08.10.2018
Painkillers During Pregnancy May Affect the Unborn Child’s Future Fertility
A new study finds that taking painkillers during pregnancy may affect the unborn child’s future fertility. Ibuprofen, trade name Advil and Motrin, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is not recommended during pregnancy or even while attempting pregnancy due to potential adverse effects on ovulation, implantation and […]
08.03.2018
Smoking Marijuana During Pregnancy
The legalization of marijuana has enabled many entrepreneurs to open marijuana dispensaries. A recent study found that nearly 70% of marijuana dispensaries in Colorado recommend cannabis products to manage nausea and vomiting often accompanying early pregnancy related morning sickness. Very few dispensaries encouraged discussion with a health care provider without the investigator’s prompting. Smoking marijuana […]
07.27.2018
Is a Uterine Transplant an Option for a Woman Who Needs a Gestational Carrier?
The transplantation of solid, vital organs (heart, lungs, kidneys) has been on the forefront of pushing medicine’s frontier. The advances and understanding the science has afforded many the opportunity to live fulfilling lives as mothers, fathers, children and contributing community members. Organ donors are heroes. This same science and progress has allowed for exploration of […]
07.25.2018
Louise Brown’s Birthday and the Evolution of IVF
On July 25, Louise Joy Brown, the first baby born utilizing in vitro fertilization (IVF), turns 40. Louise’s parents, John and Lesley Brown, were referred to Patrick Steptoe, a British Obstetrician and Gynecologist who was an early pioneer of laparoscopic surgery for infertility. Steptoe had partnered in 1966 with Robert Edwards, an English biologist and […]
07.20.2018
Women Who Consume High Amounts of Fast Food May Take Longer to Conceive
A recent study published in Human Reproduction suggests that women who consume high amounts of fast food may take longer to conceive, while women who eat more fruit conceive more quickly. This study was the result of a multi-center pregnancy-based cohort of over 5,000 women interviewed during their first pregnancy. Participants who reported high fast […]
07.13.2018
Is it Safe to Take Herbal Supplements During Pregnancy?
Herbal supplements are increasingly popular with many believing that they are natural alternatives to more conventional medicines commonly prescribed in Western medicine. Unlike prescription drugs, natural herbs and vitamin supplements do not have to go through the rigorous evaluation proving safety and efficacy by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because of this, the quality […]
07.06.2018
Should Men Refrain or Repair Varicoceles That Could Cause Infertility?
Clinical varicoceles are common. They represent as a dilated grouping of veins and the added temperature imparted, or decrease in testicular vascular drainage are believed to affect negatively the testicular environment. This altered environment is believed to alter sperm parameters. Some may be symptomatic, affording men a dull, achy pain with intercourse. Others, a common […]
06.29.2018
Metformin Can Decrease the Risk of Late Miscarriage in Women With PCOS
Many women with PCOS and borderline diabetes are prescribed Metformin for control of glucose levels as they are attempting to conceive. There have been a number of studies that show use of this medication can increase fertility and decrease the risk of of an early miscarriage. A study presented at the annual Endocrine Society meeting […]
06.22.2018
Why Measure Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine organ at the base of the neck that helps regulate metabolism. Thyroid disease is a common ailment affecting over 6% of reproductive age women. Thyroid disease is 5 to 8 times more common in women than in men. The easiest way of determining thyroid function is by measuring Thyroid […]
06.15.2018
Vitamin D Levels May Reduce the Risk of Miscarriage
A recent study published in the Lancet suggests that Vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of miscarriage in women who have already had a miscarriage. In this prospective cohort study, investigators followed 1191 women who were trying to conceive and had at least one prior loss. At baseline, 47% of women had adequate Vitamin […]
