Focus on Fertility

A new infertility awareness event will take place that will focus on patients and their mental health, Infertility AF. All presentations will be current and past individuals who have traveled the journey of infertility including: Erin Boelhower, Lindsay Fischer and more. The event will take place in Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois at the Hyatt on April 27th from 10am until 6pm. Full details are available at infertileafchicago.com

A relatively new report is now available to assist individuals and couples in knowing their potential for a successful outcome with in vitro fertilization (IVF), the Univfy Pre-IVF Report. This report reviews one’s individual diagnostic data and that of their selected fertility treatment center to calculate a personalized outcome for success after one cycle of IVF, two cycles of IVF and three cycles of IVF. Unlike other available sources to calculate one’s outcome potential, the Univfy Pre-IVF report doesn’t just based the calculation on age and national data statistics and is more personalized to the individual and the specific care center. To learn more about the Univfy Pre-IVF Report or to find a fertility care center that offers it, please visit univfy.com

Healthy nutrition is key and the foundation to developing a healthy lifestyle but can often appear daunting to understand and follow. In this episode of Focus on Fertility, we speak with registered dietitian/nutritionist and author of Real Food for Pregnancy, Lily Nichols, regarding the topic of healthy nutrition for becoming pregnant and maintain a healthy pregnancy. We discuss topics including, What is Real Food?, What are macro and micro nutrients and what values should one seek?, Meal Tips and much more. Lily will assist you to simplify the complexities and share helpful insights regarding your nutrition. Learn more about Lily Nichols at lilynicholsrdn.com Learn more about Real Food for Pregnancy at realfoodforpregnancy.com

In this week’s episode of Focus on Fertilty we conclude Flip Flops in Kiev, Jay and Tiffany’s journey through international surrogacy. Today, we learn how, what should have been a simple process to conclude the journey allowing their twins to come home to the U.S. was filled with yet more speed bumps, hurdles and delays. Jay also shares his advice for anyone interested in considering international surrogacy for themselves. Visit flipflopsinkiev.com for more information.

In this week’s episode of Focus on Fertility, we bring you part 1 of a two part series on one couples determination to having children through the use of international surrogacy. Jay and Tiffany, who like many in the United States, met, married and decided to have children later in life. With the biological clock ticking faster and faster, the couple chose to utilize IVF to become parents for the first time. However, when it came time to add to their family the journey became even more difficult with numerous twists and turns with several occurring in a totally different nation without the ability to clearly communicate and gain clear understanding of their surrounding and situations. We sit down with Jay and he shares their story including their pitfalls, unexpected speed bumps and final joy of bringing home twin boys. Tune in and share their journey and learn about the utilization of international surrogacy. Find out more at flipflopsinkiev.com

In this episode of Focus on Fertility, we talk the ERA Test with Tiffany Stankiewicz of Igenmix to learn how the ERA test may be able to help those who have had recurrent pregnancy loss and prior IVF failure. The Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) helps to determine when the optimum window of implantation is to occur for an individual. Completing an embryo transfer at the accurate window of implantation has shown to increase pregnancy outcomes. Are you the right candidate for the ERA test? Learn more and tune-in.

This week we are joined by program director, Kimberly Tyson, of Snowflakes Embryo Adoption. What is embryo adoption? Is it the right path for you? What are the processes involved? What are the costs? All of these questions and more are answered. Additionally, if you are someone who may have frozen embryos in storage and looking for an option regarding them, adopting them to another family maybe a solution. Tune in and learn more. Contact Snowflakes Embryo Adoption at snowflakes.org, or call 970.663.6799

Thomas “Rusty” Pool, Ph.D. HCLD, Fertility Center of San Antonio Scientific Director, has been involved in the field of reproductive medicine for nearly 40 years. Recently at #ASRM2018 in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Pool was awarded the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists (SRBT) Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Pool joins us for this episode of Focus on Fertility to share his thoughts and insights regarding the changes that have taken place during his time in the embryology lab and where he predicts the field will head during the next several years. Learn more about Dr. Pool at fertilitysa.com

This week we celebrate with our sponsor, MCRM Fertility, as they host a FREE event this weekend. Earlier this year, MCRM Fertility turned 5 and to celebrate their 5th Anniversary they are hosting a FALL FAMILY FUN event full of great activities for children and adults. They especially would like to invite all previous patients and graduates to be part of a very special picture opportunity. Tune in and learn more. Thank you very much and hope to see you all there on Saturday the 20th.

#ASRM2018 in Denver, Colorado has officially concluded but before doing so some exciting news was released with respect to the use of artificial intelligence to select the “best” embryo for transfer. You’ll want to tune in to be sure to learn more about this development. In addition, the FDA has recently approved a new, upgraded version of the EmbryoScope® time-lapse incubator and we stop by the Vitrolife booth to learn more and how this will help benefit more patients than before. Learn more about EmbryoScope at mcrmfertility.com

Another busy and information filled day at #ASRM2018 in Denver, Colorado. In today’s podcast, we introduce you to a new way to get answers to your fertility questions from the experts in the field, at no cost or appointment necessary, with MedAnswers.com. We also introduce you to a new ovulation system that is designed to help you better determine the “best” time of your cycle to try to naturally conceive. Lastly, we conclude with some highlight studies of the day that shows the impact your sleep cycle can have on your fertility potential. Be sure to Tune-in!

This week, Focus on Fertility is covering the events and latest news from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) annual scientific congress and expo. Today, we meet with Sean Tipton of ASRM to discuss the role ASRM plays and the reason for the annual congress. We also speak with Olga Milobedzki from Ferring Pharmaceuticals to discuss the #TalkAboutTrying campaign Ferring is wanting you to be a part of. Lastly, we share some highlight stories and research releases from day 1 of #ASRM2018. Tune in today and throughout the week for updates and news from ASRM 2018.

September is PCOS Awareness Month and on this episode of Focus on Fertility we sit down with personal trainer and movement specialist, Stephanie Wolf, to discuss ways to better your health when diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Stephanie will discuss ways to reduce the potential insulin resistance that one can be affected by as a result of their PCOS. This includes a look at one’s diet, exercise and sleep habits. Learn how to better overcome PCOS and tune in. Learn more about this issue in Episode 4 of Focus on Fertility.

On this episode of Focus on Fertility we learn about the egg donation process, specifically, the frozen egg donor process as we speak with donor manager, Margarita Lainez of the California Cryobank Donor Egg Bank.. We’ll learn what steps it takes for one to become a donor, the regulations that govern egg donation and the process required to utilize frozen egg donation as an option to complete one’s fertility journey. For more information regarding frozen egg donation or to contact the California Cryobank Donor Egg Bank please visit cryobankeggs.com or call 240-778-6210.

A part of the joy of parenthood is simply the events that get us there such as the intimacy and pleasure of sex. However, when one traverses the road of infertility the joy of sex often disappears. The pleasure and intimacy of the moment turns into a planned chore or a scheduled event on our daily calendar. So, how is one to keep it steamy under the sheets when battling through infertility? This week, we sit down with sexual health expert, Dr. Becky Lynn, to discuss the topic of sexual health and infertility and what couples can do to keep the pleasure of sex a life during this difficult journey. Be sure you tune-in! For additional assistance and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lynn contact her office at 314-977-744. For additional resources related to today’s topic or to find a provider near you that can assist you with sexual healthcare needs visit isswsh.org

This week we have the pleasure of speaking with the owners of Mandell’s Clinical Pharmacy, Terry and Eddie Malanda. Learn about their incredible story and infertility journey. Like many of YOU, our listeners, they have traveled down the difficulty and often twisting road of infertility. Their journey has changed them both personally and professionally. From the purchase of a small, successful corner pharmacy, to the desire of parenthood, through the twists and turns of the difficulty fertility road to proud parents and owners of a national leading fertility care pharmacy, today. Tune in, be encouraged and learn about their incredible story and their desire to assist those traversing the infertility journey, today. To contact or learn more about Mandell’s Clinical Pharmacy, visit mymandellspharmacy.com.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility, Lori Batta, Chief Commericial Officer at Celmatix, joins us to share about the Fertilome test. The Fertilome test is a genetic test that helps to evaluate you DNA make-up for potential fertility risks such as early on-set menopause, ovarian dysfunction, PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss and much more. Anyone at any point in their fertility journey, whether just starting and giving some considerations on child bearing to those already in an advanced treatment process, can benefit from the information gained through Fertilome. Learn more and how Fertilome can benefit you. Tune in!

In this episode of Focus on Fertility, we talk pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) with Alyssa Snider, MD, PhD, LCGC of Igenomix. Dr. Snider introduces what PGS is, the process and how it can assist those utilizing IVF with increased success. IVF treatment with the use of PGS has shown a pregnancy rate of about 70% compared to about 45% without. Dr. Snider also introduces some new terminology that is beginning to be used to replace PGS, PGT-A. Tune in!

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we are joined by the co-founders of Modern Fertility, Carly and Afton. After seeking out to discover her own fertility potential, Afton found it difficult, complex and expensive. As a result, along with Carley, they decided there had to be an easier and lower-cost way. That lead them to creating Modern Fertility and a new at-home fertility screening test. Tune and learn how easy and affordable fertility screening can be.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we visit Tulsa, Oklahoma and Tulsa Women’s Healthcare to sit down with OB/GYN Dr. Cole Nilson. We discuss with Dr. Nilson why females should be more proactive in understanding their fertility potential, why they should discuss it with their OB/GYN and what steps can be taken to know what time one’s biological clock shows.

In this bonus episode of Focus on Fertility we sit down with five embryologists from MCRM Fertility to not only celebrate world embryologist day but also to learn what it is like to be an embryologist. Why did these individuals decide to be part of this field and help so many everyday with the dream of parenthood? What obstacles do they face and what advice do they have? We also celebrate the 40th birthday of the world’s first IVF baby. Join us and tune in to this very special bonus episode.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we stop to talk about an option many employers are starting to utilize to assist their employees with infertility benefit coverage, Progyny. Progyny’s patient care supervisor, Taylor Burbach, introduces how Progyny works with their patients members to provide a unique approach to fertility benefit coverage. Unlike with traditional insurance where the insurance company plays a minimalistic role in the process by only providing information on the exact coverage available and payout for services, Progyny, acts to be a partner through the process. Each member receives their very own Patient Care Advocate to be a resource. From simply talking all things fertility to assisting with coordination of appointments to finding the right clinic and even emotional support, Progyny’s patient care advocates are there the entire way. Does your company have benefit coverage you were unaware of? Taylor helps provide insight as to how to learn whether you might have hidden benefits and if benefits are not currently offered some tips on how to discuss the topic with your company. Some companies currently utilizing Progyny Microsoft Cooper Surgical AT&T Tyson eBay Facebook Google Hearst Guitar Center News Corp Square Uber (please note this list may not be up to date…be sure to check with your human resource department for the most updated information)

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we speak with two researchers from the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing are completing research evaluating the fertility experiences of women by sharing information regarding a brief online survey that you may participate in. The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of women of childbearing age, including those who are having difficulty getting pregnant, and relationships. You can help other women, by helping researchers understand the experiences of women of childbearing age. We are interested in women who want to have children but are having difficulty getting pregnant, as well as, women who have had children already. Survey questions are about fertility, stress, social support, and relationships. The survey questions ask questions about your fertility, your stressors, your health, and your relationship. All of your answers are anonymous. You can skip any questions you don’t wish to answer. The research team really appreciates your support. Take the survey at: missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WIeXS35YwF3Us5 Questions? Please contact Dr. Rusen Ozturk @ ozturkr@missouri.edu and/or Dr. Tina Bloom @ bloomt@missouri.edu

This week we have a discussion with leading geneticist in the analysis of human DNA sequencing, Dr. Cengiz Cinnioglu, regarding pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS) and embryo mosaicism. He is a Co-Founder and Laboratory Director of Igenomix. Dr. Cinnioglu has numerous peer-reviewed publications in respected scientific journals including Nature, American Journal Human Genetic, Human Genetics and Fertility and Sterility. He has presented at many national and international conferences regarding human genetics. He is member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, The American Association of Bioanalysts and The Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society.

We're rejoined with medical director Dr. Peter Ahlering, of MCRM Fertility, to discuss recurrent miscarriage and the possible effects of MTHFR and Natural Killer Cells. Does either MTHFR or Natural Killer Cells increase one’s risk for a miscarriage? Tune in and learn more. To discuss this topic further with Dr. Ahlering or to request to schedule a consultation contact MCRM Fertility at 844-41-4BABY or visit MCRMFertility.com

We're rejoined with Dr. Mira Aubuchon, reproductive endocrinologist from MCRM Fertility, to discuss intrauterine insemination or IUI. Dr. Aubuchon shares more about what an IUI is, the processes related to this form of treatment, the good and not so good candidates and how successful IUI can be. Be sure to tune in and learn more. If you would like to discuss your fertility options with Dr. Aubuchon, contact MCRM Fertility to request your initial consultation appointment or call 844-41-4BABY(2229)and be sure to tell them you learned about MCRM Fertility on Focus on Fertility.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we learn about a recently released FREE app that is available to assist MEN coping with the journey of infertility. Similar to FertiCalm, which is designed for women, FertiStrong is specifically designed to assist men deal with every-day difficult situations that arise while battling infertility. Dr. Domar and Dr. Grill who helped develop FertiCalm have partnered with Dr. Janet Takefman, Coordinator of psychological services and research at McGill University Health Centre’s Reproductive Centre in Montreal and assistant professor for the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychology at McGill University, and Dr. William Petok, a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and is a past chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. FertiStrong provides men with more than 500 coping skills for more than 50 specific situations they may encounter each day that may lead to distress while continuing a difficult journey to parenthood such as: Social Events Sex Fertility Evaluation and Treatments Work Family and Friends Emotions Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage) Mind-Body One’s Partner Communication When Enough is Enough Relationship Survival 101 Learn more and download the FertiStrong app at fertistrong.com

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we learn about a free app, FertiCalm, which will aid one through some of the most common difficult situations one may face while traveling down their fertility journey. The app was developed by Alice Domar, Phd, executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health and Director of Mind/Body Services at Boston IVF and by Elizabeth Grill, PsyD, director of psychological services at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Weill Medical College of Cornel University. Together, Dr. Domar and Dr. Grill have over 45 year’s experience as reproductive psychologists and assist individuals on a daily basis traverse the difficult waters of emotions and mental health related to infertility. What was an idea forged on a napkin has turned into a reality that is helping woman every day. FertiCalm provides woman with more than 500 coping skills and relaxation techniques for more than 50 difficult situations they may encounter each day while trying to conceive such related to: Baby Functions Relationships Work Fertility Treatment Social Events And more Learn more and download the FertiCalm app at ferticalmapp.com

Why do I need genetic carrier screening? What does it mean to be a genetic carrier? What diseases are you at risk of passing along to your child? These questions and more will be answered and discussed in this episode of Focus on Fertility as we are joined by genetic counselor, Jennifer Siegel, of Sema4. Your genes and those of your partner will lead to the DNA makeup of your off-spring. What is inside yours and your partner’s genes could greatly impact the health of your child and knowing what’s inside of these genes is crucial.

We're joined by biochemist, Henry Clemente, of Clemente Associates to discuss the use of magnetic nano particles for selecting higher quality sperm. For nearly three decades, Henry and his company have worked with researchers from notable universities to develop diagnostic, therapeutic and imaging uses for magnetic nano particles. With relationship to their use with sperm, magnetic nano particles were first utilized in veterinary medicine to help “purify” a sperm sample. Today, the science has bridged into human reproductive uses for similar purposes. The purification process allows from the removal of “damaged” sperm from a sperm sample; reducing a much larger sample to a smaller, highly purified one. When utilized, results obtained have shown an increased rate in the number of chromosomally normal embryos available for transfer compared to when not utilized. We are just now at the ground floor as this methodology is just now beginning to be utilized in some IVF centers in the United States.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility, we speak with a health and wellness expert, Dustin Schaffer. Dustin has been coaching individuals on the benefits of living a Ketogenic lifestyle for more than a decade. He and his wife also attest to its benefits with relationship to fertility, too. Dustin teaches us about the Keto diet and provides tips on how one can begin down the path of living healthier while living the Ketogenic lifestyle. For recipes, tips, ideas and to reach Dustin, visit him at facebook.com/schaffermethod To learn more about how to begin utilizing exogenous ketones, visit ketokissel.com

In this episode of Focus on Fertility, we'll speak with a couple, Nate & Julie, who recently completed the use of embryo adoption to help in completing their family. Are you aware of embryo adoption as an option that might be right for you? If not or if you are curious about the processes and timeline involved, this episode will be informative and helpful for you. For additional information regarding embryo adoption, visit Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Agency at snowflakes.org

In this bonus episode of Focus on Fertility we sit down with reproductive specialist, Dr. Mira Aubuchon of MCRM Fertility to discuss an on-going clinical study that you may be interested in participating in. The study involves the Endometrial Receptivity Assay (ERA) test and investigates a possible new, non-invasive method of completing the test. Dr. Aubuchon sheds some light on the ERA test, what it is and why it can be beneficial to those who are preparing or planning on completing an embryo transfer. She also introduces a current clinical study that is actively accepting participants. The study is being performed, globally, at a select number of IVF centers. This includes four U.S. Centers (MCRM Fertility, IVF Florida, RMA Connecticut and Dominion Fertility) and one center in Canada (Pacific Centers for Reproductive Medicine). Additional centers are participating from Argentina, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Individuals interested in becoming a participant must meet the following criteria: Because the study evaluates uterine bacteria, you cannot have taken any antibiotics within 90 days prior to enrolling unless those antibiotics have been given as part of the routine IVF care. Enrolling can take place 30 days or more after the last IVF cycle’s antibiotics are taken You also must not have had any serious infections including flu within 90 days of enrolling and your blood infection screening should be negative. Your uterus should be normal, and the tubes should not be large and dilated. It’s fine to enroll if surgery has corrected the uterine or tubal problem or if your physician feels the uterine problem will not affect the outcome of the transfer. If you have an IUD, it needs to be removed at least 3 months prior to enrolling Because weight can affect how your uterus responds to hormones, your weight relative to your height (body mass index) needs to be in the range 18.5-30 kg/m2 (can be calculated on many websites). If using your own eggs you should be age 40 or younger and your menstrual cycles should last for 3-4 days and occur within the range every 26-35 days. If you are using an egg or embryo donor then your age should be 50 or younger- it’s fine if your cycles are irregular or don’t come at all. The embryos should be created using sperm from either partner or a donor whose semen analysis has more than 2 million sperm per milliliter. Those selected to participate in the clinical trial will receive the ERA testing at no cost; however, some additional costs for medication and monitoring may be required. To learn more about this study, contact MCRM Fertility or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Trial page.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility, we're joined by Dr. Stephen Mitchell. Miscarriages occur much more frequently then many realize; however, when they occur they can be difficult to cope with. This is especially true if one has experienced multiple miscarriages. Dr. Mitchell discuss his own struggle with miscarriage and offers advice on how to try to cope when they occur. Advice is presented for both coping if you are a male partner and for the female individual, too. For additional information or to contact Dr. Mitchell, visit mitchellcounselingandconsulting.com

We're rejoined with Dr. Peter Ahlering of MCRM Fertility. Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) or Low Ovarian Reserve is the largest diagnoses related to female fertility factor and assisted reproductive technology (ART) per the most recent 2015 CDC National ART Summary Report. As women age, the natural occurring “Biological Clock” ticks resulting in known lower fertility potential; however, for tens of thousands of women who are only in their twenties and early thirties, they live, unknowingly, with their “Biological Clock” ticking faster than normal leading to early onset DOR. What can one do if they are diagnosed with DOR and how can one avoid the surprise of learning of this diagnoses at an earlier age relative to normal? These questions and more will be answered within this episode.

In this episode we're on location at Infertility Awareness Day at the Ballpark in Busch Stadium in St. Louis . We sit down with those in attendance and discuss the impact Infertility Awareness Day has on them. Plus, we speak with Dr. Cole Nilson, a Tulsa, Oklahoma, OB/GYN, who helps women struggling with infertility. He shares how care and treatments have changed over the past 20 years. He also shares that infertility awareness day has a personal meaning for him. Take a step into the ballpark and tune-in for this special edition.

Christopher Jackson from CiceroDx to discusses the new ReceptivaDx test. This test is beginning to be utilized to assist patients who have experienced prior IVF/embryo implantation failure. We’ll learn about ReceptivaDx, how it works and how it can assist in improving success rates with IVF.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we speak with Dr. Mira Aubuchon of MCRM Fertility. Dr. Aubuchon, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, specializes in the care of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). She will shed light on exactly what PCOS is and how it impacts one’s fertility potential.

We're joined by Susie Oliver of Vitrolife to discuss a special piece of technology within some labs in North American Fertility centers, the Embryoscope, time-lapse incubator. What is the Embryoscope and how does it help improve success rates with IVF? These are just a couple of the questions that will be answered with this episode.

We're joined by licensed acupuncturist John Schmieder of Community Acupuncture of St. Louis. Acupuncture can be utilized to assist in improving one’s fertility or may be utilized in combination with other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments such as IUI or IVF. John explains how acupuncture works and how it can be beneficial.

In this inaugural episode of Focus on Fertility, Dr. Peter Ahlering of MCRM Fertility joins us to review male factor fertility potential, the largest diagnose associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) per the most recent 2015 CDC National ART Summary Report. He discusses the use of semen analysis to evaluate the male factor and the importance of DNA Fragmentation screening in order to assess properly the true qualitative potential of one's sperm.