Tubal Blockage Infertility Treatment

Blocked fallopian tubes are the cause for nearly one quarter of all infertility cases. This is something that infertility specialists deal with a lot. Surgical removal of blockages is a common treatment option. In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, is another option for bypassing the problem.
Tubal blockage can include one or both fallopian tubes. Tubal scarring is one thing that can cause tubes to become blocked. Endometriosis can cause endometrial implants to grow inside the fallopian tubes and inhibit an egg from passing through. Sometimes infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, is the cause of tubal blockages.
When infertility causes are being diagnosed, your infertility specialist may order a test called a hysterosalpingogram. For this procedure, a dye will be injected vaginally into the uterine cavity through the cervix. The dye makes the uterus and fallopian tubes visible on an x-ray. If there is no blockage in the fallopian tubes, then the dye should travel up through the uterus, into the fallopian tubes and out into the abdominal cavity. If there is a blockage, then the dye will stop at the blocked site. This will tell your infertility specialist if there is a blockage near the entrance to the tube from your uterus, or if it is further down the tube. This can be very helpful when suggesting treatment options.
A hysterosalpingogram is also useful for helping your doctor spot other problems. Uterine abnormalities, polyps, defects in the fallopian tubes, tumors, scar tissue and fibroids can all be more clearly seen on a hysterosalpingogram.
One common cause of tubal blockage infertility is actually due to a tubal ligation. Many women change their minds after they have had this procedure and decide that they want to become pregnant again. Tubal reversal surgery can be attempted and sometimes accomplished by laparotomy. This is a major surgery requiring a large incision and considerable recovery time, so weigh all of your options before you commit.
One option for any woman experiencing tubal blockage, either caused by infection, scarring or tubal ligation, is In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is not an invasive surgery and has high success rated for women with tubal blockage problems. Results are usually known in under two weeks rather than waiting up to a year after surgery to see if the tubal blockage surgery worked.
Make sure that other factors of infertility, such as sperm motility and quality, have also been explored before you determine that tubal blockage is your only cause of infertility. Talk with your infertility specialist about risks of each procedure and chances of success. Discuss all the details with your partner before proceeding. Consider egg quality and quantity as well. There is a lot to consider, so ask a lot of questions before you choose your infertility treatment.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: ICSI

Male factor infertility can have many causes and treatments. Men can experience low sperm count, limited or nonexistent sperm motility or problems with sperm function. Any of these male factors can inhibit the sperm from ever fertilizing an egg. Before the introduction of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, ICSI, in 1992, many men with infertility issues were left with very few options. Many were simply told to give up, adopt or use a sperm donor. Modern advances have made it possible even for men with little or no sperm present in their ejaculate to father their own biological children.
The first step in the ICSI process is egg retrieval from the female. Usually, hormones will be administered in order to mature the egg follicles and ensure that a few viable eggs are present for retrieval. An infertility specialist will then retrieve the eggs from the follicles. This egg will be used in the ICSI attempt.
The next step is to find a healthy sperm. Ejaculate is preferred, but if there are no sperm present in the ejaculate, sperm cells may be taken directly from the testicle. This sperm is collected with a small needle and then injected into the waiting egg, previously harvested. The great thing about ICSI is that only one single sperm is really needed for fertilization to occur, thus increasing the chances of success. Furthermore, the egg is always fertilized in the lab. Here, it can be monitored for normal growth and development. Then, the best fertilized eggs most likely to survive will be implanted into the uterus through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
ICSI is a part of the IVF treatment. It is not always necessary for couples attempting IVF to accompany it with ICSI. If sperm motility, sperm count, low number of healthy sperm or no sperm present is a problem for you, then ICSI along with your IVF treatment can increase your chances of success. Your doctor may suggest ICSI if you have had unexplained unsuccessful IVF attempts. If testicular cancer is a concern, sperm can be retrieved and frozen before treatment. This frozen semen can be used later in an ICSI treatment.
Male factor infertility is something that should always be discussed with an infertility specialist. Consider all of your options with your partner before you proceed. Make sure that all of your questions have been answered and you understand how each procedure will work. Keep the lines of communication open with your partner and infertility specialist. If you are having problems coping with your infertility or infertility treatment, ask your infertility specialist for a referral to someone that can help.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.

PCOS and Ovarian Drilling

Experiencing infertility can be a challenging time for many couples. Seeking the help of an experienced and skilled infertility specialist or Reproductive Endocrinologist can be very helpful in helping you overcome infertility. The majority of couples that seek treatment have positive results. In some cases, it is determined that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a possible cause of female infertility. PCOS generally is not diagnosed until infertility problems arise. It can be difficult to diagnose due to its illusive nature. It usually has widely varying symptoms and can easily go undiagnosed because the symptoms so closely resemble that of other afflictions, or they are dismissed as normal menstrual fluctuations. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately ten percent of women of reproductive age. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, infertility due to lack of ovulation, acne, and increased body hair. Diabetes and insulin resistance have also been associated with PCOS. PCOS means that cysts form on the ovaries, sometimes in clusters. This occurs when a woman produces more male hormones than normal. This usually causes irregular or nonexistent periods. The excess male hormones cause the eggs produced by the ovaries not to fully mature and be released. This is why infertility is a common symptom of PCOS. Ovarian Drilling is a treatment used to restart ovulation in women diagnosed with the PCOS disorder. Most women diagnosed with PCOS are initially treated using fertility medicines in conjunction with a weight loss routine. If these initial treatments of PCOS fail, Ovarian Drilling can be a logical next course of action to begin ovulation again and therefore increase fertility chances. Ovarian Drilling is performed during laparoscopy. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and punctures each ovary multiple times using an electrosurgical needle. The desired effect is to dramatically reduce the level of male hormones generated by the ovaries. After a patient has undergone an ovarian drilling procedure, it is possible that the fertility medications she had been taking will become more effective. Speak with your infertility specialist extensively about all of your options before undergoing any infertility treatment. Make sure that you fully understand risks, side effects and possible outcomes of the procedure before proceeding. If Ovarian Drilling seems like the best option for you, make sure that your infertility specialist is highly trained in this area. Experience and skill can come highly into play when you are undergoing a surgical procedure as an infertility treatment. Consider all of your options and go with what you and your doctor feel will have the greatest chances of success with the least amount of complications. You should always be comfortable with your infertility specialist as well as your infertility treatment.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT.

Natural Family Planning: Basal Body Temperature

Monitoring your basal body temperature can help you determine when your chances of becoming pregnant, or not becoming pregnant, are at their peak. Tracking your basal body temperature needs to be done daily and you may need to keep records for several months in order to accurately determine how your body reacts to ovulation.
If you are trying to become pregnant, you will want to increase your chances by having sex during the five days before ovulation and on the day that you ovulate. To begin, you will need a basal body temperature thermometer. A basal body temperature thermometer measures your body temperature by tenths of degrees, much more accurate than typical thermometers. Since you will be looking for very slight variations in temperature, the basal body temperature thermometer is a must.
Basal body temperature refers to the temperature of your body when you are at rest. Therefore, you need to take your temperature in the morning before you get out of bed. Record your daily temperature on a chart. When your temperature rises by as little as 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there for a few days, then you can assume that ovulation has occurred. Some women experience a full degree of difference, but many women only have a slight change in temperature.
You may notice your temperature decrease slightly just before ovulation. Your hormone levels should change when ovulation occurs and cause your basal body temperature to increase the day after ovulation and stay elevated for a few days. If your menstrual cycles are fairly consistent, then you should be able to determine fairly accurately when you are about to ovulate.
If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, then you want to consider that after ovulation, your egg can survive and be fertile anywhere from a few hours to a full day after ovulation. It may be best when monitoring your basal body temperature to abstain from sexual activity for a few days after ovulation to increase your chances of avoiding pregnancy. Keep in mind that any fluctuation in your menstrual cycle can cause things to change and estimating your ovulation day is not the most reliable method of birth control. Factors such as stress, diet, weight gain or loss, and medications can change things with little or no indication on a basal body temperature thermometer.
If you are trying to conceive, starting with a basal body temperature chart is a good place to begin. It can help you determine the best times to attempt to conceive. If you are having problems conceiving, then you should see an infertility specialist. Your diligent attempts at keeping an accurate record of your basal body temperature could prove to be a valuable asset when determining what infertility treatment may be right for you.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT.

Ovarian Cysts: Dr. Daiter, Eric, MD

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacks on or within the ovaries. Many women, especially of reproductive age, have ovarian cysts at one time or another. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and painless and they require no treatment. Functional non-threatening cysts such as these dissipate on their own in a matter of months. Though many ovarian cysts cause no pain or symptoms, there are several symptoms to watch out for that can indicate ovarian cysts of a more serious nature. Ruptured ovarian cysts can lead to palpable and sometimes serious symptoms. There is a range of possible ovarian cyst symptoms and many of them are similar to those symptoms of other conditions such as, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. One common symptom of ovarian cysts is a dull aching in the abdominal area. Other symptoms include abdominal pain or pressure caused by a ruptured cyst, pain during sexual intercourse, painful or delayed periods, tender breasts, nausea, or pain during bowel movements. There are a few different types of ovarian cysts. A functional cyst is formed during ovulation as a result of egg production. This is the type of cyst typically goes away on its own. A dermoid cyst is filled with tissues that include skin or hair. An endometrioma cyst forms when tissue similar to the uteral lining attaches to the ovaries. Cystadenoma cysts occur on the cells on the outside of the ovaries. Polycystic ovarian disease can occur when several cysts cause the ovaries to swell and produce a substantial outer covering on the ovaries that can cause infertility issues as it can prevent ovulation altogether. Women who are on oral contraceptives rarely have functional cysts due to the fact that this method of contraception stops ovulation. For this reason, doctors sometimes prescribe oral contraceptives to shrink functional ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts that do not respond to hormonal treatment may require surgery. Early detection of ovarian cysts can be key in resolving the issue with less extensive and invasive treatments. Women that have had ovarian cysts before are more likely to develop cysts again. Ovarian cysts coupled with endometriosis can sometimes lead to the necessary removal of the ovaries. Ovarian cysts in post menopausal women are more likely to have malignancies. Regular pelvic exams will help with the early detection of ovarian cysts. If you experience sudden intense pelvic or abdominal pain especially if it is accompanied by fever and vomiting, please seek immediate medical attention.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter (Daiter, Eric), the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Daiter, Eric please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.

Endometriosis and Infertility

Millions of women in the United States suffer from endometriosis. Many go untreated or undiagnosed. The outcome of untreated endometriosis can be very serious, including infertility, progressive pain and organ damage.
Women who suffer the effects of endometriosis often experience debilitating pain and discomfort. Some end up losing their jobs or even dropping out of school to try and cope with the pain. The problem is, many women think that they are just experiencing normal period pain, such as cramping, abdominal pain and back pain. Endometriosis is a progressive disease and gets worse over time. Delaying treatment can cause infertility and severe organ damage.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of endometriosis, you need to see your doctor right away. This is not something that should be put off, due to the escalating nature of the disorder. Symptoms may be very mild and sometimes go completely unnoticed by some women. This does not mean that the endometriosis is not severe. Endometriosis tends to be illusive due to the fact that symptoms can be anywhere from not noticeable to extreme. Also, the diagnosis is difficult because endometriosis symptoms mimic many other diseases and disorders.
If symptoms are noticeable, they can include pelvic pain, menstrual cramps that can be severe, and/or cramping during intercourse, urination or bowel movements. Symptoms generally get progressively worse over time, but they can vary a lot from woman to woman. Some women have varying degrees of pain and some experience more relief over time. It is very hard to pinpoint endometriosis symptoms and it is often dismissed as part of the menstrual cycle. The one thing that generally triggers women to seek diagnosis and treatment is infertility.
Endometriosis is only properly diagnosed through laparoscopy. Laparoscopy gives the doctor a clear view inside of the pelvis and abdomen. Biopsies of tissues can be taken during the laparoscopic treatment to help produce an accurate diagnosis. Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia and is considered a minor surgery. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to give the surgeon room to look around. A laparoscope is inserted through a small incision and patients usually go home the same day after the procedure.
Women who have endometriosis are not always infertile, but many are. About a quarter of women seeking infertility treatment discover, through exploratory laparoscopy, that endometriosis is the cause of their infertility. Many women are able to regain their fertility after a laparoscopic surgery. Be sure that you select a skilled and experienced infertility specialist, or reproductive endocrinologist to perform your laparoscopy endometriosis treatment.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.