Newsletter Archive

December 2011 - Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)- A Vital Diagnostic Tool
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a test that uses x-rays and a special dye to detect scar tissue, polyps, fibroids, and other growths that may be blocking your tubes or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting properly in your uterus. Learn about Shady Grove Fertility’s clinical expertise in performing HSGs and how our attention to patient’s comfort contributes to a positive experience.

November 2011 - Genetic Testing Provides Peace of Mind
Medical genetics technology is progressing rapidly. For the field of reproductive medicine, this means we now have better methods of evaluating the likelihood that a couple could pass on a genetic disorder to future children. Learn more about the new, safe, and affordable, non-invasive genetic screening test offered to patients at SGF.

November 2011 - Popular Fertility Medication Myths and Misconceptions
Clomiphene citrate has been on the front lines of fertility treatment for over 50 years, and while it may work for some patients, using it for the right diagnoses has the greatest affect on success. Learn about Shady Grove Fertility’s success rates with Clomid and determine when it’s time to move on to a different treatment protocol.

October 2011 - Getting Through the Two-Week Wait
For most patients who undergo fertility treatment, the two-week wait before you have your beta (pregnancy test) can seem like an eternity. So we gathered some common questions, ran them by our nurse educators and came up with some answers to your pressing two-week wait questions.

September 2011 - PCOS: One Size Doesn't Fit All
While nearly one-third of all women with infertility are diagnosed with PCOS, the symptoms of the disease may not be the same in everyone. With the proper diagnosis of the disease and a specifically tailored treatment option, almost anyone with PCOS can have a baby. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and ways to overcome one of the most common infertility disorders.

September 2011 - Frozen Embryo Transfer: The New Hero in Fertility Treatment
Patients using frozen embryos now have the same chance of pregnancy as they do with fresh embryos. Learn how new laboratory techniques for embryo freezing and storage are now giving IVF patients the opportunity to pursue additional treatment without the rigor of a traditional IVF cycle.

August 2011 - An Unexpected Path to Parenthood
When one SGFC patient's path came to a crossroad, she relied on research and the support of family and friends to help her choose the right direction. She chose the route that not only provided her with  three children, but also gave her the foundation to help others along their journey.

July 2011 - If at First You Don't Succeed...Try, Try Again
How many rounds of Clomid is recommended before seeking a fertility specialist? How many IUIs should you try before moving to IVF? When is it time to consider Donor Egg? Dr. Eric Levens answers these questions and discusses how to know when it’s time to consider transitioning to a new treatment type.

June 2011 - It Might Be Him
Through dependable diagnosing procedures and advances in treatment technology, male factor infertility has become one of the easiest diagnosis to overcome. In fact, Shady Grove Fertility patients with a male factor diagnosis have a clinical pregnancy rate of 62% per cycle.

May 2011 - 27,000 Babies...And it All Began With One
With the advances in medical science, every woman now has a chance of becoming a mother.  This was not necessarily the case in 1991 when Sonja Sienkowski was in the middle of her fertility journey. Read about how Sonja overcame her infertility and gave birth to Shady Grove Fertility’s first IVF baby.

April 2011 - Not Ovulating? You're Not Alone
Nearly half of all women with infertility suffer from ovulatory disorders. Symptoms include irregular, infrequent or non-existent ovulation cycles. Learn more about the most common infertility diagnosis.

March 2011 - Is Everyone Infertile?
There are an estimated 2.5 million couples diagnosed with infertility each year. Despite the increased awareness in today's society, the incidents of infertility has remained changed over the past 30 years.

February 2011 - Sex & Infertility Treatments
Medical advice on when it is safe to have sex before, during and after treatment.

January 2011 - How Age Plays a Role in Your Fertility
Learn common fertility diagnosis and treatment options based on your age!

December 2010
Half of all treatment cycles preformed at SGF are low-tech - see our latest success rates based on age & diagnosis. Also, read our latest blog entry, tips on travelling with your meds, and one patient's story of achieving their dream of parenthood through IUI.

November 2010
New studies reveal that being over or underweight can affect fertility in both women and men. One patient loses 90 pounds and finally realizes her dream of being pregnant. And don't miss our BMI calcultor.

October 2010
If you spend all of your money having a baby, how will you pay for raising the baby? And what if you spend the money and still don’t get a baby? Here are a few tips to help take money worries out of the equation.

September 2010
A new study has shown that there is indeed a correlation between stress and infertility. What can you do to reduce stress in your life? Our experts share tips and resources for getting you to your happy place

August 2010
Claims that nutritional supplements will improve our health and may provide some pregnancy-related benefits are gaining headlines in the press. But some supplements may not be as safe as they would seem. Dr. Eric Levens discusses the safest and most effective supplement to take before and during pregnancy.

July 2010
For nearly all couples who pursue fertility treatment, morning monitoring is a common ritual. In this informative article, SGFC physicians discuss why monitoring is so important to a treatment cycle and how it’s results help to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients.

May 2010
Often patients are unaware that using the same fertility treatment protocol over and over without success can be like spinning your wheels. Dr. Ricardo Yazigi discusses the stepped care approach taken at Shady Grove Fertility, and how changing treatment protocol may lead to conception success. 

March 2010
PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Endometriosis effects 1 in 10 women in the United States. Read on about the different treatment options available for both of these diseases.

February 2010
It can be quite a shock to find that getting pregnant doesn't always come easily and in the time frame when we want. Truth is that 1 in 8 couples in the US struggle with infertility. Dr. Jeanne O'Brien of SGFC's Frederick office provides answers to the many questions that revolve around "how long should I wait to seek fertility treatment?"

January 2010
Are You Just Starting Your Fertility Journey? Will it work? Can I afford it? These common questions are addressed in our Getting Started video. And don't miss Dr. Anitha Nair featured on The Dr. Oz Show. Also welcoming Dr. Howard McClamrock and the Baltimore -UMD and Dr. Eric Levens to our Annadale office.

November 2009
Don't miss out on the important information you need to know before changing your insurance benefits! Also learn more about 2 new financial options for patients, 1 patients journey - and book - as well as how your BMI can effect your fertility.

September 2009
Will I get pregnant with a frozen embryo? How do I prepare for a frozen embryo transfer? Will my frozen embryos go bad if I don’t use them quickly? These are many questions that run through the minds of patients who have frozen embryos. Learn the answers to these questions and more.

August 2009
For many patients, the first question after they learn how many eggs have fertilized and are now embryos is what day will my transfer be. Shady Grove Fertility physician Dr. Robert Stillman discusses the delicate technique of embryo growth and how SGFC's physicians along with the experienced team of embryologist help decide whether an embryo should be transferred back on day 3 or day 5 (blastocyst).

July 2009
You’ve already waited months, maybe years, to finally get to this point: awaiting the results of your IUI or embryo transfer. You’ve entered the dreaded “two-week wait.” It’s a brief period of time that’s usually filled with both hope, anxiety, and many questions. Our expert has provided some answers to common questions about this period of time.

June 2009
Did you know that Male Infertility is one of the most common form of infertility? Nearly 50% of all infertility cases are due to male infertility. Shady Grove Fertility has put together a male infertility Q&A to answer some common questions about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

May 2009
A woman’s fertility naturally decreases with age and fertility treatment results follow the same lines, down over time, beginning in the early 20’s and dropping more rapidly after 35.

April 2009
One of the most common causes of female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. While the name can sound daunting, the truth is PCOS is also one of the most easily treated infertility conditions.

March 2009
Day 3 testing refers to the bloodwork and ultrasound evaluation performed on the third day of your menstrual cycle. This testing provides critical information regarding a woman’s reproductive functioning.

February 2009
Many patients considering donor egg treatment often wonder what would motivate someone to donate their eggs. Many of the news stories about their motives leave readers with a cynical perspective and may even deter some fertility patients from considering their best options for getting pregnant. One egg donor is happy to share the other side of the story.

January 2009
Years ago, Shady Grove Fertility made news when they innovated Shared Risk 100% Refund program for making infertility treatment more affordable. Now, Shady Grove Fertility presents the new Shared Help program which helps patients receive 10% to 50% discount off the cost of most fertility services provided by Shady Grove Fertility.

November 2008
Late Fall signals "open enrollment" when many employees are offered the opportunity to change their insurance carriers, for the coming new year. Listen as presenters Janice Koch, Financial Services Director, Katy Geddes, Financial Services Supervisor and Amanda Segal, Shared Risk Coordinator offer their considerations on open enrollment, as well as a general review of the financial resources and tools in place, to help Shady Grove patients consider the various financial options for their fertility treatment.

October 2008
More than a quarter of the patients that come to Shady Grove Fertility Center seeking treatment are diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Find out how unexplained infertility is diagnosed and the treatment options for a couple who is diagnosed with unexplained infertility?

September 2008
Find out how many patients seeking western fertility treatments are turning to eastern practices to enhance and complement their journey. Listen as Tami Quinn and Beth Heller, co-founders of Pulling Down The Moon - Complementary Medicine Services, describes yoga, acupuncture, and massage therapy, among other modes of care that this group will provide in their brand-new Rockville office beginning in mid-September.

August 2008
Learn about how PCOS or decreased ovarian function impact a couple’s ability to conceive and their chances of conception with treatment. Listen as Dr. Ricardo Yazigi from SGFC's Baltimore office discusses diagnostic and treatment options for these two common causes of female infertility.

July 2008
As Shady Grove Fertility Center prepares to welcome Pulling Down The Moon - Integrative Care for Fertility™ to their Rockville office, see how some are helping fertility patients make a mind/body connection.

June 2008
Learn about cancer and fertility and watch online as Dr. Eric Widra and Dr. David Saffan discuss Fertility Options for Cancer Patients.

May 2008
Learn Mother's Day survival tips and listen as Dr. Gilbert Mottla and Dr. Rachana Garde discuss Treatment Options and Aging.