I am thinking of getting pregnant: Do I need to change my life?

September 29, 2014 by Marianne

Post by Dr. Wendy Shelly

Once you and your partner start thinking about having children, the question invariably comes up: Do we need to change our lifestyle? Eat differently? Drink less? Confine ourselves to the house and play Scrabble while drinking only filtered organic juices and fermented mung beans?

Well, the answer is no … and maybe a bit yes. Here are my general recommendations for anyone considering pregnancy in the next 6-12 mos.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

Stress – attempt to minimize, incorporate coping techniques into daily life
Tobacco – discontinue if using (live birth ↓ 50%, miscarriage ↑265%) and avoid second-hand smoke (live birth ↓25%; treatment success ↓52%)
Alcohol – recommend < 5 drinks/week (womenandalcohol.org)
Caffeine — < 200 mg/day (2 small cups of coffee)
Exercise – encourage a minimum of 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week and maximum dependent on exercise tolerance, body type

NUTRITION

BMI should be between 18 – 26; maintenance of a healthy weight can improve your chances of conception and aid in a healthy pregnancy, baby, and child.
Adopt a well balanced diet consisting of healthy carbohydrates, lean protein and fat that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid/cut back on highly processed/refined foods.
Add a prenatal vitamin with at least 800mcg folic acid.

Vitamin D and Infertility

April 28, 2014 by Marianne

Vitamin D and Infertility

Post by Megan Ogle, RN.

4/28/14

Vitamin D deficiency can be the cause of many disease states, but it is most recently concerning to our practice, as new evidence suggests it plays a role in infertility. Specifically, we’re learning that vitamin D affects embryo implantation and placenta formation.

So how do you know if you’re getting enough of the sunshine vitamin? A simple blood test will reveal normal levels or deficiency. Here at FSMG, we’ve added this test to our standard diagnostic protocol in an effort to stay ahead of the curve in the field and provide the best care possible to our patients. The Endocrine Society and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggest a maintenance dose of 600 IUs per day if levels are normal. If you are found to be deficient, the recommendation is 1500 to 2000 IUs per day for non-pregnant women and 1000 to 2000 IUs per day for pregnant women.

Vitamin D can be synthesized by the body with sun exposure, obtained in the diet, or supplemented. Skin exposure unprotected by sunblock for 5 to 30 minutes two to three times per week is required to sustain adequate vitamin D levels. Very few natural food sources contain vitamin D, which is why it has been fortified in foods like cereals and dairy products. The following table is a list of foods containing the highest concentrations of vitamin D. If you’re going to supplement vitamin D, we suggest purchasing a brand with “USP” (United States Pharmacopeia) or “NSF” (National Science Foundation) verification on the label. These seals ensure quality manufacturing practices, product safety, and proper labeling. Additionally, the USP seal verifies that the product has been independently tested for purity, potency, and dissolution time.

FSMG Recognizes National Infertility Awareness Week with Four Night Event Series

March 22, 2013 by Marianne

In reocgnition of 2013’s National Infertilty Awareness Week, FSMG will be hosting a four-night event series, aimed at educating and informing the San Diego community about fertility, reproductive health and family building options. All events are complimentary, and open to our current patients and the San Diego community.

All events will run from 5:30-7:00 PM, and be held at FSMG’s office, 8010 Frost Street, Suite P. San Diego, CA 92123.

Please RSVP to one (or all!) of these events at info@ivfspecialists.com or 858.505.5500.

Monday, April 22nd: When to see a Fertility Specialist-Presented by Dr. Arlene Morales and Dr. Wendy Shelly

The idea of building a family seems like a simple concept. But for 1 out of every 8 couples in the US, having children is a real, and difficult issue. Join us as we hear from Dr. Arlene Morales and Dr. Wendy Shelly speak on when it is time to see a fertility specialist. Other topics will include; how do doctors diagnosis infertility? What types of treatment options are available? How much does infertility treatment cost?

Tuesday, April 23rd: Inside the Embrylogy Lab: A Look at the Embryology Lab’s Role in Fertility Treatment- Presented by Kate Pache and David Cragun

An embryology lab is a vital piece of infertility treatments, although much of the processes that take place there are relatively unknown. Join us as embryologist Kate Pache speaks on the behind-the-scenes of an embryology lab, and the lab’s role in fertility treatments! This event is complimentary, and open to the San Diego community.

Wednesday, April 24th: The Male Factor: Male Infertility Diagnosis and Treatments-Presented by Dr. Mike Hsieh

Infertility is often seen as a “women’s disease”, when in reality, a couple’s infertility is caused by a male factor in 50% of cases. Join Dr. Mike Hsieh as he discusses male infertility diagnosis and treatments. This complimentary event is open to the San Diego community.

Thursday, April 25th: The Emotional Stages and Coping Stratigies of Infertility- Presented by Laura Carr, PhD.

The emotional toll of infertility can often be overwhelming. Understand the emotional stages of infertility may help the process. Join us as Laura Carr, PhD, talks on the emotional stages of infertility, and the different coping mechanisms individuals practice. This event is complimentary to current patients and the San Diego community.

GSDBA’s Connections Features an Article by FSMG’s Dr. Wendy Shelly

January 25, 2013 by Marianne

Fertility Specialists Medical Group’s own Dr. Wendy Shelly was featured in the January 2013 edition of the Greater San Diego Business Association’s “Connections” magazine!

Her article explores the unique challenges of starting a family for same sex couples or individuals, and gives excellent information on the various options these couples and individuals have to start a family of their own.

Click on the link below to read the article, and let us know what you think!

January 2013 GSDBA “Connections”

FSMG Announces the First of Their 2013 Monday Night Classes

December 18, 2012 by Marianne

Fertility Yoga

Led by Yoga Jai Ma’s Heidi Brockmyre

Fertility Specialists Medial Group is excited to announce the first of their “Monday Night Classes!” Join us for a complimentary fertility yoga class, held by Yoga Jai Ma’s Heidi Brockmyre.

Fertility Yoga

Monday, January 7th, 5:45-7:00 PM

FSMG office

8010 Frost Street, Plaza Level. San Diego, CA 92123

Heidi Brockmyre is an experienced yoga instructor, as well as a licensed acupuncturist at San Diego’s Zen Fertility. She is also the creator of the “Positively Fertile” program, an online program that includes meditation, self-acupressure sequences, a dietary program, and more. We are thrilled to have her come and teach our patients and the San Diego community about the benefits of fertility yoga! You are welcome to bring your own yoga mat, or use one of ours.

RSVP by emailing Info@IVFSpecialists.com or calling 858.505.5500.

We hope to see you there!

Using Donor Eggs: The End or the Beginning?

April 19, 2012 by Marianne

Using an egg donor represents an opportunity for many women to experience a pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. According to the American Pregnancy Association, more than 3,000 babies are born each year as a result of egg donations. For many couples, using a donor egg is a first choice, while others use the procedure as a last resort.

The prospect of using a donor egg to get pregnant scares some women. Facing the decision to use egg donation, however, doesn’t have to feel like the end of the road; it can also be a beginning—the beginning of your family.

You don’t have to wait until you’re at your wits’ end. Whether you’ve tried every other means of getting pregnant or you already know that you can’t conceive, using an egg donor can pave the way to the child you’ve always wanted, a child that you carry to term. Egg donation is a safe, highly effective way to build your family.

Our San Diego fertility clinic has the facilities, the personnel, the experience, and the program to increase your odds of conceiving a healthy baby by using a donor egg. At Fertility Specialists Medical Group, you have a greater than 50 percent chance of carrying a pregnancy to term using donor eggs, even if you’re over 40 years old. Our egg donor program has seen remarkable outcomes.

If you have genetic abnormalities or underwent cancer treatment that caused you to become infertile, you may be an ideal candidate for receiving donor eggs. If you’ve gone through early menopause, egg donation provides a way for you to carry a baby. Even if advancing age is the reason you can’t conceive, you don’t have to give up on becoming a parent.

Once you make the decision, we will evaluate your medical history, general health, and uterus to optimize your chances for a healthy, successful pregnancy. Your choices of a donor aren’t limited, either. You can use the eggs of a family member or friend, or you can choose one of the anonymous San Diego-area egg donors through our Third Party Reproduction program. You’ll feel safe because we follow strict FDA-approved guidelines for donation procedures and testing. Donor screening is extensive at FSMG; we carefully evaluate the donor’s daily living habits, family history, medical background, and mental health.

If you use an anonymous donor, you play a role in selecting the candidate. You decide which traits your ideal candidate should possess. You can choose characteristics such as hair and eye color, stature, and ethnicity to increase the odds your baby will resemble you. The legalities of the process are taken care of through detailed contracts designed to protect your parenting rights and the anonymity of the donor.

We’re proud of the little bundles of joy our egg donor program has helped bring into the world. So if you find yourself considering egg donation, think of it as the end and the beginning: the end of your troubles and the beginning of your family.

FSMG Hosts National Infertility Awareness Week Events

April 11, 2012 by Marianne

The following is from our recent press release; we wanted to make sure our patients read it too. You are all invited to attend our upcoming events!

Fertility Specialists Medical Group will put on free educational events during the week of April 22 to help heterosexual and same-sex couples learn about their fertility options.

Fertility Specialists Medical Group (FSMG) and the Greater San Diego Business Association will host four events during National Infertility Awareness Week, April 22–28. Addressing this year’s theme, “Don’t Ignore Infertility,” the events seek to educate and motivate straight and gay couples to explore their options for combating infertility.

Reproduction is supposed to be easy: introduce an egg to a sperm, and life results. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about seven million women aged 15 to 44 will need help to conceive. Same-sex couples seeking to build a family face additional challenges. FSMG offers professional support and guidance to all those in need.

Infertility causes emotional distress regardless of sexual orientation. Lesbian couples may need help with ovulation or the timing of insemination. Gay male couples have to coordinate the complex process of egg donation and surrogacy. Heterosexual couples often fight age-related and other infertility problems. A San Diego fertility clinic with accredited, state-of-the-art facilities, Fertility Specialists Medical Group can help resolve these issues.

FSMG will open its doors to the general public for four free events:

Infertility Diagnosis. “Is it time to seek help?” Diagnosis is the first step toward overcoming infertility. Attendees can save $250 on an initial consultation at this public event that explores the questions and signs of infertility. Light refreshments will be served. Monday, April 23, 5:45–7:00.

Complementary Therapy. “Does acupuncture really help?” Studies show that acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and nutrition can improve the chances of conception. This event, led by Julie Chang, L.Ac., introduces the practice to patients. There will be raffle prizes at this event. Tuesday, April 24, 5:45–6:45.

Treatment Options. “Is in vitro fertilization the only choice?” Fertility treatment depends on diagnosis and need. This public event examines the range of options available, including those specific to gay and lesbian needs. Light refreshments will be served. Wednesday, April 25, 5:45–7:00.

Fertility Lab Magic. “What goes on behind the scenes?” FSMG’s IVF Laboratory selects sperm, fertilizes eggs, and tests embryos for viability. This event uncovers the science and technology behind the magic that helps enable conception. There will be raffle prizes at this event. Thursday, April 26, 5:45–7:00.

All events will be held at the FSMG offices at 8010 Frost Street, Plaza Level, San Diego, CA 92123. Attendees are asked to RSVP to info@ivfspecialists.com or 858-505-5500.

FSMG offers a welcoming, respectful environment to learn about reproductive options such as in vitro fertilization, natural cycle insemination, ovulation induction with insemination, egg donation, surrogacy, and more. For more information about San Diego fertility treatments, visit our offices or call 858-505-5500.

COMPLIMENTARY INFERTILITY SEMINAR

April 6, 2012 by Marianne

“Do we need to go see someone? No, it’s too soon…”

“We have had a child already, let’s just keep trying…”

“I’m sure we are just not doing it at the right time…”

“Is this really a blue line?…”

“I’m only 28, I can’t be infertile…”

Do these questions sound familiar?

Please join us for one or all of these public events for

National Infertility Awareness Week

Monday, April 23 5:45 – 7:00 pm

INFERTILITY DIAGNOSIS: Is it time to get help?

Are we infertile? Do I/we need testing?

Wednesday, April 25 5:45 – 7:00 pm

INFERTILITY TREATMENT: Options

How to choose which option?

What are the options? Is there anything besides IVF?

Non-medication options/ lifestyle changes/complimentary therapies

Fertility Specialists Medical Group

8010 Frost Street, Plaza Level

San Diego, CA 92123

RSVP to: info@ivfspecialists.com or 858-505-5500

www.fertilityinyour30s.com www.ivfspecialists.com

Light refreshments provided

How Do We Know Which Fertility Treatment You Need?

February 28, 2012 by Marianne

With a vast array of fertility treatments available, you need a San Diego fertility clinic to help guide you through the maze of options. Many of your choices are actually determined by your personal needs. At the Fertility Specialists Medical Group (FSMG), our physicians carefully consider your situation before recommending a treatment option that gives you the best chance of conceiving.

The step-by-step process begins with a physical exam and complete medical history. Our fertility specialists cannot make a diagnosis until we know of any physical limitations. So your first visit to our office, a consultation, consists of meeting a specialist, undergoing diagnostic tests, and reviewing your history.

Both partners should attend this initial consultation since statistically, the cause of infertility lies equally between the woman and the man. The tests we administer examine everything from a woman’s ovulation cycle and physical anatomy to the quality and motility of the man’s sperm. Occasionally, we have to ask you to return for more tests.

Once all the test results are in, your doctor will explain your alternatives. Treatments often begin with the least invasive, to rule out the simple causes first. Presented here are some of our more common treatment options:

A minimally invasive surgery called a hysteroscopy is an outpatient procedure in which a specialist uses small device to examine your uterus and remove any polyps, scars, or fibroids that may be hindering your conception.
We offer reverse tubal ligation if you’re healthy, under 35, previously had your “tubes tied,” and have now changed your mind about starting a family.
Male infertility treatments in San Diego include sperm analysis. Sperm retrieval can be performed if the man’s sperm count is consistently negligent.
A common obstruction to fertility is a dilated vein around a testicle that heats up sperm and dilutes its potency. A simple outpatient procedure can correct this.
Drugs are available to increase the number of mature eggs a woman produce. Fertility drugs are often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.
Your partner’s sperm can be injected high into your uterus during a simple inpatient procedure to increase the odds of fertilization. This is called intrauterine insemination.
Techniques may be combined to perform in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is one of the most successful fertility methods performed at San Diego fertility clinics. Advances in IVF greatly enhance and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
FSMG runs an extensive in-house egg donor program to facilitate that process, should time or physical issues limit your other options.

There’s also the option of surrogacy, a practice that’s becoming more and more viable for couples who cannot overcome their fertility problems. Those who choose to use a surrogate may have experienced challenges ranging from advanced age to a previous hysterectomy to uterine anomalies to recent miscarriages.

Which fertility treatment options are best for you can only be determined by a qualified fertility specialist after the test results are in and you have had a conversation with a fertility specialist in San Diego. Once we understand your needs and desires, together we can choose the best course of treatment. FSMG remains committed to helping every couple start a family.