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Dr. Eric Levens discussing Infertility Post Cancer with WUSA9’s Andrea Roane

Andrea Roane with WUSA9 (CBS) discusses the impact of infertility post cancer. “Only 7 percent of fertile women who go on to conceive successfully following a breast cancer and cancer treatment.” Both women and men diagnosed with cancer prior to building their family, should consider their options to prevent infertility post cancer treatment.

Eric D. Levens, M.D. from Shady Grove Fertility’s Annandale, VA office discusses why cancer and cancer treatment can impact fertility and the options available. “Cancer treatments can effect fertility in many ways, one of the principle ways is through chemotherapy.” Dr. Levens continues, “Chemotherapy diminishes or reducing the ovarian potential, destroys the eggs, and the support cells for the eggs. And as a result, fertility is lost.”

So what can women diagnosed with cancer do to prevent infertility post cancer?

With an increase in awareness on the impacts of cancer treatment on a woman’s fertility, and new field is developing – oncofertility. Oncofertility is the partnership of cancer and infertility treatments between a patient’s oncologist and reproductive endocrinologist. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer there are many questions arise and “the discussion of fertility needs to happen before [cancer] treatment starts,” explains Dr. Levens.

Today, the primary preventative measure to protect a woman’s fertility is through egg freezing. If she is able to freeze her eggs prior to her cancer treatment, she can return to use those eggs through in vitro fertilization – or IVF.

For male fertility preservation, sperm freezing is available through Fairfax Cryobank. Please contact Markos Meleku at 703-968-3969 for more information.

Watch Dr. Eric Levens on WUSA9: Infertility Post Cancer

If you have questions regarding infertility treatment or would like to schedule a new patient appointment, please call our New Patient Center at 877-971-7755 or click to schedule an appointment.

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Shady Grove Fertility’s Facebook community – now with over 14,000 members – offers a unique type of support and understanding that only someone who has walked down the same road as you could provide.  So we asked them: What is the #1 piece of advice you would give someone who is just beginning fertility treatment or who is considering seeing a specialist? Their words, not surprisingly, offer hope and the strength to keep going.

Advice from Shady Grove Fertility Patients and Facebook Fans

Ashley- Don’t expect the first cycle to work. It may take many tries before you get your miracle.

Dawn- Have a support system. Always remember why you are doing it. My 9 month old is the love of my life and so worth all the bad to get her. Hang in there it’s a rough road but well worth it!

Ruthy- It can be a very long and hard road, don’t forget the end result, it’s so worth it! Don’t hold grudges against those who have it easy, the hard work makes your pregnancy that much more worth the wait!

Jennifer- Don’t be scared or embarrassed. More people have fertility problems than you realize. Your problem may be something very simple to fix yet you won’t know until you go.

Jen- Choose a select group to really support you outside your husband. We didn’t share with the world because it’s a lot harder when more know and news isn’t what you want it to be.

Aimee-Buckle up! It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but you will get through it.

Ronnie- Be patient . . . . . . . . . both of our beautiful children were conceived through Shady Grove Fertility Center, in the third cycles. Trust in God! Miracles come to those who wait! Sara 7/3/2009 & RJ 11/25/2012.

Emily- Find an RE who believes in you and whom you completely trust, so if things go wrong, you’ll know it wasn’t something avoidable.

Katy- Keep a positive attitude and find humor in everything and anything. Most importantly, believe in your body.

Jenny- Have Faith in God!

Staci- It’s a very long road. Find friends who are going or have been through this. You need someone who can relate to you!

Jill- Be gentle with your emotional health. Hormones are tricky monsters.

Amy- Positivity is the key. You have to stay positive and remember to be thankful for what you have. And I agree don’t hold grudges just talk with them so they can be by your side as your cheerleader

Kelli- Have faith!

Erin- Be patient and expect the unexpected

Lory- Be patient and stay hopeful. Remember what you’re working toward and once you hold your child in your arms the whole struggle was worth it.

Ellen- Find support, even if it’s one other person on a similar journey. Husbands are great to talk to, but they need a break sometimes.

Kathy- Have faith in the BEST, trust and listen to the Doctors.

Danielle- It’s not easy at all and don’t lose your mind in the process!

Suzette- Be ready for the roller coaster of emotions.

Jennings- Don’t lose sight of the end goal! Fertility treatments are a tough and sometimes lonely road but the end goal is well worth it! Never give up! Miracles happen every day!

Abby- Make sure you find the doctor you are comfortable with. You will have a lot of questions and obstacles and it is better to feel like you have a supportive team. And don’t lose hope!

Tracey- Hang in there – it’ll be worth it!

Ashley- Trust your own intuition. Find a doctor and team that you are comfortable with and trust! That will make all the difference in being able to stay calm!

Suzanne- You are your own best advocate. Trust your gut and get that second, third, fourth opinion… whatever it takes to get answers. Nothing is impossible…stay strong and keep a positive attitude.

Advice from Shady Grove Fertility

  • If you are currently a patient going through fertility treatment, don’t give up, it just takes one!
  • For those considering taking the next step, don’t be nervous, it’s just a simple conversation. Our New Patient Center is here to help answer your questions regarding testing and fertility treatment. Call 1-877-971-7755 to speak with a New Patient Liaison.
  • Did you know infertility is not just a female problem? In fact, 40%-50% of all infertility is due to a male-factor form of infertility. Be sure to include a semen analysis in your fertility workup.
  • In regard to a woman’s fertility, age is the single biggest factor to determine your success. Generally, sooner is better. If you have just started trying to conceive and have questions regarding your fertility, be sure to discuss it with your OBGYN. If you are suspecting a problem or have additional questions, call our new patient center at 1-877-971-7755.
  • Be sure to ask about financial programs when you are beginning treatment. There is typically something for everyone.
  • Check with your insurance company about your fertility benefits and check if you need a referral because not all insurance plans require a referral from your general physician. 90% of patients have insurance coverage for the initial consultation.
  • Words of wisdom and advice from Shady Grove Fertility Staff:

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Fertility Superstition #1: Being on oral contraceptive (birth control pills) for many years can reduce your chances of conception.

It is the goal of birth control to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation. When a woman decides to stop taking the pill, the hormones leave the body rather quickly – usually within a couple of days, regardless of how long she was on the pill.

As soon as the hormones are out of your system, your body starts to produce hormones to start your menstrual cycle. Different women will respond differently to this process, some taking a couple weeks to ovulate, others may take several months.

If you did have problems with ovulation prior to taking birth control pills, those may continue when you stop.

Fertility Superstition #2: There are certain sex positions that will more likely result in pregnancy.

While the goal is to have the sperm as close to the cervix as possible, in general, the sexual position you choose will not have any bearing chances of conception. There are no studies to support that any one position increases the likelihood of pregnancy.

Fertility Superstition #3: Lifting your legs in the air after sex will help you get pregnant.

As for your post-coital routine, healthy sperm will begin swimming immediately after ejaculation so there is no need to lay with your feet in the air after intercourse to help them out.

When a patient comes in for treatment, we do advise they lay still for 5 minutes after their embryo transfer and treat their bodies as if they are pregnant until it is time to take their first pregnancy 2 weeks later. That means no alcohol, a healthy diet and only moderate exercise.

Fertility Superstition #4: Eating certain food like yams, dairy products or cough syrup will help you conceive (or have twins!).

While it is important to maintain a healthy diet and get certain nutrients, there is no evidence that particular foods will result in a pregnancy or twins.

And as for taking cough syrup, this superstition has been around since the ’80s. The idea was that guaifenesin (a common ingredient in cough syrup) could thin cervical mucus much like it things the mucus in your nasal passages allowing easier travel for sperm to reach the egg. However, no studies have proven this to be true and in fact, taking cough syrup means you are ingesting other ingredients, like antihistamines, which are not good for you fertility.

Fertility Superstition #5: Having sex every day until you get pregnant.

SGF Nurse

When couples start to consider building a family, they often wonder when they are most fertile or try to make a fertility calendar. Generally speaking, a woman’s fertility window is 6 days leading up to and ending on the day of the ovulation.  This is because sperm can live inside the female body for several days and the egg survives for about 24 hours after ovulation. Having intercourse every 24-48 hours leading up to ovulation will increase your chances of pregnancy.

For women that have regular cycles, determining ovulation and your fertility calendar is easy – it is typically 14 days before the start of your next period. However, many women do not have regular cycles, making planning more challenging. Ovulation predictor kits detect rises in luteinizing hormone (LH) which happens prior to ovulation. For those of you already in fertility treating at Shady Grove Fertility you are probably very familiar with LH, as it is part of your basic Day 3 testing and often included in treatment protocols to stimulate the development of eggs.

If you are struggling to conceive, speak with one of our friendly New Patient Liaisons by calling 888-971-7755 or clicking here.

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Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor and Medical Team at Each Step of Your Fertility Journey

Woman writing on note pad, Canon 1Ds mark III

It can be difficult for even the most prepared to know the right questions to ask your doctor when discussing fertility. Some questions for your OB/GYN may be:

  • How is my age affecting my ability to conceive?
  • Will you order a semen analysis for my partner?
  • How much experience do you have treating infertility patients?

While in treatment, you might also have questions for your fertility specialist, nurse or financial counselor:

  • What treatment do you suggest? How many times should we try this treatment before considering other options?
  • Do you provide training for administrating medication?
  • What appointments are needed after I have a positive pregnancy test?

For many, the reality is “you don’t know what you don’t know” which makes it hard to find the right questions to ask your doctor and the appropriate time to ask them. Preparing for your next appointment doesn’t have to be difficult – download and print our newest resource for women and men trying to conceive “Asking the Right Questions”. This handy guide lists the important questions to ask at each step whether you are still with your OB/GYN or already seeing a Reproductive Endocrinologist.

Click to view or download “Asking the Right Questions”

Video: Getting Started at Shady Grove Fertility

If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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by Michelle Melvin, Practice Liaison with Shady Grove Fertility

Dr. Kimberly Moon (left) and Michelle Melvin at the DC premier of Decoding Annie Parker

Movies. They are part of our American culture. Some make you laugh, some make you cry, and others leave you with the feeling of wanting more. The movie premier that Dr. Kimberly Moon and I attended last night did all of the above for us as well as the hundreds of others in the AFI theatre in Silver Spring. Steven Bernstein, Hollywood cinematographer who directed this film with his son, surprisingly greeted us at the door to prepare us for what to expect. The sold-out screening of this new film “Decoding Annie Parker,” which is causing a lot of buzz and positive interest in the DC community, exceeded our expectations – but it goes even beyond the cinema. It’s causing those audience members such as myself to want to make a difference.

The movie is a feature film based on the real lives of two remarkable women, separated by thousands of miles but somehow their lives gradually intertwine with a life changing reckoning. It stars Helen Hunt as American geneticist, Dr. Mary Claire King, who discovers the BRCA genes linked to a higher incidence of breast and ovarian cancers.  Samantha Morton portrays Annie Parker, a Canadian woman who was also searching for answers to why cancer was ravaging her family. She even won Best Actress for her portrayal at the Seattle International Film Festival. This movie captivated viewers, like myself and others nationwide, to want to share it with everyone. Apparently there’s a new term for these types of films, called filmanthropy.

Filmanthropy is a new model for socially and politically based films to establish an audience and give back to the people and organizations that inspired them. Inspiration for us to attend this unforgettable night was because of FORCE, the only national non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. FORCE helps to raise public awareness for research, tests, patient/family support, and the resources to allow women and men make informed choices about risk factors. Their local outreach efforts in DC have positively impacted many of our own patients, friends and family because of their mission to empower and educate.

In light of it being hereditary breast and ovarian cancer week, I encourage anyone who has a friend, coworker, neighbor, cousin, sister, or mother afflicted with this terrible disease to go to the FORCE website (www.facingourrisk.org) and read about the simple way(s) that can possibly save you or a loved one’s life. Then, find out where the next viewing is of the remarkable movie and take all of those ladies with you for an enjoyable girls night out!

Watch the trailer for Decoding Annie Parker

If you would like to discuss your fertility preservation options or to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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Is Your Biological Clock Really Ticking?


Last month, Jean Twenge made a splash in The Atlantic and on Good Morning America, disputing at what age fertility really did drop for women. Twenge suggests that fertility doesn’t decline when a woman is in her 30s but rather when she is in her 40s. Is she right? When does a women’s biological clock really start ticking?

“While there have been great improvements in achieving successful pregnancies with fertility treatment, one area that has always been challenging is related to the age of the egg,” says Stephen Greenhouse, MD. “Many women have successful and healthy pregnancies after the age of 35. However, often times when couples are asked how long they have been trying to conceive, they say only a few months, but in fact they stopped using birth control 2 years ago. This couple likely has some form of infertility but may not realize it.” This is an example of ‘let’s just see what happens’ or ‘we’re trying but not really trying’ mentality. The truth is, if you are having intercourse regularly without protection for a year and you have not conceived you likely may need to see a fertility specialist.

At what age does your fertility decline?
  

“It is important that couples plan family building, discuss when they are ready to have children, and part of their planning should be related to the age of both the woman and man. Also something to consider is that couples may not have problem getting pregnant when the women is in her early 30s but if they wish to have more than one child, they may experience problems when trying for the second or third,” explains Dr. Greenhouse.

According to Dr. Greenhouse, “Couples do not need to panic if the woman is 35 but they should be proactive in discussing their options if they have been trying for more than six months. The chances of conceiving each month for a women who is 35 is about 12-15% per month and this begins to decline after trying for 4-5 months. Age is by far the most important predictor of success.”

What is agreed upon by all parties is an increased risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities as the parents get older. Dr. Greenhouse speaks from experience, “I have seen many couples who regret not coming in earlier to seek treatment for their conception delays. Unfortunately, we cannot go back and make up for lost time.”

If you are having trouble conceiving and would like to speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons by calling 877-971-7755 or schedule an appointment.

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

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