Ultrasound has helped transform our method of evaluating infertile patients.  Ultrasound technologies are the most modern addition to the gynecologist’s measures. Ultrasound can provide an image of the internal reproductive structures of the female pelvis.  Ultrasound works by submitting high frequency sound waves similar to SONAR machines in ships used for detecting submarines underwater.  (more…)

What is Endometrial Ablation for the management of endometriosis or ovarian cysts?

For a patient with endometriosis, and especially when ovarian cysts related to endometriosis are found (an endometrioma), managing endometriosis and ovarian cysts is effective for both reducing pain and for increasing fertility.  In patients with documented infertility, ablation of the endometriosis implants and removal of the ovarian cysts is the most effective way to restore fertility. (more…)

When is needle aspiration the best option to manage ovarian cyst(s)?

About 6% of women will have an ovarian cyst after menopause.  Factors such as age, menopausal status, size, and type of an ovarian cyst will determine the proper management of such ovarian cysts.  This information in most cases will predict whether the cysts are benign (functional), or likely to be cancerous. One option for benign cysts is needle aspiration. (more…)

Estrogen, the primary female hormone used by a women’s body, depends primarily on ovarian follices for production.  Once there are no ovarian follicles for egg release, the level of estrogen in the body will start to fall.  Because of decreasing ovarian follicles, after a tubal reversal it is important to monitor the ovarian follicles to improve the likelihood of a pregnancy.  (more…)

The hypothalamus is a small gland found at the base of the brain, which fundamentally operates as a thermostat for reproductive hormones.  It controls the levels of a number of hormones produced by providing responses to and stimulation of the pituitary gland. (more…)

What is HCG?

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, and is known as ‘the pregnancy hormone.’  HCG is formed by trophoblastic cells in the embryo (pregnancy).  These cells occupy the uterine lining and build up into the placenta. (more…)