Questions – Fertility First

Why is PCOS so common?

Jesse Flintoff — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 22:22:03 +0000

PCOS is almost as common as endometriosis, however due to the increased availability of diets riddled with concentrated sugars and trans fats in our general population as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and environmental toxins, insulin resistance is a key contributor to the disorder.

Although insulin resistance affects between 50-70% in patients with PCOS, not all patients will be affected by this, however they will still suffer from PCOS. PCOS requires a diagnosis involving blood tests, ultrasounds, and a history of irregular periods.

In some circumstances, patients with PCOS may not develop cysts on their ovaries, whereas some women who do not have the disorder do develop cysts.

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Can exercise help with PCOS?

Jesse Flintoff — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 23:01:02 +0000

Positive lifestyle changes such as incorporating regular exercise has been shown to improve fertility and increase metabolic rates in patients with PCOS.

Studies have shown that a weight loss of even 5-10% had huge benefits for reproductive outcomes. Up to approximately 30mins of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, including high intensity interval training, walking, yoga or pilates, or any form of aerobic exercise has been shown to help women restore ovulation cycles and be an effective tool in managing infertility due to PCOS.

Regulating insulin levels helps lower the elevated testosterone levels that are typically higher than normal in patients with PCOS, and will also assist in reducing the risk of other testosterone-related symptoms such as hirsutism, acne and in some instances, hair loss.

Additionally, exercise has been shown to help reduce stress, which has also had direct associations with symptoms caused by PCOS.

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What is involved with an embryo transfer?

Jesse Flintoff — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 22:51:46 +0000

An embryo transfer is a crucial step in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. It’s a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure where a healthy embryo, created in a lab, is transferred into the woman’s uterus. This article will guide you through what to expect on the day of your embryo transfer, offering tips for a smooth experience.

Before the Transfer:

Consultation: Your doctor will discuss the details of the transfer with you, including the number of embryos to be transferred and the timing based on your menstrual cycle.
Preparation: You might be prescribed medications like progesterone to prepare the lining of your uterus for implantation.

The Day of the Transfer:

Arrival: Follow the clinic’s instructions regarding arrival time and what to bring. Remember to bring your Fertility First Matcher card.
Comfort: Wear comfortable clothing and avoid strong perfumes or deodorants, as harsh chemicals can negatively impact the embryo.
Full Bladder: Having a full bladder helps visualize the uterus during the ultrasound, which guides the embryo placement. Aim to drink plenty of water beforehand, as instructed by your doctor. We suggest drinking 2-3 glasses of water 30min before your transfer.
Childcare: If you have young children, please arrange childcare ahead of time or bring a responsible adult to look after them during the procedure.

After the embryo transfer procedure it is perfectly safe to go to the toilet and walk around, in fact it is encouraged for women who have had an embryo transfer to stand up straight afterwards and continue with their normal activities. Studies have shown that bed rest after an embryo transfer is not only unnecessary, but it’s possible it also can have a detrimental effect.

By understanding the embryo transfer process and following your doctor’s instructions, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome. Remember, the fertility clinic team is there to support you every step of the way on your fertility journey.

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Are boxers really better than briefs?

Jesse Flintoff — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 23:26:54 +0000

There is still much debate over whether the type of underwear a man wears makes a difference in the quality of their sperm; however, research seems to have found the answer.

There’s a reason why the testes are located outside the body, this is to keep them below body temperature, so they do not overheat. The human body is approximately 37 degrees Celsius and in order to produce healthy sperm, the testicles need to hang outside the body to keep them on average about two degrees cooler than the rest of the body.

Heat and sperm do not mix, in fact studies out of Harvard have revealed that increased scrotal temperatures were directly linked to reduced testicular function and sperm quality.

One study published in 2018 revealed that men who wore loose fitting underwear had a sperm concentration 25% higher than those who wore tight fitting underwear. Additionally, looser fitting underwear led to 17% higher total sperm count and a 33% higher motile count compared to the men who wore tighter underwear.

So, are boxers really better for sperm quality than briefs? The research has suggested that underwear choice does make a significant difference.

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What is an embryologist?

Jesse Flintoff — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:07:24 +0000

Embryologists are the scientists who specialise in reproductive science and literally create babies. The role of an embryologist is considerable, and we make up an important part of the Fertility First team during your treatment.

We will ensure the environment in our laboratory is perfect for your growing embryos.
We will help Dr Clark and Dr Chesterman with your oocyte retrieval where we search through follicular fluid and find your precious eggs.
We will prepare the sperm and eggs for insemination upon arrival from theatre
We prepare semen samples for the nurses so you may have your intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Our embryologists will thaw eggs for procedures
We will freeze your eggs and/or your embryos for cryostorage in our laboratory.
We will perform IVF insemination or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Our laboratory team will monitor, grade and care for your growing embryos
When your transfer day arrives, we will either thaw your frozen embryos for your procedure or grade and select the best fresh embryo(s) for your transfer.
We will contact our patients with updates on the growth and development of their embryos

For an embryologist, no two days are the same, we are always caring for unique cases, with every embryo, every sperm sample, every patient, and every case is special. We don’t believe there is greater joy to our careers than to help our patients throughout their fertility journey.

Whether our patients have the successful outcome we so desperately want for them or we are still assisting them on their IUI fertility journey, our passionate embryologists make up part of an incredible team who will always go above and beyond.

Interested in learning more? Visit our fertility blog to keep up-to-date with important news, research and information to support your fertility journey.

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What can I do after an embryo transfer?

Jesse Flintoff — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 22:06:30 +0000

Undergoing an embryo transfer is a pivotal step in the journey of fertility treatment, and while the procedure itself is relatively straightforward, there are several considerations to keep in mind to optimise your chances of success.

Here are some points to consider after your embryo transfer:

Bathroom Visits: You may go to the bathroom and empty your bladder without concern. Rest assured, the embryo will not fall out. To visualise this, think of the embryo as a tiny poppyseed nestled between two slices of bread, coated with jam, representing your uterus.
Exercise: If you are accustomed to regular physical activity, it is advisable to keep your heart rate below 120-130 beats per minute. Avoid high-intensity workouts during this period. You can continue with your usual daily activities and take walks as you normally would, but strenuous exercise should be postponed.
Temperature Regulation: Steer clear of environments that could elevate your body temperature significantly, such as hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs. Maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial during this sensitive time.
Substance Avoidance: Refrain from consuming alcohol and smoking. These substances can adversely affect your body and potentially impact the embryo’s chances of successful implantation and development.
Self-Care and Emotional Well-being: The two-week wait following an embryo transfer can be a period fraught with anxiety and emotional turbulence. It is important to be kind to yourself during this time. The embryo’s development is beyond your control, and only time will reveal the outcome. Prioritize self-care, engage in relaxing activities, and consider seeking support from friends, family, or professional counselors. At Fertility First, we offer counseling services to help you navigate this emotionally charged phase.

In summary, after an embryo transfer, it is crucial to continue your life with some mindful adjustments. Maintain a balanced routine, avoid high-intensity exercise, steer clear of heat exposure, and abstain from alcohol and smoking. Most importantly, take care of your emotional health and seek support when needed. These steps will help create a conducive environment for the embryo to implant and develop, increasing your chances of a successful pregnancy.

For additional support and strategies to cope during the two-week wait, please visit our dedicated page offering helpful tips on how to manage this period effectively or contact us directly.

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What is an immature egg?

Jesse Flintoff — Mon, 30 May 2022 00:17:09 +0000

When talking to one of our embryologists, you may hear the term “immature egg” while discussing your fertilisation results. So, what is an immature egg exactly?

An immature egg is an oocyte that has not reached meiotic competency, which means it has not reached the first stages of meiotic division. For normal fertilisation to occur, the egg needs to have the correct number and arrangement of chromosomes.

When an egg is immature, it is not capable of fertilising and will not be injected or inseminated. It is normal to have approximately between 10-15% of immature eggs in one oocyte recovery, however it is possible to see more in some patients.

This is another reason why timing is so essential to your fertility treatment: the time you take your trigger injection and the time you have your egg collection or treatment. We want to maximise your chances of having a successful egg collection and excellent fertilisation rate and most of all, a successful pregnancy.

For more information on how we can help you on your fertility journey contact our clinic or visit our guide to fertility treatment options.

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What is one of the most common causes of male infertility?

Jesse Flintoff — Sun, 15 May 2022 22:08:31 +0000

Almost a third of fertility problems can be attributed to male factor and the most common causes of fertility issues with men range from sperm quality and quantity to problems relating to the delivery of the sperm such as the absence of the vas deferens and ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Other issues that are quite common also include varicocele, previous vasectomy, and erectile dysfunction, all quite common and important factors that can significantly impact male fertility.

Sperm quality is a problem that is often overlooked, yet it plays an equally important role in IVF success rates, which is why Fertility First believes the male partners and sperm donors should be given as much attention as the female.

Fertility First has recognised the importance of sperm health and genetic integrity when it comes to fertility and healthy pregnancies and have been performing tests to analyse sperm DNA damage in patients for over 15 years.

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Do I have to lie down after the embryo transfer?

Jesse Flintoff — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 22:57:14 +0000

A common question patients have revolves around what happens after an embryo has been transferred back. Simply put, do you have to lie down after the embryo transfer?

The short answer is no, you do not need bed rest after your embryo transfer, in fact studies have shown there is absolutely no benefit to lying down after the embryo is transferred back so at Fertility First, we encourage our patients to get up and walk around immediately afterwards.

Moreover, the same studies have suggested that it not only serves no additional benefit, but there’s a chance it may have a detrimental impact on implantation, affecting the clinical pregnancy outcomes, miscarriage rate and embryo implantation rate. The reason why is still up for investigation, however from numerous cohort studies, the same conclusion can be reached.

In the early days, women were required to be on bed rest for up to two whole weeks!

Science has come a long way since then and research has reassured us that this is not necessary, and we can go about our normal daily routines without having to wrap ourselves in cottonwool.

Not yet at the embryo transfer stage? Discover how Fertility First can help you along your fertility journey.

Fertility First is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to fertility care that meets the individual needs of our patients. We prioritise understanding the unique challenges our patients face and exploring all available fertility treatment options. Our Sydney-based fertility clinic offers a diverse range of treatments that are tailored to your specific situation. Our dedicated team of fertility specialists are here to support you on your journey towards conception and to help you achieve your dream of starting a family. Discover how we can assist you today.

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What is the most common cause of male infertility?

Jesse Flintoff — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 23:44:09 +0000

Almost a third of fertility problems can be attributed to male factor, and the most common causes of fertility issues with men range from sperm quality and quantity to problems relating to the delivery of the sperm, such as the absence of the vas deferens and ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Other issues that are quite common also include varicocele, previous vasectomy, and erectile dysfunction, all quite common and important factors that can significantly impact male fertility.

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