Over and over again I see so many couples who have tried for many years before seeking the assistance of a reproductive endocrinologist. Time is very important in fertility care as a women's ovarian functions dramatically declines after the age of 35. Most of us are not aware of the published guidelines by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends seeking the assistance of a board certified reproductive endocrinologist after one year of unprotected intercourse if you are under the age of 35 and 6 months if over the age of 35.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Fertility Preservation is possible
Breast cancer has affected so many of my family members. Everyday I check for lumps. I try to be very proactive in preventing this disease . I get a yearly mammogram, watch my diet and try to exercise. I
I want women to know some of the facts about breast cancer to understand the disease , your risk factors and to check their breasts regularly. Here are some facts:
1.According to recent reports about 1 in 8 US women will develop cancer over her life time. 2.For women in the U.S. breast cancer mortality is higher than any other cancer, besides lung cancer. 3.Caucasian women are more likely to develop breast cancer however in under 45 category, African- American women are more likely to die from the disease. 4.Approximately 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history. 5. Less than 5% of all breast cancer occur in women under the age 0f 40 ( Susan Love Research) 6. There are 250,000 women under the age of 40 in U.S. living with breast cancer.
If you do get a diagnosis of breast cancer before you have had your family and want to preserve your fertility there are options. You first must speak to your oncologist to let them know you want to preserve your fertility. There are also a number of foundations and organizations that offer support, information and financial assistance for preservation. Start with one of my favorites which is www.fertilityhope.org. This organization is now under Lance Armstrong's charity network .You will find information on risk calculation, the SharingHope program ,that lists participating Livestrong clinics offering reduced costs for fertility preservation, which New England Fertility is part of. I also recommend myoncofertility.org There is even a hot line to call for patients and family members to call about finding a specialist ,ask questions about treatment and its' affect. Whatever you do learn, educate yourself , your clinical team your partners on breast cancer and if you need to preserve your fertility remember there are many options available and you will need to discuss t what is right for you with your oncologist and fertility specialist.
I want women to know some of the facts about breast cancer to understand the disease , your risk factors and to check their breasts regularly. Here are some facts:
1.According to recent reports about 1 in 8 US women will develop cancer over her life time. 2.For women in the U.S. breast cancer mortality is higher than any other cancer, besides lung cancer. 3.Caucasian women are more likely to develop breast cancer however in under 45 category, African- American women are more likely to die from the disease. 4.Approximately 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history. 5. Less than 5% of all breast cancer occur in women under the age 0f 40 ( Susan Love Research) 6. There are 250,000 women under the age of 40 in U.S. living with breast cancer.
If you do get a diagnosis of breast cancer before you have had your family and want to preserve your fertility there are options. You first must speak to your oncologist to let them know you want to preserve your fertility. There are also a number of foundations and organizations that offer support, information and financial assistance for preservation. Start with one of my favorites which is www.fertilityhope.org. This organization is now under Lance Armstrong's charity network .You will find information on risk calculation, the SharingHope program ,that lists participating Livestrong clinics offering reduced costs for fertility preservation, which New England Fertility is part of. I also recommend myoncofertility.org There is even a hot line to call for patients and family members to call about finding a specialist ,ask questions about treatment and its' affect. Whatever you do learn, educate yourself , your clinical team your partners on breast cancer and if you need to preserve your fertility remember there are many options available and you will need to discuss t what is right for you with your oncologist and fertility specialist.
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