At the end of each year, many people start planning their resolutions for the coming one. They vow to lose weight, stop smoking, become better organized, read more books or achieve another type of admirable goal. Those trying to have a baby, however, may be focused on only one New Year’s goal: to become a parent or to expand their family as they have always envisioned. At HRC Fertility, our New Year’s resolution is to help you achieve your resolution. We aim to provide our patients with a pathway to parenthood in the most efficient, cost-effective and successful way possible....
How to Feel Merry and Bright During the Holidays
Even if you are undergoing infertility treatment The holidays can be stressful for many reasons, but especially if you are experiencing infertility. During a season focusing on children, It can be difficult or, perhaps, impossible, to feel joy when the only gift you want is the gift of parenthood. Instead of having visions of sugarplums, you dream about decorating the tree or playing dreidel with longed-for children. You wonder if you will ever celebrate the holidays as a mom or dad or with the big family you always envisioned. Even if you don’t feel in the holiday mood because of...
How to Feel Merry and Bright During the Holidays
Even if you are undergoing infertility treatment The holidays can be stressful for many reasons, but especially if you are experiencing infertility. During a season focusing on children, It can be difficult or, perhaps, impossible, to feel joy when the only gift you want is the gift of parenthood. Instead of having visions of sugarplums, you dream about decorating the tree or playing dreidel with longed-for children. You wonder if you will ever celebrate the holidays as a mom or dad or with the big family you always envisioned. Even if you don’t feel in the holiday mood because of...
Dr. Jeffrey Nelson Explains the Male Reproductive System
Infertility patients starting treatment often feel they are getting a crash course in their reproductive anatomies. It’s important for them to have a good understanding of how their reproductive systems work and what might be the causes of their fertility challenges when problems arise. Men (and women) will be familiar with their scrotum, testes and penis, but may not know the functions of the other organs that help them create, transport and release sperm. The organs also move sperm into the female reproductive tract and secrete male sex hormones. An overview of male reproductive organs Scrotum — the scrotum, a loose...
Embryo Donation – It can be a win-win for both donors and recipients
One of the most challenging issues facing in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients is deciding what to do with their remaining frozen embryos once treatment is over. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are over 600,000 frozen embryos in storage in U.S. fertility clinics and storage centers. The majority of patients will use their embryos to try to have more children. But for individuals who have decided their family building days are over, they have several choices to make. They can: Store their embryos indefinitely or until they make a decision and pay storage fees....
Dr. David Tourgeman Discusses Reasons for Gender Selection
Expectant parents are often asked, “Do you want a boy or a girl?” Many couples want to learn their baby’s gender during an ultrasound or after an amniocentesis, while others prefer the element of surprise at delivery. Some parents, however, are anxious to plan their baby’s gender before they get pregnant. Thanks to in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), they can select their future baby’s sex before conception. After the embryos are created and grow (and they have achieved 60-100 cells), one cell is removed from each embryo and analyzed. PGS can determine gender as well...
Chemotherapy Agents and Infertility
The relationship between chemotherapy agents and infertility After a cancer diagnosis, it’s important to arm yourself with information about the impact of the disease and its treatment on your health and your future. For many women and men that means learning about the relationship between chemotherapy agents and infertility. Our oncofertility specialist in LA can help you understand the effects that your cancer treatment could have on your ability to have a biological child, and can explain your fertility preservation options. Understanding chemotherapy agents and infertility Our oncofertility specialist in LA encourages both men and women to explore fertility preservation...
Infertility, Pregnancy and Your Teeth
What does dental care have to do with conception and pregnancy? Taking care of your teeth is important while you are trying to conceive. This is true for both men and women. Healthy teeth and gums also are crucial for a successful pregnancy and childbirth. A healthy mouth is considered free of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Cavities, also called dental caries, are caused when acid, created by consuming sugary drinks and food, reacts with bacteria present in plaque and erodes tooth enamel. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, occurs when plaque buildup causes irritation, redness, and swelling. Periodontal disease,...
Embryo Banking for Cancer Patients
Embryo banking for cancer patients offers hope If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may be worried about how the disease and its treatment will affect your fertility. Women are typically advised to prevent pregnancy while receiving chemotherapy or radiation and for at least six months afterward. But in the short period of time before you begin treatment, embryo banking for cancer patients may give you another option to preserve your fertility. At our oncofertility center in Los Angeles, we understand that women facing cancer must act quickly if they wish to preserve their fertility. If you are a candidate...