Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS) is a condition where a woman
receiving fertility drugs (usually gonadotropins) over-responds by
developing a large number of ovarian follicles which upon
administration of hCG, “triggers” a series of systemic events that
can place the woman’s health and even her very life at risk. The
development of OHS is linked to the effect of hCG and thus does not
arise until the “hCG trigger” is administered. In fact, the woman
is not at risk until t…

In the United States, effective treatment of  natural killer cell
/cytotoxic lymphocyte (NK/CTL)-activation associated with either
alloimmune or autoimmune implantation dysfunction requires the
administration of primarily Intralipid (IL) or Intravenous
gamma-globulin (IVIg). Such treatment is much more likely to be
successful in the case of` autoimmune implantation dysfunction where
the NK/CTL activation is present in advance of the uterus being
exposed to the embryo. It is not nearly a…

Today, due to a myriad of factors, IVF is regarded as one of the main
thoroughfares for helping couples achieve the goal of creating a
family. However, no two IVF candidates are exactly alike and there is
no single approach that is applicable to every patient. In the final
analysis, success requires a careful analysis of the variables known
to affect outcome in combination with a very individualized and
customized approach to treatment, judicious and selective…

The numerical chromosomal configuration of a cell is referred to as
its karyotype or ploidy. A cell with an irregular chromosome number is
referred to as aneuploid while one with a normal karyotype, as
euploid. It is predominantly (but not exclusively) the ploidy of the
embryo that determines its subsequent ability, upon reaching a
receptive uterine environment, to propagate a normal pregnancy, also
referred to as its “competence.” A “euploid (“competent”)
embryo tr…

[CASE REPORT]_THIS IS A RE-POST FOR PURPOSES OF FOLLOW-UP (SEE
POST-SCRIPT AT THE END)._BACKGROUND: Mary, 30 years of age and married
to a fertile male partner
[/blog/diagnosing-treating-male-factor-infertility/], presented to me
about four years ago with primary

Because of the emotional, physical, and financial toll
[/blog/cost-of-ivf-treatment/] exacted by IVF, it is preferable that
no one undertake a one‑shot attempt. If a couple can only afford one
treatment cycle, IVF is probably not the right course of action. 
After all, with conventional IVF there is only about one chance in
three that it will result in a live birth ‑and a tremendous letdown
if it fails. It is thus unreasonable to undergo IVF…

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
[/blog/new-ivf-outcome-patients-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos/] is
a common hormonal system disorder among women affecting between 5% and
10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Women with PCOS may have
enlarged ovaries that contain multiple small collections of fluid
(subcapsular microcysts) that are arranged like a “string of
pearls” immediately below the ovarian su…

Many infertile patients, are erroneously advised by their physicians
to first try IUI
[/blog/reflecting-upon-use-misuse-intrauterine-insemination-iui-time-serious-reality-check/]
several times before resorting to IVF. Additionally many misguided
insurance providers often, purely for economic
[/blog/ivf-the-economic-realities/] reasons, req…

It is primarily the egg (rather than the sperm) that determines the
chromosomal integrity (karyotype) of the embryo, the most important
determinant of egg/embryo competency
[/blog/ivf-factors-affecting-egg-embryo-competency-during-controlled-ovarian-stimulation-cos/].
A “competent” egg is therefore one that has a normal karyotype and
has the best potential to pro…

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
[/blog/understanding-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos-and-the-need-to-customize-ovarian-stimulation-protocols-sfs/]
is a common hormonal system disorder among women affecting between 5%
and 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Women with PCOS may
have enlarged ovaries that contain multiple small collections of fluid
(subc…