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Third-Party Reproduction Offers Hope and Options for Infertile Couples
Posted by: Your Maternity Resource | Comments (0)
Trumbull, CT (PRWEB) February 28, 2008
For the one in eight couples in the U.S. who struggle with infertility, the growing list of options that can help them conceive and carry a baby to term is welcome news. While the majority of infertile couples find success in such “first-line” treatments as drug therapy or surgery, tens of thousands of couples each year require more intensive interventions, such as third-party reproduction procedures.
“Third-party reproduction is an umbrella term which covers oocyte, or egg, donation, sperm donation, and both traditional and gestational surrogacy,” explains Dr. Andrew Levi, MD, FACOG, a board certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, and founder and medical director of Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. “These are very exciting options for couples who are unable to conceive or carry a child to term,” he adds. “However, because this is the area of reproductive medicine where a person from outside the couple’s relationship comes into play, third-party reproduction procedures require an additional level of care and management.”
When to consider third-party reproduction
“It’s important for couples struggling with infertility issues to remember that the great majority of these problems can be solved with medications or surgical procedures, or a combination of the two,” Dr. Levi points out. In general, he suggests considering third-party reproductive procedures in the following circumstances:
Egg Donation is often a consideration for women whose own eggs are no longer viable due to age, genetic defects, disease or treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Because the eggs generally come from young, healthy donors, pregnancy rates tend to be quite high.
Sperm Donation is usually considered when a man’s sperm count is too low to fertilize an egg. However, numerous lifestyle changes, and even new in vitro fertilization techniques, may be instituted first in an attempt to overcome a low sperm count.
Gestational surrogacy is an option for a couple whose eggs and sperm are viable, but the woman’s reproductive system is unable to support a pregnancy to term. This may be caused by hormonal deficiencies, structural defects of the uterus, or for other physiological reasons etc. The couple’s eggs and sperm are joined in vitro outside the body and the fertilized eggs (embryos) are transferred to the surrogate’s womb. Sometimes, the gestational surrogate is a trusted friend or family member of the couple.
Traditional surrogacy is usually selected when the woman is unable to conceive and sustain a pregnancy, again due to age, genetic defects, disease or prior medical treatments. The man’s sperm is used to fertilize the surrogate’s eggs in vitro (outside the body), after which the embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus to achieve a successful pregnancy.
What to do when considering third-party reproduction
“When a couple decides that third-party reproductive options may be right for their situation, a host of questions and issues will likely arise and need to be addressed,” Dr. Levi notes. For example, couples considering egg or sperm donation may question how to select a donor, or how the donor will be screened. The couple contemplating surrogacy might weigh the options of traditional versus gestational, or wonder about the nine-month process from conception to birth.
“For couples who believe third-party reproduction is a good option for them, the most important step is to consult with a board certified reproductive medicine specialist who is experienced and well-versed in these techniques,” Dr. Levi says. “Just as importantly, couples should have a high ‘comfort level’ with their doctor’s management of the process,” Dr. Levi adds. That’s because third-party reproductive procedures involve forging a trust between the couple and an outside volunteer, which is easier once the couple establishes a good working rapport with their practitioner. At Park Avenue Fertility, for example, couples are led step-by-step through the process, with Dr. Levi and his staff handling much of the contractual and insurance paperwork and communications while keeping couples involved and informed at each stage of the procedure.
“Third-party reproduction is an exciting option for couples facing certain infertility issues, and it provides an opportunity for practitioners and their patients to work even more closely toward the ultimate goal of a successful, healthy pregnancy,” Dr. Levi concludes.
BIO: Dr. Andrew Levi
Andrew J. Levi, MD, FACOG, is a medical expert in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Levi is an Assistant Clinical Professor for Yale University’s School of Nursing and is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and also board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Levi earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Haverford College and received his medical degree from the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine. He completed his ob/gyn residency at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and completed a three year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. Dr. Levi lectures at residency training programs, national conferences, obstetric and gynecology societies, and regional and community forums on a variety of infertility topics that include recurrent miscarriage and advanced reproductive techniques such as IVF, ICSI, and PGD. He is the Founder and Medical Director of Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine in Trumbull, Connecticut and is affiliated with several Connecticut hospitals including Bridgeport, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Norwalk, and Milford hospitals. He is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Connecticut State Medical Society, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, Fairfield County Medical Association, International Council of Infertility Information Dissemination, Resolve, and the American Fertility Association.
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50% of people, who travel, suffer a travel – related illness. All travelers should be well prepared for travel and be prepared to protect themselves from travel related illness. In this issue various aspects of travel related illness have been discussed with related protective measures.
According to ayurveda traveling causes vitiation of vata dosha. Vata dosha regulates all the activities of body like digestion, respiration, excretion, transmission of nerve impulses, reflexes, body movements etc. When vata gets vitiated due to traveling all these normal functions of body also get imbalanced .The imbalances in body functions project themselves as travel related illness.
Motion sickness:
Almost every body are susceptible to motion sickness. Fatigue, giddiness, deprivation of sleep, nausea and vomiting are the main unwelcome symptoms of motion sickness. Avoid consuming alcohol, pain killers, spicy foods, fried foods and junk foods during traveling. Try to relax and chose a window seat. Do not read or talk. Or watch someone who is motion sick.
Eat light food. Include pomegranate, ginger and curds in your diet while traveling. Rinse your mouth and wash your face with cold water as soon as you take your food.
Diarrhea:
Though travelers’ diarrhea is mild inconvenience to a traveler, it may at times be life threatening too. Upsets in digestive system frequently occur in travelers due to stress, time zone changes, irregular meal times and new foods. But serious diarrhea during traveling is caused by bacteria, viruses or parasitic infections. The best way out is to take ample precautionary measures.
Wash your hands frequently. Use sanitizing liquids, hand washes or gels which cleanse the hands without water. Always use disposable hygienically packed tissue papers than towels. Avoid street, roadside foods, buffet meals. Select food which is well cooked and served hot. Thick-skinned fruits which you can peel yourself are usually safe. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, uncooked vegetables, salads. Be care full with unpasteurized milk and milk products. Always use sealed mineral water, canned juices and beverages. Never use ice cubes or unsealed bottled beverages. Bottled Beer, wine and hot coffee or tea are safe. Drink from original containers or clean glasses
If you get mild diarrhea eat light ,soft and semi solid foods like idli, soups etc which are easily digestible. Avoid heavy, spicy and non vegetarian foods. Drink plenty of fruit juices.(canned or hygienically packed.). Keep yourself well hydrated. Consult a doctor immediately if diarrhea leads to dehydration.
Constipation:
people often become constipated when traveling because their normal diet and daily routines are disrupted. Drink plenty of water and consume food which are rich in fibers to avoid constipation .
Try to adhere to routine food timings .Drink a big glass of water every day morning. Avoid frequent consumption of tea or coffee. Taking two thriphala tablets with warm water before going to bed helps to normalize bowel movements. These tablets should be avoided during pregnancy.
Tired feet
Even healthy people can get blood clots in their legs after long hours of traveling. Try to walk every now and then. Drink water, stretch your calf muscles while you’re sitting and wear support stockings.
Foot bath for tired feet: Massage your foot with little coconut oil and soak them in warm water . You can add few drops of lavender oil or peppermint oil or sandal wood oil to warm water. After a foot bath rub your foot. Relax after a foot bath.
Prevention of Malaria:
To prevent mosquito bites and malaria wear mosquito repellent .Stay indoors between dusk and dawn. The malaria spreading mosquitoes generally feed at this time. Apply mosquito repellent, to your clothes and bedding. Wear socks, long pants, and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors. Use a mosquito net while sleeping. Stay in air-conditioned, screened accommodation.
Jet lag
To avoid jet lag get plenty of sleep before you leave. Don’t drink a lot of alcohol while on flight. Eat well-balanced meals and avoid over eating. Exercise as much as you can on your trip. Get used to a new time zone by going along with the local meal and bedtime schedules.
Accidents:
Do not drive in unfamiliar places where you know less about that regional language, road conditions, rules of the road, condition of the vehicles. etc. Choose your transportation carefully. Check the security, life saving facilities provided in the transport. Chose, the cab with seat belts, hotels with fire escape and ferries with life preservers. Never swim in unknown rivers or seas when you are not familiar with sea currents and waves.
Sex:
Have a safe sex when you are with unfamiliar new partners. Alcohol, drugs and sex are dangerous combination
Immunization:
Get immunized with vaccines before traveling. Avoid animal bites and saliva. If you are bitten by dog wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
Travel during pregnancy:
If you chose to travel during pregnancy the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27) is the best time. Before traveling take the opinion of your consulting doctor and provide him the sufficient details about the places you are visiting, mode of transport etc.
Tips for older travelers
See your doctor for a checkup and discuss your fitness .See your dentist and ophthalmologist. Keep a spare pair of glasses, any medications you need in a small medical kit. Organize travel health insurance with pre-existing illness cover if needed. Make sure it covers emergency evacuation. Make sure routine immunizations are done before traveling. Consider your back – use luggage with built in wheels. Take clothes and hats to suit the climate.
Other safety precautions:
Check with the regional office or through internet the situation of places you are planning to visit. The destination places must be free from riots, terrorism, floods or other calamities.
Mental tensions:
Preparations for traveling lead to worry and tensions. Here are few relaxing tips before and during traveling.
1. Close your eyes , take five deep breaths through your nose and pay attention only to your breathing while doing this.
2. Taking a hot shower relaxes your muscles, and the break from more stressful activities helps too.
3. Laugh. Laughing helps to relax. Find people who can make you laugh and make your moments lighter..
4. Listen to relaxing music.
5. Take a walk.
6. Get a hug.
A visit to your family physician and some thought and planning ahead make your trip more successful and memorable. We wish you a rewarding, memorable, safe and healthy trip.
Dr.Savitha Suri
Want to find out about bladder pain, bladder spasms, bladder facts, canine problems, canine leukemia , leukemia facts and other information? Get tips from the Health And Nutrition Tips website.
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Are You Pregnant And Scared? / Pregnancy Care Crisis And Counseling / Video. Posted with permission from butterflie2484. “Women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy also deserve unplanned joy,” notes Patricia Heaton, winner of two Emmy awards and a bestselling author. Ms. Heaton serves as honorary chair for Feminists for Life (FFL), a pro-woman, pro-life organization. FFL continues the tradition of early American feminists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who opposed abortion and sought to address its root causes. The sad reality is that the “unplanned joy” Patricia Heaton envisions for women is all too rare. Instead, women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy often end up experiencing the tragic violence of abortion. No “Choice” for Most. Statistics gathered by abortion supporters reveal that the primary reasons women with unintended pregnancies turn to abortion are lack of financial resources and lack of emotional support. Many women also say they felt abandoned, or even coerced into having an abortion. Despite child support laws, some fathers threaten to withhold support. Domestic violence against single pregnant women at the hands of a boyfriend is being reported with greater frequency. Coercion crosses all socio-economic classes. Jennifer O’Neill — actor, model, author and spokesperson for the “Silent No More” post-abortion campaign — reluctantly had an abortion after being coerced by her powerful and wealthy fiancé. He threatened to take away her baby if she gave birth. The abortion damaged her cervix and she subsequently suffered nine miscarriages. “Nothing in the world could ever make me opt for that choice again,” Jennifer O’Neill told Capitol Hill staff and legislators at a Senate briefing. The briefing was part of a pioneering campaign called “Women Deserve Better,” undertaken by pro-woman, pro-life groups Feminists for Life, Life Resources Network, Second Look Project, Solidarity with Women, Silent No More, and Women and Children First. The women at highest risk of resorting to abortion are those of college age. One out of five abortions occurs in this age group. For many years, Feminists for Life’s College Outreach Program has been listening to women on campuses across the country. Women who tested positive for pregnancy at a campus clinic tell us — almost universally — that the next words they heard from clinic staff were “I’m so sorry.” Then they were handed a business card for a local abortion clinic. University counselors and professors echo this message, telling students that they can’t possibly continue their education and have a child — as if pregnancy makes women incapable of reading, writing or thinking. Resources are similarly lopsided. Some colleges offer 0 loans for an abortion, but no financial aid if the young woman gives birth. Pregnant and parenting students report that housing, maternity coverage, child care and telecommuting options are nonexistent on many campuses, and expensive on others. Women who are visibly pregnant are stared at like exotic animals when they cross the campus. The damage that abortion causes to women’s bodies can result in infertility, future miscarriages, breast cancer and even death. Many women also carry emotional scars from the experience. Studies from Finland, Great Britain, Canada and the United States reveal higher rates of suicide, attempted suicide and psychiatric admissions among women who have had an abortion compared to women who have given birth. Abortion is a symptom of — never a solution to — the problems faced by women. As Americans, we like to say that “failure is not an option.” Yet abortion has completely failed as a social policy designed to aid women. It is a reflection that we have failed women — and that women have had to settle for far less than they need and deserve.
