The Laurence A. Jacobs M.D. Blog

 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can have many variable and subtle symptoms. Unfortunately, some doctors may overlook the diagnosis in young women who are not trying to get pregnant, particularly if the young woman is simply interested in regulating her periods with medications, such as Provera or birth control pills. 

While PCOS has several potential implications for fertility and is the most common form of female-related infertility caused by the absence of ovulation, the condition may also lead to numerous serious general health problems. PCOS Awareness is an important first step. My practice is now offering a screening program called PCOS Awareness. 

Read more

When you embark on any medical journey, you will find there are many physicians who excel in their technical knowledge and skill. But what makes a truly great physician? In my opinion, it is compassion — a skill that is not found in medical journals or taught in medical school.

Read more

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when a hormone change causes problems with ovulation, the release of an egg from a woman’s ovary. PCOS is a major cause of infertility. The name of the syndrome, however, focuses on the ovarian cysts that may be present with PCOS. Now, experts want to change the name of this complex disease, as the presence of cysts on the ovaries is no longer the definitive factor in the diagnosis.

 

Read more

In certain situations, in vitro fertilization with donor eggs may be the best choice for a couple to achieve the family they desire. Some of these siutations include when the ovarian reserve is diminished, if the woman no longer has her ovaries or the ovaries have been damaged because of surgery or treatment of a disease such as cancer, or if there is the chance of passing on a genetic disease.

Typically, the egg donation has involved matching the recipient with an egg donor who has been screened with a full physical examination, as well as psychological screening and counseling and comprehensive testing for genetic disease, substance abuse and infectious diseases. Once the pair is matched, their menstrual cycles have to be synchronized so that once the egg donor’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized, they can be transferred to the recipient’s uterus.

 

Read more

 

Whether or not so-called "mild" endometriosis affects fertility has remained controversial, but it appears that any stage of endometriosis, even mild, can negatively affect a woman’s fertility for a variety of reasons. 

 

When compared with normally ovulating women of a similar age who do not have endometriosis, women with mild to moderate endometriosis are about three to four times less likely to have a successful pregnancy. 

 

Endometriosis may adversely affect fertility in several different ways:

Read more

March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. In this two-part blog, we provide information on this common condition and how it affects a woman’s fertility.  

 

What is Endometriosis?

 

Endometriosis is a relatively common gynecological condition affecting women during their reproductive years. The cause of endometriosis remains unclear and controversial. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue (cells making up the uterine lining of the uterine cavity), getting outside the uterus, and growing on fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel, bladder and the pelvic tissue linings (peritoneum).

 

Read more

One of the greatest joys of being a fertility doctor is when a family has a successful pregnancy and birth. Even more wonderful is when I hear from them years later and find out more about how their life is going and any new developments.

Such was the case recently from a former patient who received my January newsletters with my blogs: Life Is Not a Dress Rehearsal ... The Time Is Now for Fertility Resolutions and 2012 and Beyond. I was very touched that this patient took the time to write such a wonderful email — it's things like this that remind me why I love what I do.

Here is what she wrote:

 

Read more

Even though the Mayan Calendar says otherwise, I really don't believe the world is going to end in 2012. If I'm right, that means it's time to get busy and take control of your life and your fertility in 2012.

 

As your fertility doctor, I will do all I can to help you have a successful pregnancy and birth, but you need to do your part. Empower yourself - take control. 

  

Here are some helpful suggestions and comments.  We can discuss your specific details face-to-face in the office, since I have many ideas, resources and programs that can help you.  

Read more

Recently, I did a series of videos for FertilityAuthority. Here is the one on "Does Losing Weight Increase Fertility?" in which I describe what I tell patients about losing weight before they get pregnant. You can check the video out on YouTube or on FertilityAuthority or below.         Read more