WEIGHT AND YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING PREGNANT

While studies have been done in the past linking obesity to ovulation, a new study in the Netherlands shows that women who regularly ovulate experience lower fertility when their BMI (body mass index) registers at an overweight or obese level. Those who experience lower fertility have a less than normal chance of becoming pregnant, although spontaneous pregnancy is still possible.

In other words, this study found that women with regular cycles, and no known fertility problems, still have a difficult time getting pregnant if they are overweight. This study also found that the more overweight a woman is, the lower her chances of pregnancy.

WEIGHT AND FERTILITY

The group of women being studied was defined as having low fertility. The goal of the study was to determine the relationship between their difficulty becoming pregnant and their BMI.

A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Anything over 25 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is defined as obese. You can determine your BMI using an online calculator.

Findings from this study showed that, for every BMI unit over 29, the chance of pregnancy decreased by four percent, when compared to women with BMIs ranging from 21 to 29.  Women with BMIs between 35 and 40 had a 23% to 43% less chance of achieving pregnancy compared to women with a BMI below 29.

While it is possible that losing weight might help the chance of getting pregnant, it’s important to note that the research did not prove that a woman could increase the chances of pregnancy by losing weight. Beginning a pregnancy at a normal weight is much healthier and can reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes or other pregnancy-related complications. A BMI between 25 to 29.9 before pregnancy doubles the risk, while a BMI over 30 triples the possibility of having pregnancy-related complications.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME CAN IMPACT WEIGHT

Even though researchers have found a link between weight and fertility, your doctor should recommend additional testing if you are overweight and are having trouble conceiving. Difficulty getting pregnant could be related to several other factors other than weight.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility and it has been connected to the struggle of losing and then gaining weight. In essence, that which is causing fertility problems may also be the very reason why you’re having trouble dropping the weight or keeping a healthy BMI.

If a PCOS diagnosis is made, treatment can often help with weight issues. If you are experiencing problems getting pregnant, the Center of Reproductive Medicine is available to answer your questions and to schedule an appointment with one of our infertility specialists. Our experienced, caring fertility doctors will be happy to work closely with you to choose the best fertility program for your individual reproductive medicine needs.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INFERTILITY TREATMENTS AT THE CENTER OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE, PLEASE CALL (281) 332-0073

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact The Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Their goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.

While becoming pregnant after the age of 35 may be more challenging than at age 25, it is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility.  There are many questions that have probably crossed your mind, such as:

• What are your chances for getting pregnant as you get older?
• Why is it easier for most women to get pregnant in their 20s and early 30s?
• Why do doctors encourage women over the age of 35 to seek help getting pregnant as soon as possible?

Fertility and Age

Fertility peaks in most women when they are in their early 20s, and gradually it begins to decline in their late 20s.  Around age 35, a woman’s fertility starts to decline at a much quicker rate.  At age 30, a woman’s chance of getting pregnant in any given month is approximately 20%.  By the age of 40, her chance of getting pregnant in any given month is only 5%.

Why Fertility Declines

It’s all about the numbers.  We are born with over a million eggs, but by the time we enter puberty only 30%, or approximately 300,000, are left. This may seem like a huge pool of eggs to work with, but only about 300 will ever become mature and then released through our ovulation process.

Our reproductive capabilities slow down long before menopause starts, thus making our bodies less effective at producing mature, healthy eggs.  Our ovaries don’t respond as well to the hormones that are in charge of helping the eggs ovulate as we age and come closer to menopause.

This normal decline of fertility occurs even in the healthiest of women.  Poor health habits, such as smoking, have been shown to speed up the decline of fertility.  Other factors, including stress, exercise, eating and sleeping habits, may also weigh in as factors related to possible infertility issues.

Increased Risk of Birth Defects and Miscarriage

Along with the fact that ovaries are less likely to produce mature eggs for ovulation, age also increases the possibility of genetic issues. This is the reason for the higher risk of Down Syndrome babies in women over age 35. At age 25, 1 in 1,250 women will give birth to a child with Down Syndrome. At age 30, the risk increases to 1 in 952, and by age 35, the chance is 1 in 378.

The risk for miscarriage also increases with age. For women in their early 20s, about 1 in 10 pregnancies end in a miscarriage.  The risk increases slightly for women in their early 30s, with 12% of women experiencing miscarriages. After age 35, 18% of pregnancies will end in miscarriage.  For women in their early 40s, 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Fertility Treatment Success Rates After Age 35

Often couples think that fertility treatments, such as IVF, can help beat the decline of fertility that comes with age. However, this is simply not the case.  Based on information collected by the Center for Disease Control, statistics show that the percentage of live births from IVF procedures using the mother’s eggs decreases with age.  The percentage of live births after IVF treatment is about 38% at age 31.  By age 39, the percentage of live births is lower, around 22%.  After age 43, the percentage of live births decreases dramatically to less than 10%.

Using an egg donor is one way to get around the decline of fertility. Statistics show that women who used an egg donor (from a much younger woman) at age 40 had a success rate of about 45%.  That’s an even better rate than women using their own eggs in their early 30s.

Getting Help ASAP Will increase Your Chances for Success

Facts are facts, no matter how we look at them.  Fertility in women begins to slowly decline in the late 20s, with a more rapid decline happening around age 35. Along with the decreased chance of getting pregnant, women over age 35 have an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Fertility treatment success also diminishes with age, especially if the couple uses the woman’s eggs rather than donor eggs.

While these may seem to be disheartening statistics, it is important to note that not everyone will have trouble getting pregnant after 35.  If you find that you are having trouble, and you’re over 35, you shouldn’t try on your own for longer than six months.  Your chances of treatment success increase when you get help sooner than later.

Take control of your fertility and make an appointment with one of our compassionate and highly trained infertility specialists. The Center of Reproductive Medicine serves the greater Houston area with full-service fertility clinics in Webster and Beaumont.

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact The Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Their goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.

As you move through this journey, it is extremely important to make sure that you are taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally.  Taking charge of your emotional well-being, both the highs and the lows, includes making sure that you get the understanding and support that you will need from friends, family, or an infertility support group.  Their support and gentle understanding can help you manage your emotions so that your self-esteem and perspective on life remain as positive as possible.  Your infertility treatment center can provide support and guidance as well.

When a couple is diagnosed with a fertility problem, emotions often explode, seemingly out of control. There may be a devastating sense of loss and disappointment.  There is often an incredible sense of anguish that comes after learning that your dreams and current visions of creating a family will not happen as planned.  Even if your mind isn’t consciously thinking about loss, your unconscious mind and your body may be responding to feelings of grief.

When emotions are at such low points, your body will feel the stress in a number of different ways.  You may experience physical symptoms such as insomnia, lack of motivation or energy, an inability to concentrate, headaches, irritability, and especially intense sadness.  The best way to work through these emotional lows is to acknowledge and accept your feelings.  Working through your grief will call for great determination and resourcefulness.  When you acknowledge the grief that you are experiencing, you will lessen its power.  You will find the path to get on with your life, once you give yourself the chance to identify and understand your emotional and physical responses.  However, if you find that you are having a difficult time handling your emotions and coping with your day-to-day activities, you should consider seeing a mental health professional for help.

After a number of unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant or stay pregnant, the initial feelings of shock may change to feelings of futility.  Often feelings of “why is this happening to us” or “we will be successful next month” begin to change over to anger and guilt.  Anger often results from feeling vulnerable or out of control or both. You probably feel a sense of helplessness resulting from the lack of control that you are experiencing.  Your dreams, your personal goals and the vision you have for your future seem to crumble down around you.  You may even feel like your body has “let you down.”  You have worked hard, doing everything you can to conceive, but you have not been able accomplish this very important goal, leaving you with strong feelings of anger and sadness.

Anger is a typical response to infertility.  Anger can impact your everyday thoughts and experiences.  You may swing between tears, sadness, and depression to complete frustration and rage.  Managing your angry feelings is an important part of working through your emotional low points.  There are several approaches that may be helpful to try:

• Get active physically.  Workout everyday.  Take a long walk by yourself or with a friend.
• Write down on paper a list all of the things in your life that are currently making you angry as a matter of self-awareness.
• When expressing your anger, use “I feel” statements rather than attacking a family member or a friend.
• Talk about your anger with a counselor or therapist who can help you understand and handle intense emotions.

Another intense emotion that you may feel when you are unable to conceive is shame.  Shame is a burning, painful feeling associated with low self-esteem and a sense of being inadequate or defective.  As multiple attempts to get pregnant are unsuccessful, there is an eventual realization that this all-consuming goal may never be reached.  Your self-image takes a hit, as you move from thoughts that “procedures have been unsuccessful” to the feeling that “I am a failure.”  At this point, you may feel a sense of shame, thinking that you have failed yourself by not realizing your dream to reproduce.  You may also feel a sense of failing your spouse, parents, and siblings. Because shame epitomizes a painful sense of self-defect, it is often hidden and disguised, even from oneself.

At the end of the day, what will heal the emotional lows experienced with infertility is the acceptance of your self with all of your weaknesses and failures included. Taking care of yourself includes reaching the point where you can accept what you see as failure without feeling like you have let yourself or others down.  Coming to terms with infertility is a long and gradual process.  It is possible, however, to re-build your self-esteem and to transform the sense of failure into a better understanding and confirmation of your strengths, an acceptance of your limits, and a pride in your endurance as you set new life goals and meet new challenges.  Over time, and as you heal the emotional pain associated with infertility, you will change the path of your journey.  You will be forever influenced by what you have experienced, making you stronger for the next segment of your life journey.

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the Houston area, be sure to contact The Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073.  The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Their goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.

In the past, personal letters were written with care in a special card or on beautifully designed stationary.  Letters from family, a friend, or someone special were quickly opened and read, often bringing the reader a warm feeling of connection with the writer. The American Fertility Association wants you to have this experience again through the 2012 Love Letter Campaign. You can easily participate by opting-in to this very special movement. When you opt-in, the American Fertility Association will give you one person’s name and address to write to, and they will also give your name and address to another participant.

The AFA Love Letter Campaign gives you an opportunity to be supportive, and to be supported by, someone who understands. You can take a moment to say, “I’m sorry for what you’re going through and I understand, I’m going through it too” in a warm and encouraging note. Personal notes or cards let each of us know that someone is thinking of us in a special way. Begin National Infertility Week by writing a Love Letter today!

The American Fertility Association has also recently released a beautiful, patient-inspired postage stamp highlighting infertility awareness in support of this year’s NIAW theme – “Don’t Ignore Infertility.” By using the stamp on letters of support and encouragement that participants mail to each other, a highly visible network will begin and grow, helping to further publicize the message of infertility awareness. These stamps are available for purchase on the AFA website.

The Center of Reproductive Medicine recognizes and supports National Infertility Awareness Week and this year’s important theme – “Don’t Ignore Infertility.” If you have any questions about the infertility treatments we offer, or infertility in general…

PLEASE CALL TO SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY SPECIALISTS TODAY AT (281) 332-0073.

Since 1989, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association has led efforts to celebrate this special week by hosting events and activities designed to encourage grassroots advocacy and motivate the infertility movement.

This year’s theme is “Don’t Ignore Infertility”

This important message was chosen because every voice that speaks out about the realities of infertility, and every act that acknowledges infertility as a medical condition with far-reaching social and emotional implications, helps tear down the wall of ignorance and silence that surrounds this devastating disease.

During NIAW 2012, we are calling upon everyone in the infertility community to commit to some act – large or small – to show that we won’t ignore infertility. Together, we can educate millions of people about a disease that is often overlooked and misunderstood by healthcare professionals, the government, insurance companies, the media, and even friends and family members…

IT’S TIME TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD!

What Can You Do for National Infertility Awareness Week?

The week offers a window of opportunity for those challenged by infertility to “come out” to their friends and families, if they wish, and encourages those challenged with infertility to not feel ashamed. The Center of Reproductive Medicine encourages everyone to visit the RESOLVE website as well as look into local organizations and events in their area, but we also wish to point out that there is really no right or wrong way to participate in National Infertility Awareness Week.

Join RESOLVE and The Center of Reproductive Medicine in championing the “Don’t Ignore Infertility” theme during the last week of April. Watch our Twitter feed and Facebook page for updates regarding different ways that you can get involved and show your support.

There are many resources available for pre-pregnancy planning; you should become familiar with several of them, finding ones that suit your taste in reading or viewing. The March of Dimes always provides good basic information that all parents-to-be should know.  Additional basic information is available online. Information related specifically to reproduction and infertility can be found on the National Infertility Association website at www.resolve.org. A little pre-planning and education can go a long way towards successful conception and pregnancy.

The human reproductive system can seem like a complete mystery; even the most educated people are often amazed to learn some of the intricacies of reproduction.  Just like putting a puzzle together, the solution becomes clearer when you can see the picture as a whole. When you have the basics of human conception in place, you’ll know the right questions to ask when you need to seek assistance.  If, after following all of the recommendations you’ve read and heard, you still have difficulty in becoming pregnant after one year (for women under 30) or six months (for women over 30), you will know it is time to consult a specialist.

For many women, the initial discussion regarding the possibility of infertility takes place at a regular visit to their OB/Gyn.  Be prepared, however, to seek more specialized assistance. While an OB/Gyn may “specialize” in fertility issues, that does not necessarily mean they are up on the most current information and procedures in reproductive medicine.

In the Houston area, the physicians and professional staff at The Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) are well known for their high level of success in helping couples to conceive.  Our infertility specialists here at CORM are committed to providing the highest quality reproductive medicine, ensuring exceptional care is given to every patient/couple undergoing fertility treatment.

The Center of Reproductive Medicine, with offices in Webster and Beaumont, is dedicated to examining and investigating the specific cause of every fertility concern.  We will walk you through the process, answering questions, recommending the best treatment options, and providing support, so you can make informed choices and feel comfortable with the decisions you will make.

Give us a call at (281) 332-0073 to speak with our professional staff or to make an appointment for an initial consultation.

For a variety of reasons women who have had their tubes tied at some point may decide that they want to become pregnant again. There is a surgical procedure called Tubal Reversal that reproductive surgeons can perform to undo the process. The success rate is between 50 and 75 percent. There are some factors that impact whether or not a woman is a good candidate for the surgery. Age and overall health are among the most dominant. The procedure can be done as an outpatient surgery at an accredited clinic. At the Center of Reproductive Medicine our reproductive doctors are preeminent in their field and have great success with this procedure.

The Center of Reproductive Medicine fertility Doctors have many years of experience and utilize the very latest and most advanced medical techniques to help couples resolve fertility issues. We understand that this is a sensitive subject and we endeavor to make the experience pleasant and as a comfortable as possible. It is our primary goal to help our patients achieve conception and pregnancy.

If you are interested in tubal reversal, please contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine. Our congenial and educated staff will be happy to answer all of your questions and schedule an appointment for an initial consultation. We have earned a reputation for providing outstanding care for our patients. Please feel free to browse our web site for additional information about who we are and the treatments we offer.

There is a relatively common ailment that occurs in women of reproductive age called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This disorder results from small cysts forming on the ovaries. This can be problematic for conception and pregnancy. Some of the symptoms of this illness include acne, weight gain, excessive body hair, and infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. Without treatment long-term effects can include Type two diabetes and heart disease. The Center of Reproductive Medicine is a leading reproductive clinic in Houston with a great deal of experience in treating this disorder.

As one of the leading Infertility Clinics in the greater Houston area The Center of Reproductive Medicine is better equipped to deal with PCOS and other fertility related issues. We have earned a great reputation for excellent patient care and a high ratio of success in helping couples with conception and pregnancy. We use the most advanced medical treatments and our state of the art facility is designed to provide comfort and care in a nurturing atmosphere.
 
If you are exhibiting symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome, contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine today. Our gracious and highly trained staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors. Our primary focus is providing the very best care for our patients. If you would like additional information about who we are, and treatments we offer, we encourage you to look through our web site.

The Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) has an Egg Donation program for women who want or need the services of a donor in order to achieve pregnancy, and for women who would like to donate their ova. This program is in place so that we can provide our patients with third-party reproduction options. We offer many fertility services and enjoy a reputation for having a high success rate and for providing optimal patient care. We explore the specific causes of infertility issues and work closely with our patients to reach the outcome they desire.

At the heart of the Center of Reproductive Medicine, are our Reproductive Specialists and staff. Our physicians are highly trained and highly respected. Dr. Vicki L. Schnell, M.D., FACOG, is our Founder and Medical Director. Dr. Schnell is board-certified in both Obstetrics/Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility. Dr. Jerry A. Sims, M.D., FACOG is board certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Since 1997, our physicians have safely provided the highest pregnancy success rates for our patients, utilizing procedures designed to reduce any risk of multiple pregnancy.

The Center of Reproductive Medicine is an established source for an exemplary egg donation program. Our approach to infertility is exceedingly comprehensive. We endeavor to provide the most cost-effective and minimally invasive fertility treatments available. Our purpose is to provide the most relaxed and nurturing atmosphere possible for our patients and we seek to ensure that the experience is more than positive.

A donor egg is an egg or eggs (ova) provided by, for the most part, an anonymous donor who meets certain strict criteria, based on age, health, and psychological testing, for women who are having issues with natural conception and pregnancy. At the Center of Reproductive Medicine we have an excellent donor program available for women who would like to donate or receive eggs. Donation provides a means for conception that is very likely the only way the recipient can expect to conceive a child. It is a wonderful opportunity for both parties to be involved in something positive and life changing.

The Center of Reproductive Medicine is one of the preeminent infertility clinics in Houston and the surrounding areas. Our reputation is one of a clinic that provides exemplary medical care, with a high ratio of successful pregnancies. Our state of the art facilities provide a nurturing and comfortable environment for patient care. We value our patients and appreciate their dreams of having a family. We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve those dreams.
 
If you would like to contribute to a donor egg program, or have questions about being a recipient, please call the Center of Reproductive Medicine today. Our gracious and considerate staff will be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment with one of our physicians for a preliminary appointment. For additional information about our doctors and staff, and the treatment options we offer, please look through our web site.