What is a hydrosalpinx?
Though it sounds like an exotic Egyptian relic, a hydrosalpinx is a swollen and blocked fallopian tube. Because the end of the fallopian tube is closed off by scar tissue, fluid abnormally collects, causing further swelling and dilation of the fallopian tube.
Hydrosalpinges usually occur as a result of previous pelvic infection.
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In general, women with low ovarian reserve will have difficulty in achieving pregnancy. But what about in advanced reproductive technology (ART) such as IVF?
Ovarian Reserve
Let’s first discuss what the term ovarian reserve means. Ovarian reserve refers to quantity, or number, of eggs remaining that are available to achieve pregnancy. We are unable to measure this exactly,
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During your stimulation cycle, you get a phone call alerting you that your estradiol level is at 250. But what does this mean exactly? Well let’s talk about it.
Where does estradiol come from?
In a normal ovulatory cycle, the hypothalamus in the brain produces a hormone called GnRH. An increase in GnRH causes the anterior pituitary,
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For some lucky couples, the “Fertile Myrtles” of procreation, getting pregnant involves candles and a month or two of enjoyable, yet purposeful sex. They may never know exactly when ovulation occurs, or how miraculous it is that out of millions of sperm, one strong swimmer arrives at the fallopian tube precisely when a single egg is ready.
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Dr. Kaylen Silverberg details key thoughts on couple’s fertility plans, both current and for future planning in his latest article :
Singles can take a proactive stance to protect their future fertility by making healthy lifestyle choices
Couples need to have a realistic timeline for their family planning based on age and any known factors that could impair their chances for conception
Preconceptual testing can provide helpful genetic information
When ready to conceive,…
By Maggie Landwermeyer, MD
Hill Country OB/GYN Associates
It is pretty much universal…most women hate their period. We call it by many endearing nicknames: “Aunt Flo”, “The Monthly Curse,” – you get the idea. We all know it is a necessary evil for reproductive health. Let’s take a closer look at the menstrual cycle and learn about it.
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Progesterone is an important hormone in a woman’s reproductive cycle. It is critical in maintaining the uterine lining so that an early pregnancy can grow normally. It is produced by the follicle (egg sac) that originally released the egg that fertilized and implanted in the uterus.
Before ovulation, progesterone is found in low levels in the blood.
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When you have your first visit with your fertility specialist they will review your medical history along with your partner’s history for clues as to why things are not working. For some folks, the reasons will be obvious, while other couples may not have a clear reason for infertility based on history alone. Fertility testing can help identify potential problems and guide your fertility specialist in recommending the most appropriate and efficient treatments for success.
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Cervical mucus changes throughout a woman’s cycle. After the menstrual flow has ceased, the cervix begins producing cervical mucus in response to the increasing levels of estrogen. The mucus increases in volume and the texture changes. Estrogen increases until ovulation and the mucus (referred to as fertile mucus) becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy. Once ovulation occurs,
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Among the things that a woman can do to optimize her chances of getting pregnant – either naturally or with help – is to maintain a healthy body weight. Women who are either underweight or overweight have a lower fertility rate than normal weight women.
The United States is currently experiencing an obesity epidemic – over 60% of women are overweight and 33% are obese.
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