Sperm Allergy as a Cause of Infertility

Sperm allergy or semen allergy known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity can significantly affect a couple's chances of conception. It manifests as a condition where a man develops allergy to his own sperm (which happens sometimes after a vasectomy, testicular torsion, trauma or infection) or a woman can become allergic to her partner’s seminal fluid causing her mild yet unpleasant sperm allergy symptoms like soreness, burning, hives, itching etc. This may force the couple to use a condom which though one of the most effective ways to prevent the allergic reaction also ends up preventing pregnancy. Semen allergy is usually caused due to a reaction or allergy to certain proteins that are found in the partner’s semen.

A woman who is allergic to sperm may produce antibodies which fight the sperm cells (interpreted as a foreign presence in the body that needs to be eliminated) whenever they enter her body. These antibodies may completely disable the sperm cells and prevent them from reaching or fertilizing the woman's egg thus acting as an obstacle to conception.

Diagnosis and treatment

Often semen allergies are misdiagnosed as common yeast infection or herpes infection. Hence it’s important that a proper assessment and diagnosis is conducted. Once accurately diagnosed, couples can be treated successfully and fertility restored. The treatment regimen would include one of the following:

• Protein Desensitization is a process where allergy shots are given to the woman to desensitize her reaction to the proteins found in her partner’s semen. The injections are given once every 10-15 minutes for several hours. The desensitization treatment is concluded to have been successful if no reaction takes place during subsequent vaginal contact.

• Semen Desensitization is a cheaper but laborious fertility treatment option where a series of injections of diluted seminal fluid, at higher and higher concentrations are inserted into the vagina to desensitize it

• If desensitizing treatments prove to be unsuccessful, it is indicative of a very serious sperm allergy. The woman may then have to consider more radical treatment options of assisted reproduction methods such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). These methods allow a woman to get pregnant without coming into contact with the proteins in her partner's sperm. Artificial Insemination with sperm that has gone through a protein removal process where they are washed free of semen protein is another treatment option.

It is important for women (and men) to consult with an OBGYN if they suspect that they have symptoms of sperm allergy. A proper line of treatment which might include assisted reproductive technologies (ART) will bring things back to normal, increasing chances of getting pregnant.

East Bay Fertility Center, California, specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and Reproductive Endocrinologist, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues.

Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation and for more details about infertility treatments and more.

Endometrial polyps - an Impediment to a Successful Pregnancy

Uterine problems can sometimes affect fertility. Uterine polyps or endometrial polyps are localized overgrowth of tissues in the endometrium lining of the uterus that protrude into the uterine cavity. They may occur alone or in clusters. The precise causes leading to their development are not clearly defined. They are believed to form spontaneously due to hormonal factors or as a result of too much estrogen.

Polyp overgrowth in the uterine cavity may interfere with implantation and fertility by preventing the egg from implanting into the endometrial wall after it is fertilized. Also if the polyps are located near the area where the fallopian tube is connected with the uterus it will disable the sperm from entering the uterus.

Polyps can be identified by HSG or vaginal ultrasound. The incidence of these polyps rises with increasing age, is at its peak in the fifth decade, and gradually declines after menopause.

The smaller categories of polyps which are a few millimeters do not impact reproductive capabilities. However large polyps can interfere with reproduction by impacting implantation and fertility. There is also an increased possibility of miscarriages.

Symptoms and Treatment

Most women with endometrial polyps face no symptoms. Some others face irregular menstrual bleeding or excessive bleeding. Thus, abnormal bleeding episodes are the most common presenting factor related to the presence of endometrial polyps.

Some polyps disappear on their own. When removal becomes necessary, endometrial polyps are cured thorough curettage, specifically hysteroscopic-guided curettage. This technique, which involves removing the endometrial lining of the uterus, is especially successful in women who fall in the post-menopausal age group. Larger polyps are removed under general anesthesia to control possible bleeding. If numerous polyps are found, a hysterectomy may be recommended.

Women who get their uterine polyps removed are usually able to get pregnant thereafter with reduced risk of a miscarriage. If a woman undergoing IVF treatment is detected with uterine polyps, embryo transfer is recommended only after polyp removal.

At East Bay Fertility Center, California, couples dealing with infertility get access to the latest technology and comprehensive consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialists. At the Center, a hysteroscopy would be recommended if a patient's history or sonogram findings indicate the presence of a polyp or scar tissue inside the uterus. This is a minor procedure involving the passing of a small telescope through the cervix so the doctor can directly visualize the uterine cavity and remove the abnormal tissue.

East Bay specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.

How Eating Disorders Affect Fertility

Very often fertility problems can be traced to eating disorders and it is estimated that as many as one out of every five infertility cases are the result of unhealthy eating habits. Long periods of depleted nutrition and rapid weight loss interfere with hormonal balance which has an effect on the menstrual cycle and egg release and thus adversely affects fertility. Other infertility related problems that may arise among women with eating disorders include low libido, poor uterine environment, reduced egg quality (due to polycystic ovary syndrome) and ovarian failure.

Types of eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa is the most common eating disorder. It is a condition of food deprival in an effort to become thin. Characteristics of this self imposed starvation include a mortal fear of fatness leading to food avoidance, excessive exercise and a completely unhealthy eating regimen.

Bulimia nervosa on the other hand involves binge eating and then purging the food, either by vomiting or through the use of laxatives.

The other extreme condition is compulsive overeating where the person will binge on food but will not purge afterwards. This is often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame since it involves the issue of overweight. Such women carry the risk of miscarriage due to the pressure on the body.

Since these are mental illnesses as well, anorexics, bulimics and compulsive overeaters are more likely to suffer from anxiety, stress and depression which in turn adversely affect their chance of conceiving.

Adverse effects on pregnancy

Even if a woman with an eating disorder does become pregnant, it is detrimental to the health of both mother and child. Continued avoidance of food leads to delayed fetal growth, gestational diabetes, jaundice, preeclampsia, premature labor, low birth weight and birth defects such as mental retardation and blindness. In the event that a baby is carried to term, such women tend to have problems with breast feeding and may also suffer from postpartum depression.

Women who are excessively underweight or overweight are susceptible to amenorrhea which is the cessation of menstruation. On a positive note, most women start menstruating again when they begin to gain weight and consequently achieve conception. Women identified with eating disorders should be counseled and treated for the eating disorder before further hormonal tests and infertility treatments are pursued. However regaining weight is not enough; eating patterns have to be normalized with a good distribution of eating healthy food at regular intervals.

Those struggling with an eating disorder are encouraged to consult with a gynecologist before trying to conceive. They will then be directed to a counselor and nutritionist to discuss a healthy pregnancy diet. It is best to wait until the disorder is under control before trying for a baby. The counseling sessions should ideally be continued post delivery.

East Bay Fertility Center helps couples cope with eating disorders that may be the underlying cause of infertility. As there are emotional issues involved, couples will be given one-on-one counseling to help overcome the situation. The Center offers a complete mind-body experience for couples facing infertility issues. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.

Egg Freezing – an Alternative to Beat the Biological Clock

Egg freezing is a breakthrough technology for scores of women faced with the dilemma of career and family. It provides them an option to delay http://www.ebfertility.com/index.htmlwhile pursuing professional and personal goals. The 'biological clock' generally slows down by the late 30’s and early 40’s. The female egg quality declines with age. The option of freezing eggs extends fertility and offers women an alternative to store their eggs during their reproductive prime for use when they wish to start or expand their families after the age of 35. At this point the eggs are thawed, fertilized and transferred to the uterus as embryos. Unlike the ovary and eggs, the uterus does not age and can carry a pregnancy well in to the 40s and 50s.

The Process

The process of egg freezing (also referred to as Oocyte cryopreservation) is made up of the same steps that are involved in a typical IVF cycle: ovulation stimulation, ultrasound monitoring, and egg retrieval. The woman self administers hormone injections along with birth control pills to turn off natural hormones. Following this, hormone injections are given to stimulate the ovaries and ripen multiple eggs. The eggs are then retrieved and frozen. When the woman is ready for embryo transfer, the eggs are thawed, injected with a single sperm to achieve fertilization, and transferred to the uterus as embryos.

Other Issues

Until recently, freezing and thawing eggs without damage was a scientific challenge. The key requirement for a successful egg freezing program is a top of the line storage facility since the eggs have to be stored and maintained for a long period of time - anywhere from months to years after they are frozen. They have to be stored under proper conditions backed with controlled access, continuous monitoring and full-proof backup systems.

The ideal time to freeze eggs is when a woman is in her 20s or early 30s. After the age of 37 this procedure is usually not recommended since both the quality and number of eggs decline rapidly around then. Just how long female eggs can safely be stored before they can no longer be used for treatment is still a matter of debate.

Originally designed for women undergoing cancer treatment, egg freezing as a form of fertility preservation is a rather involved process but thanks to technological advances, is becoming more successful and popular world-wide. Egg freezing is still classified as an experimental technique by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the process should be opted for after careful consideration.

The modern trend of waiting longer to have children has led to challenges in having a healthy pregnancy later on in life. Egg freezing helps women enjoy reproductive freedom while they pursue other priorities.

Expertise in the procedure

Since egg freezing is still a fledging technology with changes and innovations taking place rapidly, it should only be offered by experts in the field, who have the requisite experience and capability of conducting this delicate procedure. East Bay Fertility Center, offers the latest infertility treatment options strictly adhering to the guidelines of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in all their procedures.

Under the guidance of Reproductive Endocrinologist and Medical Director Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.

The Luteal Phase Defect issue in Conception

When the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle it is called a luteal phase defect (LPD). In other words, the endometrium does not respond appropriately to the progesterone stimulation due to which the endometrial lining is not sufficiently prepared for implantation.

The luteal phase refers to the second half of the menstrual cycle - the two-week period which begins after ovulation under the influence of estrogen and progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. If the luteal phase is shorter than 10 days or longer than 14 days, a luteal phase defect may be suspected. Luteal phase defect can impact fertility since a pregnancy cannot be sustained because the uterine lining begins to break down, bringing on menstrual bleeding and causes early miscarriage.

Causes and Symptoms

LPD could be attributed to more than one reason. Poor follicle production, premature demise of the corpus luteum, and failure of the uterine lining to respond to normal levels of progesterone are the three main reasons. Majority of women with LPD will have a normal menstrual cycle because of their regular periods. A few women may experience frequent but light periods.

For most women, the main cause of a luteal phase defect is low progesterone levels. A progesterone test is conducted seven days after ovulation to determine the exact deficiency. There are several ways of correcting this defect.

Diagnoses and correction of the defect

LPD can be diagnosed through the measurement of basal body temperature using a daily basis fertility chart. The basal body temperature of women with LPD does not stay elevated for the normal 12 days of the luteal phase of the cycle. Also, their next cycle will begin sooner than the normal 12 to 14 day time span.

Endometrial biopsy is another line of testing which involves the removal of a sample of the endometrium which is then studied under a microscope. This test checks to see if the endometrium can support implantation and growth of a fertilized egg. This is a test that must be done about three days before the start of the period.

On testing the progesterone levels if a hormone problem is identified, the doctor may suggest a fertility drug to see if the progesterone levels increase.
Luteal phase defects are easily treated with supplements and/or with prescription drugs. The most common prescription drugs for luteal phase defect patients are Clomid or progesterone suppositories. These are taken after ovulation has occurred until the 10th to 12th week of pregnancy - should one occur.

A luteal phase below 10 days cannot sustain a pregnancy since sufficient progesterone is not being produced. If a woman were to get pregnant with a luteal phase defect, she would most likely miscarry. However with the right treatment, fertility problems can be quickly handled. Depending on what is causing LPD, the appropriate hormonal drugs will be prescribed.

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin, California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and Reproductive Endocrinologist, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. The center conducts endometrial biopsy which is a test for luteal phase defect and is one among the various female fertility tests offered. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.

Sperm Banks - How they help in Fertility Treatment

A sperm bank collects, filters and stores sperm from donors for third party reproduction, mainly, artificial insemination. The need for donor sperm arises in cases where the woman's partner is infertile or the woman chooses to conceive without the participation of a partner. Donor sperm can be used in IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI). A sperm bank is the facility from where the sperm of an anonymous donor can be purchased, that is then used by the fertility clinic for reproductive treatment processes.

Through a process known as cryopreservation, sperm samples can be frozen for future use. This process is generally used by patients who need to undergo cancer and other treatments that may destroy their future fertility.

Sperm donation through a sperm bank helps in the following circumstances
• When the male partner is sterile and unable to provide sperm sample for IVF or ICSI

• If the partner is experiencing low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal sperm morphology

• A couple may use a sperm donor to avoid passing on a genetic disease or disorder that is carried by the male sperm

• Single women and lesbian couples can take advantage of donor sperm to help them achieve the dream of having children

If a sperm donor is used in an IVF procedure, fertility medications are given to prepare the eggs for harvesting. Once retrieved, the eggs will be combined with the donor sperm and any resulting embryos will then be transferred back to the uterus. For women undergoing IUI, the donor sperm will be deposited directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. With this method, it is possible to do two inseminations in one cycle, thereby increasing chances of pregnancy.

Donor sperm screening procedure
All sperm donors undergo rigorous personal medical testing to ensure the health of their sperm. At the time of donation, they are screened for different infectious and genetic diseases like hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea etc. Sperm is then frozen and quarantined for six months. After the quarantine period, the sperm is then evaluated again for many of the infectious diseases it was originally tested for.

Legalities involved in sperm donation
While using sperm of an anonymous donor in a sperm bank, it is important that the couple or individual are given comprehensive orientation and even counseling to understand the psychological long-term effect of the process and to deal with the many legal questions and issues this procedure may throw up in the future. The choice of sperm donor is usually made based on factors such as his ethnic and/or racial background, physical characteristics, religion, education level and so on. The sperm donor does not have access to the woman's identity at any time. In some states of the USA, a child conceived through donor sperm may have the right to request identifying information once they reach their 18th birthday. However, the fact that sperm banks have had no claims for paternal rights arising from donors in more than 50 years of sperm donation in this country is a very reassuring thought.

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin California offers the latest infertility treatment options including Donor Sperm Intrauterine Inseminations, strictly adhering to the guidelines of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) regarding the use of donor sperm.

Under the guidance of Reproductive Endocrinologist and Medical Director Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. The Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.
Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation

Coping with Molar Pregnancy

Molar pregnancies are a rare complication, classified as a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) caused by chromosomal abnormalities during conception in the fertilized egg, which leads to overgrowth of pregnancy tissue.

Molar pregnancies are of two types – complete and partial. Complete molar pregnancies occur when the sperm fertilizes an empty egg due to which no baby is formed. The woman assumes she is pregnant because the placenta grows and produces the pregnancy hormone, called HCG. An ultrasound will reveal that there is no baby, only placenta.

Though a partial molar pregnancy is likely to develop into a fetus, the abnormal placenta cannot sustain a pregnancy. The embryo does not develop at all or develops incompletely. A cluster of grape-like cysts grows in the uterus.

Women, who have had a previous molar pregnancy and those over 40, are at increased risks of encountering a molar pregnancy. Sometimes it can even occur after ectopic pregnancies or a normal pregnancy. Women from Southeast Asia, Mexico and the Philippines have higher rates of molar pregnancy than white US women. White women in the US are at higher risk than black women.

Why molar pregnancy can be a cause for concern
In about 20% of women who have had complete molar pregnancies there is the likelihood of two serious problems arising: an invasive mole or choriocarcinoma. Invasive moles are more common. Choriocarcinoma is a type of cancer that can develop at the placenta site and spread to the body. Though this cancer is a serious condition, it is almost always treatable with chemotherapy. Only 2 to 4% cases of partial molar pregnancies will develop either condition.

Symptoms and diagnosis of molar pregnancy
Bleeding, severe nausea and vomiting are some of the indications of a possible molar pregnancy. A blood test to measure levels of HCG confirms the diagnosis. However partial molar pregnancies can sometimes be more difficult to diagnose. In the event of a miscarriage of a suspected molar pregnancy, a pathologist may confirm the condition on examining the miscarried tissue.

Most of the time a molar pregnancy ends spontaneously when a grape like tissue is discharged. It is also possible to diagnose a molar pregnancy with the help of ultrasound which will reveal an abnormal placenta that appears like a bunch of grapes. When a molar pregnancy is detected by ultrasound, doctors usually recommend a D & C or medication in order to reduce risk of further complications. A small percentage of cases require additional treatment in the form of chemotherapy.

Treatment and follow-up

It is crucial for women who have had a molar pregnancy to be in constant touch with her doctor to monitor the situation since there is a likelihood of molar pregnancies recurring. A minimum of six months of regular follow-ups is recommended and doctors recommend waiting for a year before trying for another pregnancy to make sure that the uterus is free of molar tissue.

A molar pregnancy can be a trying, upsetting experience. Grief about losing a baby, combined with fear of cancer and other health complications is very unsettling. It is here that counseling can effectively tackle feelings of grief and loss.

The cure rate of molar pregnancy is usually very good with vast majority of couples going on to have healthy babies. Chemotherapy also usually does not impact fertility.

East Bay Fertility Center California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. With the right type of treatment and intervention, East Bay Fertility Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation