Recent breakthroughs will help patients who have failed repeatedly with IVF, and also those who thought they had no chance of ever having their own biological children. Here is a description of some of those advancements.

Avoiding High Order Multiple Births

One of the biggest criticisms of IVF is that is can result in a multiple pregnancy of triplets or more. One of the most exciting breakthroughs in IVF allows us to grow embryos in the laboratory for an additional two days, five days in all. This results in healthier and more robust embryos, called blastocysts. Now we need only transfer two blastocysts to the uterus. This all but eliminates the risk of more than twins, without sacrificing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Immunology

Recurrent failed IVF or recurrent early pregnancy loss affects a small but significant group of fertility patients. An evaluation that identifies underlying immunological problems can help them. Simply taking a baby aspirin may treat these problems. More complex treatments can include immunizing the female partner with her husband's white blood cells, intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) or Enbrel.
http://www.repro-med.net/

Male Infertility Breakthroughs

Male factor infertility has all but disappeared with the availability of intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The laboratory injects a single sperm into each good egg, and is able to achieve normal fertilization. In addition, men with vasectomy reversal that have fail, or even men with very low sperm counts no longer need resort to using donor sperm. Sperm can now be obtained under local anaesthetic directly from the testicle (Testicular Sperm Extraction or TESE). With extremely small numbers of sperm, we are still able to achieve normal fertilization. The TESE procedure also helps some men avoid vasectomy reversal entirely.

Poor Egg Quality

Women with an egg problem due to premature ovarian failure, treatment for cancer, or endometriosis can now benefit from IVF with a donated egg, preferably under 33 years of age. In all infertility the age of the egg is the most important factor in a successful outcome. If the egg provider is younger, we can achieve pregnancy rates of 60%, of the age of the woman who carries the child.

Surrogacy

The absence of a uterus no longer stops you from having your own genetic child with the availability of gestational surrogacy. Another woman, called a surrogate, can carry your embryo and deliver your baby, even if you've had surgery for cancer, fibroids or bleeding. As with egg donation, the age of the egg provider directly determines the success rate.

Avoiding Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Women who undergo IVF must take injectable fertility medication. Those patients who respond very vigorously to the injectable medications risk a potentially life threatening complication, known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). It is possible to eliminate this risk through a process called "coasting." Coasting allows us to stop the medication at a certain critical stage and wait until the estrogen level drops into a safe range. Once this happens the egg retrieval can take place safely, and the IVF cycle won't have to be canceled.

Seminar Schedule:

Dr. Zouves offers free infertility seminars that help you learn how to maximize the time you have left to become a parent. Find out about medical breakthroughs that have dramatically increased your chances of having a baby, including Blastocyst Transfer...which has increased IVF pregnancy rates in women under 40 by almost one third. There's also improved treatment for male infertility...so now even men with vasectomies can father their own child. Find out how to save time and money on IVF cycles that work...call for reservations today.

Consult Dr. Zouves:

Patients can set up a free telephone consultation with Dr. Zouves at the Zouves Fertility Center. Please request a copy of your medical records so that we can make maximum use of our consultation together.
Call: 800-800-1160
Fax: 800-887-3158
Email: IVF@DrZouves.com