility doctors must undergo at least two years of additional training at a university with a Fellowship program in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
Advanced training is under the tutelage of thought leaders in the field of reproductive medicine. Fertility specialists gain vast experience conducting IVF and IUI cycles, performing delicate microsurgical techniques, diagnosing and treating complex conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and many others. Our Utah infertility clinic treats couples from all surrounding states including Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. .
The female receive, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) injections to cause the development of multiple follicles, each of which contains an egg. The first "FSH containing product" introduced in the United States was Pergonal, an equal mixture of FSH and luteinizing hormone.
As these follicles mature estrogen levels increase. FSH therapy is individualized for each patient based upon standard IVF protocols. Fertility specialists monitor IVF patients stimulation cycles with transvaginal ultrasound evaluations, estradiol levels, and direct patient examinations.
Exciting Technology Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) provides a means to screen embryos for abnormalities
in chromosome number prior to uterine transfer in an IVF cycle.
"The purpose of egg cryopreservation (freezing) in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program is to preserve unfertilized eggs, for fertilization and uterine replacement at a later time. This procedure has the potential to be beneficial to patients desiring to preserve fertility."
