Fertility Cares Blog

Thyroid Hormone: Optimizing the Engine for Pregnancy and Beyond

Previous blogs have detailed mechanisms of thyroid hormone, the thyroid gland and its essential function in allowing us to function both in pregnancy and beyond.  The American Thyroid Association (ATA)…

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Natural and Minimal IVF: Caveat Emptor

Environment friendly business promotions have a receptive audience. Cost consciousness together with ‘green’ polices embracing such terms as ‘small is beautiful’ and ‘less is better’ can be a good thing.…

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What Are the Risks with IVF?

What are the true risks of in vitro fertilization? Often thought as “the great equalizer”, the internet is information-laden. However, not all sources are equitable.  Deciphering amongst myth, opinion and…

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Chronic Endometritis

Chronic endometritis is chronic inflammation (“itis”) of the endometrium (the uterine lining).  Chronic inflammation may hinder normal implantation of an embryo and its subsequent development. A patient with good embryo morphologic…

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Uterine Fibroids and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Uterine fibroids are associated with miscarriages and may be a cause of recurrent pregnancy loss.  A recent study from the United Kingdom (Human Reproduction 26:3274;2011) found that the intrauterine cavity was distorted…

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Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Genetic

Therapeutic options to treat genetically inherited thrombophilias such as Factor V Leiden or other genetic mutations that increase blood clotting include antithombotic medications such as low dose aspirin and low…

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Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Preconception Assessment

The physical examination should include height weight, calculation of body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and a general assessment for signs of metabolic illness. Body build (habitus) should be defined,…

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Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Thrombophilia

Thrombophilia is a disorder involving the genetic predisposition to form a blood clot (deep venous or arterial thrombosis) potentially leading to stroke, heart attack or pulmonary embolus. Thrombophilia may also…

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Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Immunologic

The immune system evolved to protect the individual from non-self, genetically different, or allogenic tissue. Immunity can be either innate (in born) or adaptive (acquired) depending on the molecule causing…

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