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Common Infertility Acronyms And Abbreviations

AMH: AMH, or anti-Müllerian hormone, is the best predictor of a woman’s ovarian reserve. AMH is a protein produced by the granulosa cells in ovarian follicles. AMH blood levels are indicative of the size of the pool of follicles remaining; thus, as a woman gets older, the size of the ovarian follicle pool decreases and the AMH level also decreases, becoming undetectable at the time of menopause.

 FSH: FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, is released by the brain to stimulate the ovarian follicles (tiny fluid-filled sacs within the ovary containing a maturing egg) to grow and develop.

BW: Bloodwork (BW) is a vital component of your infertility work-up. The bloodwork is testing for different hormone levels, which will help your physician establish a diagnosis.

DE: DE, or donor egg, refers to donor egg treatment, which is needed by women who are unable to use their own eggs for conception, but can still carry a child in their uterus; women who have decreased ovarian function, premature ovarian failure, or genetic abnormalities; or same-sex male couples using a gestational carrier.

FSH: FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, is released by the brain to stimulate the ovarian follicles (tiny fluid-filled sacs within the ovary containing a maturing egg) to grow and develop.

GC: A gestational carrier is commonly used for women who are unable to carry their own child or for same-sex couples. Different than a “traditional surrogate,” gestational carriers have no biological link to the child(ren).

hCG: Beta Human chorionic gonadotropin, or B-hCG or simply hcg, is a hormone produced during pregnancy. Levels of hCG increase steadily in the early stages of pregnancy, showing physicians that a healthy pregnancy is progressing. A beta pregnancy test specifically looks for hCG.

HSG: A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) determines the condition of the fallopian tubes and uterus. When an HSG is performed, dye will be placed through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. An x-ray will determine if the uterine cavity is normal and the tubes are open. This is the best test to look at the tubes and also provides the opportunity to look at the shape and contour of the uterus.

ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a treatment utilized when the quantity or quality of sperm is too poor to effectively penetrate the egg on its own. An embryologist will select a single healthy sperm and inject it directly into the center of the egg. This has been an incredibly effective treatment for male factor infertility.

IUI: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a low-tech fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. Placing the sperm directly into the uterus makes the trip to the fallopian tubes much shorter, providing the sperm with a shorter distance to reach the egg.

IVF: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction that involves combining an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish. If the egg fertilizes and the cells begin to divide, the resulting embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus where it will hopefully implant in the uterine lining and further develop.

LH: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the gonadotropin cells in the pituitary gland. In women, the rise of LH (known as the “LH surge”) triggers ovulation, or the release of the eggs.

MF: MF represents male factor infertility, which can occur from structural abnormalities, sperm production disorders, ejaculatory disturbances, and immunologic disorders. Nearly 40 percent of infertility is related to male factor.

OHSS: OHSS stands for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a rare complication of ovarian stimulation. This occurs when a woman develops fluid in the abdomen and has enlarged ovaries.

P4: P4, or the hormone known as progesterone, is tested to determine the following:

  • if ovulation has occurred
  • when ovulation has occurred
  • if there is a normally growing pregnancy
  • if there has been an ectopic pregnancy
  • if there has been a miscarriage

Progesterone levels will surge before ovulation and should continue to rise if you become pregnant.

PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in which the ovaries produce excessive amounts of male hormones and the ovaries develop many small cysts. These hormonal imbalances can prevent ovulation.

PGS: Preconception genetic screening (PGS)is a state-of-the-art procedure used in conjunction with IVF to select embryos that are free of chromosomal abnormalities and specific genetic disorders, in order to transfer the embryo to the uterus.

PGD: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) Can test prospective parents for many different diseases and syndromes. Genetic screening may test for traits that are common in certain ethnic groups that are recessive, or that may have some likelihood of causing serious diseases in affected offspring.

RPL: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as two or more consecutive, spontaneous pregnancy losses before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. Recurrent miscarriages can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a genetic defect, an abnormally-shaped uterus, fibroids, scar tissue, hormonal imbalances, and more.

SA: A semen analysis (SA) must be performed prior to a treatment cycle in order to evaluate the sperm’s potential to fertilize an egg. A semen analysis tells your physician the number of sperm that are present, whether they are normal, and how well they move.

SI: Secondary infertility (SI) is defined as the inability to become pregnant—despite engaging in unprotected intercourse—following the birth of one or more biological children who were born without the aid of fertility treatment or medications.

TTC: TTC stands for trying to conceive. People generally consider ‘trying to conceive’ as the time period in which they have intentionally been trying to have a baby, but physicians consider it to be the entire time during which a couple is having regular, unprotected intercourse. Even if a couple is not intentionally trying to conceive, pregnancy should occur after approximately 1 year of unprotected intercourse.

2WW: 2WW is also known as the two week wait. It takes about two weeks from the time a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall to start emitting enough of the hCG hormone to be detected by the beta blood pregnancy test. After the two weeks have passed, physicians can be reasonably sure that a pregnancy test result is accurate. This can often be one of the most stressful parts of treatment for patients, as they are waiting to discover if they have become pregnant.

US: Ultrasounds (US) are useful, not only during ovarian reserve testing, but also to detect abnormalities of the ovaries, uterus, and other structures in the pelvis.

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The facts about infertility

Infertility is often a misunderstood topic. Confusion and inaccurate information abound that can cloud the facts. At Shady Grove Fertility, we encourage you to do your homework and become informed with accurate, reliable, truthful information about infertility. We are hopeful your physician, your health care team, and this website will serve as a wonderful resource for you.

11 fertility facts

Infertility is often a misunderstood topic. Confusion and inaccurate information abound that can cloud the facts. At Shady Grove Fertility, we encourage you to do your homework and become informed with accurate, reliable, truthful information about infertility. We are hopeful your physician, your health care team, and this website will serve as a wonderful resource for you.

Fact #1: Infertility doesn’t discriminate.

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system and it affects both men and women. For this reason, during the initial infertility work-up, it is imperative to test the male partner’s fertility as well as the female partner’s fertility. In 40 to 50 percent of infertility cases, male factor is the cause, making it necessary to review the male’s test results—in addition to the female’s—as part of the diagnostic work-up.

Fact #2: You are not alone.

It seems that everyone knows someone who has had trouble conceiving. On average, one in eight couples of reproductive age will be infertile. However, our experience at Shady Grove Fertility is if couples seek treatment, most will be successful in having a baby. Patient advocacy groups and online patient networks are great resources for information about support and finding other couples experiencing infertility. Remember, you are not alone.

Fact #3: The female partner’s age is a key indicator of future success.

You will find this fact emphasized throughout this website and it cannot be repeated often enough. The single most common misconception among women is that they can achieve a pregnancy at any age. Unfortunately this is not true. A woman’s fertility naturally decreases with age and fertility treatment results follow the same downward trend; they decrease beginning in the early 20s and drop more rapidly after 35. Even with in vitro fertilization (IVF), pregnancies over the age of 42 are uncommon. But what about those Hollywood stars who are having babies at 45, 48, and even 52? Those women are most likely using donor eggs or froze their eggs when they were younger.

Fact #4: Even if you’ve already had a child, secondary infertility is possible.

Secondary infertility—the inability to get pregnant naturally or carry a pregnancy to term after successfully conceiving one or more children—is actually quite common. According to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, approximately 12 percent of women in the United States have secondary infertility, and it accounts for more than half of all infertility cases. However, unlike those with primary infertility, people affected by secondary infertility are much less likely to seek infertility treatments. For some, this is out of guilt or shame, for others it’s because of confusion surrounding how infertility could now exist even though they already have a child. In reality, a number of things can cause secondary infertility, including advanced maternal age, damaged or blocked Fallopian tubes, problems with ovulation, endometriosis, and problems with sperm production.

Fact #5: Knowing when to seek help gives you the most options.

For women younger than 35, infertility is defined as 12 months of unprotected intercourse without conception occurring. For women older than 35 to 39, it is defined as 6 months of unprotected intercourse without conception. For women 40 and older, we recommend seeing a specialist right away.
Additionally, it is important to realize that the definition of trying to conceive does not mention frequency or timing of intercourse, the use of ovulation predictor kits or temperature charts, checking the mucus, or any other methods other than having unprotected intercourse. Therefore, a couple having regular, unprotected intercourse is effectively “trying to conceive” whether they realize it or not.
Further, if a woman is experiencing irregular periods (or none at all) or has experienced two or more miscarriages, she should speak with a fertility specialist, regardless of how long she and her partner have been trying to conceive.
Lastly, as for knowing when to seek treatment, early intervention can make all the difference in your ability to get pregnant sooner. In many cases, a referral from your OB/GYN is not required and the initial consult is covered by insurance 90 percent of the time. In fact, 50 percent of SGF patients self-refer.

Fact #6: Knowing where to seek medical help is critical. Investigate the center’s reputation, expertise, experience, and outcomes.

Women who are trying to conceive have options for the type of specialist they choose to visit first: many women begin at their OB/GYN or primary care provider, while some will go directly to a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility center. Most doctors will begin the same way, ordering an infertility work-up of the male and female partners to uncover any potential causes of infertility. The OB/GYN may perform surgery to improve physical conditions, or possibly prescribe clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene) treatment to induce ovulation or to overcome a very mild form of male factor infertility. If pregnancy is not achieved after 3 months of Clomid or if the woman’s age is a factor, it’s best to be under the care of a fertility specialist. In fact, more and more OB/GYNs are referring patients to Shady Grove Fertility when infertility is first suspected, citing the advantages of patients going to a specialist whose entire practice is focused on infertility. Infertility impacts couples medically, emotionally, and financially. You want to be sure that you are going to the best place for you and your partner.
From a medical perspective, evaluate your doctor’s training, the clinic’s track record of success, and their treatment volume. At Shady Grove Fertility, the volume of patients we care for gives us tremendous insight into the best fertility practices. The data we can collect in a few months may take many other centers/physician groups years to gather.
From an emotional perspective, what kind of support resources do they offer and is it integrated into the practice or part of an outside service? Are you comfortable with interactions you’ve had with staff? Cost is a big issue—do you get the sense they are on your team when it comes to insurance and payment options? Most importantly, seek a recommendation from people you trust: your OB/GYN or friends who have gone to the fertility center.

Fact # 7: Insurance may not cover fertility treatment, but there are many affordable options.

Shady Grove Fertility participates with more than 30 insurance companies, and 70 percent of our patients have some coverage for testing, treatment, or medications. For those patients without insurance benefits, we offer many exclusive financial options, including guarantee programs and multi-cycle and medication discounts, even assistance programs such as Shared Help for people with limited income. It is part of our mission at Shady Grove Fertility to make treatment as affordable and accessible to as many people as possible.

Fact #8: IVF is typically not the first step.

Many patients will begin with basic treatment, achieve a pregnancy, and never have a need for in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is considered an advanced treatment. However, some patients may need to go straight to IVF or donor egg treatment due to their diagnosis, such as blocked Fallopian tubes or advanced maternal age. At Shady Grove Fertility, we practice a stepped-care approach, always balancing your chances of success with the simplicity of the procedure. While IVF offers outstanding success rates, it may not be necessary. In fact, more than 50 percent of the treatment cycles our physicians perform are considered basic treatments.

Fact #9: IVF is not experimental but a proven, reliable treatment method with success rates continuously on the rise.

Since Louise Brown was first born from IVF in 1978, the reproductive medicine field has seen remarkable technological advances that have made it possible for millions of couples to conceive through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Pregnancy rates from fertility treatment have nearly doubled since the advent of IVF, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has nearly eliminated the need for donor sperm in severe cases of male infertility.

Fact #10: IVF does not always mean multiples and the incidence of multiple pregnancies is drastically decreasing.

Shady Grove Fertility has nearly eliminated the incidence of high-order multiple births by leading the charge in transferring only one embryo, called elective single embryo transfer, or eSET, whenever possible.

Fact #11: More of the same treatment is not always better.

When you are going through any fertility treatment, it is important to understand that your chances for pregnancy are most likely going to be optimized by three to six treatment cycles. If pregnancy isn’t happening and your health care team has not discovered any new information to help improve the current treatment plan, it is time to move on to the next option.

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Male Fertility Supplements

In up to 5 out of 10 couples having trouble conceiving, a comprehensive fertility work-up will find the presence of male infertility. Certain nutrients have been shown to improve sperm quality while others have been shown to improve sperm motility (movement).

Shady Grove Fertility is proud to recommend Luminary Vitamins and Theralogix to offer high-quality, evidence-based nutritional supplements patients can trust. 

Order From Luminary Vitamins

Nutrients To Improve Sperm Quality

Studies have shown that, in many instances, a problem with sperm quality may be due to high levels of oxidative stress in the semen.1-3 Oxidative stress is a condition in which harmful molecules called free radicals damage the sperm. Antioxidants are the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress. Not surprisingly, many studies have shown that taking certain antioxidants in supplement form may reduce the levels of oxidative stress thereby helping to improve sperm quality.

Antioxidants—specifically vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, lycopene, and zinc—have shown benefit in protecting sperm and thereby potentially improving male fertility.4-9

Studies have also shown that supplementation with nutrients such as folic acid can improve sperm count and potentially male fertility.10 Folic acid erves as a “methyl donor” in our cells, and is critically important for DNA synthesis.

(Note: Semen analyses performed at Shady Grove Fertility look at several parameters used to evaluate the number of sperm found in the semen and their overall condition. While our analyses currently do not measure the levels of oxidative stress, male fertility supplements with antioxidants can potentially help to lower levels of oxidative stress.)

Nutrients To Improve Sperm Motility

In addition, certain nutrients may also help improve sperm motility, the ability for the sperm to swim. This is especially important for couples who are trying to conceive naturally, or those undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI).Here are some key details:

CoQ10 and L-carnitine 

Two nutrients—CoQ10 and L-carnitine—play a vital role in cellular energy production. Several studies have shown that supplementation with these nutrients can help improve sperm motility.11-13

Vitamin D

Maintaining a normal vitamin D level has also been linked to better sperm motility.14

When Is A Male Fertility Supplement Appropriate?

If the results of a semen analysis are completely normal, then a man does not need a male fertility supplement. However, some men who have abnormalities seen on their semen analysis may benefit from nutritional supplementation. For couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an inexpensive antioxidant supplement such as ConceptionXR Reproductive Health Formula may be recommended. This specially designed preconception vitamin and mineral supplement supports the nutritional needs of a man to promote normal sperm function and support male fertility. ConceptionXR contains high-dose antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and selenium) and other nutrients designed to reduce oxidative stress in the semen, enhance sperm function, and protect sperm DNA.* Antioxidants have been shown to enhance fertilization and pregnancy rates during in vitro fertilization (IVF).15

For couples trying natural conception or undergoing IUI, antioxidants plus other nutrients that support better sperm motility such as ConceptionXR Motility Support Formula may help increase their chances of success.This specially designed preconception vitamin and mineral supplement supports the nutritional needs of a man to promote normal sperm function and motility. ConceptionXR Motility Support contains antioxidants (vitamins C, E, and selenium) to reduce oxidative stress in the semen, protect sperm DNA, and promote normal sperm function PLUS 1000 mg L-carnitine and additional vitamin D3 to promote sperm motility. *

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References:
  1. Dada et al. Oxidative stress and sperm DNA quality in couples experiencing recurrent IVF failure. Fertil Steril. 2012; 98(3): S247.
  2. Kao et al. Increase of oxidative stress in human sperm with lower motility. Fertil Steril. 2008; 89(5): 1183-90.
  3. Saleh et al. Negative effects of increased sperm DNA damage in relation to seminal oxidative stress in men with idiopathic and male factor infertility. Fertil Steril. 2003; 79(3):1597-1605.
  4. Akmal et al. Improvement in human semen quality after oral supplementation of vitamin C. J Med Food. 2006; 9(3):440-2.
  5. Geva et al. The effect of antioxidant treatment on human spermatozoa and fertilization rate in an in vitro fertilization program. Fertil Steril. 1996; 66(3):430-4.
  6. Suleiman et al. Lipid peroxidation and human sperm motility: protective role of vitamin E. J Androl. 1996; 17(5):530-7.
  7. Moslemi and Tavanbakhsh. Selenium-vitamin E supplementation in infertile men: effects on semen parameters and pregnancy rate. Int J Gen Med. 2011;23(4):99-104.
  8. Gupta et al. Lycopene therapy in idiopathic male infertility–a preliminary report. Int Urol Nephrol. 2002; 34:369-72.
  9. Hunt et al. Effects of dietary zinc depletion on seminal volume and zinc loss, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm morphology in young men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992; 56(1): 148-57.
  10. Wong et al. Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 2002; 77(3):491-8.
  11. Balercia et al. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized trial. Fertil Steril. 2009; 91(5):1785-92.
  12. Nadjarzadeh et al. Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trial. Andrologia.2014; 46(2):177-83.
  13. Lenzi et al. Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial. Fertil Steril. 2003; 79(2):292-300.
  14. Blomberg, Jensen et al. Vitamin D is positively associated with sperm motility and increases intracellular calcium in human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod. 2011; 26(6):1307-17.
  15. Tremellen et al. A randomised control trial examining the effect of an antioxidant (Menevit) on pregnancy outcome during IVF-ICSI treatment. Aust NZ Journal Obstet Gynaecol. 2007; 47(3): 349-54.

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Let us take you back, if only briefly, to the awkward days of your youth squirming in your seat as you learned about human reproduction and the anatomy of the male reproductive system for the first time. Consider this a brief lesson in review.

In contrast to the female whose sex organs site entirely inside the body, the male reproductive organs, also called the genitals, sit both inside and outside his body and include his:

  • Testicles
  • Duct system—made up of the epididymis and the vas deferens
  • Accessory glands, which include the seminal vesicles and prostate gland
  • Penis

The two testicles, also called testes, are oval-shaped and grow to be about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length and 1 inch (3 centimeters) in diameter. The testicles, which produce and store millions of sperm cells, are also part of the endocrine system given that they also have responsibility for producing hormones, such as testosterone.

Near the testicles are the epididymis—an organ that stores sperm while they mature—and the vas deferens—a part of the duct system that transports semen (a fluid that typically contains sperm) from the epididymis to the penis.

The epididymis and the testicles are located outside the male body in the scrotum—a pouch of skin that holds the testicles and regulates their temperature. (A cooler temperature is needed to produce sperm; you should avoid overheating if you are trying to conceive.)

The accessory glands, which include the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, surround the ejaculatory ducts (the canal through which a man ejaculates semen) at the base of the urethra (a channel that carries semen and urine outside the body by way of the penis). The seminal vesicles add nutrient fluid to semen during ejaculation. The prostate gland secretes an alkaline fluid that makes up part of the semen and enhances the movement (motility) and fertility of sperm.

The penis is where semen and urine exit the body through the urethra. The inside of the penis is made of a spongy tissue that can expand and contract.

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system refers to the collection of glands that secrete hormones directly into the circulatory system to be carried towards distant target organs. The major endocrine glands include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries (in females), testes (in males), thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands.

As part of the endocrine system, there are four main hormones that are responsible for sperm production:

Gonadotropin (GnRH): Gonadotropin, which is released from the hypothalamus, plays a vital role in human sperm production as it coordinates the release of the other hormones that are also involved in the production of sperm, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that are released from the pituitary gland.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Produced in the pituitary gland, this hormone plays a vital role in the production of sperm and stimulates the germ cells in both males and females to mature.

Luteinizing hormone (LH): In men, LH works together with FSH to produce sperm.

Testosterone: As a male makes his way through puberty, testosterone plays a major role and his testicles start producing more and more of this important hormone. Testosterone is another hormone that stimulates the production of sperm. As well, testosterone is very important for the development of the male reproduction tissues like prostate and testes.

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The Impact Of Weight On Fertility

Weight can often be a sensitive topic, but it’s important to address, not only because the rate of obesity is increasing but also because it can have a significant impact on your overall health and your ability to get pregnant—whether you’re undergoing fertility treatment or not.

What Is Considered A Healthy Weight?

A person can determine if he or she is maintaining a healthy weight by using a body mass index(BMI) score. BMI measures the percentage of body fat based on your height and weight. A normal (or “ideal”) BMI falls between 19 and 25.

How Does Weight Impact Female Fertility?

Studies that have compared overweight and obese women with women of normal weight who are using assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments have shown excess weight having negative effects such as:

  • Lower pregnancy rates
  • Increased miscarriage rate
  • Lower rate of a live birth

In addition, because BMI is strongly connected to treatment success, obese women who are undergoing ART may:

  • Need higher and longer doses of ovarian stimulation medication
  • Have fewer or more immature eggs to retrieve or more cancelled cycles due to an inadequate response
  • Experience higher risk of bleeding, damage to surrounding organs, and an anesthesia-related complication during surgery or egg retrieval
Furthermore, a higher BMI can cause problems with pregnancy, such as:
  • Gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Cesarean section (also known as a C section)
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Birth defects

Women who are underweight may not be getting adequate nutrition or may have hypothalamic amenorrhea that keeps them from ovulating on a predictable basis as well. Studies have shown though that in patients whose infertility is specifically due to weight, correction of the underlying disorder can lead to pregnancy in up to 70 percent of women.

How Does Weight Impact Male Fertility?

Just like with women who have fertility complications related to BMI, men can experience similar difficulties. If men are overweight, it can affect sperm count and sperm motility (movement). When the male hormones are increased (a result of a higher BMI at a heavier weight), it can impair the man’s ability to make sperm on a regular basis. The natural balance of testosterone and estrogen can be affected, which then may affect the ability to produce sperm. Men who are obese can also experience warming of the scrotum. If the scrotal temperature increases by 1 or 2 percent, it can impact sperm production or survival.

Weight Loss Improves Health And Outcomes

The good news is, a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent can affect a woman’s ability to resume regular ovulation if her inability to conceive is associated with weight alone.

If men are able to achieve a healthier BMI, that, too, can greatly improve their sperm production. Men produce millions of new sperm every day, making it highly beneficial to men who want to alter their lifestyle habits. Sperm takes about 72 days to mature, which means that men who lose weight or make positive lifestyle changes only need to wait about 3 months before seeing improvements in sperm quality—and an increase in their chances of reproductive success.

Exercise And Fertility

Many patients ask how much exercise is ok when they’re trying to get pregnant. While the link between exercise and fertility is a difficult to define with certainty, some facts have been well established.

  1. Intense physical activity, such as that of competitive female athletes, can disturb the menstrual cycle, but moderate activity has little effect on the cycle.
  2. Obesity is associated with decreased fertility. Weight loss in obese women can improve their fertility. Weight loss can also improve menstrual regularity in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Improve Your Chances Of Conception

At Shady Grove Fertility, we always recommend and encourage overweight and obese patients to move towards the normal weight range based on their height through healthy diet and exercise. We focus on structured weight loss programs that include behavioral modification, in addition to regular exercise with a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 3 days per week (always check with your physician before beginning any type of exercise regimen).

Patients and physicians can work together to non-invasively help a woman or man reach an optimal weight for conception. Being aware of the importance of body weight on reproduction can enable couples to maintain their ideal body weight before they begin fertility treatment. When patients have their weight at the ideal level, it can greatly increase their chances of reproductive success and reduce potential risks and complications.

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To my husband on Father’s Day-

Infertility makes it easy to feel bitter, especially when it feels as if everyone around you is pregnant or has a child. I get angry, mad, and confused about how I am not a mother yet. Most of all, I feel sad that I can’t make you a father. You aren’t someone I needed to “talk into” having a baby. You always wanted a family and it hurts my heart when I see how amazing you are with our friends’ children. I know you will be the most incredible father. You will be the fun Dad that will be involved in our child’s life. You will be our child’s very best friend. Our baby is already the luckiest little angel because they will have you.

You are my rock, but on another Father’s Day where we don’t have a baby, I know you feel sad, too. You don’t express your sadness in the same way that I do, but I know your heart also aches for a baby. Just know that every blood draw, injection, and doctor’s appointment is for US. I can handle any treatment because I know that it is just one step closer to you becoming a father.

Words will never be able to thank you enough for always supporting me and holding me up during this journey. Infertility is like a constant mist of sadness, but then holidays that are centered on parenthood, feel like a giant wave that could drown me. You keep me above water. You keep me fighting toward our goal of having a healthy baby. Your positive attitude never ceases to amaze me.

Thank you for wiping away my tears, holding my hand, and pouring that much-needed glass of wine after a negative beta. I can’t imagine this journey with anyone else. Infertility has made me strong, but it has also strengthened our bond. Stressful life situations can hurt a marriage, but infertility has brought us closer together. You’re my best friend and starting our family will be the greatest adventure. I don’t know when our baby will come, but I know it will happen. You will be a father. You will be the absolute best father. This Father’s Day, we are allowed to feel sad, but we can also feel hopeful that maybe next year our baby will be with us.

Schedule an Appointment

For more information about infertility or to schedule an appointment, please call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or click here to complete this brief online form.

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