The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, above the vagina, where sperm travels through to the uterus. It widens during childbirth and also is where menstrual flow passes. Every year, 13,000 women are diagnozed with cervical cancer and, tragically 4,000 will die from it. However, against the backdrop of these sobering stastistics is encouraging news about early detection. Women who have contracted cervical cancer who have received regular pap smear screenings have a 92% suruvival rate over a five-year period. In addition, the HPV vaccine given to young women before they are sexually active can help prevent the...
Cervical Health and Your Fertility
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, above the vagina, where sperm travels through to the uterus. It widens during childbirth and also is where menstrual flow passes. Every year 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and, tragically, 4,000 will die from it. However, against the backdrop of these sobering statistics is encouraging news about early detection. Women who have contracted cervical cancer who have received regular pap smear screenings have a 92% survival rate over a five-year period. In addition, the HPV vaccine given to young women before they are sexually active can help prevent the...
New Year: New Fertile You
After (perhaps) overindulging during the holidays, many of us resolve to do better in the coming year: losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking (important) or spending less. If you are struggling to get pregnant, however, your New Year’s resolution probably involves becoming a parent in 2017. But combining a personal resolution with your desire to get pregnant could potentially help you achieve two goals. Quit smoking It seems like a no brainer, but quitting smoking could be one of the most important health decisions you make in your lifetime and a major boost for your natural fertility. When you smoke,...
New Year: New Fertile You
After (perhaps) overindulging during the holidays, many of us resolve to do better in the coming year: losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking (important) or spending less. If you are struggling to get pregnant, however, your New Year’s resolution probably involves becoming a parent in 2017. But combining a personal resolution with your desire to get pregnant could potentially help you achieve two goals. Quit smoking It seems like a no brainer, but quitting smoking could be one of the most important health decisions you make in your lifetime and a major boost for your natural fertility. When you smoke,...
Can Elective Single Embryo Transfer Help Decrease Preterm Births?
One of the most important questions in the infertility field is how to reduce the number of premature births. The March of DImes has identified multiple gestation pregnancies–twins and triplets–as one of the three risk factors for preterm labor and early birth. Additionally, a history of premature births and uterine and cervical problems, which can be applicable to infertility patients, are also significant reasons for this serious and costly health problem. Every November, the March of Dimes conducts a public education campaign to promote prematurity awareness. In 2016, for the first time in eight years, the U.S. saw an increase...
Sperm: Can They Take the Heat?
The testicles are located in an ideal spot on a man’s body, external to the rest of the male reproductive system. Sperm, created inside these organs, need a cool environment for reproduction, and the temperature of the testes should be lower than a man’s core body temperature to function effectively. Often our patients have questions about the effects of various heat sources on the male reproductive organs. For many, it can be confusing to separate the myths from the reality. But one thing is certain: don’t overheat your testicles! Boxers or brief: does it make a difference? A lot of...
Sperm: Can They Take the Heat?
The testicles are located in an ideal spot in a man’s body, external to the rest of the male reproductive system. Sperm, created inside these organs, need a cool environment for reproduction, and the temperature of the testes should be lower than a man’s core body temperature to function effectively. Often our patients have questions about the effects of various heat sources on the male reproductive organs. For many, it can be confusing to separate the myths from the reality. But one thing is certain: don’t overheat your testicles! Boxers or Briefs: Does it Make a Difference? A lot of...
Affordable Modified Natural IVF
Modified Natural IVF Offers Hope for Infertile Couples Every year members of our Los Angeles fertility center team attend the world-recognized American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Scientific Congress and Expo. Thousands of attendees – the brightest minds in the field – come together to share ideas and advances in reproductive technology. And this year, we were among the fertility newsmakers for our study on modified natural IVF that offers a cost-effective option for infertile couples. Watch our coverage on ABC’s “Good Morning America”! Traditional vs Modified Natural IVF Natural IVF could be called unstimulated IVF. In traditional IVF, multiple medications...
Breast Cancer Awareness and Infertility
Breast cancer is a diagnosis that strikes fear in the hearts of most women. But there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future for the one in eight females (12%) affected by it. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Advocates wear pink ribbons to symbolize support and education. Women are encouraged to undergo mammograms and breast self-exams. Early detection, prompt care, and advances in treatment have contributed to significant increases in remission and cure. Despite these inroads, many women of reproductive age are not aware of the options for fertility preservation if the unthinkable happens and they are...
Breast Cancer Awareness and Infertility
Breast cancer is a diagnosis that strikes fear in the hearts of most women. But there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future for the one in eight females (12%) affected by it. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Advocates wear pink ribbons to symbolize support and education. Women are encouraged to undergo mammograms and breast self-exams. Early detection, prompt care, and advances in treatment have contributed to significant increases in remission and cure. Despite these inroads, many women of reproductive age are not aware of the options for fertility preservation if the unthinkable happens and they are...