The Impact of Ovarian Cysts on Female Fertility
Ovarian cysts are common, and in many cases, they are harmless and disappear on their own. But when it comes to fertility, the type of cyst and how it’s managed can make a difference in a woman’s fertility. Here is a breakdown of the different types of ovarian cysts and which ones could cause issues […]
Understanding Infertility Testing for Women: What to Expect and Why It Matters
Infertility is medically defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse or after 6 months if you’re age 35 or older. For women over the age of 40, seeking an evaluation as soon as possible would be beneficial due to the natural decline in fertility with age. What […]
AFP Detection in Embryonic Fluid May Help Improve IVF Success
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been used in first-trimester prenatal testing to screen for conditions such as fetal spina bifida, chromosomal abnormalities, and more recently, to help predict spontaneous miscarriage through analysis of uterine bleeding samples. Now, new research from Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine / Westlake IVF and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine […]
Conceiving Naturally After Infertility
About 20% of couples who struggle with infertility will eventually become parents naturally, according to some studies. Dr. Shahryar Kavoussi, a leading reproductive endocrinologist in Austin, points out that some issues can be resolved naturally or with fertility treatments. This can allow for the chance of becoming pregnant naturally later on, though the exact timing […]
New Study Finds Follicle Size Doesn’t Impact Success in Modified Natural FET Cycles
In modified natural cycles for frozen embryo transfer (FET), one area of focus has been the size of the dominant follicle just before starting progesterone, the hormone that prepares the uterus for implantation. A recent study conducted by Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF explored whether the size of the lead follicle prior to beginning […]
The Role of TSH in Fertility Treatment: Why Measuring Thyroid Function Matters
Measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels is a standard part of a fertility evaluation, as thyroid function can significantly impact the ability to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. What is TSH and Why is it Important?TSH regulates the thyroid gland’s activity, which produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones control metabolism, energy levels, […]
Breaking Down IVF
There are many steps to invitro fertilization (IVF). Your fertility specialist will work with you to establish the appropriate fertility care and will determine if IVF is part of the treatment. Once IVF has been established as part of the treatment, it will be customized to the individual or couple. Here is a general summary […]
The Importance of Estradiol Test
An estradiol (E2) test is commonly used in fertility clinics. Estradiol, a primary form of estrogen, functions to regulate the menstrual cycle, promote uterine lining growth, and prepare women’s bodies for early pregnancy after conception. Thus, measuring estradiol levels is important in assessing women’s reproductive health. Estradiol is closely monitored in conjunction with other hormones […]
What’s the role of endometrial thickness in getting pregnant?
The endometrium, the uterus’ inner lining, varies in thickness throughout the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Endometrial thickness directly impacts embryo implantation. After an egg is fertilized, the developing embryo travels down the Fallopian tube to the uterus where it needs to implant. An optimal thickness of the uterine lining is preferable for successful […]
The Impact of Sexual Transmitted Infections on Fertility
A growing concern is the rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US within the last year. Preliminary data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reveal 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2021 “with no signs of slowing”. Experts state that the spike in STIs over the last couple […]
