Hi Dr.,
On the day of my last fresh transfer my progesterone level was 350nmol/l (far too high) & I still wonder if it contributed to my failed cycle. Five days later I produced/was leaking breast milk & had symptoms akin to the last trimester of pregnancy. Have you ever come across this before? Do you think it was related to the high Prog? Thank you!
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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.
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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.
High progesterone
Name: Rosie S
Hi Dr.,
On the day of my last fresh transfer my progesterone level was 350nmol/l (far too high) & I still wonder if it contributed to my failed cycle. Five days later I produced/was leaking breast milk & had symptoms akin to the last trimester of pregnancy. Have you ever come across this before? Do you think it was related to the high Prog? Thank you!
Answer:
Respectfully,
I do not believe your sad loss had anything to do with the high progesterone.
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
- “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!
Receptiva Test
Name: Rosina H
Hi Dr. Sher,
I have a question. I am 30 years old. No known medical issues, with unexplained infertility. I did a recent retrieval, and got 5 chromosomally normal embryos. I have transferred 2 now, both failed. The first was a chemical the second the beta was negative. The first was a medicated protocol the second was a natural with a trigger.
My doctor is suggesting a receptiva test but I am hesitant. Do you think it’s worth another transfer before jumping to that? Do you think 2 failed FET transfers mean something is being missed? I would so appreciate your opinion. Thank you so much in advance.
Author
Answer:
Understanding the Power of Receptiva Test
The Receptiva Test is often inconclusive but would do no harm. However, 30% of endometriosis is associated with an immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID). If present and there is evidence of increased natural killer cell activity (NKa) and/or antiphospholipid antibodies, this could cause IID. Have her blood tested at one of 3 laboratories in the USA that are capable of doing such testing reliably (I advocate using ReproSource Laboratory in Boston, MA. If you test positve, it is my opinion that treatment is necessary (see the attached links to books I have written below, which will provide more information).
Receptiva Test for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the uterine lining (endometrium) grows not only in the interior of the uterus but in other areas, such as the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the bowel. Endometriosis is a complex condition where the lack or relative absence of an overt anatomical barrier to fertility often belies the true extent of reproductive problem(s). More than half of women who have endometriosis harbor antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) that can compromise development of the embryo’s root system (trophoblast). In addition and far more serious, is the fact that in about one-third of cases endometriosis, regardless of its severity is associated with NKa and cytotoxic uterine lymphocytes (CTL) which can seriously jeopardize implantation. This immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) is diagnosed by testing the woman’s blood for APA, for NKa (using the K-562 target cell test or by endometrial biopsy for cytokine activity) and, for CTL (by a blood immunophenotype). Activated NK cells attack the invading trophoblast cells (developing “root system” of the embryo/early conceptus) as soon as it tries to gain attachment to the uterine wall. In most cases, this results in rejection of the embryo even before the pregnancy is diagnosed and sometimes, in a chemical pregnancy or an early miscarriage. As such, many women with endometriosis, rather than being infertile, in the strict sense of the word, often actually experience repeated undetected “mini-miscarriages”.
Women who harbor APA’s often experience improved IVF birth rates when heparinoids (Clexane/Lovenox) are administered from the onset of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins until the 10th week of pregnancy. NKa is treated with a combination of Intralipid (IL) and steroid therapy: Intralipid (IL) is a solution of small lipid droplets suspended in water. When administered intravenously, IL provides essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid.IL is made up of 20% soybean oil/fatty acids (comprising linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linolenic acid and stearic acid), 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids (1.2%), glycerin (2.25%) and water (76.5%).IL exerts a modulating effect on certain immune cellular mechanisms largely by down-regulating NKa.
The therapeutic effect of IL/steroid therapy is likely due to an ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cellular (Type-1) cytokines such as interferon gamma and TNF-alpha. IL/steroids down-regulate NKa within 2-3 weeks of treatment the vast majority of women experiencing immunologic implantation dysfunction. In this regard IL is just as effective as Intravenous Gamma globulin (IVIg) but at a fraction of the cost and with a far lower incidence of side-effects. Its effect lasts for 4-9 weeks when administered in early pregnancy.
The toxic pelvic environment caused by endometriosis, profoundly reduces natural fertilization potential. As a result normally ovulating infertile women with endometriosis and patent Fallopian tubes are much less likely to conceive naturally, or by using fertility agents alone (with or without intrauterine (IUI) insemination. The only effective way to bypass this adverse pelvic environment is through IVF. I am not suggesting here that all women who have endometriosis require IVF! Rather, I am saying that in cases where the condition is further compromised by an IID associated with NKa and/or for older women (over 35 years old) who have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) where time is of the essence, it is my opinion that IVF is the treatment of choice.
_______________________________________________________________________
I am attaching online links to two E-books that I recently co-authored with my partner at SFS-NY (Drew Tortoriello MD) for your reading pleasure:
- From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions (SFS)
https://sherfertilitysolutions.com/sher-fertility-solutions-ebook.pdf
2. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view
5 months pregnant but not detecting inupt test
Name: Aajay N
Five months pregnant but not detecting on the UPT test
Author
Answer:
_Something is not right! See your wife’s OB to confirm that she is indeed carrying a viable pregnancy.
Good luck!
Geoff Sher
_________________________________________________________________
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
- “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view
Pregnancy not detect on UPT… Hcg level’s
Name: Aajay K
My wife pregnancy not detecting on upt test..
Author
Answer:
Do a quantitative blood hCG test.
Going through IVF is a major investment, emotionally, physically, and financially, for every patient or couple. One of the most crucial moments is receiving the result of the blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) pregnancy. It’s a big deal! The days after the embryo transfer, waiting for this result, can be extremely stressful. That’s why it’s crucial for the IVF doctor and staff to handle this information with care and professionalism. They should be accessible to the patient/couple and provide results promptly and sensitively.
Testing urine or blood to check for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the best way to confirm pregnancy. Urine tests are cheaper and more commonly used. They are also more convenient because they can be done anywhere. However, blood tests are more reliable and sensitive than urine tests. They can detect pregnancy earlier and at lower hCG levels. Blood tests are also more accurate and can track changes in hCG levels over time. Urine tests can detect hCG when blood levels are above 20IU, which is about 16-18 days after ovulation or 2-3 days after a missed period. Blood tests can measure any concentration of hCG about 12-13 days after ovulation.
Detecting hCG in the blood early on and tracking its increase is especially useful for women undergoing fertility treatments like controlled ovarian stimulation or in vitro fertilization. The sooner hCG is detected and measured, the more information can be gathered about the success of implantation and the health of the developing embryo.
Typically, two beta hCG blood tests are done, spaced 2-4 days apart. It’s best to wait for the results of the second test before reporting on the pregnancy. This is because an initial result can change, even from equivocal or negative to positive. Sometimes a normal embryo takes longer to implant, and the hCG level can be initially low or undetectable. Regardless of the initial level, the test should be repeated after two days to check for a significant rise in hCG. A significant rise usually indicates that an embryo is implanting, which suggests a possible pregnancy. Waiting for the second test result helps avoid conveying false hope or disappointment.
It’s important to note that beta hCG levels don’t double every two days throughout pregnancy. Once the levels rise above 4,000U, they tend to increase more slowly. Except in specific cases like IVF using an egg donor or transfer of genetically tested embryos, the birth rate following IVF in younger women is around 40% per embryo transfer. Patients need to have realistic expectations and should be informed about how and when they will receive the news, as well as counseling in case of a negative outcome.
When an embryo starts to implant, it releases the pregnancy hormone hCG into the woman’s bloodstream. Around 12 days after egg retrieval, 9 days after a day 3 embryo transfer, or 7 days after a blastocyst transfer, a woman should have a quantitative beta hCG blood pregnancy test performed. By that time, most of the hCG injected to prepare the eggs for retrieval should have cleared from the bloodstream. So, if the test detects more than 10 IU of hCG per ml of blood, it indicates that the embryo has attempted to implant. In third-party IVF (e.g., ovum donation, gestational surrogacy, embryo adoption, or frozen embryo transfers), no hCG trigger is administered, so any amount of hCG detected in the blood is considered significant.
Sometimes, there is a slow initial rise in hCG between the first and second tests (failure to double every 48 hours). In such cases, a third and sometimes a fourth hCG test should be done at two-day intervals. A failure to double on the third and/or fourth test is a poor sign and could indicate a failed or dysfunctional implantation. In some cases, a progressively slow rising hCG level might indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which requires additional testing and follow-up.
In certain situations, the first beta hCG level starts high, drops with the second test, and then starts doubling again. This could suggest that initially, multiple embryos started to implant but only one survived to continue a healthy implantation.
It’s customary for the IVF clinic staff to inform the patient/couple and the referring physician about the hCG pregnancy test results. Often, the IVF physician or nurse-coordinator coordinates with the referring physician to arrange all necessary pregnancy tests. If the patient/couple prefer to make their own arrangements, the program should provide detailed instructions.
In some cases, when the two blood pregnancy tests show that one or more embryos are implanting, certain programs recommend daily injections of progesterone or the use of vaginal hormone suppositories for several weeks to support the implantation process. Others give hCG injections three times a week until the pregnancy can be confirmed by ultrasound examination. Some IVF programs don’t prescribe any hormones after the embryo transfer.
Patients with appropriate doubling of hCG levels within two days after frozen embryo transfer (FET) or third-party IVF procedures such as surrogacy or egg donation may receive estradiol and progesterone injections, often along with vaginal hormone suppositories, for 10 weeks after the implantation is diagnosed by blood pregnancy testing.
A positive Beta hCG blood pregnancy test indicates the possibility of conception, but ultrasound confirmation is needed to confirm the pregnancy. Until then, it is referred to as a “chemical pregnancy.” Only when ultrasound examination confirms the presence of a gestational sac, clinical examination establishes a viable pregnancy, or after abortion when products of conception are detected, is it called a clinical intrauterine pregnancy.
A significantly elevated hCG blood level without concomitant detection of an gestational sac inside the uterus by ultrasound after 5 weeks gestation raises the suspicion of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
The risk of miscarriage gradually decreases once a viable clinical pregnancy is diagnosed (a conceptus with a regular heartbeat of 110-180 beats per minute). From this point onward, the risk of miscarriage is usually 10- 15% for women under 40 years old and around 35% for women in their early forties.
Dealing with successful IVF cases is relatively easy as everyone feels happy and validated. The real challenge lies in handling unsuccessful cases. Setting rational expectations from the beginning is crucial. In some cases (fortunately rare), emotional pressure may overwhelm the patient/couple, leading to a need for counseling or psychiatric therapy. I always advise my patients that receiving optimal care doesn’t always guarantee the desired outcome. There are many variables beyond our control, especially the unpredictable nature of fate. With around 36 years of experience in this field, I strongly believe that when it comes to IVF, the saying “man proposes while God disposes” always holds.
There are a few important things to consider when interpreting blood hCG levels. Levels can vary widely, ranging from 5mIU/ml to over 400mIU/ml, 10 days after ovulation or egg retrieval. The levels double every 48-72 hours until the 6th week of pregnancy, after which the doubling rate slows down to about 96 hours. By the end of the 1st trimester, hCG levels reach 13,000-290,000 IU and then slowly decline to around 26,000-300,000 IU at full term. Here are the average hCG levels during the first trimester:
- 3 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP): 5-50 IU
- 4 weeks LMP: 5-426 IU
- 5 weeks LMP: 18-7,340 IU
- 6 weeks LMP: 1,080-56,500 IU
- 7-8 weeks LMP: 7,650-229,000 IU
- 9-12 weeks LMP: 25,700-288,000 IU
Most doctors wait until around the 7th week to perform an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy. By that time, the heartbeat should be clearly visible, providing a more reliable assessment of the pregnancy’s viability.
In some cases, blood hCG levels can be unusually high or increase faster than normal. This could indicate multiple pregnancies or a molar pregnancy. Rarely, conditions unrelated to pregnancy, such as certain ovarian tumors or cancers, can cause detectable hCG levels in both blood and urine.
To summarize, testing urine or blood for hCG is the most reliable way to confirm pregnancy. Urine tests are more common and convenient, while blood tests are more accurate and can detect pregnancy earlier. Tracking hCG levels in the blood is especially important for women undergoing fertility treatments. It’s essential to wait for the results of a second blood test before confirming pregnancy to avoid false hope or disappointment. Interpreting hCG levels requires considering various factors, and doctors usually perform an ultrasound around the 7th week for a more accurate assessment. Unusually high hCG levels may indicate multiple pregnancies or other conditions unrelated to pregnancy. Providing sensitive and timely communication of results is crucial for IVF clinics to support patients through the emotional journey.
____________________________________________________________
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
- “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view
______________________________________________________________
Endometriosis
Name: Pareet A
Hello Dr
Im 35yo. Been trying to conceive since 2020. Did 3 IUI in 2022-did not work. Normal hormone levels.
Miraculously got pregnant for the first time in Jan 2023 but miscarriage at around 7 weeks reports say likely due to anueploidity.
Got ER done in June with Protocol 3, retrieved 15 eggs, 5 blastocysts and have 2 PGT embryos now.
My ER says majority with unexplained infertility have endometriosis. I have no apparently pains or symptoms. Suggested route is to do Receptiva and then laparoscopy or Lupron.
I’m confused about next steps since the Receptiva tests results seem to be inconclusive.
Should I just go ahead with laparoscopy or lupron depot or any other recommendations ?
Author
Answer:
You are correct, the Receptiva test is often inconclusive, but would do no harm. And, unless ultrasound shows endometriotic cysts I would not do a laparoscopy or take Lupron. Rather, I would undergo blood testing for an immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) specifically looking for antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) and natural killer cell activity (NKa) at one of 3 laboratories in the USA that are capable o doing such testing reliably (I advocate using ReproSource Laboratory in Boston, MA. If you test +ve, it is my opinion that treatment is necessary (see the attached links to books I have written, below which will provide more information.
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the uterine lining (endometrium) grows not only in the interior of the uterus but in other areas, such as the Fallopian tubes, ovaries and the bowel. Endometriosis is a complex condition where, the lack or relative absence of an overt anatomical barrier to fertility often belies the true extent of reproductive problem(s).
All too often the view is expounded that the severity of endometriosis-related infertility is inevitably directly proportionate to the anatomical severity of the disease itself, thereby implying that endometriosis causes infertility primarily by virtue of creating anatomical barriers to fertilization. This over-simplistic and erroneous view is often used to support the performance of many unnecessary surgeries for the removal of small innocuous endometriotic lesions, on the basis of such “treatment” evoking an improvement in subsequent fertility.
It is indisputable that even the mildest form of endometriosis can compromise fertility. It is equally true that, mild to moderate endometriosis is by no means a cause of absolute “sterility”.
Rather, when compared with normally ovulating women of a similar age who do not have endometriosis, women with mild to moderate endometriosis are about four to six times less likely to have a successful pregnancy. Endometriosis often goes unnoticed for many years. Such patients are frequently, erroneously labeled as having “unexplained infertility”, until the diagnosis is finally clinched through direct visualization of the lesions at the time of laparoscopy or laparotomy. Not surprisingly, many patients with so called “unexplained” infertility, if followed for a number of years, will ultimately reveal endometriosis.
Women who have endometriosis are far more likely to be infertile. There are several reasons for this:
- First-Ovulation Dysfunction: In about 25 – 30% of cases, endometriosis is associated with ovulation dysfunction. Treatment requires controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The problem is that the toxic pelvic environment markedly reduces the likelihood that anything other than IVF will enhance pregnancy potential.
- Second- Toxic Pelvic environment that compromises Fertilization Endometriosis is associated with the presence of toxins in the peritoneal secretions. While it is tempting to assert that endometriosis-related infertility is confined to cases with more severe anatomical disease , that normally ovulating women with mild to moderate endometriosis (where the Fallopian tubes are usually patent and free) should have no difficulty in conceiving once their anatomical disease is addressed surgically, …nothing could be further from the truth. The natural conception rate for healthy young (<35y) ovulating women who are free of endometriosis, is about 15% per month of trying and 70% per year of actively trying to conceive. Conversely, the conception rate for women of a comparable age who have mild or moderate pelvic endometriosis is only about 2-4% per month and approximately 40% after 4 The main reason for this difference is that as the egg travels from the ovary to the fallopian tube, it is exposed to these peritoneal toxins which compromise the fertilization process. And, this “toxic pelvic influence, cannot be eradicated through surgically removing visible endometriotic deposits in the pelvis or through any medication. The reason that surgical ablation of endometriotic deposits will not improve pregnancy potential is that for every deposit observed, there are numerous others that are in the process of developing, which at the time might not be visible (because they are translucent) but still produce toxins. This also explains why surgery to remove visible endometriotic deposits, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with or without intrauterine insemination will usually not improve pregnancy potential. Only IVF, through removing eggs before they are exposed to this toxic pelvic environment, fertilizing them in in the IVF laboratory and then transferring the embryo(s) to the uterus represents the only way to enhance pregnancy potential.
- Third-Pelvic adhesions and Scarring:In its most severe form, endometriosis is associated with scarring and adhesions in the pelvis, resulting in damage to, obstruction or fixation of the fallopian tubes to surrounding structures, thereby preventing the union of sperm and eggs.
- Fourth-Ovarian Endometriomas, Advanced endometriosis is often associated with ovarian cysts (endometriomas/chocolate cysts) that are filled with altered blood and can be large and multiple. When these are sizable (>1cm) they can activate surrounding ovarian connective tissue causing production of excessive male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone and androstenedione. Excessive ovarian androgens can compromise egg development in the affected ovary (ies) resulting in an increased likelihood of numerical chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) and reduced egg/embryo competency”. In my opinion ovarian endometriomas larger than 1cm need to be removed surgically or though sclerotherapy before embarking on IVF.
- Fifth- Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction (IID). Endometriosis, regardless of its severity is associated with immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) linked to activation of uterine natural killer cells (NKa) and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) in about 30% of cases. This is diagnosed by testing the woman’s blood for NKa using the K-562 target cell test or by cytokine analysis, and by doing a blood immunophenotype evaluation. These NKa attack the invading trophoblast cells (developing “root system” of the embryo/early conceptus) as soon as it tries to gain attachment to the uterine wall. In most such cases, this will result in death of the embryo even before the pregnancy is diagnosed and sometimes, in a chemical pregnancy or an early miscarriage. . As such, many women with endometriosis, rather than being infertile, in the strict sense of the word are actually experiencing repeated undetected “mini-miscarriages”.
Advanced Endometriosis: In its most advanced stage, anatomical tubal and ovarian disfiguration is causally linked to the infertility. In such cases, inspection at laparoscopy or laparotomy will usually reveal severe pelvic adhesions, scarring and endometriomas. However, the quality of life of patients with advanced endometriosis is usually so severely compromised by pain and discomfort, that having a baby is often relatively low on their priority lists. Accordingly, such patients are often more interested in relatively radical medical and surgical treatment options (might preclude a subsequent pregnancy), such as removal of ovaries, fallopian pubis and even the uterus, as a means of alleviating their symptoms.
Moderately Severe Endometriosis. These patients have a modest amount of scarring/ adhesions and endometriotic deposits which are usually detected on the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, bladder surface and on the peritoneal surface, low down in the pelvis, behind the uterus (in the cul-de-sac). In such cases, the Fallopian tubes are usually opened and functional.
Mild Endometriosis: These are patients who at laparoscopy or laparotomy are found to have no significant distortion of pelvic anatomy are often erroneously labeled as having “unexplained” infertility. To hold that infertility can only be attributed to endometriosis if significant anatomical disease can be identified, is to ignore the fact that, biochemical, hormonal and immunological factors profoundly impact fertility. Failure to recognize this salient fact continues to play havoc with the hopes and dreams of many infertile endometriosis patients.
Treatment:
The following basic concepts apply to management of endometriosis-related infertility:
- Controlled Ovulation stimulation (COS) with/without intrauterine insemination (IUI): Toxins in the peritoneal secretions of women with endometriosis exert a negative effect on fertilization potential, regardless of how sperm reach the Fallopian tube(s). This explains why COS with or without IUI will usually not improve the chances of pregnancy (over no treatment at all) in women with endometriosis. IVF is the only way by which to bypass this problem.
- Laparoscopy or Laparotomy Surgery aimed at restoring the anatomical integrity of the Fallopian tubes does not counter the negative influence of toxic peritoneal factors that inherently reduce the chances of conception in women with endometriosis many Nor does it address the immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) often associated with this condition. Pelvic surgery is relatively contraindicated for the treatment of infertility associated with endometriosis, when the woman is more than 35 years of age as such women do not have the time to waste on such less efficacious alternatives. In contrast, younger women who have much more time on their side might consider surgery as a viable option. Approximately 30 -40 percent of women under 35 years of age with endometriosis will conceive within three to four years following corrective pelvic surgery.
- Sclerotherapy for ovarian endometriomas (“chocolate” cysts).About 20 years ago I introduced “sclerotherapy”, a relatively non-invasive, safe and effective outpatient method to permanently eliminate endometriomas without surgery being required. Sclerotherapy for ovarian endometriomas involves needle aspiration of the liquid content of the endometriotic cyst, followed by the injection of 5% tetracycline hydrochloride into the cyst cavity. Treatment results in disappearance of the lesion within 6-8 weeks, in more than 75% of cases so treated. Ovarian sclerotherapy can be performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. It has the advantage of being an ambulatory office- based procedure, at low cost, with a low incidence of significant post-procedural pain or complications and the avoidance of the need for laparoscopy or laparotomy.
- The role of selective immunotherapyMore than half of women who have endometriosis harbor antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) that can compromise development of the embryo’s root system (trophoblast). In addition and far more serious, is the fact that in about one third of cases endometriosis, regardless of its severity is associated with NKa and cytotoxic uterine lymphocytes (CTL) which can seriously jeopardize implantation. This immunologic implantation dysfunction (IID) is diagnosed by testing the woman’s blood for APA, for NKa (using the K-562 target cell test and/or by testing for cytokine activity) and, for CTL (by a blood immunophenotype). Activated NK cells attack the invading trophoblast cells (developing “root system” of the embryo) as soon as it tries to gain attachment to the uterine wall. In most cases, this results in rejection of the embryo even before the pregnancy is diagnosed and sometimes, in a chemical pregnancy or an early miscarriage. . As such, many women with endometriosis, rather than being infertile, in the strict sense of the word, often actually experience repeated undetected “mini-miscarriages” Women who harbor APA’s often experience improved IVF birth rates when heparinoids (Clexane/Lovenox) are administered from the onset of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins until the 10th week of pregnancy. Endometriosis-induced NKa is treated with a combination of Intralipid (IL) and steroid (dexamethasone or prednisone)therapy: Intralipid (IL) is a solution of small lipid droplets suspended in water. When administered intravenously, IL provides essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid.IL is made up of 20% soybean oil/fatty acids (comprising linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linolenic acid and stearic acid) , 1.2% egg yolk phospholipids (1.2%), glycerin (2.25%) and water (76.5%).IL exerts a modulating effect on certain immune cellular mechanisms largely by down-regulating NKa. The therapeutic effect of IL/steroid therapy is likely due to an ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cellular (Type-1) cytokines such as interferon gamma and TNF-alpha. IL/steroids down-regulates NKa within 2-3 weeks of treatment the vast majority of women experiencing immunologic implantation dysfunction. In this regard IL is just as effective as Intravenous Gamma globulin (IVIg) but at a fraction of the cost and with a far lower incidence of side-effects. Its effect lasts for 4-9 weeks when administered in early pregnancy.
- The role of IVF: The toxic pelvic environment caused by endometriosis, profoundly reduces natural fertilization potential. As a result normally ovulating infertile women with endometriosis and patent Fallopian tubes are much less likely to conceive naturally, or by using fertility agents alone (with or without intrauterine (IUI) insemination. The only effective way to bypass this adverse pelvic environment is through IVF. I am not suggesting here that all women who have endometriosis require IVF! Rather, I am saying that in cases where the condition is further compromised by an IID associated with NKa and/or for older women(over 35y) who have diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) where time is of the essence, it is my opinion that IVF is the treatment of choice.
_______________________________________________________________________
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
- “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view
tht an accredited Reproductive Immunology Laboratory ( I use ReproSource in Boston, MA)for
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
- “Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iYKz-EkAjMqwMa1ZcufIloRdxnAfDH8L/view
Beta hCG Quant test
Name: Asma A
It was witten on my test 62619.0 H^1*1
I wanted to know what does it mean.
Author
Answer:
It is a high level but significance depends on when in pregnancy it was taken. An ultrasound done now should rule out a molar pregnancy (which I doubt is the case).
Geoff Sher