Your Care Team

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Shady Grove Fertility Philadelphia is proud to be named a family favorite business by Main Line Parent. This recognition is based on votes and client testimonials that Main Line Parent received from their audience and community members. At Main Line Parent, their mission is building community. This sentiment resonates with SGF, as the practice strives to build a community among their patients and provide connections and helpful resources for the 1 in 8 couples who face infertility. As leaders in reproductive medicine, SGF physicians are committed to providing exceptional fertility care and remain at the forefront of advancing fertility technology.

“We are honored to be recognized by the local community as a favorite business and are proud to serve the greater Philadelphia area with personalized fertility care that is unique to each and every patient, says Dr. Ryan Martin of SGF’s new Warrington, PA office

“As physicians, helping individuals and couples build their families gives us great pride. We humbly thank our patients for this recognition and we hope to help even more patients achieve their dream of parenthood,” says Dr. Isaac Sasson of SGF’s Chesterbrook, PA location.

“We pride ourselves on offering individualized care with a focus on success and patient service.  We are able to offer innovative financial options and affordable treatment approaches that have become the cornerstones of our practice. By expanding to new locations, world-class and affordable care is available to more patients in the greater Philadelphia area with minimal disruption in their lives” adds Dr. Caleb Kallen of SGF’s Center City, Philadelphia location.

SGF has five locations in the Pennsylvania region, including Harrisburg and Reading, and continues to expand with two new offices opening in Lancaster, PA and Mechanicsburg, PA slated for Fall 2018.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment in one of Shady Grove Fertility’s five locations in Pennsylvania, contact the New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or complete the brief online form. 

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Ellen Eule, MSW, LCSW-C

It may not be intentional and we may not even realize that we set boundaries to protect ourselves in various aspects of our lives. As I write this blog about setting boundaries, I think a lot about my own boundaries, my physical and emotional boundaries, my boundaries in my work life, and my boundaries in my personal life. Oftentimes they are all connected, sometimes they are not, but without fail, I am aware that when I keep my boundaries in mind, I am more likely to face life’s challenges feeling more in control and able to make decisions that are in my best interest.

What are boundaries and why is it important to set healthy ones?

Boundaries are physical, emotional, and mental limits that exist within our environment to keep us, ideally, safe.  In some cases, boundaries may be set for us; in other cases, we set them. We learn about boundaries from the time we are very young, from those set by parents and caregivers, with the primary goal of keeping us physically safe.  As we get older, many physical boundaries stay in place, but now intangible boundaries come into play in our lives as our emotional and psychological boundaries take on even more significance. We become aware, so to speak, of where we end and the other person begins. We realize that we can say “no” to others and they can say “no” to us. We are individuals and, even in very close or intimate relationships, we are separate beings with independent needs.

People have different emotional and physical boundaries based on many things. Our cultural and religious beliefs (which may be, but not always, connected to how our families taught and observed boundaries) our age, gender, as well as our generation’s values and expectations, all contribute to how we manage our boundaries. These may be fluid and changeable, depending upon what’s going on in our internal and external lives.

Schedule An Egg Freezing Appointment 

Thinking about and keeping boundaries we are comfortable with is central to self-care and, as we know, effective self-care helps to reduce physical and emotional stress. So, as you go through fertility treatment, looking to your boundaries may help you discover your internal safety net. Try setting boundaries in one or more of the following situations and see how it feels and observe yourself, does anything change in your outlook?

Questions asked of you
You are entitled to your privacy, and your privacy may be viewed as quite different from secrecy. Become empowered to set limits on the types of questions you will answer—and from whom.  If questions seem intrusive or inappropriate you don’t have to answer them. It may help to think about your responses to questions in advance of situations where you know others may inquire about your family planning.

Social media
Your newsfeed on Facebook and Instagram may be flooded with painful reminders that others in your circles are achieving what you wish you could. This is a tough one to avoid, but when even the anticipation of this activity fills you with dread, it’s time to disconnect. Not forever, just for now.

Attending events
It’s okay to decline an invitation to a baby shower, party, or any event that you worry will be too hard. You are not being antisocial or inconsiderate, you are taking care of yourself by setting a boundary.

Your medical treatment
You may feel that your physical boundaries are being permeated, maybe even invaded. There is no question, as you go through fertility treatment there will be certain procedures you must do, but there are some you may decline. Communicating with your medical team in straightforward ways that meet your needs and respect their roles, will help keep your physical and mental integrity.

These tips hopefully will help with setting boundaries, which in turn will lead to increased nurturing and protection of yourself from both internal and external negativity. But remember, it is just as important to find outlets for support during treatment.

If you would like to talk about how setting boundaries can help you, consider making a counseling appointment.

Shady Grove Fertility’s team of dedicated new patient liaisons is available to answer your questions and schedule a consultation for you to meet with one of our 35 physicians. Call 877-971-7755 to schedule an appointment or click here.

About the Author: 
Ellen Eule, MSW, LCSW-C is a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience counseling individuals, couples and families. She has a special interest in helping people build their families, whether that journey takes a traditional route or a circuitous one “I stay present and aware of the unique needs of every client.”

Editors Note: This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness as of May 2018.

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Dr. Ryan Martin of SGF’s newest location in Warrington, PA offers a broad array of fertility services to help the 1 in 8 couples who need help in order to conceive.

Get to Know Warrington fertility specialist, Dr. Ryan Martin

Dr. Martin is a Yale University-trained fertility specialist, where he also served as an instructor at the Yale University School of Medicine and earned numerous teaching awards.

“What attracted me most to the field of infertility was that I understand what it’s like to have a loss of control, which is a common feeling among those who are struggling to conceive. I can directly empathize with this in my own life,” said Dr. Martin.

Following a tragic injury at the age of 12 that left him paralyzed from the waist down, the highly competitive and determined athlete spent a good portion of his youth traveling an international circuit to compete in various tennis tournaments. He then turned his competitive nature into his pursuit to become a doctor. Dr. Martin became the first wheelchair-bound student to ever graduate from Yale Medical School.

Watch his inspiring story of perseverance and determination:

What Patients are Saying about Dr. Martin:
“My husband and I are so lucky we were scheduled for our initial appointment with Dr. Martin when we arrived at Shady Grove Fertility. He was a perfect fit for our personalities and made the process so much more easy going and less stressful because of that. He took the time to explain everything to us in terms we would understand (he even drew us some great pictures!) and we never felt lost or alone. His nursing staff is phenomenal and always kept in touch when I had tons of questions or concerns.” Former Dr. Martin Patient, Warrington, PA

“I am so appreciative Dr. Martin did everything he said he would do. Thank you, Dr. Martin.” Former Dr. Martin Patient, Warrington, PA

“Dr. Martin and the Shady Grove Fertility team are truly a dream team that you can put your full trust in. The level of support, care, knowledge, and encouragement provided allowed us an incredibly comfortable and great experience. They truly share your goals and want to help you achieve your dream. I had many questions throughout the entire process and appreciate that Dr. Martin and Tori always took time to provide clear responses without ever rushing me or making me feel silly for asking. I went from being very nervous prior to my first appointment to completely relaxed and excited to see Dr. Martin and his team so we could navigate the path to pregnancy together. I feel some emptiness in my heart that I won’t be interacting with them on as regular a basis now but I appreciate their proactiveness in asking me to check in with them to share my progress – I definitely plan to do so! I’ll miss being under their care and will forever be grateful that my husband and I met Dr. Martin. He was the perfect doctor for us to partner with and we would highly recommend him. If you read this Dr. Martin – thank you again for being such a kind, knowledgeable, professional, and caring physician! Keep sharing your positive vibes and warm smile with your patients.” Former Dr. Martin Patient, Warrington, PA

More about Dr. Ryan Martin 

Q: WHY DID YOU BECOME A DOCTOR/REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
A: A reproductive endocrinologist gave my class a lecture in my third year of medical school about treating infertility. He talked extensively about IVF and pre genetic screening of embryos and the ability to help change people’s lives for the better. After shadowing him in his clinic and watching him make so many couples’ dreams come true, I was inspired to become a reproductive endocrinologist.

Q: WHO INSPIRES YOU?
A: I am inspired by those who strive to help others. I am always amazed by doctors and nurses who bond with their patients and have the ability to put them at ease. I strive to be able to do that with my patients and make a difficult process as tolerable as possible.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHY DO YOU ENJOY THEM?
A: I enjoy playing tennis and scuba diving. I have always liked tennis because it requires strength, concentration, drive, and belief in yourself in order to be successful. Scuba diving is my favorite hobby because of the adventure, wildlife, and the brilliant colors and scenery.

Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT WOULD SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?
A: Most people don’t know that I used to play professional wheelchair tennis on a world circuit before I went into medicine.

Q: WHAT ABOUT SGF MAKES YOU THE MOST PROUD?
A: I am so proud to be part of Shady Grove Fertility because of the outstanding care that is provided and by the amazing people who work here. It truly takes an entire team to make a practice succeed and to allow patients to have the best experience possible. It is clear that everyone at SGF knows what patients are going through and I am honored to be part of a great team.

Q: WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
A: I would love to go scuba diving with my wife and son in Bali and on the Great Barrier Reef. Going on a safari in Africa is also on my bucket list.

Q: DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WERE INSPIRED BY A PATIENT.
A:I am inspired by my patients daily and their ability to make decisions under difficult situations.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO HELPING PATIENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING?
A: It is a tremendous honor to be able to help couples struggling with infertility. I believe that it is critical to provide patients with an accurate, honest medical opinion in order for them to make informed decisions about their reproductive options and future. Patients should have the autonomy to make decisions based on accurate information.

Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
A: I am an honest, transparent person who thrives on relating with his patients. I believe it is the cornerstone of being a good physician. I am proud to be able to empathize with patients’ struggles and try to find humor where I can.

Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Martin In Warrington, Pa

SGF’s Warrington, PA location offers the Bucks County area more convenient access to highly specialized fertility services.

Comprehensive Services

  • New Patient Consultations
  • Follow Up Consultations
  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Basic Fertility Options, including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Donor Egg Treatment
  • Egg Freezing
  • OncoFertility
  • Andrology Services
  • Financial Counseling
  • Cycle Monitoring

Affordable Care

  • 90% of Patients Have Insurance for Consult
  • 100% Refund Programs for IVF and Donor Egg
  • Medication & Treatment Discount Programs
  • Patient Financing Available through Fertility Finance

Convenient Location

  • Ample Free Parking
  • Early Morning Appointments Available

Dr. Martin offers patients innovative, high quality, personalized fertility care in a nurturing and supportive environment.

To schedule an appointment with Warrington fertility specialist Dr. Ryan Martin, please call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or complete our online form.
 

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Grab your tissues for this story. Katelin and Erica, both patients of Dr. Eric Levens of SGF’s Fairfax, VA, office, received the surprise of a lifetime by Ellen DeGeneres. After Katelin faced a long infertility struggle with many heartbreaks, her best friend Erica selflessly reached out to Katelin and offered to become her surrogate. Watch this amazing video here:

“Katelin and Erica have such a special story to share and are truly a motivational force for both our patients and for us as fertility providers. I am grateful that they trusted us with their care. I look forward to meeting those beautiful babies,” said Dr. Eric Levens.
 

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Levens or any of our 41 reproductive endocrinologists, please call 1-877-971-7755 or click here to complete this brief online form.

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Medical Contribution by Desireé McCarthy-Keith, M.D.

Infertility can affect women of all ages, races, and ethnicities, however research has shown that African-American women have a higher prevalence of infertility than Caucasian women. Chicago’s News Station WGN9 turned to SGF Atlanta’s Dr. Desireé McCarthy-Keith for expert perspective on the topic of infertility in African-American women.

“African-American women are more likely to have infertility, especially certain kinds, than women of other ethnic groups,” McCarthy-Keith said. “Many of the issues facing African-American women are medical, such as uterine fibroids, blocked Fallopian tubes, obesity, and advanced age, specifically women over 35.”

McCarthy-Keith added “Because African-American women tend to wait longer to seek fertility treatment, age becomes an even bigger factor.”

Other causes of infertility include ovulatory disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and premature ovarian failure.

“When patients seek help from a fertility specialist they are looking for answers. From the initial physician consultation through the infertility work-up, we explore every avenue to efficiently and effectively determine a diagnosis to your infertility,” says McCarthy-Keith.

About Dr. McCarthy-Keith

Dr. McCarthy-Keith of SGF Atlanta is one of the few African-American reproductive endocrinologists in the country and was honored by Black Health Magazine as one of Atlanta’s most influential African-American doctors.

“The road to parenthood is filled with ups and downs. The best part of my job is bonding with my patients as we make that journey together. It is a blessing to be a part of such a beautiful process and I love watching my babies grow up,” says McCarthy-Keith.

When to Seek Help

Regardless of your race, it’s never too early to start thinking about your fertility and knowing when to seek help from a fertility specialist. Early fertility testing and treatment offers the best chances of success. Knowing when to seek help is based on how long you’ve been trying to conceive—or having unprotected intercourse—and the woman’s age. It’s time to seek a fertility evaluation if:

  • Under age 35 with regular cycles, unprotected intercourse, and no pregnancy after 1 year
  • 35 to 39 with regular cycles, unprotected intercourse, and no pregnancy after 6 months
  • 40 or over with regular cycles, unprotected intercourse, and no pregnancy after 3 months or right away
Schedule an Appointment

SGF Atlanta has three locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta-Northside, and Buckhead-Piedmont. To schedule an appointment with one of Shady Grove Fertility Atlanta’s three physicians, Drs. Mark Perloe, Desireé McCarthy-Keith, or Anne Namnoum, please call 877-971-7755 or complete this brief online form.

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Ever wonder what a typical day is like for a fertility specialist? Dr. Lauren Roth let us spend the day with her to get a behind the scenes look at the life of a reproductive endocrinologist.Dr. Lauren Roth is now seeing new patients in our Rockville, MD office, while continuing to see patients in our Frederick, MD and Harrisburg, PA offices. She was also recently named Maryland’s The Daily Record 2017 Leading Women Honoree. Learn more about Dr. Lauren Roth and read the insightful advice she gives to all SGF patients.

What’s your morning routine?

Dr. Roth: A few times a week, I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get a work out in before I go into the office. I really enjoy Orange Theory, which is high intensity interval training. It helps me feel more energized throughout the day. Of course there are some mornings though where that early alarm is tough. I always have my coffee and almost always pack my breakfast and lunch. Bringing my own food helps me stay healthy. I love to cook and eat healthy food.

What do you listen to during your car rides to work?

Dr. Roth: Now that I’m traveling between Rockville, Frederick, and Harrisburg, PA, I am in the car more often. I drink my coffee and absolutely love listening to podcasts. I listen to lots of pop culture, political, and current news podcasts. Listening to podcasts helps make my commute more enjoyable.

How do you help keep your patients motivated on their journeys?

Dr. Roth: If I’m not able to see my patients, I try to make it point to review their treatment on the phone. I think talking to my patients about what’s happening helps me stay connected to them. If things aren’t going well for a patient, I schedule time to speak with them in person. I want them to know I’m on this journey with them every step of the way. SGF patients are amazing and really keep themselves motivated during treatment. I also encourage healthy lifestyle changes, which can help bring back a sense of feeling in control.

What lifestyle changes do you recommend when trying to conceive?

Dr. Roth: A healthy lifestyle while trying to conceive is very important. I recommend limiting alcohol, no smoking, taking prenatal vitamins, and following a healthy diet. People hear “diet” and think extremes, but that’s not that case. It is key to be consuming nutritious foods and exercising moderately. Exercise can also really help with stress.

How can patients deal with stress during their journey?

Dr. Roth: Everyone deals with stress differently. Some patients relieve stress by exercising and others relax by spending time with friends. Many patients use the services at SGF, such as our patient support groups or the Wellness Center, which offers acupuncture and massage. I tell my patients to live their life and try not to live by their treatment schedule in 2 week increments.

It’s a stressful time and it’s important to still try to enjoy life and do things that make you happy.

What’s your favorite part about monitoring appointments?

Dr. Roth: It’s wonderful meeting so many SGF patients on different stages of their journey. I really enjoy making those personal connections. Everyone here at SGF wants every patient to be successful on their journey.

Advice for patients that are nervous about a procedure in the OR, such as an egg retrieval?

Dr. Roth: It’s very normal to feel nervous or anxious about a procedure. Know that you are safe and everyone involved is there to help YOU! Also keep your goal of having a baby in mind. I promise the OR will be a distant memory once you’re holding your baby.

What is the most common concern from patients?

Dr. Roth: For most patients, the most common concern and question is “will it work?” Many patients feel that nothing goes right for them. This is a very common feeling, but also true- nothing goes right…until it does. When it goes right the outcome is a little miracle.

Why do you think some people delay seeking treatment? What would you tell them?

Dr. Roth: I think many people delay seeking help because they are so nervous. Again this is common and I understand that feeling. I wish I could tell people waiting to seek help that almost all my patients leave the initial consult feeling so much better. They tell me it feels good to finally have a plan and get some answers. Don’t delay seeking fertility care due to nerves, we are here to help you every step of the way and answer your questions.

How did you know this was the right career for you?

Dr. Roth: I wanted to be a doctor from the age of 12 and then in high school I knew I wanted to be a women’s health physician. While I was a med student at University of Maryland (Go Terrapins!), Dr. McClamrock, of SGF’s Baltimore Harbor office, ran a small group session on reproductive endocrinology that really peaked my interest in the field.
Being a reproductive endocrinologist allows me to really help people. There are a lot of days with delivering bad news, but there are more good days delivering good news. I get to tell people their dream of a family is coming true…now that’s good news.

How do you manage expectations for your patients?

Dr. Roth: I try to be very honest with my patients. I also acknowledge my patients’ feelings when they are having a hard time. Patients have every right to feel upset when a cycle doesn’t work. I tell them that fertility treatment is more of a marathon than a sprint. Patients should know that if they are persistent and keep going forward, that it will happen.

What is the most common misconception about infertility?

Dr. Roth: Most people don’t realize how greatly age affects their fertility. A healthy lifestyle is great, but ultimately age is the best indicator of egg quality and quantity. From ages 30 to 35, there is a gradual decline in a woman’s ability to become
pregnant; after age 35, the decline is sharper (even with a very healthy lifestyle).

What do you like most about your job?

Dr. Roth: The relationships I get to build to with my patients.

How do you unwind when you get home from work?

Dr. Roth: I love cooking! I was watching “The Great British Baking Show” because it was just fun to watch. Even though I love cooking, I really don’t like to bake. Also I have a wonderful group of girlfriends from childhood that get together once a month for dinner. A girls’ night is always a great way to unwind!  I also love to ski, hike, and do yoga.

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Lauren Roth is currently available for new patient appointments in our Harrisburg, PA, Frederick, MD, and Rockville, MD offices. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Roth or any of our 41 physicians, call 1-877-971-7755 or fill out this brief form.

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

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