Many experts agree that the ideal time for women to have children is in their 30s. Life is often more stable and women are apt to be physically and emotionally prepared for the change in lifestyle. But because age is a significant factor in fertility, waiting until your 30s also has its downsides.
A woman’s fertility begins to steadily drop between ages 30 and 35. The chances of success during that time are, however, still favorable. A single ovulatory cycle for women in their 30s has about a 15 percent chance of getting pregnant. In total, women in this age range have a 75 percent chance of success within a year. Things change considerably at age 35.
When a woman hits 35, the risk potential accelerates. Typical concerns include:
Elevated chance of miscarriage
Ectopic pregnancy
Decrease in ovulation
Higher rates of genetic abnormalities, including Down Syndrome
The key is to plan appropriately. Women under 35 need to consider how long they’ve been trying, as well as how dedicated they have been to the process. If more than six months has passed without success despite doing everything your doctor has recommended, the time is right to see a fertility specialist. For those over 35, see a fertility specialist is imperative.
The bottom line is that time is often the major obstacle when trying to become pregnant. If you’re concerned that you may be losing that battle, make an appointment with one of our fertility specialists today to discuss treatment options.
If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
In the video below, author Marc Sedaka discusses infertility and the male perspective. Sedaka talks about why he wrote his book, “What He Can Expect When She’s Not Expecting.” In this video, he points out ways that a husband can be supportive when his spouse is grappling with infertility.
“An aspect of the struggle with infertility that’s often overlooked is the role of the man in the process” said Dr. Rebecca Chilvers at American Health Network reproductive medicine. “Marc Sedaka’s book is an excellent resource for men trying to figure out what they can do to ease the burden of living with infertility.”
If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
Many people are naturally squeamish when it comes to needles. For women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), coming to terms with the frequent injections – and everything that’s at stake – can be emotionally and physically draining. The following are some tips that can help make the IVF process a little less stressful:
1) Practice First – A lot is at stake with IVF, so going through a few practice rounds can help build your confidence. Try out a practice needle on a piece of fruit, like an orange, to get comfortable with the injection steps.
2) Request Help – If you’d feel better having an expert confirm you’re performing the injection correctly, ask a nurse at your doctor’s office to supervise you the first time you go through the procedure. She’ll be able to tell you how you’re doing and ways to make the process go even more smoothly.
3) Enlist Your Partner – Including your spouse in the procedure can sometimes help to reduce the tension. Your partner can help prepare the vials, administer the injections, and massage the injection point upon completion. Even if you prefer to go through the procedure yourself, having your loved one there can be calming.
4) Choose a Comfortable Place – Being able to relax so you can quietly and calmly administer the injection will alleviate some of the stress. You want a clean, serene place, such as a bathroom or kitchen, where you can lay out your supplies and confidently complete the process.
If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
The topic of infertility carries an unfortunate stigma for many women. Coming to terms with the inability to conceive leads some to feelings of shame and sadness. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Infertility affects millions of women each year. Bringing the conversation out in the open and becoming part of a community of other women struggling with infertility can help to remove those feelings of inadequacy. If you’re currently dealing with infertility and struggling with feelings of shame, consider the following:
1) Control the Situation and Embrace It: As mentioned above, millions of women struggle with infertility each year. When you are able to control the situation by learning what the problems are, and going to an Infertility specialist ( REI )you will be able to empower yourself and get the help that you actually need.
2) You Are Your Own Advocate: You can let the situation beat you down, or you can take control. Learn as much as you can about infertility and the solutions that are available. Talk to a fertility specialist and build a plan that has the best opportunity for a successful outcome.
If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can be very stressful, especially for women. When traditional methods of becoming pregnant are unsuccessful, IVF is often the best alternative. Many women, however, are terrified by the prospect of frequent injections and may feel like they’re going through the process alone. To combat the feelings of loneliness that do sometimes arise, undergoing IVF can be an excellent opportunity for a meaningful, couples bonding experience.
Faced with a large box of needles and a frequent injection schedule, some women feel overwhelmed. Having a partner there to provide comfort, establish routine, and even perform the injections may reduce stress levels and improve intimacy. Some suggestions to make the process go smoothly include the following:
Watch an instructional video beforehand. Seeing another couple may help put you and your partners’ minds at ease and reduce squeamishness.
Include the injection process as part of an intimate evening. Instead of mentally identifying the injection as the mountain peak you need to reach, reconsider it as just one part of a bigger plan.
Consider counseling, if necessary. The opportunity to express your concerns, fears, and apprehensions in a couples counseling session may help you break through the mental walls and minimize stress.
Couples feel that a lot is at stake with IVF, and rightly so. The overwhelming desire to have a baby, in tandem with the frequent costs, can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It may not be possible to remove all the stress, but IVF can be a bonding experience for couples, enabling them to grow even closer to their partners.
If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
Fertility specialists are increasingly using Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to improve success rates in patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). In the past, scientists were limited to examining the external appearance of an embryo under a microscope to determine its quality. Scientists have now determined that process to be incomplete. PGD enables specialists to study the internal genetic code. The information available through this process can indicate that embryos which previously appeared as good candidates could carry a genetic code that diminishes their chances for success. Conversely, embryos that outwardly appeared insufficient may in fact be genetically superior.
Couples undergoing IVF and considering PGD often match at least one of the following criteria:
Prior IVF failure
Female over age 35
Previous miscarriages
Premature menopause
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Prior conception of child or fetus with chromosomal abnormalities
Patient or another child has an inheritable medical condition
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
PGD is not 100 percent accurate, and scientists are still determining if PGD in the IVF process increases the chances of fertility. Because only the embryos that are considered to be genetically sound are transferred to the mother, many believe PGD is a benefit. Others are concerned that manipulating the embryo decreases the potential success of IVF. What is agreed on, however, is that the process reduces the risk of miscarriage because the embryos that are transferred are at a lesser risk for genetic abnormalities.
If IVF has been unsuccessful for you in the past, the time may be right to consider PGD. Talk to your Indianapolis fertility specialist about the options available to you. If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
Fertility after age 35 has its share of challenges. Advanced maternal age (≥ 35) is the patient characteristic most highly associated with abnormal embryo formation. As a woman increases in age, the number of normal embryos that result after fertilization is reduced because of a phenomenon known as aneuploidy, or abnormal number of chromosomes. This is due to a tendency for abnormal separation of chromosomes after they recombine in the early stages of embryo development and leads to embryos with too many chromosomes (like the commonly known abnormality of trisomy 21, where the embryo has 3 copies of chromosome 21 rather than 2) or too few chromosomes (as in the disorder Turner’s syndrome, where the embryo has 1 X chromosome rather than 2).
To improve one’s chances of conceiving at or after age 35, it is important to be proactive, as time is of the essence. See a reproductive endocrinologist after 6 months of trying to conceive, or sooner if you have a known gynecologic problem that may be affecting your fertility such as:
Irregular or infrequent menstrual bleeding or a past diagnosis of irregular ovulation
New changes in your menstrual cycle
Painful menstrual bleeding or a past diagnosis of endometriosis
Heavy menstrual bleeding or a past diagnosis of uterine fibroids
Inability to conceive despite being sexually active and off of birth control in the past
History of sexually transmitted infection in the past such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
Spotting between menstrual periods
Other crucial steps you can take include the following:
Quit smoking
Reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeine
Maintain a healthy weight
Keep a positive attitude
Your fertility specialist will likely begin by learning your history and performing standard tests to estimate your ovarian reserve and see if your tubes are open. For your husband, tests will ensure that he has adequate sperm count. If you are over 35, have any of the above conditions, or have tried to conceive for 6 months and have not had success, then don’t delay – call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation soon at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
In the video below, actress Brenda Strong talks about her battle with infertility after having her first child. Strong is one of the many women who become infertile for no diagnosable reason. In this video, she discusses how she wants her story to help other women struggling with unexplained infertility by, “normalizing the conversation.”
“As Brenda Strong mentions in the video, many women have difficulty understanding why they are infertile” said Dr. Rebecca Chilvers at American Health Network Reproductive Medicine. “Her willingness to put a face on an issue that one in seven couples face can only help to improve the discussion.”
If you’re currently having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
Your greatest dream is to have a child. For months, even years, you’ve tried, but still haven’t had success. The time may be right to make an appointment with an Indianapolis fertility specialist.
A fertility specialist is different from an OB/GYN. A fertility specialist is an expert in the field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility ( REI ). The REI did a residency for four years in OB/GYN just like your OB/GYN. Then he or she does a fellowship for another three years to become a fertility specialist an REI. The extra fellowship training after residency is required for the necessary board certifications.
Fertility specialists are able to diagnose all infertility problems, including issues with ovulation, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids as well as other reproductive abnormalities. If you’ve had a history of miscarriage, a fertility specialist may be able to identify the cause and suggest solutions for future prevention. If you’ve suffered from cancer in the past, a fertility specialist can determine if your reproductive system is healthy enough to carry a baby to term. An REI specialist can also help you through the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies if necessary.
If you are concerned that your partner may have difficulty with infertility, make sure that he joins you in meeting the fertility specialist. He may need to see a urologist or male infertility specialist to analyze his semen.
Remember, if you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for six months without success, then you need to see a fertility specialist. Age is a key factor in your ability to conceive. If you’re 35 or older, the time is right to see a fertility specialist. You need to Proactively assess your situation and determine the best course of action to ensure your dream of having a baby comes true.
If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
Infertility! Endometriosis! Not ovulating well! My gosh, I only went to the doctor to see why my husband and I are not getting pregnant. I’ve just walked out of the office and now I’m confused and upset, why are things so complicated. God, I need to call my husband…
This is a common response when a woman goes to see her family doctor or her Ob/Gyn when she is not getting pregnant. All of her life to this point, she has been trying to avoid getting pregnant. There was school to finish, a job to start, that new promotion and she wanted to get to really know her significant other.
When the time comes to start a family, up to 25% of women are finding it’s not that easy. Women have always been told that all they will have to do is stop the birth control and ‘Voila’ it will happen. No one told her that getting pregnant could be so complicated and frustrating. The confusion in the answers to her questions, keeps mounting, isn’t there a place she can go to put it all together? Can’t she see someone who can put it all together and help her achieve her goal? Yes there is… Rebecca Chilvers, M.D. from American Health Network Reproductive Medicine is just that person. Dr. Chilvers is a fellowship trained Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist. Her job is to find the causes and put them together in an understandable explanation and a successful therapy plan, and she does.
Dr Chilvers is an expert in Ovulation, Ovulation Induction, IVF, Donor Egg, Endometriosis, fibroids and all problems that affect the women’s ability to conceive. She has been trained to treat both medically and surgically the problems that can cause faced in getting pregnant. Dr. Chilvers is also trained in the most up to date da Vinci Robotic Surgery platform. It is very easy to get started. If you find yourself like the woman above, wondering what just happened, or a woman who just has questions about her fertility, or have been diagnosed with a fertility issue and want a second opinion, all you need to do is to call Dr. Chilvers at America Health Network Reproductive Medicine at 317-580-4493.
You need to make that first step in getting control of your fertility and not let it get control of you. Don’t hesitate, time can add to the problem. If you’re currently trying to become pregnant but having issues with fertility, call Dr. Chilvers or Dr. Bonaventura at American Health Network reproductive medicine to schedule a consultation at (317) 580-4493 or click the link to CONTACT US.
