Tips for Getting Through the Day

Take care of yourself

Sometimes, you need to focus on others, but it’s critical right now to give yourself some extra TLC. Let those close to you know that you may need to skip this year’s festivities. Instead, treat yourself to a shopping trip, massage or pedicure.

Connect with your partner

Try to remember that you are not in this alone. Talk with your partner about expectations for the day and listen to that input. You need to be on the same page so that you can offer support to each other.

Plan your own fun

Consider partaking in non-child focused activities. Schedule a day of hiking and picnicking, or go to dinner and a play. If you like, invite another childless couple to join you.

Acknowledge your feelings

Your difficulty starting or expanding your family is bound to generate feelings of sadness. Give yourself permission to grieve for your loss so that you will have the energy needed to re-focus your efforts on getting pregnant.

Dealing with infertility isn’t easy, especially on a day like Mother’s Day. Dr. Douglas and the team at IVF Plano are here to offer the support and encouragement you need.  With the right fertility treatment, it is our hope that next Mother’s Day you will have a beautiful bundle of joy and plenty of reason to celebrate.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

The Truth about Your Fertility

When you decide to get pregnant, you want your body to cooperate. Many factors, including lifestyle choices, overall health, and reproductive issues, can impact your ability to start or expand your family. Think about the following points:

In your 20s

A woman’s fertility peaks at this time in her life. Each month, you have about a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant. You can take steps to maintain your fertility by practicing safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), limiting alcohol use, avoiding recreational drugs and staying in a healthy weight range.

In your 30s

It takes an average of 7 months for women in their 30s to conceive. Understanding your menstrual cycle and knowing when to have intercourse will maximize your chances for success. Healthy women under 35 years old should see a fertility specialist like Dr. Douglas if they have not gotten pregnant after 12 months of trying.

In your 40s

By this point, you have about a 5 percent chance of conceiving the old-fashioned way. As well, more than half of the eggs produced have chromosomal abnormalities. Often, women at this age begin to consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or donor eggs as options for having a healthy baby.

Developing a clear understanding of your fertility will enable you to make an educated decision about trying to conceive. Dr. Douglas and the IVF Plano team are here to offer support and treatment if nature needs a little help.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

“Just as the adoption credit provides a break for people adding to their families through adoption, this new legislation would offer similar assistance to individuals and couples who need infertility treatment to become parents,” Douglas said.

Essentially, this new credit, the Family Act 2011, would provide a $13,360 fertility treatment tax credit. Currently, the adoption tax credit is $13,000 per adopted child. National infertility groups such as RESOLVE support these efforts.

Douglas explained the importance of this bill. “Many insurance plans fail to cover fertility treatments, so a fertility tax credit would help offset the costs of intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other therapies.”

This proposed legislation would provide eligible taxpayers with a tax credit of 50 percent of qualified infertility treatment expenses incurred during the taxable year. The Family Act 2011 would include expenses related to IVF as well as treatments to preserve fertility in advance of medical procedures, such as cancer treatment, which may impact fertility; the credit would be capped at $13,360 per year.

As part of his efforts, Dr. Douglas reached out to Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson and John Cornyn.  He is also encouraging his staff and patients to contact their senators and representatives to support the bill. For convenience, the IVF Plano web site (www.ivfplano.com) or the IVF Plano Facebook page have provided a link for letter writing.

“By contacting our representatives in Congress, we are taking a stand and letting our elected officials know that this tax credit could help many Americans have the families they desire,” Dr. Douglas said.

Approximately one of eight couples – or over 7.3 million Americans – experience male or female infertility. With leading-edge treatments, including egg preservation, IVF and ICSI, Dr. Douglas has helped address infertility issues for his Plano area patients.

“We don’t want finances to make it difficult for couples, or individuals, to become parents. The Family Act 2011 will provide additional resources to make necessary infertility treatments possible.”

About IVF Plano For over 20 years, Dr. James Douglas and the team at IVF Plano fertility clinic have served the Dallas area, offering advanced diagnostic tools, the latest treatments for infertility and exceptional pregnancy rates. Dr. Douglas has helped thousands of patients in the Plano TX area achieve their goals of starting or expanding their families. For more information about the clinic, please visit www.ivfplano.com

What You Should Know about Infertility

One of the goals of National Infertility Awareness Week is to ensure that people understand that infertility is a disease that needs medical treatment. The following facts will help if you or someone you care about is having difficulty getting pregnant:

You are not alone.

An estimated 1 in 8 couples suffers from infertility. You may find comfort in a support group or online community where you can share you feelings with others in the same situation, so talk with your fertility specialist or check out the RESOLVE web site for more resources.

Infertility is treatable.

Though you may feel frustrated, remember that approximately 80 percent of couples eventually conceive after fertility treatment. Dr. Douglas has the expertise to diagnose your issues and recommend the best options to increase your chances for a successful pregnancy.

Infertility affects men and women.

Many people mistakenly believe that only women experience infertility. About 40 percent of infertility is linked to male factor issues. As part of your fertility evaluation, Dr. Douglas will run tests to check both partners for any potential problems.

Time is critical.

If you wait to seek help, treatment may be more difficult. Couples with no known problems that haven’t conceived in a year should seek help from a fertility specialist. For women over 35, that number drops to 6 months.

At IVF Plano, we offer help to those struggling with infertility. Our goal is to make your dreams of starting or expanding your family a beautiful reality.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

Terms You Should Know

Some of the common words and phrases used during infertility treatment appear in the following list:

Azoospermia

Often caused by a blockage or an issue with normal production, azoospermia is the absence of sperm in the seminal fluid.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Used for severe cases of male factor infertility, ICSI is the injection of a single sperm into the center of an egg with a sharp glass needle.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

The insertion of washed and cleaned sperm into the uterus through the cervix using a catheter.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The process of harvesting eggs and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory for the purpose of creating embryos that will be transferred back to the uterus.

Ovulation Induction

Infertility treatment that utilizes hormone therapy such as Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid), letrozole (Femara), or injectable gonadotropins to stimulate egg development and release.

Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE)

The formal term for your fertility specialist, an RE is a physician with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive disorders. Fertility specialists complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology as well as two to three years of additional training in reproductive endocrinology.

Whether you are just beginning to navigate the world of infertility or you are becoming a seasoned pro, understanding the vocabulary used by your fertility specialist will help you make informed decisions along the way.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

A Proactive Approach to Weight and Infertility

As part of planning for a pregnancy, talk with your obgyn about your weight and find out if you fall within a healthy range for your height. You should also figure out your body mass index (BMI), which is calculated using your weight and height. This number correlates to the amount of body fat you are carrying. Ideally, your BMI should fall between 18 and 25. Any number higher than that is considered overweight. Dr. Douglas will also check your weight as part of your fertility evaluation.

What You Can Do about Your Fertility

If you need to shed a few pounds, follow these tips to achieve your goal:

Set reasonable expectations

To take off weight and stay fit, you need to lose a pound or two a week. It’s also important that you talk with your obgyn or Dr. Douglas before trying any diet plans, medications or supplements as part of your efforts.

Watch what you eat

When you are trying to get pregnant, you need to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein because it will help with the baby’s development. Making these foods your primary intake will also help you start to lose the extra pounds.

Take time to exercise

Your diet is a key component to taking off weight, but so is exercise. You don’t have to join a gym to get fit. Ride your bike a few times a week or plan daily walks with a friend. Typically, you will see the best results when you combine healthy eating and regular exercise.

At IVF Plano, we don’t want anything to stand between you and a healthy baby, so we encourage our patients to stay in their healthy weight range. If that isn’t enough to accomplish pregnancy, Dr. Douglas offers compassionate care and advanced therapies like intrauterine insemination and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to help you and your partner become parents.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

Dealing with the Depression Caused by Infertility

If you are struggling with the disappointment and sadness that infertility can create, it may help to find strategies for coping with your depression. Consider the following tips:

Lean on each other

Remember, that you and your partner are in this together. Talk about how you feel and let your partner offer support. Be available to listen to your partner’s feelings as well.

Focus on the good

The struggle to have a baby can spill over to all areas of your life and make you feel discouraged about your situation. When you remember the positives, like your partner, job, or friendships, it may give you much needed perspective.

Take time for yourself

To cope with infertility, you may want to invest your energy in hobbies you love such as reading, spiritual practices like mediation or journaling, and renewal activities like yoga.

Seek support from others

You may feel like no one understands your pain, but reaching out can help remind you that you aren’t alone. Support groups like RESOLVE offer you the chance to talk with other couples who have similar struggles and share your stories.

Infertility can create emotional stress in your life, but you can find ways to make it through the depression. We want to help you navigate these difficult waters and ultimately end the journey with a healthy baby.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

What to Expect at the Initial Infertility Visit

Once you schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist like IVF Plano’s Dr. Jim Douglas, you may feel nervous about the visit. Usually, this appointment will take about an hour. Preparing in advance can ease your concerns and help you make the most of your time with the doctor and staff.

Gather all the information

Make sure to have your medical records sent to the clinic before your appointment. Because doctors’ offices receive multiple requests for this type of information, follow up to ensure that your records arrived in the clinic. Some patients request an additional copy of the records and bring them to the appointment.

It takes two

If possible, your partner should join you for the first visit. Not only will it help to have another set of ears to absorb critical information, but any plans will affect your partner, so the decisions should be made as a couple.

Make a list of questions

You will likely have lots of questions for the fertility specialist. It will probably help to prepare a list ahead of time so that you don’t forget anything important.

Consider the financial aspect

Once you have met with the fertility specialist and developed a plan for moving forward, you will probably want to discuss the payment policies with the financial office. It will expedite the process if you bring current insurance information and contact your provider in advance to find out about coverage levels. You and your partner may want to discuss how you plan to cover the additional costs.

Don’t let fertility issues keep you from starting or expanding your family. Making a first appointment with a qualified fertility specialist like Dr. Douglas can start you on the path to parenthood.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

Giving Nature a Hand

During ovulation, a mature egg is released from the ovary and then travels down the fallopian tubes towards the uterus so that it can be fertilized by the male partner’s sperm. Certain ovulatory disorders like anovulation, PCOS, and other infertility issues can disrupt the normal process. Without ovulation, you can’t achieve pregnancy.

After completing your fertility workup, Dr. Douglas may suggest Clomid as a first line treatment for ovulation issues. Through various hormonal mechanisms, Clomid increases production of LH and FSH, hormones required for ovulation, to foster a mature ovarian follicle and the release of the ovum. Generally, patients take Clomid for about five days at the beginning of a cycle. Actual dosage and length of use will depend on the patient’s specific case.

Like all medications, Clomid can have some side effects. The most well-known is an increased chance for multiples in a pregnancy. Clomid users have up to a 10 percent chance of twins as compared with 3 percent in the general population.

For the best results, Dr. Douglas typically only prescribes Clomid for three to six cycles before other treatment options are considered. Pregnancy rates with Clomid drop off dramatically after this point. If Clomid doesn’t work, Dr. Douglas may suggest other therapies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro-fertilization (IVF).

Wanting a baby and not having success with that goal can feel frustrating. Dr. Douglas and the team at IVF Plano can help find the right therapy, including Clomid, to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

For more information, please visit www.ivfplano.com. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas, contact our office.

“When you’ve experienced the heartbreak and frustration of infertility, you know the importance of finding a good fertility specialist,” says one mother of two who experienced infertility. “You can search the Internet, ask friends and family, and seek referrals from others who have had trouble getting pregnant, but I wanted to know which specialists other doctors recommend.”

Dr. Douglas, of IVF Plano, earned the Top Doctor™ award in 2006 and again in 2011. He was nominated by his peers and then evaluated by a panel of physicians and researchers to make the final cut.

By the numbers: The 2011 compilation includes 27,000 physicians from cities across America. Of the 4,000 reproductive endocrinologists (fertility specialists) practicing in the U.S., only 293 earned the Top Doctors™ designation.

Finding America’s Best Fertility Doctors

When doctors refer patients to a fertility specialist, they choose someone reputable; someone they know provides excellent diagnostic and patient care. Castle Connolly Medical LTD accepts peer nominations and amasses the names of these recommended doctors in its annual Top Doctors™ list.

“As a fertility specialist, I work closely with ob-gyn doctors and urologists every day and feel honored every time I receive a referral,” says Dr. Douglas. “This national recognition is especially meaningful to me and every member of the IVF Plano family because it affirms our commitment to excellence.”

Housed on the Texas Health Resources’, Plano campus, IVF Plano treats men and women dealing with the physical and emotional crisis of infertility. Dr. Douglas specializes in advanced reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), surgical treatment for infertility, and male infertility.

About IVF Plano

For over 20 years, Dr. James Douglas and the team at IVF Plano fertility clinic have served the Dallas area, offering advanced diagnostic tools, the latest treatments for infertility, and exceptional pregnancy rates. Dr. Douglas has helped thousands of patients in the Plano, TX area achieve their goals of starting or expanding their families. For more information about the clinic, please visit www.ivfplano.com