Studies show that sexual dysfunction is present in about 20-25% of infertile couples. Adequate sexual function can contribute to the success of fertility treatments, but more importantly, sexual dysfunction can be a source of stress and conflict within the couple’s relationship. The stress itself can reduce the chance of a successful outcome. Erectile dysfunction can be further worsened by performance anxiety and the pressure to time relations to the woman’s ovulation.
At Reproductive Partners we are concerned about your mental well-being and want you to maintain a strong relationship during and following your fertility treatments. That can help attain the highest possibility of success and strengthen your relationship during the challenges of pregnancy and rearing your family.
Dr. David Meldrum of Reproductive Partners has developed a web site and written a book outlining many simple things men can do to help solve this problem themselves. According to Dr. Meldrum’s research, drugs such as Viagra should be the last resort. The critical factor for adequate erections, nitric oxide (NO), is positively influenced by factors such as increasing physical activity, reducing excess weight and fat and sugar intake, and by ingesting specific foods and nutritional supplements that maximize NO production. Dr. Louis Ignarro, who received the Nobel Prize for the discovery of nitric oxide, and who first defined the role of NO in the erectile response, has written the forward for Dr. Meldrum’s book. He states “I have no doubt that this book will help millions of couples around the world by improving male sexual performance.” In fact Dr. Meldrum’s non-drug regimen is helping some men have better erectile performance than they have ever had, even when much younger.
Click on the following link to Dr. Meldrum’s web site, www.erectile-function.com, to learn about the physiology and biochemistry of erectile function so that you can start on the path toward a more pleasurable and fulfilling sexual relationship. At the website you may also download his book, “Survival of the Firmest” that provides all the details. Individual consultations are also available at the RPMG Redondo Beach office or by phone with Dr. Meldrum by calling (310) 318-3010 to schedule a telephone consultation.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
IVF Costs - Third Cycle Free
At Reproductive Partners, we believe in success. Our expert physicians and staff have well over twenty years of experience and are dedicated to using our knowledge and expertise to maximize your chances to achieve your dream of having a baby.
Our financial program, called the SUCCESS PROGRAM is based on the philosophy that couples capable of getting pregnant with IVF usually do so within the first three cycles.
The Reproductive Partners SUCCESS PROGRAM is really very simple. If you pay our regular standard Global Rate for each of two complete IVF cycles at Reproductive Partners, transfer all embryos from those cycles, including frozen embryos, without achieving a viable12 week pregnancy your third IVF cycle at Reproductive Partners will be provided free for the same basic IVF procedures as in the first two cycles. Patients who have insurance coverage for IVF are not eligible.
There will be no age limits, no higher up-front fees as in money-back guarantee programs, no pre-payment for the second cycle until the first is completed, no mandatory procedures like hysteroscopy or IVIG injections and no arbitrary cancellations. If we determine that you are a candidate for and complete at least two cycles of IVF you may participate in the program. We expect our patients to succeed, and when success does not come quickly, we will go the extra mile for you.
Q&A
Q- How much time do I have to complete the three cycles?
A- You have 18 months from the start of birth control pills or Lupron in the first cycle, to the start of the third cycle.
Q- What about frozen embryos from the first two cycles?
A- All frozen embryos must be transferred without achieving a viable 12-week pregnancy before you will be eligible for the third cycle.
Q- In the third “free” cycle, what is covered and what is not?
A- All the same procedures that are covered in the Global Rate in your first two cycles are covered,
Here is a summary:
INCLUDED IN THE THIRD CYCLE -
BASIC PROCEDURES USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH IVF:
• Starting at the visit to begin birth control pills or Lupron:
• Ultrasound and estradiol monitoring of egg development
• Egg retrieval
• IVF laboratory work including preparation of sperm, identification of eggs, preparation of eggs for insemination, insemination of eggs, embryo incubation and monitoring and preparation for transfer
• ICSI (only if ICSI was paid for in the previous cycles)
• Assisted hatching
• Embryo transfer
• Progesterone level after transfer, ending with the first pregnancy test.
NOT INCLUDED IN ANY THIRD CYCLE -
IVF PRE-TREATMENT PROCEDURES:
• Consultations
• Pre-cycle lab work including infectious disease screening
• Semen testing
• Procedures such as trial transfer, hysteroscopy (if necessary)
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IVF CYCLES:
• Anesthesia for retrieval
• Medications
• Surgical Sperm Retrieval
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) (if not paid for in two previous cycles)
• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
• Cumulus co-culture
• Embryo freezing and storage or frozen embryo cycles
• In donor and surrogate cycles:
Administrative fees
Surrogate or donor recruitment, screening or remuneration costs
Pregnancy monitoring following the first pregnancy test
If a viable 12-week pregnancy is achieved within the first two cycles, including the use of frozen embryos, couples will not be entitled to a free third cycle. If three cycles are necessary, all must be completed in an 18-month period and only same procedures and category of cycle will be provided without charge. Other additional costs enumerated above are not provided without additional charge. All fees for each “paid” cycle must be paid in advance.
Our financial program, called the SUCCESS PROGRAM is based on the philosophy that couples capable of getting pregnant with IVF usually do so within the first three cycles.
The Reproductive Partners SUCCESS PROGRAM is really very simple. If you pay our regular standard Global Rate for each of two complete IVF cycles at Reproductive Partners, transfer all embryos from those cycles, including frozen embryos, without achieving a viable12 week pregnancy your third IVF cycle at Reproductive Partners will be provided free for the same basic IVF procedures as in the first two cycles. Patients who have insurance coverage for IVF are not eligible.
There will be no age limits, no higher up-front fees as in money-back guarantee programs, no pre-payment for the second cycle until the first is completed, no mandatory procedures like hysteroscopy or IVIG injections and no arbitrary cancellations. If we determine that you are a candidate for and complete at least two cycles of IVF you may participate in the program. We expect our patients to succeed, and when success does not come quickly, we will go the extra mile for you.
Q&A
Q- How much time do I have to complete the three cycles?
A- You have 18 months from the start of birth control pills or Lupron in the first cycle, to the start of the third cycle.
Q- What about frozen embryos from the first two cycles?
A- All frozen embryos must be transferred without achieving a viable 12-week pregnancy before you will be eligible for the third cycle.
Q- In the third “free” cycle, what is covered and what is not?
A- All the same procedures that are covered in the Global Rate in your first two cycles are covered,
Here is a summary:
INCLUDED IN THE THIRD CYCLE -
BASIC PROCEDURES USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH IVF:
• Starting at the visit to begin birth control pills or Lupron:
• Ultrasound and estradiol monitoring of egg development
• Egg retrieval
• IVF laboratory work including preparation of sperm, identification of eggs, preparation of eggs for insemination, insemination of eggs, embryo incubation and monitoring and preparation for transfer
• ICSI (only if ICSI was paid for in the previous cycles)
• Assisted hatching
• Embryo transfer
• Progesterone level after transfer, ending with the first pregnancy test.
NOT INCLUDED IN ANY THIRD CYCLE -
IVF PRE-TREATMENT PROCEDURES:
• Consultations
• Pre-cycle lab work including infectious disease screening
• Semen testing
• Procedures such as trial transfer, hysteroscopy (if necessary)
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IVF CYCLES:
• Anesthesia for retrieval
• Medications
• Surgical Sperm Retrieval
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) (if not paid for in two previous cycles)
• Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
• Cumulus co-culture
• Embryo freezing and storage or frozen embryo cycles
• In donor and surrogate cycles:
Administrative fees
Surrogate or donor recruitment, screening or remuneration costs
Pregnancy monitoring following the first pregnancy test
If a viable 12-week pregnancy is achieved within the first two cycles, including the use of frozen embryos, couples will not be entitled to a free third cycle. If three cycles are necessary, all must be completed in an 18-month period and only same procedures and category of cycle will be provided without charge. Other additional costs enumerated above are not provided without additional charge. All fees for each “paid” cycle must be paid in advance.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Reproductive Partners Participates in New IVF Progesterone Delivery System Study
Southern California fertility center participates in a national study to explore new IVF progesterone delivery systems replacing intramuscular injections.
Los Angeles, CA January 2009 - Reproductive Partners Medical Group a leading Southern California fertility center esteemed for their excellent IVF success rates and national reputation was recently selected as a participant in a national, multi-center study exploring new progesterone delivery systems to replace intramuscular injections. Patients going through in vitro fertilization (IVF) often describe the progesterone injections as the most difficult and painful part of the IVF cycle. For more than 30 years doctors have been seeking effective alternatives to these painful injections.
The study compares an FDA-approved vaginal progesterone, Endometrin, with a new formulation which is administered subcutaneously, similar to the relatively painless fertility drug injections. Patients will be randomized to receive either the vaginal or subcutaneous progesterone until the pregnancy test and then until about 10 weeks of pregnancy. In case of unacceptable side effects the patient will be offered an alternative medication. Side effects are usually local reactions and mild.
Benefits to patients include free progesterone medications as well as a $1,500 honorarium for participating and completing the study questionnaires.
Participating patients will be IVF candidates, including those undergoing ICSI, Blastocyst and PGD, who are age 18-42 who have had less than three prior IVF cycles and an FSH less than 15IU/L and estradiol less than 80 pg/mL. Other exclusion criteria exist.
For more information, please visit www.reproductivepartners.com or call Reproductive Partners Medical Group at (877) 273-7763.
Los Angeles, CA January 2009 - Reproductive Partners Medical Group a leading Southern California fertility center esteemed for their excellent IVF success rates and national reputation was recently selected as a participant in a national, multi-center study exploring new progesterone delivery systems to replace intramuscular injections. Patients going through in vitro fertilization (IVF) often describe the progesterone injections as the most difficult and painful part of the IVF cycle. For more than 30 years doctors have been seeking effective alternatives to these painful injections.
The study compares an FDA-approved vaginal progesterone, Endometrin, with a new formulation which is administered subcutaneously, similar to the relatively painless fertility drug injections. Patients will be randomized to receive either the vaginal or subcutaneous progesterone until the pregnancy test and then until about 10 weeks of pregnancy. In case of unacceptable side effects the patient will be offered an alternative medication. Side effects are usually local reactions and mild.
Benefits to patients include free progesterone medications as well as a $1,500 honorarium for participating and completing the study questionnaires.
Participating patients will be IVF candidates, including those undergoing ICSI, Blastocyst and PGD, who are age 18-42 who have had less than three prior IVF cycles and an FSH less than 15IU/L and estradiol less than 80 pg/mL. Other exclusion criteria exist.
For more information, please visit www.reproductivepartners.com or call Reproductive Partners Medical Group at (877) 273-7763.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Male Infertility: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Male infertility accounts for the reason for difficulty conceiving in approximately 40% of the 2.3 million couples experiencing infertility in the U.S. Traditionally, couples with severe male factor had three options: using donor sperm, adopting or electing not to have children. The plight of men with severe sperm problems having their own biological children was a major force in the development of new approaches.
Treatment of male infertility often depends on the specific cause of the problem and can include surgery, medical treatment and if those are not effective, microinsemination techniques. Microinsemination is the laboratory assisted fertilization of an egg. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a specialized form of microinsemination, was first developed by reproductive medical specialists in Belgium to help couples overcome male infertility problems associated with an inability of sperm to fertilize an egg. Since then, ICSI has been successfully used to treat many types of male infertility and is helping more couples realize their dream of having their own biological children even in the most severe cases of male infertility. Today, the technique is no longer considered experimental and is among our routine services.
The ART of Parenthood
There are several Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) that have been developed to assist couples in having children. Among them are: in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation, cryopreservation with subsequent thawing and transfer of embryos, and a growing number of microscopic techniques such as ICSI and most recently, reimplantation genetic diadnosis (PGD). These microscopic procedures are the most demanding and exacting part of ART.
Male Infertility & ICSI
Fertilization of the egg by ICSI, getting one sperm into one egg, is the starting point for embryo development. For many years the only approach available for fertilizing an egg in ART procedures was to imitate what occurs in fertile couples, incubating the egg with sperm. This approach is successful in fertilizing approximately 75% of eggs in men with normal sperm parameters. Microinsemination techniques were developed to improve the likelihood of fertilization in men whose sperm parameters are markedly abnormal. Male infertility can be associated with the production of low numbers of sperm, sperm that do not “swim” properly or do not swim at all, and sperm that are abnormal in shape. Abnormally shaped sperm have reduced ability to penetrate the egg.
Non-ICSI insemination can be a difficult process in men with abnormal sperm parameters for two reasons: the sperm must first reach the egg and then penetrate the egg. They may not have adequate numbers, motility or normal morphology to have a good chance of their sperm accomplishing these two tasks. ICSI overcomes these deficiencies by injecting a single sperm into an individual egg. ICSI makes a low number of sperm, “poor sperm motility” and “poor sperm morphology” no longer barriers to couples who seek to have their own biological children.
In some men, the tubes known as the vas deferens that transfer sperm from the testis are blocked or missing through a congenital abnormality, an accident, a disease or an irreversible vasectomy. In such situations, sperm may be obtained by a surgeon from the epididymis, the site where sperm are stored through a process called percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). In men with other severe problems, sperm can be obtained by testicular biopsy (TESE). ICSI makes it possible to use epididymal or testicular sperm to achieve a pregnancy. There is also the situation where, for unknown reasons, a man’s sperm does not penetrate the woman’s egg, even though the number, shape and motility of the sperm all appear normal. ICSI is also appropriate treatment in these situations.
ICSI - The Technique
ICSI requires only one sperm per egg to be effective. ICSI is a simple and elegant way to transfer that sperm directly into the egg. Using a microscope, the embryologist gently draws one sperm into a pipette. The tip of the pipette is then guided into the waiting egg. The egg is held steady at the end of another glass pipette. Then with a steady and measured forward motion, the sharpened tip of the sperm-containing pipette is inserted into the egg. Reversing the process that pulled the sperm into the pipette, the embryologist now ejects the sperm into the egg. And finally, the sharpened tip of the empty pipette is removed from the egg. After picking up the sperm, the entire ICSI technique takes the embryologist less than ten minutes.
Does it damage the egg?
ICSI procedures are routinely done successfully without damaging the egg in most cases. This is not surprising to embryologists for several reasons. First, the egg is many times larger than the pipette that is used to penetrate its surface. Second, the human egg is encased in a tough, elastic membrane that usually doesn’t crack, shatter or crumble. Finally and most important, Mother Nature lends a hand: the egg has the ability to rapidly repair the small hole in its membrane made by the pipette.
ICSI - Are there any side effects?
Despite widespread use and acceptance, many children born as the result of ICSI are still very young and have not yet reached an age to reproduce. Genetic reproductive abnormalities in the father can be passed on to male offspring. Currently there are reports of a small increase in minor birth defects and congenital abnormalities in babies born through ICSI. This is not surprising since it is usually being performed in couples in which the man has very abnormal sperm. In addition ICSI bypasses an important natural process of sperm penetration. Theoretically, this could permit the transfer of certain conditions that have a genetic basis. Where a genetic basis for male infertility is suspected or known, the couple may also find it helpful to speak with a genetic counselor before choosing to use ICSI, as well as have genetic tesing for abnormal chromosomes or micro-deletion in the male (Y) chromsome.
For more information or to schedule appointments call (877) 273-7763 or visit www.reproductivepartners.com
Treatment of male infertility often depends on the specific cause of the problem and can include surgery, medical treatment and if those are not effective, microinsemination techniques. Microinsemination is the laboratory assisted fertilization of an egg. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a specialized form of microinsemination, was first developed by reproductive medical specialists in Belgium to help couples overcome male infertility problems associated with an inability of sperm to fertilize an egg. Since then, ICSI has been successfully used to treat many types of male infertility and is helping more couples realize their dream of having their own biological children even in the most severe cases of male infertility. Today, the technique is no longer considered experimental and is among our routine services.
The ART of Parenthood
There are several Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) that have been developed to assist couples in having children. Among them are: in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation, cryopreservation with subsequent thawing and transfer of embryos, and a growing number of microscopic techniques such as ICSI and most recently, reimplantation genetic diadnosis (PGD). These microscopic procedures are the most demanding and exacting part of ART.
Male Infertility & ICSI
Fertilization of the egg by ICSI, getting one sperm into one egg, is the starting point for embryo development. For many years the only approach available for fertilizing an egg in ART procedures was to imitate what occurs in fertile couples, incubating the egg with sperm. This approach is successful in fertilizing approximately 75% of eggs in men with normal sperm parameters. Microinsemination techniques were developed to improve the likelihood of fertilization in men whose sperm parameters are markedly abnormal. Male infertility can be associated with the production of low numbers of sperm, sperm that do not “swim” properly or do not swim at all, and sperm that are abnormal in shape. Abnormally shaped sperm have reduced ability to penetrate the egg.
Non-ICSI insemination can be a difficult process in men with abnormal sperm parameters for two reasons: the sperm must first reach the egg and then penetrate the egg. They may not have adequate numbers, motility or normal morphology to have a good chance of their sperm accomplishing these two tasks. ICSI overcomes these deficiencies by injecting a single sperm into an individual egg. ICSI makes a low number of sperm, “poor sperm motility” and “poor sperm morphology” no longer barriers to couples who seek to have their own biological children.
In some men, the tubes known as the vas deferens that transfer sperm from the testis are blocked or missing through a congenital abnormality, an accident, a disease or an irreversible vasectomy. In such situations, sperm may be obtained by a surgeon from the epididymis, the site where sperm are stored through a process called percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). In men with other severe problems, sperm can be obtained by testicular biopsy (TESE). ICSI makes it possible to use epididymal or testicular sperm to achieve a pregnancy. There is also the situation where, for unknown reasons, a man’s sperm does not penetrate the woman’s egg, even though the number, shape and motility of the sperm all appear normal. ICSI is also appropriate treatment in these situations.
ICSI - The Technique
ICSI requires only one sperm per egg to be effective. ICSI is a simple and elegant way to transfer that sperm directly into the egg. Using a microscope, the embryologist gently draws one sperm into a pipette. The tip of the pipette is then guided into the waiting egg. The egg is held steady at the end of another glass pipette. Then with a steady and measured forward motion, the sharpened tip of the sperm-containing pipette is inserted into the egg. Reversing the process that pulled the sperm into the pipette, the embryologist now ejects the sperm into the egg. And finally, the sharpened tip of the empty pipette is removed from the egg. After picking up the sperm, the entire ICSI technique takes the embryologist less than ten minutes.
Does it damage the egg?
ICSI procedures are routinely done successfully without damaging the egg in most cases. This is not surprising to embryologists for several reasons. First, the egg is many times larger than the pipette that is used to penetrate its surface. Second, the human egg is encased in a tough, elastic membrane that usually doesn’t crack, shatter or crumble. Finally and most important, Mother Nature lends a hand: the egg has the ability to rapidly repair the small hole in its membrane made by the pipette.
ICSI - Are there any side effects?
Despite widespread use and acceptance, many children born as the result of ICSI are still very young and have not yet reached an age to reproduce. Genetic reproductive abnormalities in the father can be passed on to male offspring. Currently there are reports of a small increase in minor birth defects and congenital abnormalities in babies born through ICSI. This is not surprising since it is usually being performed in couples in which the man has very abnormal sperm. In addition ICSI bypasses an important natural process of sperm penetration. Theoretically, this could permit the transfer of certain conditions that have a genetic basis. Where a genetic basis for male infertility is suspected or known, the couple may also find it helpful to speak with a genetic counselor before choosing to use ICSI, as well as have genetic tesing for abnormal chromosomes or micro-deletion in the male (Y) chromsome.
For more information or to schedule appointments call (877) 273-7763 or visit www.reproductivepartners.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
IVF Progesterone Delivery System Study
Reproductive Partners Participates in New IVF Progesterone Delivery System Study
Southern California fertility center participates in a national study to explore new IVF progesterone delivery systems replacing intramuscular injections.
Los Angeles, CA January 2009 - Reproductive Partners Medical Group a leading Southern California fertility center esteemed for their excellent IVF success rates and national reputation was recently selected as a participant in a national, multi-center study exploring new progesterone delivery systems to replace intramuscular injections. Patients going through in vitro fertilization (IVF) often describe the progesterone injections as the most difficult and painful part of the IVF cycle. For more than 30 years doctors have been seeking effective alternatives to these painful injections.
The study compares an FDA-approved vaginal progesterone, Endometrin, with a new formulation which is administered subcutaneously, similar to the relatively painless fertility drug injections. Patients will be randomized to receive either the vaginal or subcutaneous progesterone until the pregnancy test and then until about 10 weeks of pregnancy. In case of unacceptable side effects the patient will be offered an alternative medication. Side effects are usually local reactions and mild.
Benefits to patients include free progesterone medications as well as a $1,500 honorarium for participating and completing the study questionnaires.
Participating patients will be IVF candidates, including those undergoing ICSI, Blastocyst and PGD, who are age 18-42 who have had less than three prior IVF cycles and an FSH less than 15IU/L and estradiol less than 80 pg/mL. Other exclusion criteria exist.
For more information, please visit www.reproductivepartners.com or call Reproductive Partners Medical Group at (877) 273-7763.
Southern California fertility center participates in a national study to explore new IVF progesterone delivery systems replacing intramuscular injections.
Los Angeles, CA January 2009 - Reproductive Partners Medical Group a leading Southern California fertility center esteemed for their excellent IVF success rates and national reputation was recently selected as a participant in a national, multi-center study exploring new progesterone delivery systems to replace intramuscular injections. Patients going through in vitro fertilization (IVF) often describe the progesterone injections as the most difficult and painful part of the IVF cycle. For more than 30 years doctors have been seeking effective alternatives to these painful injections.
The study compares an FDA-approved vaginal progesterone, Endometrin, with a new formulation which is administered subcutaneously, similar to the relatively painless fertility drug injections. Patients will be randomized to receive either the vaginal or subcutaneous progesterone until the pregnancy test and then until about 10 weeks of pregnancy. In case of unacceptable side effects the patient will be offered an alternative medication. Side effects are usually local reactions and mild.
Benefits to patients include free progesterone medications as well as a $1,500 honorarium for participating and completing the study questionnaires.
Participating patients will be IVF candidates, including those undergoing ICSI, Blastocyst and PGD, who are age 18-42 who have had less than three prior IVF cycles and an FSH less than 15IU/L and estradiol less than 80 pg/mL. Other exclusion criteria exist.
For more information, please visit www.reproductivepartners.com or call Reproductive Partners Medical Group at (877) 273-7763.
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