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For the millions of couples who face the challenges of infertility, many factors come into play from both partners. Men’s issues account for approximately 50 percent of all infertility cases, but there are indicators that tell doctors if a woman requires further testing. Two general signs are:

• A woman under 35 has not become pregnant after one year of trying (with regular, unprotected intercourse
• A woman over 35 has not become pregnant after 6 months of trying

If your doctor recommends fertility testing, it’s important to know what to expect.

A complete guide to fertility testing for women

Many women who struggle to get pregnant have multiple problems contributing to their infertility, which is why there are many kinds of fertility tests available. What fertility test(s) a woman undergoes depends entirely on her unique situation. Still, there is a basic order of testing that doctors follow to pinpoint the source of infertility:

• Initial fertility appointment – When you first meet with your fertility doctor, he or she will review your birth controluse, menstrual and pregnancy history, current and past sexual practices, medications used and other health issues. Your doctor will also ask about your lifestyle and work/living environments.
• Physical exam – In addition to a Pap smear and pelvic exam, the doctor will examine areas such as your thyroid, breasts and hair growth.
• Blood tests – Initial tests may be conducted to evaluate thyroid hormone levels, prolactin levels (the hormone that makes you produce milk after giving birth), testosterone levels, and to screen for diseases like HIV or hepatitis.
• Ovulation testing – To confirm ovulation, the doctor may use a range of techniques, including reviewing your temperature charts, ovulation predictor kitsand 3D ultrasound.
• Hormone testing – During the ovulation portion of your workup, levels for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, inhibin B and other hormones may be examined.
• Cervical mucus tests – These involve post coital tests (PCT) to help determine if the sperm can penetrate and survive in the cervical mucus. It also includes a bacterial screening.

If the above testing is inconclusive, more procedures may be recommended, including reproductive organ tests and genetic testing.

Excellence in fertility testing and complete reproductive care is close to home

If your purpose in life is to become a parent, yet that purpose remains unfulfilled, hope is just around the corner. With locations in Akron, Columbus, Canton and Youngstown, all the expertise, advanced technology, compassion and dedication it takes to help you have the baby you’ve always wanted is within reach.

Our team of reproductive endocrinology and infertility nurses, embryologists and onsite laboratory technicians surround you with support and expertise. They’re led by our board-certified physicians, who bring decades of combined experience, a wealth of innovative diagnostics and treatments, and a genuine passion for helping you realize the dream of parenthood.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, click here to see the phone numbers for each office, or to use our online form.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample and manually combining the two in a laboratory. Once the eggs are fertilized, they are transferred back into the woman’s uterus in hopes of having a successful pregnancy.

IVF hormone injections and the retrieval process

Daily hormone injections are required to control the menstrual cycle and encourage multiple eggs to grow simultaneously. A fertility specialist will perform an ultrasound to determine when the eggs are mature and ready for retrieval. When the eggs are ready, the woman is placed under twilight sleep or IV sedation for the retrieval procedure.

IVF fertilization process

Once the eggs are collected, sperm from a male partner or sperm donor is collected, analyzed and washed from the semen. Next, the best quality sperms are injected into the best quality eggs. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, will grow in a laboratory for three to five days and be closely monitored by a skilled specialist.

IVF implantation process

Once the embryos are growing well, one or two are implanted inside the female’s uterus. A period of rest is usually recommended following the implantation procedure to increase the chance of the embryo implanting itself to the uterine wall.

IVF injections

Depending on your specific situation, IVF can be a four- to six-week commitment that requires daily injections and regular visits to Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility for blood work. The blood work, which comes after the transfer procedure, measures HCG levels. HCG is a hormone made when a women becomes pregnant that can be detected even before a missed period. If an IVF implantation is successful, HCG levels will double every two to three days. Progesterone injections may be required for many weeks after implantation, up to the first trimester. The egg retrieval process during IVF removes the cells that would naturally create progesterone after ovulation. Progesterone injections are needed to help thicken the uterine lining and prepare the woman’s body to support the embryo.

If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 consecutive months or are over the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 consecutive months, it’s important to know your options. To learn more about getting started with IVF, contact the reproductive specialists at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility today at 866-537-2461. We are here to help you build your long-awaited family.

Just how common is infertility? About 10 percent of American women (6.1 million) between the ages of 15 and 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Consider the delicate processes that must go right for pregnancy to occur:

• The woman’s body must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation).
• The egg must travel through a fallopian tube toward the uterus (womb).
• Male sperm must join with (fertilize) the egg along the way.
• The fertilized egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation).

A problem during any of these steps can result in infertility.

The most common causes of infertility in women

For women, infertility is largely rooted in ovulation problems. Without normal ovulation (due to irregular or absent menstrual periods), there are no eggs to be fertilized.

Ovulation problems are often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This hormone imbalance, which can interfere with normal ovulation, is the most common cause of female infertility. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is another disruptor of regular ovulation. POI occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working normally before she is 40, but POI is not the same as early menopause.

Other, less common causes of female fertility problems include:

• Fallopian tube blockages from pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or surgery for an ectopic pregnancy.
• Physical problems with the uterus.
• Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous clumps of tissue and muscle on the walls of the uterus.

Common causes of infertility in men                                                            

Men can be born with problems that affect sperm. In other cases, problems begin later in life due to illness or injury. For example, cystic fibrosis can trigger infertility in men. However, male infertility is more commonly linked to:

• A condition called varicocele, in which the veins on the testicle(s) are too large. This raises the temperature in the testicles, which affects the number or shape of the sperm.
• Producing too few sperm or none at all.

Leading edge, experienced fertility care is close to home                      

For more than 25 years, Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility has been at the forefront of fertility services in Ohio. While we know that millions of couples struggle to start a family, to us, you’re the only parents-to-be in the world. Our fellowship-trained, board-certified physicians tune in to your journey, creating individualized, advanced treatment plans designed to make your dreams of a baby come true. And with locations in Columbus, Akron, Canton and Youngstown, we strive to make your care as accessible as possible.

To schedule an appointment, call us today at 866-537-2461 or use our convenient online form to request an appointment.

Women donate their eggs for several of reasons. What will that reason be for you? You may want to help an infertile couple start the family of their dreams, or you may be interested in receiving compensation.

Yes, you will be paid for donating your eggs. However, the process is time consuming and requires a substantial amount of effort. The cash for egg donation is given for your time, any travel expenses and the medical procedures you will undergo.

Benefits of being an egg donor

As an egg donor, you can:

• Learn valuable insights about your own fertility – This can help you decide when to start your own family, or learn about egg freezing if you plan to delay childbearing for many years.
• Receive free testing for vital disorders and diseases – You’ll get tested for several common genetic disorders and infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
• Be a part of something amazing – Helping a couple who cannot conceive with their own eggs brings many women unprecedented feelings of joy.

Things to consider before becoming an egg donor

Like any medical procedure, egg donation has its share of risks and challenges. Here are some key factors to keep in mind before making your final decision:

• Egg retrieval – This minor surgical procedure takes about 10-15 minutes and requires sedation and monitoring. You may feel disoriented and have impaired reflexes right after the procedure. And while rare, there have been reported cases of women developing blood clots, bleeding or infection after egg retrieval.
• Conception with multiples – This is possible during the donation cycle if every one of your eggs is not retrieved. Take precautions during the preparation time to avoid conceiving with your partner. Also, most experts advise abstaining from sex for up to a week after the retrieval.
• Exposure to hormones – The fertility drugs you take for egg donation are the same drugs women undergoing IVF treatments take. It’s essential to choose a credentialed, reputable infertility clinic or agency that will take care to mitigate any possible risks to your health.

Advanced, dedicated fertility care you can trust                                        

If you’re researching egg donation or IVF in Columbus, Canton, Youngstown and Akron, talk to the caring experts at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility first. Our fertility specialists possess the credentials, clinical research experience and dedication—along with the very latest technology and a 100% IVF guarantee program—to help you start a family. And to make your care as accessible and convenient as possible, you can find us in Columbus, Akron, Canton and Youngstown.

Parenthood is waiting. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 866-537-2461 or use our convenient online form to request an appointment.

To say endometriosis is a common disease is a bit of an understatement. It affects roughly one in 10 women in America and more than 176 million women worldwide.

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that makes up the uterine lining (the lining of the womb) is found on other organs in your body. Although more often considered a reproductive disease that can impact the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes, endometriosis can also be found on the bowels, bladder, appendix, and other organs.

What does endometriosis have to do with infertility?

There is a connection between endometriosis and infertility. In fact, 20 to 40 percent of women with infertility will have endometriosis. The disease can impair fertility in two ways:

• By causing the formation of scar tissue in the pelvic area, and adhesion-related distortions of the fallopian tubes, which can interfere with the mechanics of fertilization and implantation.
• By creating inflammation that can adversely affect the function of the ovary, egg, fallopian tubes, or uterus.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Take note and see your doctor if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Intense cramps during menstruation
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain with ovulation
• Frequent urination, especially around the time of menses
• Discomfort during bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea, especially during the time of your period
• Menstrual-related lower back pain or leg pain
• Frequent fatigue

Helping you overcome every barrier to fertility

At Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility, we believe with all our hearts and minds that the family you’ve always wanted is always a possibility. Be it a disease like endometriosis, or another reason for infertility, our fellowship-trained, board-certified fertility specialists are determined to solve it. Through exceptional credentials, unfailing dedication, and the latest technology, we provide you with every available option to become pregnant, including fertility surgery in Columbus, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown, Ohio.

To learn about our individualized treatment plans, outstanding success rates, or to schedule a fertility assessment, call us today at 866-537-2461. Or use our convenient online form to request an appointment.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and are extremely common. They form naturally during ovulation. Fortunately, most ovarian cysts develop and go away naturally and do not cause any symptoms. However, eight percent of premenopausal women develop large cysts that need medical treatment.

Women who develop large ovarian cysts have an increased risk of infection. Infected cysts may lead to a pelvic infection and leave scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, which may be the cause of some infertility.

How do ovarian cysts affect your fertility?

While most ovarian cysts do not affect your chances of getting pregnant and resolve on their own, some can be associated with decreased fertility. To clarify, it is the illness causing the cyst that makes it more difficult to get pregnant, such as:

• Endometriosis
  Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. Cysts caused by endometriosis are called endometriomas. These ovarian cysts may be associated with fertility problems like chronic inflammation, anatomic distortion of the fallopian tubes and reduced endometrial receptivity (which affects the embryo’s ability to implant).

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  PCOS is a condition in which many small cysts develop on your ovaries, causing irregular periods and high levels of certain hormones. PCOS is associated with irregular ovulation, which may contribute to fertility problems in some women.

Surgical treatment for large ovarian cysts

If your ovarian cyst requires surgery, your doctor will determine if it can be isolated and removed, or if the entire ovary is compromised. Surgery can be done in two different ways:

• Laparoscopy
  With this surgery, the doctor makes a very small incision near your belly button to remove the cyst. This is often recommended for smaller cysts that appear benign (noncancerous) on the ultrasound.
• Laparotomy
  This method may be preferred if the cyst is large and potentially cancerous. Laparotomy uses a slightly larger incision in the abdomen to allow for removal of the cyst. The cyst is then tested for cancer.

The best way to protect your fertility and your health from the dangers of ovarian cysts is to get annual check-ups. Preventive screening and early intervention are the best ways to protect yourself and your fertility. If you are in need of highly-skilled fertility surgery in Columbus, Akron, Canton and Youngstown, contact the reproductive specialists at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility at 866-537-2461.

It is difficult to get pregnant—despite what you may have understood growing up. In fact, fertile women in their twenties only have a 20 to 25 percent chance of pregnancy each month. At 30, the chance of pregnancy drops to about 15 percent. And by 35 the likelihood is less than 10 percent. Throughout your young adult life you likely took precautions to ensure you didn’t get pregnant before you were ready. And now that you’re ready? It seems like it’s taking forever.

When is it time to see a fertility specialist?

Too often couples struggle for months, if not years, with trying to conceive naturally before seeking help from a skilled fertility specialist. Couples who’ve been sexually active without contraception for 12 consecutive months or more without success should seek help from an experienced fertility specialist. Women who are over the age of 35 should seek medical help after 6 consecutive months of sexual activity without contraception. Fertility issues are equally common among men and women, affecting approximately one in eight U.S. couples.

What to expect at a fertility consultation

Deciding to seek help from a reproductive endocrinologist is a big step in your journey toward parenthood, and it may feel overwhelming. We want you to feel good about your decision from the start. Here is what you can expect during your initial fertility consultation:

• You will meet your fertility specialist who will help you through your entire journey.
• He or she will ask you about your medical history and your family building goals.
• Based on your discussion, your doctor will order a number of routine, minimally invasive, diagnostic tests to evaluate both you and your partner.
• Next, you will meet with your dedicated nurse who will help you coordinate and implement your doctor’s recommendations.
• You may also meet with a genetic counselor and financial counselor, depending on your individual needs.

If you and your partner have been sexually active without contraception for more than 12 consecutive months (6 months for women over the age of 35) without success, we can help. Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility offers safe, effective, leading edge fertility services in Akron, Columbus, Youngstown and Canton. Call us at 866-537-2461 to schedule an initial fertility consultation to find out how we can help you grow your family.