Tag Archives: embryo
12.22.2011
Genetic Disease – Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
R. Ian Hardy, M.D., Ph.D. Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Medical Director
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited disease that affects an infant’s muscular activity. Voluntary muscles are driven by motor neurons. Children with SMA are missing a gene that is required to produce certain proteins involved in motor neuron development. Without this protein, the nerves shrink and ultimately atrophy. Without motor neuron innervation, the muscles [...]
11.03.2011
What Makes a Good Endometrium and How is it Monitored?
Danielle Vitiello, Ph.D., M.D. Board-Eligible Reproductive Endocrinologist
Historically, we have been limited the means of assay endometrial receptivity. It is a dynamic organ that needs to be evaluated as such. Embryo implantation occurs when the endometrial receptivity is precisely well orchestrated. When the window of receptivity does not meet optimal implantation timing of the embryo, pregnancy will not occur. Endometrial biopsies where [...]
10.06.2011
What About the Soil? Then Endometrium: An Unsung Hero
Danielle Vitiello, Ph.D., M.D. Board-Eligible Reproductive Endocrinologist
Much of our efforts in assisted reproductive technologies, namely IVF and IUI, is focused on cultivation of mature oocytes and generation of quality embryos. However, without a rich environment, these embryos cannot exist. This soil is the endometrium, the lining of the uterus that is prepared monthly and then quickly shed like an afterthought, if [...]
06.23.2011
I. At home fertility monitoring: Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware)
Danielle Vitiello, Ph.D., M.D. Board-Eligible Reproductive Endocrinologist
The cyclic menstrual cycle is predictable. In the first half of the cycle, care is taken to groom the best egg for fertilization. Once this egg reaches the maturity parameter; ovulation is triggered and the released oocyte sets out on its journey into the fallopian tube. Here it is fertilized by the sperm and then [...]
10.29.2010
BIRDS AND BEES PART V
Joseph A. Hill, III, M.D. Board-Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Let me tell you ‘bout the “Birds and the Bees” And the flowers and the trees And the moon up above And a thing called “Love” (Herb Newman) On the day of fertilization, still within the comforting confines of the fallopian tube’s ampullary region, the genetic material of the sperm (male pronucleus) and the genetic [...]
08.23.2010
DECODING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Danielle Vitiello, Ph.D., M.D. Board-Eligible Reproductive Endocrinologist
Menstruation, or the period, is the result of an endless dialogue between the command centers within the brain (the hypothalamus and pituitary gland); the ovary and the uterus. In particular the uterine lining, the endometrium, is responsive to the growth and maturation hormones provided by the ovary. The two major hormones responsible for preparing the [...]
