What is an Incompetent Cervix?

An incompetent cervix is when the cervix is too weak to support a pregnancy. The weight and pressure of the uterus on the weakened cervix can cause it to prematurely open. This can cause an early delivery or a miscarriage.

Having an incompetent cervix is a fairly rare condition. It can be caused by previous damage to the cervix, either through miscarriage, birth, abortion or surgery. It could also be a deformity present since birth. No matter what the cause, if you have been diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, then there are some precautions that you and your doctor can take to help increase your chances of carrying a baby full-term.

If you have been diagnosed, then you have probably had a miscarriage before. If you have not, then your doctor may still want to check for incompetent cervix early in your pregnancy. This could be the case if you have had any kind of surgery or even a difficult delivery before.

They can check your cervix through a pelvic exam, but may want to examine your cervix more thoroughly. This is usually done by ultrasound. This will help your doctor determine if your cervix is open more than it should be. They will also be able to tell if the cervix is too thin.

Your doctor may recommend a cervical cerclage to hold the cervix shut. This is basically stitching the cervix closed during the pregnancy. It is usually done during the third month of pregnancy and helps the cervix withstand the pressure of the growing baby and uterus.

If the cervix shortens and starts to open later in the pregnancy, then an emergent cerclage may be placed later than the third month. Bed rest may be recommended instead if you are far along or if the cervix has already opened too much for the procedure to be performed.

You will most likely be under general anesthesia during the procedure. Spinal blocks and epidurals are also commonly used. A special thread will be stitched around your cervix and then cinched shut. You may experience cramping, light bleeding and pain after the procedure. You may be required to stay overnight after the procedure.

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help stop preterm labor. Other medications may be used to control pain and prevent infection. Your symptoms should cease after a few days. If they do not, then you need to contact your doctor. Fever, contractions, painful cramping, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, water leakage or foul smelling discharge should be immediately brought to your doctor’s attention.

Cervical cerclage is an infertility treatment that can help many women carry their babies to term. Talk to your doctor about all of the risks and what you can do to prepare and take care of yourself afterward.

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.

Treating Endometriosis with Medication

Endometriosis can cause many uncomfortable and painful symptoms. Endometriosis occurs when tissues similar to the uterine lining grow outside of the uterus. Many women with endometriosis may not even know it until they experience severe symptoms or go in for diagnostic infertility treatments.

Endometriosis can be severe and exhibit no symptoms. On the other hand, it can be mild and cause extreme pain. You can not tell how extensive endometriosis is judging by the symptoms you experience. Symptoms often cause chronic lower back pain and pelvic pain. Menstrual cramps and period pain can be severe as well. Many symptoms get worse over time, considering that endometriosis is a progressive disease. Heavy periods, irregular bleeding, pain during urination or bowel movements and infertility are common symptoms of endometriosis.

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your pain. If you are trying to conceive, you may elect to have laparoscopic surgery to remove as much of the endometriosis as possible. Talk with your doctor and infertility specialist about what options may be best for you.

Medications are generally not used for women trying to conceive because the medications themselves will keep you from ovulating. If you are only looking for pain management, then pain medications and hormone therapies may be effective for you, especially if symptoms are mild.

Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If not, then your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain reliever for you. If pain continues, then hormone therapy is the next step.

Endometriosis builds up and breaks down with your menstrual cycle just like your uterine lining does. This can cause blood and tissue to pool up inside of your abdomen and cause pain. Birth control pills are a common hormone treatment because they keep the body from building up and shedding these types of cells. Most birth control pills contain progestin and estrogen, and can relieve a lot of the pain caused by endometriosis. Keep in mind that symptoms could quickly return if you stop taking them. If you have problems with estrogen, your doctor can prescribe a birth control pill that only has progestin.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) can stop or slow down the growth of endometrial tissue. GnRH agonists reduce the amount of estrogen that your body produces. This can really help with pain and other symptoms. GnRH agonists can lower your estrogen production so low that you may need to take some estrogen with it to prevent osteoporosis. Like birth control pills, symptoms can quickly return when you stop taking them.

Talk with your doctor about every option before taking medications to relieve your endometriosis symptoms.

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.

Laparoscopy: Endometriosis Infertility Treatment

Laparoscopy is the most common treatment for endometriosis. Laparoscopy can be minimally invasive and can improve your chances of conception.

Endometriosis occurs when tissues similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can affect many organs surrounding the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This sometimes includes the bladder and bowels. Endometriosis can interfere with conception and be a factor in infertility.

Many women are unaware of their endometriosis until they seek infertility treatment. A laparoscopic procedure is necessary to accurately diagnose endometriosis. Endometriosis symptoms can usually be controlled with medications, but if endometriosis is causing you to have fertility problems, then a laparoscopic surgery may be necessary to improve your chances of regaining your fertility.

When diagnosing endometriosis with a laparoscope, the surgeon will need to make a small incision in your abdomen. The laparoscope is a tiny lighted tube that allows the surgeon to get a good look at the outside of your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Biopsies of suspicious tissues are often taken at this time to properly diagnose endometriosis.

When laparoscopy is used for diagnosis, it is minimally invasive. When it is used for treatment, it can be minimally invasive as well, depending on how advanced your condition is. Endometrial implants can be removed with the use of a laser, electrical current or excised during a laparoscopic treatment.

Laparoscopic surgery used to treat endometriosis is generally fairly easy to get over with many patients recovering in just a few days. During the surgery, your surgeon will remove as much endometrial tissue as possible. Any cysts that are seen will most likely be drained and treated as well. Furthermore, adhesions and scar tissue may be cut loose.

Surgery is often performed over the use of drug therapies for women trying to conceive. This is because the treatments that relieve the pain and suppress the growth of the endometrial implants also cause ovulation to cease. Some women elect to try surgery over other treatments because of the recurring nature of endometriosis. It is a progressive disease and can grow back over time. Removing as much of it as possible can give you a window of opportunity to conceive. This is not to say that having this treatment will definitely improve your chances of conception, but it has had a positive outcome for many women.

The outcome of your surgery could be directly related to the experience and expertise of your surgeon. If you are considering having your endometriosis treated by laparoscopic surgery, be sure to find a skilled surgeon with extensive experience in 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.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease affects the reproductive organs of many women. It is an infection that can be caused by many different sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to infertility.

Pelvic inflammatory disease can infect and seriously damage the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. Ectopic pregnancies and infertility are common effects of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Women under twenty-five are the most susceptible to this type of infection because the cervix is not completely developed until this age and bacteria can more easily travel into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Women who douche are also more at risk. Douching can wash away helpful flora around the cervix and in the vagina that would normally help protect you from harmful bacteria. Douching can also help facilitate and force bacteria into the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes.

In many cases, symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may be undetectable or only slightly noticed. Many women go undiagnosed for this reason. Symptoms may include painful urination or intercourse, irregular menstrual periods, foul smelling vaginal discharge or fever. Without treatment or with delayed treatment, the effects of pelvic inflammatory disease can get much worse.

Permanent damage to the reproductive organs can occur when healthy tissues are infected. The organs will try to fight off the bacteria, thus forming scar tissues. This scar tissue can block the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are responsible for transporting the egg to the uterus where it can implant if fertilized. Scarring in the fallopian tubes can cause the egg to be trapped and unable to travel. It can also cause sperm to never be able to reach an egg. If an egg is fertilized, then it can be trapped in the fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can cause fallopian tubes to burst, cause internal bleeding and possibly death.

Pelvic inflammatory disease is usually diagnosed when chlamydia or gonorrhea is found. An ultrasound can show if the fallopian tubes are swollen or enlarged to help diagnose pelvic inflammatory disease. Laparoscopy can also be used to inspect the reproductive organs and diagnose PID.

PID can usually be treated with antibiotics. If it is caught early enough, damage to reproductive organs can be minimal. If damage has occurred, then you may need to be seen by a Reproductive Endocrinologist or infertility specialist highly trained in laparoscopic surgery to start 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.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Pelvic congestion refers to a malfunction in the veins of the pelvic area. Blood should normally flow from the pelvic area to the heart. There are valves in these veins that keep the blood from retreating back. If the valves malfunction, then blood can flow backward and settle down in the pelvic area. This can cause many different symptoms and ultimately pelvic congestion syndrome.

Pelvic congestion syndrome has many symptoms. They include painful periods, vaginal discharge, back pain, pain during and long after intercourse, ovary tenderness and pain, and can even affect the bladder. Because these symptoms closely resemble other disorders, pelvic congestion syndrome can be misdiagnosed or overlooked. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis and other disorders have many of the same symptoms. In pelvic congestion syndrome, the affected veins bulge and stretch causing a lot of pain. Specific tests are needed to get an accurate diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome and it is not usually discovered until the patient seeks treatment for infertility.

Diagnostic laparoscopic surgery is commonly used to diagnose endometriosis and pelvic congestion syndrome. With laparoscopy, the doctor can visually inspect the outside of the uterus, ovaries and other pelvic features that may be affected. An MRI may also be used to aid in the diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome. The veins affected by pelvic congestion syndrome look like varicose veins. They are essentially the same thing, bulging stretching veins whose valves are not working right.

Occasionally, women will have varicose vein treatment in their legs and experience no relief of symptoms. Sometimes this is because the problem is stemming from pelvic congestion disorder. A tipped or prolapsed uterus can put you at a higher risk for this disorder. Multiple pregnancies may also put you at a higher risk due to the strain that it has on your uterus and surrounding organs.

Hormonal therapy and other drugs can be used to constrict the veins that are affected. Sometimes the veins will actually need to be blocked to help. This can be done surgically or by injection of an embolic agent. Your treatment will depend on the severity of your actual condition. If your uterus is folded or tipped, your doctor might recommend an internal sling which suspends the uterus in the right position. This can help relieve symptoms and get the blood flowing in the right direction and minimize pooling and stretching.

If all else fails then you may need a hysterectomy. This should really be the last thing that you try, as it is a much more invasive surgery and can take a long time to recover from. If infertility treatment is needed, you should seek the help of an experienced and skilled infertility specialist.

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.

Hydrosalpinx: Blocked Fallopian Tube

A blocked tube or tubes can be a common cause of infertility in women. A blocked fallopian tube can be caused by pelvic inflammation, endometriosis or other conditions affecting the pelvic area. Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common cause of tubal blockage.

A hydrosalpinx is a term referring to a fallopian tube that is blocked and filled with fluid. This fluid can cause the fallopian tube to swell up and dilate to a larger size than it was meant to be. Removal of the blockage can be necessary to save the fallopian tube and possibly restore fertility.

Many women are unaware that they may have a hydrosalpinx until they seek infertility treatment by an infertility specialist. In the diagnostic phase of infertility treatment, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test or ultrasound can show the hydrosalpinx. Laparoscopy is also used for many infertility problems and a hydrosalpinx may be discovered during an unrelated or exploratory laparoscopic procedure.

Neosalpingostomy is the type of surgery used to repair a blocked tube or tubes. It is common for a blocked fallopian tube to be adhered to an ovary or other surrounding organs with scar tissue or adhesions. Neosalpingostomy is a laparoscopic procedure and can be used to free the tube. Blockages may also be removed using the laparoscope. If the surgery is a success, then fertility can be restored. This is, of course, if the hydrosalpinx is the only cause of infertility.

This is a delicate surgery and it needs to be performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon. Inquire about success rates and experience before you decide on an infertility specialist or Reproductive Endocrinologist to perform your neosalpingostomy.

If the fallopian tube or tubes need to be removed, there is still a high pregnancy success rate by the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Leaving the hydrosalpinx in place could compromise your IVF efforts. Some believe that the fluid in the tube can leak into the uterine cavity having some effect on the pregnancy. The affected tube or tubes are sometimes completely removed or cut free from the uterus to improve the success rates of IVF attempts.

Tubal infertility is treatable and the treatments have come a long way. In vitro fertilization success rates vary from center to center, so in addition to inquiring about laparoscopic surgery and tubal blockage success rates, you may also want to research IVF success rates. These two things can increase your chances of choosing an infertility specialist that is right for you with the experience and expertise in this area to help you be on your way to the best infertility treatment available.

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.

Treating Endometriosis with Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis then you probably are wondering about your treatment options. Treatment options can vary from person to person. This usually depends on whether or not infertility is a factor. Symptoms can sometimes be controlled with over-the-counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications. Birth control pills can be effective at controlling the growth of endometrial implants. But, if endometriosis is severe or has affected surrounding organs, then surgery may be the only option for you.
Surgery is sometimes recommended if medications fail to control the endometriosis. Sometimes medicines are not an option. For example, if you are trying to conceive, then you may not want to take birth control pills or other hormonal treatments. Surgery might be one of your only options.
If endometriosis is found to be obstructing the bowels or distorting other organs then surgery may be immediately necessary. Removal of the uterus and/or ovaries may be necessary. If you are trying to conceive, then talk to your infertility specialist about treatment options that will allow you to have children. Many surgical procedures do result in restored fertility and preserved ovaries and uterus. Find a surgeon that is skilled and experienced in endometriosis removal. Ask your infertility specialist about experience and success rates.
Endometriosis may cause infertility in a few different ways. It is believed that the endometrial implants can throw off your hormonal balance. This can affect ovulation, fertilization and implantation. Endometriosis around the ovaries and fallopian tubes can cause scar tissue to grow inhibiting the release of eggs or blocking the fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can even distort the anatomy of the uterus.
Many women with endometriosis do not have trouble with fertility and it is really a more common problem for women with more severe cases of endometriosis. Unfortunately, endometriosis sometimes goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years before it is discovered. This is because it can only definitively diagnosed through a laparoscopic surgery. Many women only have this procedure done when they see an infertility specialist about fertility issues.
Laparoscopic surgery is the surgical method most often used to remove endometrial implants. It is generally minimally invasive and performed under a general anesthesia. Implants can be destroyed by laser or electrical current. They are sometimes cut out, or excised. The surgeon may need to make other small incisions to insert surgical instruments that allow more complex procedures. Larger incisions are rare and are usually only used for major surgeries involving more organs affected by endometriosis.
Talk to your surgeon about your procedure. Discuss the goals of surgery and ask what you can expect. Follow the advice of your surgeon when it comes to preparation for the surgery as well as how to care for yourself when you get home. Many women need ongoing management of their endometriosis even after surgery. Laparoscopy endometriosis treatment can vary from person to person, so it is important to talk to your doctor about what is 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. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.

Could My Symptoms Be Endometriosis?

If you are experiencing some symptoms that seem to be getting progressively worse each month then it could be endometriosis. Endometriosis can cause infertility and severe abdominal pain. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and it is only discovered when you experience infertility and go for a diagnosis.
Usually pelvic pain is the number one complaint among women with endometriosis. Pain generally worsens as menstruation approaches and lessens when it is over. Pain can be severe or mild and the pain level is not a good indicator of how severe or widespread the endometriosis is. Many women say that they have extreme pain during pelvic exams or intercourse. Endometriosis is a progressive disease and symptoms generally get worse and more noticeable over time.
Irregular or heavy periods are common with endometriosis patients. Back pain is also a common complaint. If the endometrial implants are near nerves or cause scar tissue to grow, then pain can become severe. Some other symptoms of endometriosis include constipation, diarrhea, and blood in the urine. If endometriosis spreads to the lungs or brain, then severe headaches, seizures and coughing up blood are possible signs. It is rare for endometriosis to spread this far. It is normally localized in the lower abdomen and affects the ovaries and uterus.
If you are having any symptoms of endometriosis it is important to see your doctor right away. This is especially true if fertility is a concern. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, it could be very important to see an infertility specialist as soon as possible. Since endometriosis is a progressive disease, there can be little time to waste. Consider immediate diagnosis and treatment if you plan on having children.
The only way for endometriosis to be definitively diagnosed is through a laparoscopic exploratory surgery. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive and can give your doctor a clear view of your uterus, ovaries and surrounding abdominal cavity. They can also take biopsies of suspicious tissues during this procedure.
Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia and is done through a very small opening in your belly. First, the doctor will inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide. This gives them a lot of room to look around. The laparoscope is a long thin tube that allows the surgeon to look for implants and take biopsies.
If endometriosis is found, then medications may be prescribed or surgery may need to be performed. Treatment can depend on whether or not infertility is a concern.
Do not delay seeking treatment if you suspect endometriosis. No one should ever ignore endometriosis symptoms or assume that they are normal menstrual pains.
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.