Ask Our Doctors

Supporting Your Journey

Our Medical Directors are outstanding physicians that you will find to be very personable and compassionate, who take care to ensure that you have the most cutting-edge fertility treatments at your disposal. This is your outlet to ask your questions to the doctors.

  • Dear Patients,

    I created this forum to welcome any questions you have on the topic of infertility, IVF, conception, testing, evaluation, or any related topics. I do my best to answer all questions in less than 24 hours. I know your question is important and, in many cases, I will answer within just a few hours. Thank you for taking the time to trust me with your concern.

    – Geoffrey Sher, MD

Fill in the following information and we’ll get back to you.

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Disclaimer

Fertility and egg rupturing

Name: Tej K

My amh is 20 and now I am into iui treatment. My follicle size is 23mm in right ovary and left ovary pcos . My egg is not rupturing after taking injection also..

Author

Answer:

I would need much more information to respond informatively!

 

Sorry!

 

GS

__________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently  co-authored with  my partner at SFS-NY  (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:

1.From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS) “

https://sherfertilitysolutions.com/sher-fertility-solutions-ebook.pdf

  1. “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view

  • If you are interested in having an online consultation with me, please contact my assistant, Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 or go to concierge@sherivf.com .
  • Also, I have just started a new Podcast https://rumble.com/c/c-3304480. Feel free to take a look-see……… And please spread the word!

 

 

Pregnancy

Name: Rupali S

My HCG level is 1.600.Is it negativd

Author

Answer:

Ye!  This is a negative result!

 

GS

No blastocysts from 2 ivf cycles.

Name: Kamala K

My husband and I are both 29 years, we’ve been trying to conceive since two years and we’ve started visiting a fertility clinic since 11/2022. We’re both healthy, have no other health issues.

Later in March-2023, my AMH fell to 0.79. In April, we decided to move on to IVF due to my falling AMH. April-2023 Ivy cycle 1 AFC: 11, FSH:6, E2:40 We got 10 follicles, 8 mature eggs Day 2, 3: 6
 No blastocysts on day5, day 6 ending we had 3 blastocysts.

The doctor and the embryologist said the growth till day 3 was on track, and slowed to a great extent post that indicating that the embryos might not implant or lead to live birth. We decided to check my husbands DFI and do TESA and PICSI. DFI was 34%.
Ivy cycle 2 FSH: 9.7, E2:22 AFC: 8 SA: all parameters normal, morphology: 1% We got 6 follicles and 6 mature eggs. Day2: 5. Day3: 4. They froze 2 day 3 embryos No blastocysts on day 5 and b/c graded blastocysr on day 6 which doctor said they can’t discard. This cycle, we did TESA + PICSI.
We’re confused to see the same results both these times. What can we do differently the next time and how can we improve our chances?

Author

Answer:

If you’ve undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) and didn’t achieve a successful pregnancy, you may be wondering why. It’s important to know that IVF outcomes can be unpredictable, but there are factors that can affect your chances. Let’s explore some common reasons for IVF failure in simpler terms.

  1. Age: A woman’s age is a significant factor in IVF success. Generally, women under 35 have a higher chance of getting pregnant through IVF, around 35-40% per embryo transfer. However, this success rate decreases as women get older. For women in their mid-forties, the success rate drops to under 5%. This decline is mainly because the quality of eggs decreases as women age, affecting their ability to develop normally.

 

  1. Egg/Embryo Competency: Apart from age, the quality and competency of embryos also affect IVF success. The quality of eggs and embryos is influenced by a woman’s age. However, for older women or those with fewer eggs, the specific IVF protocol used to stimulate the ovaries becomes crucial. A more aggressive approach may be needed to maximize the chances of success. Previously, it was thought that the uterus was better for embryo development than the lab environment. So, early-stage embryos were transferred to the uterus based on their appearance. However, we now know that embryos that have progressed further in development are more likely to be successful. Embryos that don’t reach the blastocyst stage within 5-6 days after fertilization are considered less competent and not suitable for transfer. Additionally, Preimplantation Genetic Sampling / Testing (PGS/T) allows us to check the chromosomes of embryos. This technique helps select the most competent embryos for transfer, especially for older women, those with fewer eggs, repeated IVF failures, and recurrent pregnancy loss.

 

  1. Number of Embryos Transferred: Some people believe that transferring more embryos increases the chances of success. While this may have some truth, it’s essential to know that if the problem lies with the ovarian stimulation protocol, transferring more embryos won’t solve it. Also, transferring more embryos doesn’t fix issues related to embryo implantation dysfunction, such as anatomical or immunologic problems. Moreover, multiple embryos can lead to higher-order multiple pregnancies, which pose risks. To minimize these risks, it’s generally recommended to transfer a maximum of two embryos, or even just one, especially when using eggs from young women.
  1. Implantation Dysfunction (ID): Implantation dysfunction is often overlooked as a cause of unexplained IVF failure, especially in young women with normal ovarian reserve and fertile partners. Failure to identify and address these issues can result in repeated IVF failures. If transferring competent embryos repeatedly fails to result in a viable pregnancy, implantation dysfunction should be considered. The most common causes include:
    1. Thin Uterine Lining: When the lining of the uterus is too thin, it can affect the embryo’s ability to implant and grow.
    2. Surface Lesions in the Uterus: Polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue in the uterus can interfere with embryo implantation.
    3. Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID): Sometimes, the immune system can mistakenly attack the embryo, preventing successful implantation.
    4. Endocrine/Molecular Endometrial Receptivity Issues: Hormonal or molecular issues in the uterine lining can impact the embryo’s ability to attach and develop.
    5. Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU) Infection: This infection in the cervical mucous and uterine lining can lead to unexplained early pregnancy loss or IVF failure. Both partners should be tested and treated if positive to prevent transmission.

Certain causes of infertility are difficult or impossible  to reverse, e.g.; advanced age of the woman, severe male infertility, and immunologic implantation dysfunction associated with certain specific genetic factors.

Understanding the common factors contributing to IVF failure can help you have informed discussions with your doctor and make decisions for future attempts. Factors like the number of embryos transferred and implantation dysfunction play significant roles. While success cannot be guaranteed, knowing these factors can guide you in maximizing your chances and addressing potential issues.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently  co-authored with  my partner at SFS-NY  (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:

1.From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS) “

https://sherfertilitysolutions.com/sher-fertility-solutions-ebook.pdf

  1. “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view

  • If you are interested in having an online consultation with me, please contact my assistant, Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 or go to concierge@sherivf.com .
  • Also, I have just started a new Podcast https://rumble.com/c/c-3304480. Feel free to take a look-see……… And please spread the word!

 

Hcg report

Name: Rupali S

My HCG level is 1.600.Is it Negative

Author

Answer:

Yes! I am afraid this is a negative result!

 

GS

________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently  co-authored with  my partner at SFS-NY  (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:

1.From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS) “

https://sherfertilitysolutions.com/sher-fertility-solutions-ebook.pdf

  1. “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view

  • If you are interested in having an online consultation with me, please contact my assistant, Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 or go to concierge@sherivf.com .
  • Also, I have just started a new Podcast https://rumble.com/c/c-3304480. Feel free to take a look-see……… And please spread the word!

 

We are looking for fertility specialists

Name: Rachel L

Hello Dr. Geoffrey Sher and team,

We are looking for fertility specialists that can serve our private patients from the Jewish Community in the state NY.

Normally we do a face-to-face meeting, however under the new circumstances I would like to set up a meeting with in person to better understand the services you provide and explain to you in detail about our patients, why they are using our services, and how we generate them.

In a glance, we connect local businesses to the Jewish Community in 17 states, since 1989.
We are in demand for a fertility specialists that can take new patients starting in August.

Please let me know when we can have a meeting.
Best to start with a phone call 😊
My cell-347-944-9146

Have a fantastic day!

Author

Answer:

Thank you!

 

I am referring your inquiry to Dr Drew Tortoriello, Medical director at Sher Fertility Solutions-New york. I have no doubt that he will reach out to you.

FYI am attaching additional information to this response.

Geoff Sher

______________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently  co-authored with  my partner at SFS-NY  (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:

1.From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS) “

https://sherfertilitysolutions.com/sher-fertility-solutions-ebook.pdf

  1. “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view

  • If you are interested in having an online consultation with me, please contact my assistant, Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 or go to concierge@sherivf.com .
  • Also, I have just started a new Podcast https://rumble.com/c/c-3304480. Feel free to take a look-see……… And please spread the word!

Getting pregnant

Name: Amber C

Me and my husband been trying to
Get pregnant and I want to see if I can get tested to see why I am not getting pregnant because we have been trying for months

Author

Answer:

After 1 year of unsuccessfully trying to have a baby, it is time to have a basic infertility evaluation. And the urgency increases the older the woman is.  

A: Preparatory Tests done on the woman:

  • Tests for Ovarian Reserve: On the third day of spontaneous or progesterone withdrawal menstruation, blood is drawn to test for ovarian reserve. This requires testing for blood concentrations of  estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and for anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).
  • A hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This is performed within a week of the cessation of menstruation. This out-patient procedure involves injection of a radio-opaque dye which outlines the Fallopian tubes allowing the diagnosis of tubal blockage. To a lesser degree, it permits the detection of surface lesions inside the uterine cavity.
  • Hysterosonogram (HSN) : When IVF is planned this procedure is done early in the menstrual cycle. It involves instilling a sterile saline solution into th uterus, followed by a pelvic ultrasound to map the contour of the uterine cavity.
  • Laparoscopy: This is a procedure that is sometimes needed. It is usually performed under general anesthesia in an ambulatory surgical center. Here, a telescope like instrument is passed into the abdominal cavity to allow thorough inspection of pelvic structures. It is usually confined to cases where symptoms and signs backed up by pelvic ultrasound findings, suggest significant underlying organic pelvic pathology (e.g. advanced endometriosis/fibroids, tubal disease and pelvic adhesions
  • Hysteroscopy: Women suspected on the basis of symptoms and/or signs, (usually following ultrasound assessment or HSN) of having intrauterine pathology (fibroids/polyps/scar tissue) that might interfere with embryo implantation are sometimes required to undergo a hysteroscopy. This involves introducing a thin telescope-like instrument via the vagina and cervix into the uterus in order to allow visualization of the uterine cavity and surgical repair. It can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation in an ambulatory center orin-office. In some cases general anesthesia is needed.
  • Testing the urine LH surge…for impending ovulation: Commencing at least 17 days before the expected menstrual period (i.e.; usually about 10 days following the initiation of menstruation), urine should be collected twice daily and tested for the onset of the spontaneous luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The initiation of the LH surge usually precedes ovulation by 8 to 36 hours.  In order to detect the onset of the LH surge accurately, an early morning urine specimen is needed. Ideally, the bladder should be emptied first thing in the morning, upon awakening. About one half-hour later urine is collected (only a very small amount is required) and tested using an over-the-counter LH – kit (obtainable over the counter, at a drug store). At the earliest sign of a color change the woman should present at her treating physician’s office for:

The 1st   In-Office Assessment where the following is carried out::

      1. A pelvic ultrasound examination to assess for a dominant follicle or for evidence of recent ovulation and for the thickness and pattern of her uterine lining to be assessed (ideally it should measure >8mm with a triple “line” (trilaminar) appearance
      2. Blood should be tested for measurement of estradiol (E2) l level.

A 2nd  In-Office Assessment is arranged for three (3) days after the first office assessment.  At this visit, a vaginal ultrasound exam is performed to check (or to confirm) that ovulation has occurred (i.e. whether the egg has been released).  The presence of small amount of fluid collecting in the lowermost region of the pelvis, or a change in the shape of the follicle is suggestive of ovulation.

A 3rd  In-Office Assessment takes place five (5) days after the 2nd visit.  At this visit, blood is drawn for the measurement of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2)

  • Assessment for an Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID) This is selectively done at one of about six Reproductive Immunology Reference Laboratories in the United States (I preferentially use Reproductive Immunology Associates (RIA) in Van Nuys, CA). Testing is indicated when:
    1. Autoimmune assessment; In my opinion, this is indicated when here is a personal or family history of autoimmune diseases (e.g. Lupus Erythematosus, Hypothyroidism, Rheumatoid Arthritis etc.), symptoms or signs of endometriosis (e.g. prior surgical visualization of lesions in the pelvis, heavy painful periods and pain during intercourse and/or ovulation) which is associated with immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) in about 1/3 of cases. Also, when there is a past history of repeated “unexplained” IVF failure. Here, blood is drawn (at any time) from the female partner and sent to a reliable Reproductive Immunology Reference Laboratory for testing of antiphospholipid antibodies (APA), antithyroid antibodies (ATA) and the K-562 Target cell test, otherwise known as a natural killer cell activity test (NKa) test. In some cases, a uterine biopsy is done to test for endometrial cytokines.
    2. Alloimmune assessment: In select cases (especially where there is a history of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), or “unexplained” secondary infertility” or where Natural Killer cell activation (NKa) is diagnosed without there being an underlying autoimmune cause., both partners should be tested for alloimmune genetic similarities (DQ alpha and HLA genetic matching).
  • A semen analysis is required for accurate measurement of sperm motility and count.  Sperm morphology is assessed employing “strict (Kruger) criteria.”
  • Sperm Antibody Test: Selectively we also test the man and/or the woman’s blood for anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) using the indirect Immunobead test (IBT). This is particularly important in cases of “unexplained” infertility (where the blood of both partners should ideally be tested) in men when there is a history of a prior vasectomy or sperm microscopy reveals significant sperm-to-sperm attachment (agglutination).
  • Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA): In selected cases, semen should also be sent for a Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) to assess the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) which ideally should be <15%, but 15%-30%
  • Hormonal assessment of the man: in an ambulatory surgical center, performed In men where a semen analysis reveals a low count/motility/morphology, blood id collected from the man for FSH, LH, TSH, testosterone and prolactin measurement
  • Male Urology Visit: In selected cases (the man is referred to an Urologist for further testing or testicular biopsy.

 

________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

I am attaching online links to two E-books which I recently  co-authored with  my partner at SFS-NY  (Drew Tortoriello MD)……. for your reading pleasure:

1.From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS) “

https://sherfertilitysolutions.com/sher-fertility-solutions-ebook.pdf

  1. “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view

  • If you are interested in having an online consultation with me, please contact my assistant, Patti Converse at 702-533-2691 or go to concierge@sherivf.com .
  • Also, I have just started a new Podcast https://rumble.com/c/c-3304480. Feel free to take a look-see……… And please spread the word!
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