CNY Fertility Staff Featured on a BBC TV Broadcast
Dr. Michael Grossman, and Justine Taylor, RN, from our Latham CNY Fertility Center, were recently featured in a BBC Channel 4 broadcast of “8 Boys and Wanting a Girl“. The show chronicled the stories of couples as they underwent IVF with gender selection for family balancing, click here to read more about PGD (Preimplanatation Genetic Diagnosis). One of those couples were followed closely through her preparation, retrieval, and transfer at our Latham CNY Fertility Center office. Click the link below to read about the show and watch a short video.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/8-boys-and-wanting-a-girl/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1
April’s Journey to Fertility: Week Thirty Eight
April is a CNY Fertility Center patient and has been on her journey to fertility for approximately two and a half years. April will share candid stories and a unique perspective on the fertility challenges many women and couples face. CNY Fertility Center has locations in Syracuse, Albany and Rochester, NY.
Week 38: A little review
Before I began writing this week’s article, I took a quick look my past articles, paying particular attention to their titles. What I consistently notice is that my titles themselves are fairly upbeat and encouraging. But as we proceed forward with the next step, which is IVF, I find those anxious feelings creeping in via that little voice in my head that wickedly whispers every single reason why I might possibly be unsuccessful. Although we are currently taking this cycle off, I know that I have some serious preparation to do in terms of appreciating my current place . I know that I need to keep at it and trust that by taking this process a little bit at a time everything is going to happen when it is supposed to happen and how it is supposed to happen.
The problem with following all of my own advice is that I sometimes have to re-focus my energy so that I can truly believe what I am saying to everyone else. There are certain steps I take in order to keep my energy upbeat and focused. First, I have committed to regularly exercising. One of my friends, also one of my exercise partners, said she noticed that I have had a better aura since we started exercising. (I think this is a compliment 
My husband noticed that I am taking less work home and am more productive overall. But exercise is only one action I can take to keep my energy focused and upbeat.
Sporadically, I have taken an interest in meditation and have, in phases, practiced meditating which helps me to clear my mind and to be calmer. But you know what? I really do not meditate on my own consistently. I intend to, and I even believe I am going to meditate regularly. Then I get busy or decide to watch one of my recorded programs. So instead of meditating I run an errand, do work, or watch television. However, when I participate in a group activity (exercise or meditation) I become more accountable. Just like with my exercise routine which involves working out with others, I have decided to work on my meditation by practicing Qi Gong in a class. I have already noticed a difference during the weeks I do not participate in Qi Gong class and would encourage anyone in the Rochester area to attend one of Shelly’s classes. The hour long session focuses on body movement, breathing and meditation so that my mind feels a bit clearer and my body a bit more energized by the time I leave.
My intention for you is that you would figure out what it is that helps you remember that making yourself a priority allows you to have a little bit more faith in everyone and everything else.
Blessings,
April all Year Read more
Video: Brenda Strong, Yoga for Fertility Poses
In the video below, Amy Roland of Project Baby TV is instructed by Brenda Strong on how to perform 4 separate yoga for fertility poses. Brenda shares some of the theory behind why the poses are good for increasing fertility. If you would like to try yoga for fertility in the comfort of your own home, visit our web store here, Brenda’s DVD is very popular among our CNY Fertility Center clients.
Demystifying Egg and Embryo Donation Costs
February 23, 2010 by Lisa Stack
Filed under news
There are many reasons for patients to pursue donor egg and/or embryo cycles at CNY Fertility Center. If you are just beginning your journey through PRIDE (PRegnancy Initiation with Donated Eggs) or Embryo Donation, it is natural to feel overwhelmed with questions and concerns. We understand how important it is to feel comfortable and well-informed, so we have made a wealth of information available to you on our website. Our Donor Coordinators are also available to answer any further questions you may have, and they can be reached at the links below.
We frequently receive inquiries from new patients about cost. How much does one cycle cost? What is included? What am I responsible for? These are all valid and important questions, and I will begin to walk through some of the answers with you.
Cycles Using Donor Eggs
On the pricing page (http://cnyfertility.com/costs-financing/donor-related-costs/) you will see a few different cycle scenarios, as well as the cost of medications for you and the donor. The costs of the cycles do not account for medication used by either you or the donor. You (the recipient) can anticipate your medications to cost approximately $410.00. You are also responsible for the donor’s medications, approximately $2,950.00.
On the pricing page listed above, the various cycle options and costs are listed. The cost of the cycle includes the donor’s compensation, monitoring, egg retrieval, your monitoring at our office up until the day of the embryo transfer including up to two ultrasounds for the Mock cycle, ICSI & Assisted Hatching, embryo transfer, freezing, the first year of storage for frozen embryos, and frozen embryo transfers, up to one year.
Single PRIDE Cycle
‘Single’ means that it is just one recipient (you) and one of our anonymous donors. You are the sole recipient of all of the eggs produced by the donor.
PRIDE Cycle with Own Donor
This is a cycle using a donor you provide. The donor may be a family member, friend, or from an agency.
Split PRIDE Cycle
‘Split’ means one of our donors, with the eggs going to two recipients. These are previous donors that have produced a high quantity of eggs. The eggs produced with your cycle will be evenly shared with another recipient.
Shared PRIDE Cycle
‘Shared’ means that the recipient (you) will receive ½ of the eggs produced by one of our patients. The donor would be undergoing IVF treatment for herself, but donate half of the retrieved eggs to you.
Single Multi PRIDE Cycles
These options offer multiple donor cycles at a discounted rate.
Donor Refund Program
This is a unique program with specific qualification criteria and can best be discussed one-on-one. Please contact Pati for more information pbreh@cnyfertility.com.
Embryo Donation
Embryo donation (http://cnyfertility.com/donor-gametes/donor-profiles/embryo-donor-profiles/) is a cycle utilizing already fertilized eggs from other patients that have undergone treatment at our facility. The cost of the cycle includes FDA testing for both the male and female donors, monitoring up to the embryo transfer (baseline ultrasound and blood work, and up to two ultrasounds with blood work prior to transfer), and embryo transfer. Medications are not included, and will cost approximately $479.00. You are also responsible for a case management fee of $500.00.
As you can see there are many different options for you to consider. Our donation team would be happy to further explain the cycles available to you. Please visit our website for more information: http://cnyfertility.com/donor-gametes/
Contact us
You may contact the Syracuse team by calling 800.539.9870 (toll free)
Or via email:
Pati Breh: Pbreh@cnyfertility.com
Stephanie Rogers: Srogers@cnyfertility.com
Kari Gardner: Kgardner@cnyferility.com
You may also contact Chris Gray, our Donor Coordinator located at the Albany office: 866.375.4589 (toll free) or via email: Cgray@cnyfertility.com
March Tele-Workshops with Kristen Magnacca
Kristen Magnacca is the author of Love & Infertility and works with our support team at CNY Fertility Center to share the wisdom she gained herself, while undergoing her own fertility challenges, with our clients.
Kristen will be presenting a Tele-Workshop on Love & Infertility Part 2: Gratitude on Monday, March 1st, 6:30-8pm EST. This Tele-Workshop is a replacement for the onsite workshop at our Latham, NY, CNY Fertility Center.
Details for first Tele-Workshop:
Love & Infertility Tele-Workshop
Monday, March 1st, 2010, 6:30-8:00pm
Dial-in Number: 1-270-400-2000 (East Coast)
Participant Access Code: 406268
No cost to join.
*Sorry for any inconvenience caused by changing the venue.
Workshop description:
Join Kristen Magnacca in the CNY Fertility Reception Area for Part 2 of the Love & Infertility Workshop Series. Gratitude – Are you feeling that your whole life is on hold? Join us to start moving forward again. This workshop will help you to: Create a system of connecting to gratitude, learn to integrate a Daily Nurturing Item into your routine, and much more.
Details for second Tele-Workshop:
What Should I Do Now? Tele-Workshop
Monday, March 15th, 2010, 6:30-8:00pm
Dial-in Number: 1-270-400-2000 (East Coast)
Participant Access Code: 406268
No cost to join.
Whether you’re just starting out on your family creating journey or beginning a new treatment cycle join Kristen Magnacca for a live interactive conference call to help you answer the question “What should I do now?” During this dynamic session you will:
- Learn proven strategies to help manage the unproductive thoughts and emotions that seem to present themselves while trying to create your family.
- Connect with other women and couples currently experiencing the same life journey.
- Gain insights on how you can move forward.
NOTE: If you have any questions prior to either Tele-Workshop please email Kristen at kristen@cnyfertility.com. Kristen always provides an email followup after the Tele-Workshop to reaffirm concepts discussed.
Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery
February 22, 2010 by Dr Stephen Cohen
Filed under news
“Regrets, I’ve had a few; but then again too few to mention.” ~Frank Sinatra
When a woman believes that she has completed her family, she often will seek a permanent method of birth control. There are currently 3 methods of permanent sterilization available in the United States. Tubal ligation, hysteroscopic sterilization (Essure), and vasectomy (sterilization of the male) are all very effective methods of preventing future pregnancies. Tubal ligation, a surgical procedure to block the Fallopian tubes, is the most common sterilization method chosen by women in the United States. This minor surgical procedure can be performed within days following the birth of a child (postpartum) or at a later time (interval tubal ligation). All methods of tubal ligation require a small incision to be made in the abdomen. There are many different techniques available to physicians for creating this “sealing” of the tubes; “burning” (cauterization), clips, plastic rings, and sutures can all be used to accomplish this sterilization. All these methods of tubal ligation are very effective (98.5%) in preventing pregnancy.
Frequently in today’s society, however, situations change. Divorce, death, remarriage, or just a change of mind may make one’s decision to be sterilized a few years earlier, now regretted. At CNY Fertility Center, we see many couples seeking children after one of the partners has been sterilized by either vasectomy (male) or tubal ligation (female). Some couples decide to have children by undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This method can be used when either the male or the female has been sterilized. The eggs are removed through the vagina and then mixed with ejaculated sperm or aspirated sperm (if the male partner has had a vasectomy). Pregnancy rates vary by the age of the female, but optimally can run as high as 50%.
The alternative to IVF is surgical reversal of the sterilization. Surgical reversal of tubal ligation is performed frequently at CNY Fertility. This is accomplished by placing a small incision in the lower part of the abdomen. Once the incision is placed, an operating microscope is positioned a few inches above the abdomen. The microscope allows the infertility surgeon to see the Fallopian tubes greatly magnified. The blocked section of each tube is then removed. The ends of the tubes are examined and then brought together, using a very fine suture that is a 1/3 the size of a human hair. The operation lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours. Microsurgery of the Fallopian tubes requires specialized equipment and advanced surgical skills. Recovery time is usually about 2 weeks. Complications are rare. The pregnancy rates after tubal ligation reversal vary by age. In the 35-year-old and under group of patients, the pregnancy rate approaches 80%.
Men who have had a vasectomy and want children may choose between IVF with sperm aspiration or vasectomy reversal. Surgical reversal of vasectomy is performed by urologists affiliated with CNY Fertility Center.
Dr. Stephen M. Cohen leads our tubal ligation reversal surgical program. He has been a leader in tubal ligation reversal research and teaching for the last 30 years. He is past Director of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) Microsurgery postgraduate training courses and has taught hundreds of physicians from around the world this procedure. He has published numerous journal articles, chapters, and textbooks on this subject.
NOTE: For more information on conceiving after permanent sterilization, please schedule an appointment with us at CNY Fertility Center by calling 800.539.9870 (toll free), 315.469.8700 (local to Syracuse)
Words of Support and Encouragement Week of February 22, 2010
February 22, 2010 by Lisa Stack
Filed under news
“…the problem of distinguishing what we are and what we are not responsible for in this life is one of the greatest problems of human existence. It is never completely solved; for the entirety of our lives we must continually assess and reassess where our responsibilities lie in the ever-changing course of events.” (Peck 36)
We frequently burden ourselves by claiming responsibility for events beyond our control, creating feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame. Although we can often recognize that some situations aren’t completely our fault, we will find some facet of the event to claim as a result of our actions. This unnecessary accountability can make us paranoid, and unwilling to try new things.
These feelings are very common after an unsuccessful cycle. Patients will continually ask what they did or did not do, or how to not repeat the same mistakes again. Unfortunately, there is only so much we can do and at some point biology must take over. We are not responsible for every event, and outcome. The sooner we can come to terms with this and relieve the feelings of anxiety and guilt, the better. Yoga, meditation, and faith/spirituality are great ways to work through these feelings of universal responsibility.
I am holding a workshop on Honoring Loss and Change in Syracuse this Saturday, February 27th. We will be discussing how to relieve these feelings and many more topics. You can find more information here: http://www.cnyhealingarts.com/discussion/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=171&day=2010-2-27&c=1
Also, the quote used in this article is from our book of the month to be discussed at our Circle of Hope support groups, and Dr. Rob’s Monthly Support Webinar in March.
Peck, M. Scott. The Road Less Traveled, 25th Anniversary Edition A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth. New York: Touchstone, 2003.
I hope to see you at some of our great support offerings this month!
Take care,
Lisa
315-744-8073
New Embryo Donor Profiles!
We are happy to announce that we now have new Embryo Donor Profiles available to view. Click here to see them. You will need a password to view the details of the male and/or female profiles, although basic information is viewable without the password.
To obtain the password, please call the Syracuse Office at this toll free number 800.539.9870
or send an email to Patricia Breh at pbreh@cnyfertility.com
~~~
About Embryo Donation:
Embryo Donation is now another option available to our CNY Fertility Center clients seeking to either create, or expand their families.
Often when families undergo IVF treatments, they are left with remaining fertilized eggs (embryos). This can place the parents in a difficult position when they begin to discuss what to do with the remaining embryos. The previous options available have been to donate the remaining embryos to research, keep them frozen, or to dispose of them. We are now able to add a fourth option, Embryo Donation.
The concept of the Embryo Donation Program is to match the remaining embryos to recipient parents who are interested in the concept of adoption, but would also like to carry the child and establish a special bond over the nine month gestational period.
Thank You Dr. Rob!
I just wanted to say Thank You from my wife and I for our son Parker. We tried for 3 years to have a baby with no luck. Our first try with Dr. Rob at CNY Fertility Center and we have our little boy. He is 15 months now and brings us joy and happiness every day. Thanks again, Dr. Rob.
~Kevin
Inspiration Found at CNY Fertility Center
Although I never had difficulties becoming pregnant, I have been touched by the stories I’ve heard throughout my twenties of women unable to conceive, conceiving time and time again only for the pregnancy to end short with a miscarriage or women who decide a surrogate is the right choice for them and spend months upon months searching for the right woman to carry their child.
I have a five year old daughter who has been asking for a sibling since she was two. At that point I was in the middle of a divorce and knew that another child was not in the plan. So when I realized that I wanted to be pregnant again, but to help someone else’s dreams come true rather than to have a child of my own, I knew I would not be able to explain surrogacy to my two year old daughter. I had an amazing pregnancy and a spectacular 3-push delivery… which made it even more appealing to give the gift of carrying another woman’s child (because I wasn’t worried about the physical aspects of it). This is when I found out about Dr.Kiltz and CNY Fertility. They don’t offer a compensated surrogate program, but the oocyte donation program greatly appealed to me.
After meeting the staff at CNYF I am inspired to continue participating in the donor program. The first day I walked in for an appointment the receptionist responded to the patient at the counter with, “there isn’t a woman that comes in here any day that isn’t nervous“. I sat waiting for my name to be called thinking about that statement. Many of these women have been trying, hoping and praying to be blessed with a term pregnancy that ends with the birth of a healthy baby for years. By the time they get to the point of selecting a donor they have been through so much. I have not ridden the fertility roller coaster ride that these women have been on, but I do know that when I am selected to be someone’s donor, no matter how difficult the process was previously, I feel delighted to do everything I can to help make pregnancy possible for the family that selected me.
Thanks, Dr.Kiltz, for making the world a more hopeful and happier place!!
~Jennifer
