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  • TFC Presents Data on Ovarian Reserve Testing and Novel Progesterone Administration at Annual ASRM Meeting

    Since its inception, Texas Fertility Center has devoted significant time and resources to fertility research because we know that even a small tweak to treatment protocols can lead to the birth of your baby. Our fertility specialists and scientists strive each and every day to perfect the miraculous breakthroughs that led to the very first in-vitro fertilization (IVF) birth in 1978. Together, we pledge that advanced reproductive technology, or ART, will never stop advancing.

    At the October American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) conference, Texas Fertility Center was selected to present the results from two of its research studies related to ovarian reserve testing and a new progesterone delivery method.

    Drs. Thomas C. Vaughn, Kaylen M. Silverberg, Lisa J. Hansard and Natalie Z. Burger contributed to the studies, and Dr. Silverberg explains the significance of the conclusions in video interviews here

    Replacing Progesterone Shots with Gels and Rings

    The hormone progesterone is critically important to the establishment and maintenance of an early pregnancy. Patients now have more choices for the way prescribed progesterone is delivered. A joint study with Texas Fertility Center and Teva Pharmaceuticals examined progesterone use after IVF.

    What we found is that the unpopular intramuscular injection into the hip can be safely and effectively replaced with vaginal gel, and, coming soon, a vaginal ring. No surprise: An overwhelming 84 percent of women responded that the vaginal ring is “less messy “ than the previous method they used. Progesterone gels and rings, respondents said, are more convenient and less stressful.

    Dr. Silverberg reiterates that new methods for progesterone delivery are painless, far less messy and they work just as well – if not better – than the shots!

    Adding the AMH fertility test to a fertility workup

    Who is going to do well with IVF … and who’s not? Like most fertility specialists,Texas Fertility Center doctors assess ovarian reserve with a Day 3 FSH, estrogen, and AMH (anti Mullerian hormone) level. As the newest of these tests, AMH has only recently been evaluated as a predictor of successful outcome with fertility therapy. Our physicians presented new data showing that – in our hands – FSH and AMH are much more predictive of outcome than estrogen. In addition to hormone testing, we also look at a variety of other things – such as a patient’s age, the size of her ovaries, and the number of follicles developing early in a cycle – to help us determine the best stimulation regimen, and the best treatment to lead to a healthy pregnancy.

    Ask us about AMH testing and other exciting news in reproductive medicine!

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • Preserving Fertility

    I am so incredibly blessed to be part of a wonderful team here at TFC that changes people’s lives every day. I am awestruck when those same patients can then change my life in a very personal way with their heartfelt gratitude.

    Recently, I had a patient who was newly diagnosed with cancer who came in with her husband to learn about cryopreserving their embryos for the future. They made this choice so that their fertility would not be impacted by the chemotherapy and radiation recommended for treating the cancer.

    When patients come in to our office, they often times are newly diagnosed with cancer. These patients are going through a whirlwind of emotions trying to process the cancer diagnosis, the treatment for the cancer, all the while trying to consider their options for their fertility in the future.

    My patients were scared and unsure of how to proceed. We spent time together discussing the process and what would be involved in the cycle so they would have a full understanding of what to expect. They wanted to take the weekend to decide if they were going to proceed and I gave them my contact information so they could call me with any questions.

    As an IVF nurse at TFC, I feel like it is my job to be these patients’ guide and partner in their journey to both beat cancer and preserve their future fertility. It is very important to me to be there to provide support throughout their IVF cycle and be their point of contact while they are patients at our office. I feel as though helping a couple or individual preserve their fertility gives them hope for the future.

    These patients did decide to proceed and were able to successfully cryopreserve embryos so that when they are ready to expand their family they have the option to do so.

    After the patient’s cycle was completed and on the day this patient had started her chemotherapy, her husband called me to say thank you for everything I had done for them. This phone call stopped me in my tracks. I was astonished that they would take time to call to thank me with everything that they had going on. They wanted to let us know what a huge impact we had played in their lives and that they were thankful they had the opportunity to preserve their fertility for the future.

    I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to work with this couple and they made me realize just how lucky I am that I get to change people’s lives and futures on a daily basis.

    This is one of the many reasons I am very passionate about the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It is a privilege to be able to partner with these patients in their journey to preserve their fertility for the future. I am so thrilled to be the co-captain of Team TFC with Wendy and I am looking forward to the Race for the Cure on Sunday, November 4th. We can all Come Together for the Cure and work to provide hope and support for those fighting cancer.

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    Jamie Leonard, RN

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  • TFC Staff ‘Setting the Course’ for Reproductive Medicine

    We were in San Diego last week, along with 6,000 fertility specialists, nurses and scientists, for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s annual meeting ~ ASRM 2012. Texas Fertility Center sent Drs. Kaylen Silverberg and Natalie Burger; Tom, Kristin, and Hank from the TFC lab; Third Party Reproductive Coordinator Leanne; Director of Clinical Operations Kathy Reynolds, LVN; and Ashley, one of our IVF coordinators.

    What does that mean for you, back home in the Austin, Round Rock or San Antonio areas?

    TFC doctors, nurses and clinicians are learning

    Every new day brings potential game-changing developments in reproductive medicine that could help solve your infertility puzzle. We’ve heard from colleagues, while in San Diego, about breakthroughs in assisted reproductive technology clinical and laboratory techniques, as well as the latest findings related to fertility preservation, non-invasive embryo assessment, and reproductive genetics.

    TFC doctors, nurses and clinicians are teaching

    In addition to learning from other experts, our TFC doctors shared research that we have performed in our practice in oral and “poster” presentations. We also led round tables and seminars, and are working on new research studies with our industry partners. In addition to IVF, we also shared our experiences with laparoscopic and robotic surgery and the life-changing difference they can have for women suffering from endometriosis, uterine fibroids, tubal disease and pelvic adhesions.

     

    Anyone who travels for business knows that taking time away from the office requires great effort, but there is no substitution for the power of collaboration. Orchestral conductor Itay Talgam says: “[A conductor’s] happiness does not come from only his own story and his joy of the music. The joy is about enabling other people’s stories to be heard at the same time.”

    On your next visit to Texas Fertility Center, ask us about the meaningful discoveries and collaborative “music” we make together as an American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the joy we derive from solving infertility.

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • What Does Infertility Have in Common with Breast Cancer?

    The infertility community shares a sobering statistic with breast cancer patients: One in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis and one in 8 couples will experience infertility.

    Like advances in reproductive medicine that offer hope for a cure, breast cancer treatment and early detection are helping women survive their breast cancer diagnosis.

    You may not know that Texas Fertility Center physicians, before pursuing board certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, performed residencies as Ob/Gyn doctors. Breast health was once a primary responsibility for TFC doctors, as specialists in women’s health.

     

    The good news about breast cancer: Early detection saves lives. The American Cancer Society attributes a decline in breast cancer mortality rates to improvements in breast cancer treatment as well as early detection.

    3 steps for early detection of breast cancer

     

    1)      Monthly breast self-exams

    2)      Annual mammograms after age 40

    3)      MRI or breast ultrasound for women at higher risk for breast cancer, (i.e. women with dense breast tissue)

     

    TFC and the American Cancer Society recommend lifestyle changes for optimal breast health

     

    1)      Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day.

    2)      Maintain a healthful weight, especially after menopause when fat tissue produces estrogen, which can potentially contribute to breast cancer. There may also be a correlation between excess weight in the waist area and breast cancer.

    3)      Exercise. A Women’s Health Initiative study shows that walking as little as 1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours per week may reduce your risk of breast cancer by up to 18%. The American Cancer Society recommends 45 minutes to one hour of exercise at least 5 days a week.

     

    As fertility specialists, we work with women with breast cancer to safeguard family-building options after cancer treatment. Leading-edge therapies like high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant and estrogen-blocking drug combinations for women with metastatic breast cancer save lives, but can lead to infertility.

    During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TFC encourages you to tell a friend about the importance of early detection, and the option for fertility preservation when cancer is diagnosed. Contact Texas Fertility Center to learn more about fertility preservation.

     

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • Fertility Preservation Options

    Preserving fertility by freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos is recommended for patients in many different circumstances.

    While this issue of our newsletter is highlighting breast cancer awareness, I would also like to take this opportunity to discuss some other scenarios in which fertility preservation should be considered.

    The treatments needed to help eradicate cancer in both men and women can result in a markedly decreased production of sperm or eggs or even complete loss of fertility. Because of this, patients are often advised to preserve fertility prior to chemotherapy, radiation therapy or even surgery, in order to allow future pregnancy once the cancer treatments have been completed.

    Another common scenario in which fertility preservation should be considered relates to our military personnel. Prior to deployment, active-duty military members may elect to preserve sperm, eggs, or embryos for their spouse to use while they are away.

    Current trends suggest that women are waiting later in their reproductive years to attempt pregnancy. While the reasons for this may well be noble, such as furthering education or careers, ovaries don’t understand the message to wait. By age 40, the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries has declined to around 10,000 from the 300,000-500,000 that were present around the time of puberty. Additionally, the quality of the remaining eggs declines with age, causing an increase in the risk for miscarriage or genetic defects, such as Trisomy 21 (Down’s Syndrome).

    Choosing to preserve your eggs (or embryos) may offer a solution to each of these problems. Through cryopreservation, your eggs or embryos can be “frozen in time”, which can allow you to decide when you want to have a baby without worrying about age-related risks and the diminished chance for successful fertility that comes along with advancing age.

    Single women should remember that a partner is not required to preserve fertility. Even if you are still searching for the right person, freezing eggs is still an option for you. Eggs can be retrieved and cryopreserved, or frozen, until you are ready to use them. Texas Fertility Center is one of the only fertility centers in the Southwest to have already celebrated the birth of a baby conceived using a frozen egg.

    If you are considering fertility preservation, regardless of the reason, Texas Fertility Center is pleased to participate in your care. Please contact our office at 512-451-0149 or visit our website at www.txfertility.com

     

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    Kaylen Silverberg, M.D.

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  • TFC Takes Steps to Cure Breast Cancer

    At Texas Fertility Center, we passionately advocate for women’s health issues, from changing laws to make infertility treatment affordable to raising awareness about breast cancer prevention and treatment. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TFC will share blog topics, Facebook posts and Twitter tweets that encourage our online friends to get involved.

    When you LIKE, share or retweet TFC messages, you help multiply the impact of our breast cancer awareness messages!

    Team Texas Fertility Center

     

     

     

     

     

    We’re proud to wear pink!

     

    In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Texas Fertility Center staff registered as a team to walk the Komen Race for the Cure. The race will takes place in Austin on Sunday, Nov. 4, about 7 miles from the Texas Fertility Center Austin office (we’re also in Round Rock, North Austin and soon in San Antonio!). Thousands of survivors, advocates, caring family, friends and neighbors will band together to support a cure for breast cancer.

    4 Steps You Can Take to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

    1) Search for the Texas Fertility Center team name, and join us at Komen Race for the Cure. We also encourage you to walk on your own, or form a team to experience the solidarity and impact of a Komen for the Cure event.

    2) Attend other October breast cancer awareness events in Austin, like the Stiletto Stampede on October 20 at The Triangle Park; Fashion Fusion on October 20 at the Marchesa Hall and Theater; and the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride against Breast Cancer on October 27th. Search for a comprehensive list of Austin breast cancer events and resources, such as Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas, on the Austin Statesman website.

    3) Hold a fundraiser of your own! Sell lemonade, host a dinner party and encourage guests to bring a donation, or ask 10 friends to donate $10 … get creative about making a difference!

    4) Become an advocate by contacting your representative in support of breast cancer legislation.

    Approximately 39,510 women and 440 men will die from breast cancer in the U.S. this year. Working together, Texas Fertility Center believes we can save lives by supporting research and raising awareness about early detection through mammograms and breast self-exams. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, contact Texas Fertility Center to learn more about fertility preservation.

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • Sometimes Symptomless, Endometrial Polyps Can Cause Infertility

    If you’ve checked the box “bleeding between periods” or “irregular menstrual periods” on your health history form, your obgyn or fertility doctor may suspect a number of causes, including endometrial polyps. These overgrowths on the inside lining (endometrium) of the uterine wall are common and usually benign, but can interfere with your goal of getting pregnant.

    Studies point to a connection between infertility and endometrial polyps.

    One study found that when a polyp was removed, the pregnancy rate was 63%. However, if the polyp was not removed, the pregnancy rate was only 28%.

    Another study suggests that polyps found where the fallopian tubes open into the uterus are more likely to be associated with difficulty in conceiving.

    Two methods exist for diagnosing endometrial polyps.

    One common diagnostic test for infertility, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), provides an X-ray image of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Commonly performed to determine if the fallopian tubes are open, an HSG can also reveal abnormalities of the inside of the uterus, such as polyps, fibroids, adhesions, and/or a uterine septum.

    Polyps can also sometimes be seen with a vaginal sonogram, particularly when performed in the mid portion of a woman’s menstrual cycle while she is ovulating. A vaginal sonogram may suggest the presence of something abnormal, typically either a polyp or uterine fibroid. Further tests will confirm the finding.

    TFC employs a targeted approach to removing endometrial polyps.

    When diagnostic tests suggest the presence of endometrial polyps, Texas Fertility Center physicians will recommend removing the lesion in an outpatient procedure called a hysteroscopy, and sending the specimen to the laboratory to confirm that it is benign.

    Watch the hysteroscopic removal of a uterine polyp here.

    As fertility specialists trained in performing delicate surgeries on the female reproductive system, our physicians prefer the precision of hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps to a D&C.  A D&C scrapes the entire uterine wall and can create scar tissue that could certainly prevent pregnancy. Texas Fertility Center prioritizes restoring the uterus and protecting and preserving fertility.

    Endometrial polyps may be present even without abnormal bleeding, and are often an incidental finding during an infertility investigation. Underlying causes of infertility can remain undetected and untreated, causing months and years of frustration for couples trying to get pregnant. If you suspect a problem, contact a specialist at Texas Fertility Center.

    For more information on uterine polyps visit http://txfertility.com/endometrial-polyps.php

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    Thomas Vaughn, M.D.

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  • What TFC Is Doing To Help the Infertility Community

    Out of pocket? What TFC is doing to help the infertility community

    Caring for patients involves more than infertility diagnosis, treatment and resolution. Texas Fertility Center physicians and staff spend time, here in Austin and Washington D.C., advocating for those faced with infertility. These efforts include building awareness among our legislative delegation about infertility, supporting legislation that positively affects our patients, and calling for changes in insurance coverage for infertility.

    Garnering support for the Family Act of 2011

    Recess is over for our nation’s legislators and they now return to work to vote on the issues that matter to Americans. Texas Fertility Center advocates for and encourages current and former TFC families, including Facebook friends and Twitter followers, to contact their representatives in support of the Family Act of 2011 (S 965/HR 3522).

    This act calls for a $13,360 lifetime tax credit for couples pursuing fertility treatment. Similar to the adoption tax credit that passed in 2003, the Family Act of 2011 opens doors to people who might otherwise not be able to afford treatment.

    Educating industry on the benefits of insurance coverage for infertility

    According to the National Conference of State Legislators, only 15 states, including Texas, have laws that require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment.

    The scope of coverage, however, varies widely from employer to employer. Texas Fertility Center diligently works with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and insurance companies to help broaden coverage of infertility. For example, Drs. Thomas Vaughn and Kaylen Silverberg testified before the Texas legislature to get legal protection for patients using donor eggs, donor sperm and donor embryos in Texas. Our physicians also actively work with many managed care companies to expand insurance coverage for donor gametes.

    Dr. Kaylen Silverberg is currently writing a chapter, “Why Insurance Companies Don’t Cover IVF” for a book slated for release in late 2012. Watch for news on the TFC Facebook page and website.

    Consulting with elected officials on fertility healthcare issues

    Dr. Silverberg, representing the Texas Fertility Center physicians and staff, regularly travels to Washington to give voice to families dealing with the ramifications of infertility. Dr. Silverberg also serves as an advisor to Congressmen Michael McCaul, Lamar Smith, and John Carter on issues related to infertility.

    While you are undergoing the rigors of fertility treatment, you may not have the emotional reserve to tackle advocacy. Trust that your Texas Fertility Center team works tirelessly on your behalf. If you would like to learn more about infertility advocacy, contact us or visit the RESOLVE website. Resolve provides state-by-state fertility insurance coverage facts and the current legislative status of the Family Act of 2011.

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • How Third-Party Reproduction Can Help Infertility

    Third party reproduction refers to the use of donor egg (oocyte), donor sperm and/or gestational carrier services. It can make pregnancy possible for individuals and couples who might otherwise not have options for having a child.

    Texas Fertility Center provides a variety of donor services – including an in-house donor egg program, which allows us to retain control over the screening process. Our fertility specialists identify good candidates for donor services during infertility testing and treatment.

    Who could benefit from donor services?

    Donor eggs

    • women of advanced maternal age (over 35-40)
    • women diagnosed with premature ovarian failure
    • women without ovaries
    • women who carry inheritable genetic diseases
    • women who don’t respond well to ovulatory induction or who have repeated IVF failure.

    Donor sperm

    • men with severe issues with sperm count and function, and/or anatomical issues (e.g. blocked ejaculatory ducts)
    • men who carry inheritable genetic diseases
    • men with ejaculatory dysfunction
    • lesbian couples and single women

    Gestational surrogacy (a.k.a. gestational carriage):

    • women without a uterus
    • women for whom pregnancy could be medically contraindicated
    • women with repeated IVF failure
    • women with uterine scarring or other anatomical abnormality

    ** Texas law prohibits traditional surrogacy, in which the birth mother shares a genetic and biological link with the baby by providing her own eggs. **

    Contact the experts at Texas Fertility Center for more background on the topic of third-party reproduction. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) website provides an 18-page online guide on third-party reproduction that TFC recommends:
    www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/Resources/Patient_Resources/Fact_Sheets_and_Info_Booklets/thirdparty.pdf

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    Texas Fertility Center

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  • Have your Voice Heard: Support the Family Act of 2011

    As you know, infertility treatment is often not covered by insurance.  This unfortunate fact prevents many couples who could easily benefit from fertility diagnosis and treatment from even seeking care.  In fact, studies have shown that fewer than 50% of couples with infertility ever see any medical professional and less than 20% eventually see a fertility specialist.

    In response to this, Texas Fertility Center is actively lobbying our congressional delegation to support the Family Act of 2011.  Modeled after the Adoption Tax Credit Act, the Family Act of 2011 will allow couples who are attempting to conceive with their own gametes to receive a lifetime tax credit of $13,360 against the out of pocket cost of their fertility treatment.  While we are totally supportive of the Adoption Tax Credit, from the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, we also believe that couples who want to conceive their own children should be able to receive equal treatment from our tax laws.

    In order to best help us in this mission, please help us with the following:

    1. Go to www.TexasFertilityCenter.com/FamilyAct to send a secure personal letter over the Internet to your Congressional Representatives asking them to support the Fertility Family Act of 2011.

     

    1. Let us and others know you’ve sent your letter by “Liking” the Texas Fertility Center Family Act Page and/or leaving a post on our wall.

     

    1. Cut and paste the following text (or write your own) and send it to all of your contacts asking them to help us in our effort. This works great on Facebook too!

     

    Please join me and Texas Fertility Center to encourage Congress to pass the Fertility Family Act of 2011.  Educate your Senator and Congressman/Congresswoman by telling them that infertility is an important, CUREABLE medical condition that deserves treatment.  It affects over 7.3 million Americans who are often prohibited from using their health insurance dollars to cover the cost of their treatment. 

    By supporting the Fertility Family Act of 2011, Congress can provide people like us and countless of our friends with a lifetime tax credit to help offset the cost of fertility treatment.  Please go to www.TexasFertilityCenter.com/FamilyAct to send a letter of support to your Congressional Representatives. 

    Thank you so much!

     

     

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    Texas Fertility Center

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