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Articles by Meggie Smith
Is a Frozen or Fresh Embryo Transfer Better?
Are success rates different for frozen transfers vs. fresh transfers? – Anonymous Most studies show higher success rates of frozen embryo transfers over fresh transfers. Much of the advantage is due to improved embryo selection with pre-implantation genetic testing and optimizing the uterine environment prior to an embryo transfer. Increasing success rates translate to what we see in practice.
What Is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?
I’ve read about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but how common is it really? Is this something to worry about? —Julie Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome ( OHSS) is a rare, but potentially serious complication of in vitro fertilization. The risk is highest after stimulation and retrieval (so within the first week following your retrieval). The primary issue with OHSS is that fluid (plasma) shifts from the vascular system (your arteries and veins) into your abdomen and pelvis.
Does Having High Testosterone Levels Affect Fertility?
I recently took a Panorama Fertility test from Mira, and it said my free testosterone levels were really high. I’m curious what data there is on high testosterone levels and infertility. How likely is it that this might be a reason why we haven’t conceived yet? It’s been about six months of trying.
Does Embryo Storage Time Affect Success Rates?
How long can your embryos remain frozen? Does it change the success rates? —Eggs on Ice You may have seen the recent headline touting a baby born from an embryo frozen 30 years ago, when the parents were actually toddlers! This extraordinary example (this couple conceived with embryo adoption) shows us that embryos can be frozen for decades and still result in a live birth. Multiple studies have looked at the length of time an embryo is frozen and success rates with varying results.
Is There an Advantage to Waiting In Between Embryo Transfers?
Is there a statistically significant medical advantage to waiting between frozen embryo transfers to “recalibrate”? What are your thoughts on returning to a body baseline without medications before attempting another transfer? It seems like clinics will move forward as long as hormone and lining levels are within range.
What’s the Data Behind Post-Egg Retrieval Guidelines?
I am about to have my egg retrieval as part of an IVF cycle. The clinic has sent me a long list of post-op restrictions similar to the ones I’ve been living under pre-egg retrieval, e.g., don’t exercise, don’t put anything in your vagina, and, for the post-op specifically, no water submersion. All of this feels completely arbitrary and based on no real data. Can you tell us what guidelines have real data backing them up and which ones are without justification?
Is IVM Right for You?
I see lots of articles about IVF, but I don’t see much out there about IVM (in vitro maturation). I haven’t been able to tolerate the IVF hormones, so I’m trying to go down a no/low hormone route for retrieving eggs, and I’d love to know what the success rates are with the existing IVM technology that’s out there. —Anonymous When we do IVF, we are hoping to retrieve mature eggs, meaning those that are capable of being fertilized.
"I'm Done Waiting to Find the One; I Decided I’d Rather Get Pregnant Alone" Original
In 2017, when I was 31 years old, I decided to freeze my eggs. I'm an ob-gyn and was in the middle of completing my fellowship to specialize in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Family has always been something that's important to me, which is why I chose this as my specialty. The ability to help people create or add to their families has been very rewarding.
Carrie lit the spark and SJP is keeping it real
BY MEGGIE SMITH | There’s no better place for a celebrity encounter than my neighborhood, the West Village, and Sarah Jessica Parker is among its famous residents. The iconic actress, best known for her role on “Sex and the City,” has recently made headlines. She expanded her empire, wrapping the season two of “Divorce,” designing a Gap Kids clothing line and launching a publishing imprint.
5 Ways to Decrease Low Back Pain
Low back pain. If you don’t have it, someone you know does. What can you do to help? Here are the top five things I tell my patients about low back pain and how to decrease it. Blame your boss In a longitudinal study on the causes of back pain, the Boeing company found the main predictor for low back pain is job dissatisfaction. It is not injury. It is not ergonomics. It is not how much you stand or sit. It is how happy you are with your job. Is your job stressing you out?
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