Monthly Archives: October 2017

FAQ: Is it typical to perform ICSI for IVF?

ICSI is recommended in cases of frozen oocytes that are thawed, due to the hardening of the zona pellucida (the cover or “shell” that surrounds the oocyte) when oocytes are frozen. “Standard insemination” for IVF (also known as “conventional” insemination for IVF) does not result in good fertilization rates in the case of frozen-thawed […]

Dr. Parviz Kavoussi reviews abstracts for American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2017 annual meeting in San Antonio

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, or ASRM, is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.  The society holds an annual scientific congress and expo to present the latest research and promote treatment for infertile couples.  As a nationally recognized expert in male fertility, Dr. Parviz Kavoussi […]

FAQ: What can couples do in terms of diet, lifestyle and other habits to improve the chances of fertility?

For Women

Women who have significant weight gain or extreme weight loss are more likely to not ovulate on a regular basis or at all. An ideal body mass index optimizes regular, ovulatory cycles among women of reproductive age, provided that reproductive hormone tests are in range. Minimizing alcohol intake improves the chances for pregnancy, […]

Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF Enrolls Men for Male Fertility Clinical Trial

Until recently, we have evaluated male fertility in a similar manner as Anton van Leeuwenhoek first did in 1677, by looking at sperm under the microscope, when he reported his findings of seeing sperm to the Royal Society. He described what he saw as “animalcules” less than a size of a grain of sand […]

Does Luteal Progesterone After Ovulation Induction and IUI Improve Fertility?

In an effort to improve success rates with ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI), some doctors and providers routinely prescribe progesterone supplementation to patients that undergo such treatments.  A recent study by Green et al, a systematic review and meta-analysis comprised of 11 randomized controlled trials (with a total of 2.842 patients that underwent […]