The Fertility Blog

www.ReproductiveFertilityCenter.com

Upcoming Infertility Seminar

blogger | 30 April, 2011 08:26

In celebration of Mother's Day and in response to popular demand, we will be offering a seminar on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 at 11am in Hoag Irvine's beautiful auditorium. Attendees will get a chance to ask questions, participate in discussions, meet our doctors and some of our nurses, and even win prizes! Space is limited. Please RSVP to the event by emailing event@reproductivefertilitycenter.com or by calling 949.453.8600. Light lunch will be served.

Location:

Hoag Irvine

16200 Sand Canyon Ave.

Irvine, CA 92618

Announcement: Jennifer Cook nominated for RESOLVE award!

blogger | 11 August, 2010 10:12

One of our coordinators Jennifer has been nominated for The Hope Award for Nursing from RESOLVE!

Here is what we received from RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association,

"The Hope Award for Nursing is given to an individual who has exemplified the field of nursing, specifically in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, providing compassionate and skilled care to all patients."

Jennifer has been with us since the inception of the practice, and has been serving patients for 20 years. She lives in Riverside, California, and is married with three children.

Thank you so much for the nomination. Jennifer expressed that it is an honor, and our team is very proud of her.

Here is a photo collage documenting her attendance at the award ceremony in New York City.

Changing Times - by guest blogger Melissa B. Brisman

blogger | 21 April, 2010 20:25

In many countries and even in some States in our country, surrogacy is either illegal, or the laws restrict the parental rights of the intended parents. We are lucky to be in California, where the parents are able to place their names directly onto the birth certificate born with the assistance of a gestational carrier. Melissa B. Brisman is one of the pioneers who helped to shape surrogacy law the way it is today. Here is her guest blog entry about recent legal advances in surrogacy for same sex couples.

Changing Times

by Melissa B. Brisman

Over a decade ago, I founded a reproductive law firm dedicated to assisting individuals and couples who are unable to conceive and bear a child without the assistance of a third party – an ovum or sperm donor, a gestational carrier - and sometimes a combination of two or all three. I refer to these individuals and couples as “intended parents.” Today, my firm continues to provide a variety of legal services for these intended parents, including drafting contracts between intended parents and their gestational carriers and/or donors and filing court actions on behalf of intended parents seeking legal declarations of maternity and paternity or orders of adoption.

During my years of practice, it has been tremendously exciting to witness legal advancements made in the recognition and treatment of same-sex couples. For instance, just recently, following the example of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire and Vermont, Washington D.C. passed a law recognizing same-sex marriage. Other states, such as New Jersey, now recognize civil unions for same-sex couples.

There have been similar strides made specifically in the area of reproductive law and, for me, the most rewarding of advancements are ones where I was able to play an active role in bringing about the change. Back in 2005, I represented a same-sex male couple who were having a child through a gestational carrier. I filed an action in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeking a declaration of paternity for both men so that they would both be recognized as legal parents of their child from the moment of its birth. This was important to the men because, in the event there were complications, they would have the authority to make medical decisions for the child together. In the absence of a declaration of paternity, they would not be authorized to make those medical decisions as a couple and, furthermore, one or both of the men would have to adopt their own child. At that time, succeeding in this type of action was an uphill battle, which thankfully, we won.

Happily, times have changed. Now, in contrast to my experience in 2005, a number of courts in Pennsylvania are willing to recognize the legal parentage of same-sex male couples. Similarly, in Massachusetts, courts are far more willing to recognize the legal parentage of a same-sex male couple, especially if they are legally married. In many states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, two women legally married to each other are both automatically recognized as the parents onthe birth certificate of a child that is born to them within their marriage.

If you are a same-sex female couple in New Jersey, and you are either in a civil union or otherwise legally married, you are both automatically placed on the birth certificate of a child born to you within the marriage. However, it is always a good idea to complete an adoption as well. Other states with less favorable laws are more likely to be compelled to recognize and honor valid adoption decrees and the legal parent-child relationship that they create.

Massachusetts and New Jersey have clearly become open to legal recognition of “alternative” families. It is my belief that New York is also heading in this direction. In May of 2008, New York Governor David Paterson issued an order and memorandum to New York state agencies directing those agencies to give fullfaith and credit to legal same-sex marriages. The memorandum advised those agencies to review their policy statements and regulations “to ensure that terms such as ‘spouse,’ ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ are construed in a manner that encompasses legal same-sex marriages.” Six months later, a female couple came to my office. They were residents of New York who were married in Canada and they were nearly nine months pregnant. While one partner had supplied the eggs and was the biological mother of the child, the other partner carried the pregnancy and was to be the birth mother. With Governor Paterson’s order in place, I sought a legal declaration of maternity for both women and a court order that both women’s names should appear on their child’s original birth certificate. As a result of this action, the New York State Department of Health published a new policy stating that married, female same-sex couples shall be named as parents on the birth certificates of their children. The New York City Department of Health followed suit. This was a substantial step forward for New York State.

Most recently, news out of Florida indicates that the state’s ban on adoption by homosexuals, which has been in place for over thirty years, may be overturned. The state legislature is taking small steps toward amending the law. At the same time, there is an action pending challenging the constitutionality of the ban and a decision is expected at any time. The lifting of this ban would make sucha tremendous difference to families and children in Florida.

Progress is progress – whether it is made in a week, a year, or eleven years. Progress is made possible by couples who are willing to step up to the plate and share the details of their lives with a court of law and ask that court of law to make a decision that challenges the status quo. It is by no means an easy thing to do, but to many couples, the potential reward is well worth the risk.

By:

Melissa B. Brisman is an attorney who practices exclusively in the field of reproductivelaw and is considered by her peers to be a leader in her profession. Ms. Brisman’s experience and qualifications are unparalleled. She graduated Valedictorian from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. She has fought and won many landmark cases transforming reproductive law throughout the nation.

Testimonial - Jimbo from KCAL!

blogger | 05 April, 2010 14:05

Note: Many thanks to Jimbo and Rosa for sharing their story!

Jimbo is a beloved DJ at KCAL Rocks who hosts an uninhibited morning show with a rock flair. He and his wife Rosa came to Dr. Lin in 2005, and during the IVF cycle, Jimbo shared his intimate experiences with his audiences on the air! Since then, our office has had its share of "I'm looking for Jimbo's doctor!" Hopefully, we can live up to the expectation of being this cool, rock-star doctor's office. Hmm... We need more black paint.

From Jimbo & Rosa:

"Dr. Lin, & Staff,

Thank you for making all our Dreams become a reality! We knew that having a child would be a challenge. So when we met you and your staff, you guys made going through IVF an easy road to travel. We were so happy with the results we got the 1st time in 2005 we came back a second time in 2008! The second time around we got a set of TWINS!!

We THANK you so much for our CHILDREN!"

Jim & Rosa Smith

Jimbo on the radio (click to play):

Jimbo.mp3

Patients' Choice Award 2009

blogger | 31 March, 2010 10:55

This is the second consecutive year we had been given this award. Thank you very much everyone. We will keep doing our best.

Warm Regards,

RFC Family

Pay it forward article

blogger | 26 February, 2010 09:08

Recently, I came across a very interesting article in a fashion magazine - a group of strangers were connected by one fact, and that is they had all "paid it forward" by being a donor of some sort, without asking for anything in return. One donated a kidney; the other donated bone marrow, etc. I began to think - How can I come up with a model so this can work in the infertility world? In exchange for donor eggs maybe the recipient can become a volunteer, or donate her... It would be a lot more complicated, and would probably be different for each case. Good ideas, anyone? Email me at blog@reproductivefertilitycenter.com

LA Times - Best Doctors in SoCal

blogger | 27 October, 2009 11:09

We were featured in the LA Times Magazine October 2009 in the Best Doctors in SoCal. The article highlighted our philosophy of treating patients like our own family, and the notion of sharing accountability for pregnancy with our patients. Come in for a consultation to find out about our multi-cycle packages and refund plans!

Preparing for an IVF Cycle

blogger | 03 August, 2009 17:41

Been asked a lot about what to do in preparation for an IVF cycle to increase chance of success. While the patients' bodies and the fertility center play the biggest roles, there are a few things you can do that may help, and won't hurt... well okay, maybe a little pain.

Here is a summary of what previous patients found helpful:

(1) take a vacation

Doesn't have to be an exotic vacation to a faraway place, which sometimes may not be relaxing since traveling can be stressful, and if you don't speak the language, that's another story. Some suggestions are weekend trips to the zoo, aquarium, Disneyland, botanical garden, museum, local hotel for a brunch + spa day, take a "personal day" and hang out with your best friend who is always positive, go to your favorite vacation destination. Basically, stay as relaxed as possible!

(2) adopt that famous Hawaii saying

"Hang Loose!" (ie. Worry less) If you've ever been to Hawaii, you probably have noticed how everyone seems so in touch with nature, and so laid back? Flower in the hair, flip-flops, not a worry in the world. Maybe take some time to go to the beach, meditate, and imagine yourself being in a relaxed state. If you simply can't achieve a relaxed state on your own, try contacting a Guided Imagery with Music specialist, who can take you on a mental journey by helping you to relax by using music and imagery. (This technique is very commonly used in cancer settings.)

(3) eat healthy foods high in fiber

Some people may experience constipation at some point during or after the IVF process, and it is not helpful to have to push hard when you are trying to conceive. So, get in the habit of eating healthy foods high in fiber early to reduce chance of constipation.

(4) start taking your vitamins

Prenatal vitamins, that is. Over the counter ones will do, or you can ask our fertility specialist to give you a prescription.

(5) acupuncture (here comes the painful part)

If you find acupuncture to be helpful, go ahead and do it. If you've never tried it before, but are considering trying it, try it before you start the cycle! At the time of the embryo transfer should not be the first time you have an acupuncture treatment. Also, use an acupuncturist experienced with infertility. Ask our staff for a list of referrals.

(6) no more hot tubs and jacuzzi

This is for men. Simply put, they are not good for the sperm.

(7) stay away from gossip

It's okay to do some research on the internet, but too much of it will drive you bananas. Once the decision to pursue IVF has been made, it is actually more helpful to try to keep your mind off of it. Instead, during your free time, focus on more positive things such as hobbies, interests, family, pets, your relationship, etc.

Patients' Choice Award 2008

blogger | 17 February, 2009 16:38

We just received notification that Dr. Lin had received the Patients' Choice award for 2008! Here is the message:

Your patients have selected you, Dr. Lin, for the Patients' Choice Award for 2008. You are a member of an elite group, Dr. Lin. More than 400,000 patient reviews and ratings have been gathered, and this top rating has only been awarded to you and a select few of the nation's most beloved doctors. Congratulations.

Your patients have taken the time to compliment you in areas such as: your bedside manner, the amount of time you spend with them, the courtesy of your staff, appropriate follow-up, and their overall opinion of you as a physician. Quite simply, you are one of the best!

Multiples as a Complication

blogger | 29 January, 2009 19:54

Recently a woman in California delivered an Octuplet - 8 babies in one pregnancy. By the way, she is not our patient and we do not know who her doctor is. Without getting too emotionally involved, we would attempt to present (neutrally) the debates between constitutional/human rights believers vs. ethicist about multiples for many years, and here are some of the key arguments:

human rights advocates

the right to procreate is a natural right as well as a constitutional right
the women has right to control her body, at least in the first trimester when she is attempting to become pregnant

ethicist

having multiples greater than triplets puts the health of the babies, as well as the mother at great risk for premature births, birth defects from premature births, pregnancy complications, etc, and tax payers would have to share the bill if the mother cannot afford to pay for them
What about the children's rights? Luckily they were healthy, but having eight fetuses at the same time put them in greater danger for lifelong health problems than singletons and twins.

What would a fertility practice like us have done for her?

First of all, the circumstances surrounding how she got pregnant seem to be unclear at this point, but we doubt she became pregnant with any reputable fertility center here in Southern California. Our practice shares the view with American Society for Reproductive Medicine and other ethical fertility physicians that multiples greater than twins is a serious complication to fertility treatments. Main reason is its impact on the health of the babies and of the mother. Typically, one additional fetus would reduce the gestational age by two weeks. For example, normal gestational age is 40 weeks for a singleton, 38 weeks for twins, 36 weeks for triplets, and so on.

We are very careful in our practice to help patients avoid multiples by providing patient education, better selection of embryos, limiting the number of embryo transferred, etc. We've been fortunate to have very minimal number of multiples greater than twins, and that's not with luck but careful practice! As a result, we are able to achieve high pregnancy success rates with low number of embryos transferred per cycle. In some cases, we do single embryo transfers. Some possible scenarios where the doctor has less control over the number of fetuses would be in cases where the second embryo naturally divided and produced an identical twin, or if the embryos were of poor quality so a higher number was transferred due to the chance of them implanting is very very low. Sometimes, insemination (low-tech Assisted Reproductive Technology) allows the physician less control over how many eggs will fertilize and implant (as in the case of "Kate" of "Jon & Kate"). However, if there were more than three large follicles observed, our doctor is likely to not even proceed with the insemination at all, in order to prevent high multiples.

Christmas Collage

blogger | 26 December, 2008 16:27

Thank you all for sending us your Christmas pictures and gifts... We all have enjoyed seeing all the baby pictures, the gift baskets, the cards, and the text messages! Have a great holiday season!

A Thanksgiving Miracle

blogger | 28 November, 2008 00:05

Every year when Thanksgiving comes around, we wonder if we are going to have a "Thanksgiving baby" this year. A previous patient, whose daughter is now 4 years old, call their daughter a "Thanksgiving baby" because their transfer was on Thanksgiving day! They remind us every year around this time by sending us a picture of her ~ This year, we also had transfers on Thanksgiving day. We hope to help create miracles everyday, holidays or not... An example of how much we want each of our patients to have a successful cycle - We refuse to sacrifice success for our own convenience...

ASRM 2008 Annual Meeting San Francisco

blogger | 14 November, 2008 14:05

This year for American Society for Reproductive Medicine's annual meeting, most of our staff were able to attend, taking courses and updating ourselves with the newest technology and information. We came back with a few interesting things:

1) Books for surrogate mother's children - It may be challenging for a surrogate mom (gestational carrier) to teach her children what is happening as her pregnancy progresses. We used to search for tips and asking experience surrogate mom's for advise, but now we have books!

2) Egg freezing update - Egg freezing is still an experimental procedure, don't get me wrong, but it's advancing quickly. We still do not recommend patients to freeze their eggs if there are other alternatives. However, for some patients, this is the only way to preserve their fertility for later. In these situations, it is important for patients to realize the potential of future successful pregnancy is limited, and freezing more eggs will increase their chance. Funny on TV show Lipstick Jungle, one of the main characters Nico is also freezing her eggs. On the show, her "doctor" recommended her to pick a sperm donor, and then freeze embryos. But since she wishes to have children with her future partner, she opted to freeze eggs. (Yes, we do egg freezing.)

3) gay men and lesbians - Research on gay and lesbian parents and their children and the social, emotional, and legal issues they face going through Assisted reproductive technologies. On a practical note, in surrogacy cases, the attorney has to petition the court to put the couple's names on the birth certificate. Attorneys are careful in which court to make the petition because some judges are more "old school" while others say "sure!" Thankfully, L.A. is one of those later ones.

The meeting is in Atlanta, Georgia next year!

Integrative Services

grace | 27 October, 2008 15:44

I remember attending a Grand Rounds lecture when I was working at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital's Integrative Medicine department. The lecture topic was about "alternative therapies." The lecturer was an oncologist, and his opening line was, "Alternative therapy - There is NO alternatives to medicine," which I would agree - His worries of patients seeking alternatives to medicine, and hence delaying treatment is well-founded, and I feel the same about infertility treatments, especially that patients are racing against biological clock. Except, he totally had the wrong idea of what "alternative medicine" is really about. Perhaps it was in the naming of such services and therapies - It really should be named "integrative" (as we have it), or "complementary" (which people usually confuse it with "complimentary"

Integrative therapies include the likes of acupuncture, conventional psychotherapy, music therapy, art therapy (collectively referred to as "creative arts therapies"), and massage therapy. They are not used to replace medical treatments, but are used to maximize their effect. Researchers at Harvard were the first ones to identify that infertility patients were experiencing the same stress levels as cancer patients, and that finding trickled down to more researches and applications. In fact, there is extensive research on cancer and integrative therapies, and the findings have been promising. Generally, stress and anxiety cannot be good for your health, body, and mind no matter what you are going through. To tackle the stress and anxiety infertility may bring on, integrative services can bring benefits such as relaxation, reduction of stress, better relationship between the couple, and perhaps higher pregnancy success rates(?).

At our center, we do believe the integration of mind and body. Actually, we've witnessed several cases of them. I cannot tell you how many patients we have had, who have tried for years to get pregnant but could not find a reason why they cannot. They come to our center for the first consultation, and before they start their treatment, they are pregnant on their own! There is really no good medical explanation why this have happened (on many occasions), and unfortunately, this does not happen to everyone (but you can try

). A plausible explanation is that, after relieving the stress and anxiety about getting pregnant onto our physician and our team, people feel more relaxed, which lowers stressors, and benefits conception. These miracles are perhaps thanks to the confidence our patients feel knowing our high success rates. Or, perhaps they are thanks to our nice staff and office design - When we first were designing our offices, we kept our philosophy about integrative therapies in mind - Whether or not they do any good, do no harm. If you can do some good, that's just icing on the cake. We customized little details of our offices to promote relaxation, and we work with acupuncturists and music therapists upon patient requests. We have always heard positive feedbacks from patients. Chances are, if it sounds good to you, you will probably benefit from it. If it does not, be rest assured, plenty of our patients get pregnant with just the good-old-IVF.

My perspective

blogger | 07 October, 2008 11:27

Recently we've received calls from NBC and the LA Times: Both wanted to do stories on IVF in the not-so positive light. What?!

Where are the success stories? My perspective is, let's not tap into people's desire to hear drama, but neutrally educate the public on all aspects of infertility treatments with proven facts and what it is really about - a service, where hard labor and high technology can bring great success, but cannot overcome forces of nature... On that note:

Who am I?

RFC is a leading infertility practice dedicated to helping people fulfill their dreams of family by providing the most technologically advanced infertility solutions available.

The Blog is a place where RFC Family members can share thoughts, IVF advances, and stories. Contents of this blog are not intended to be construed as medical advise. Readers should consult with their physician regarding any medical condition and treatment.

Opinions and views expressed in this blog are personal opinions and thoughts of RFC patients and/or staff, and do not represent the opinions or views of Reproductive Fertility Center.

To submit an entry, please email blog@
reproductivefertilitycenter.com