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.

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.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis is one of the most common health issues for women. Endometriosis occurs when a tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can occur in several areas of the female pelvic region including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the pelvic sidewall, on the bowels or bladder. The most commonly reported symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain will often coincide with the menstrual cycle, but can also manifest itself at other times as well. Due to the fact that endometriosis can be located in various areas of the pelvis, the pain associated with endometriosis can also be triggered in different areas as well. The abdominal area and lower back are two other common complaint areas that can be attributed to endometriosis. The amount of pain felt by a woman with endometriosis does not correlate to the scale of the disease within. It is possible for a woman experiencing little or no pain to have endometriosis implants affecting large areas. On the other hand, it is also possible for a woman experiencing severe pain to have a small level of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a progressive condition that can cause menstrual cramps to intensify and grow more severe over time. Endometriosis can also cause pain during ovulation. Pain, during or after sexual intercourse, can also be associated with endometriosis. Diarrhea or constipation, usually in correlation with menstruation, is another symptom of endometriosis. Endometriosis can also cause heavy or long menstrual periods and spotting between periods. Fatigue is also associated with endometriosis. A key symptom that affects roughly one third of women with endometriosis is infertility. A woman who started her period at an early age, has long, irregular and/or heavy periods, or that is related to someone who has had endometriosis, will have increased chances of getting the disease themselves. The pain associated with endometriosis for many women is severe enough to start affecting their lives. It can affect productivity, her personal relationships, and of course, her fertility. If you believe you might have endometriosis, consult your obstetrician/gynecologist. Your doctor may use ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to search for endometriosis growths. A laparoscopy surgery is the best way to find out definitively if you have endometriosis. During a laparoscopy, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen, so that a small scope can be inserted to look for endometriosis growths. Tissue samples are also sometimes taken and a biopsy performed on them to reach the correct diagnosis. If you are concerned about possible endometriosis symptoms, please consult your doctor or infertility specialist. There is not a cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments available to counter the endometriosis symptoms including infertility and pain relief. Endometriosis is progressive and can become dangerous, so do not delay your 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.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

If you have considered in vitro fertilization (IVF), then you may have questions about what will happen to the extra embryos during the process. If you have extra embryos after the fresh cycle of an in vitro fertilization procedure, then you may choose to have the embryos frozen. This enables you to save the embryos for future attempts at conceiving. Embryos can be cryogenically frozen for up to ten years.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is considered a non-invasive or minimally invasive type of procedure. Frozen embryos can be thawed and then implanted into your uterus. If you have ovarian or ovulation problems, then FET might be a good option for you when you are considering your infertility treatment options. If you have uterine based problems with carrying out a pregnancy or other disorders, then FET may not be for you. Consult your infertility specialist about what infertility treatments might help you conceive.
Many couples are very concerned with what happens to their extra embryos during an IVF procedure. Educating yourself on how FET works can be very comforting and informative. When pursuing IVF, the man donates sperm and the woman donates eggs. The two are combined in a lab under special environmental and clinical circumstances to create as many embryos (fertilized eggs) as possible. The embryos are studied for viability. The ones that develop the most normally are selected as the ones that will most likely implant. You and your doctor will decide how many embryos to transfer and how many will be cryopreserved.
After viable embryos are chosen, they will be placed into glass tubes. A cryoprotectant is added to the tube. This keeps the embryo safe during the freezing process by not allowing ice crystals to form inside of the embryo. The embryos and cryoprotectant tubes are placed in a special freezer cooled by liquid nitrogen. They are slowly cooled down to one -196 degrees Celsius.
When you are ready to use your frozen embryos, they will be thawed to room temperature, usually the day before the transfer. The cryoprotectant will be completely washed away during a series of solution soakings. Next, the embryos are warmed up to body temperature and mixed with a solution medium.
Your body will be monitored for optimal implantation timing. Normally, three to four embryos will be transferred at once to increase the chances of implantation. You will need to discuss how many embryos to transfer with your infertility doctor. Your ovarian follicles will most likely be suppressed with medications, and your uterine lining will be developed with other medications. Ultrasounds will help your doctor determine the best time to transfer the embryos.
Embryos are easily transferred through your cervix and directly into your uterus. This is a minimally invasive, only slightly uncomfortable procedure. Your cervix will most likely allow entrance of the transfer catheter without difficulty or pain. You may experience some mild discomfort and cramping during and after the procedure. Success rates depend on your individual condition, so you should discuss your chances of a successful pregnancy through FET with your reproductive endocrinologist before you begin any type of 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.

What is Frozen Pelvis?

Endometriosis is a growing concern among women today. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrial glands and stroma that line the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis tissue can grow anywhere inside of the abdominal cavity. The symptoms of endometriosis include severe pelvic pain, heavy or erratic bleeding and fatigue. If the endometriosis spreads through the abdominal cavity and fuses organs together, it is referred to as frozen pelvis.
If you have been diagnosed with frozen pelvis, you may have a lot of questions. Frozen pelvis is caused by pelvic inflammation, most commonly endometriosis. Frozen pelvis can cause a lot of different problems. Each individual inflicted with frozen pelvis will have a unique diagnosis. Your intestine may be fused with the uterus, your bladder can be fused with your abdominal wall, or your ovaries and fallopian tubes can be fused with your uterus, which is fused with a cesarean section scar. Every situation is unique and the problems can be widespread.
You may be wondering why this happened to you. Many women have the same question. Endometriosis occurs when uterine lining, normally shed during menstruation, moves upward in the uterus, through the fallopian tubes, and out into the abdominal cavity. This tissue is very irritating to the abdominal tissues and can cause the abdominal tissue to become sticky and scarred. Long strands of scar tissue, called adhesions, can bind organs together. They pull on the organs that they inflict and can affect their function. This can cause bowels to be obstructed. It can cause your bladder not to empty, causing infections. In many cases, surgery and/or medication will be recommended if problems like this are occurring.
Infertility is another possible side effect of endometriosis. To determine that endometriosis is the cause of infertility, a surgical procedure called laparoscopy may be performed. This allows your doctor to see inside of your abdominal cavity with a small scope. Your doctor may determine that endometriosis is one possible cause of infertility if it is adhering to your ovaries and fallopian tubes, or distorting your reproductive organs in any way. Endometriosis can cause tubes to be blocked or ovaries to adhere to abdominal walls or your uterus. In rare cases the endometriosis can grow into your ovaries and damage your eggs, resulting in a reduced egg quality or quantity.
Your next question is probably about treatment options. Frozen pelvis is an advance stage of endometriosis and may require ongoing treatment for fertility to return or to have relief from its debilitating symptoms. Surgery, hormone therapy and physical therapy can all help you get on your way to healing.
The endometrial cells that are causing your frozen pelvis react to hormones in a manner similar to your uterine lining. This means that the cells thicken and shed just like having a menstrual period inside of your body. Blood and endometrial cells can pool up, since they have nowhere to go, causing a lot of pain. Birth control pills can help the problem tissues shrink and cause fewer problems. The growth of the tissues can be controlled long-term in this manner. Anti-inflammatory medications help with pain. Exercise, stretching and palpation of the affected area can help some of the adhesions break loose from your organs. Talk to your doctor about what infertility treatment. options are best for your personal situation and good luck with your journey to fertility and relief.

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 http://www.drericdaitermd.com/.

Male Infertility

Infertility in men is about as common as infertility in women. Infertility is described as the inability to conceive after about one year of sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives. If age is a factor, then you may want to consult a doctor or infertility specialist after about six months of trying, as fertility decreases with age. Some causes for infertility can be harder to treat the longer they are left without intervention, so don’t hesitate to seek advice early if you suspect that infertility may be a factor for you.
Many things can cause infertility in men. Illness, disease, injury, obstruction in the tubes of the testes, diet, weight and activity levels are only some of the causes of male infertility. Common causes of infertility are low sperm count, dysfunctional or immobile sperm, and impaired sperm delivery. Men can be born with some of these conditions, or they can develop them later in life.
When determining the cause of infertility in a couple, the man and woman should be examined. The procedures for examining male infertility are generally simple and non-invasive. Your doctor will check for sperm production, irregularities in the testes, and hormonal imbalances among other possible causes. A semen analysis will tell if the ejaculate has adequate seminal fluid to allow for sperm movement. The sperm will be checked for number of sperm, the shape and structure of the sperm, mobility, seminal fluid and total volume or amount of ejaculate.
If there is no sperm present in the seminal fluid, then it is termed azoospermia. This can be caused by a malformation in the testes or a possible obstruction in one of the ducts necessary to deliver the sperm effectively into the ejaculate. If sperm is present in the fluid, then it will be tested for abnormalities. If a significant number of sperm are abnormal, then they can be a cause for infertility. Your infertility specialist may wish to perform a sperm-mucus interaction test. This test will determine if the sperm are able to live within and move through cervical mucus and thus, through the female reproductive system.
Your doctor may also wish to conduct a sperm penetration assay. This will determine your sperm’s ability to latch on and penetrate an egg’s outer layer. Infection, disease and illness will be looked for. These things can affect your testosterone and sperm production.
About half of all male infertility cases can be treated through assisted reproduction. Your infertility specialist will determine which treatments will be best for you depending on your situation. If there is a neurological reason that ejaculate can not be obtained, such as spinal cord injury, then you may be a candidate for electroejaculation. This process stimulates the body to excrete semen. If an obstruction, injury or deformity is present, then a surgeon can sometimes retrieve sperm surgically from the sperm duct. Sometimes this procedure can be conducted with a needle and surgery isn’t required. Sperm washing refers to the method that mixes sperm with a washing medium, and concentrates the healthiest sperm into an inert buffered fluid that can be used for intrauterine insemination, increasing your chances of conception.
Talk with your doctor and infertility specialist about possible causes and treatments of male infertility. Remember that about half of all infertile men can be treated and conception can be possible 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.